The four of us have driven countless miles in our parents’ old minivans to soccer games and tournaments all over the country. But, the Mongol Rally offers something completely, utterly foreign and totally outrageous. The Adventurists Group, bemoaning the predictability and safety of typical vacations, yearned for the days of true adventure and risk. So, in 2004, they rallied the craziest and most adventurous people they could find for an ultimate journey.
The route begins in London and now ends 10,000 miles later in Ulan-Ude, Siberia (an extra day north from the original destination of Ulaan Baataar, Mongolia). The rally prides itself as the "Unroute."
Drivers are told to make impromptu decisions on how and when to traverse the 10,000 miles and arrive at their final destination -- letting risk and instinct rule their trip. Teams have driven as far south as through Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan. Others have found themselves in northern Russia, exploring the Arctic en route to Mongolia.
Teams depart from London on July 19 and, barring breakdowns and catastrophes, are expected to arrive in Ulaan Uud by mid-to-late August. The Adventurists proclaim only three very simple rules for the Mongol Rally:
1. Teams must only drive a comically inappropriate car with an engine smaller than 1 liter.
2. Teams are completely and utterly on their own on the road without any backup.
3. Each team must raise £1000 for a charity.