Teams taking on the mighty Mongol Rally 2009 are ending their first week on the road. Though there isn't a set route, the teams headed for a more northerly jaunt are now crossing the Russian border, already experiencing the fine art of bribery and 'driving penalty fines' in Eastern Europe. To the south teams are heading through Turkey, one enjoying a spot of rooftop chess at sunset in Istanbul.
After leaving the monster castle party at Czechout a few teams headed straight for the nearest mechanic, and at least one team phoned into HQ asking how to register their car in the Czech Republic so they could come home... Hard luck chaps who shall remain nameless! Most ploughed successfully on to the east, albeit with massive hangovers and memories of dancing on the turrets of a castle dressed as a spaceman.
You can split the teams very roughly into two camps in terms of rough 'unroutes'. Some head across Eastern Europe, mostly through Ukraine and into Russia before heading south again. Others dive south east straight away and point their tiny cars towards Turkey to take on the more southerly route to Mongolia.
Updates from the road have been flooding in to the official website and so far the most divisive subject is Ukraine. Some are, shall we say, not really a fan of the country, while others are shouting about how fantastic Kiev is and boasting that they've met the friendliest border guards on this here planet of ours. Funny old thing, the Mongol Rally.
Reports of a few bits falling off cars have already been posted, and team MongolAllWoods reported their first breakdown after 45 miles! For reasons unknown to The Adventurists HQ, the teams on the southerly route generally appear a lot more relaxed than those heading north judging by the recent updates from the road. Will it become a trend? Will everyone further north have no fingernails left soon? Send us your thoughts! Early days though yet with one week down and on average about three left to go. Here are some of the highlights from the Live Updates page:
Turkey Highlights
"The gentlemen are playing chess on an Istanbul rooftop as the sun sets and having a beer."
Gentlemen of Fortune
"5.30am start, no traffic, no police and very cool! Really eating some miles today. 40c again and really dramatic scenery"
Samsun Turkey
Another Speedboat Adventure
20,000 Dollar Request and Refused Entry to Belarus!
"After refused entry into belarus The Three Mulleteers have driven back into poland through lithuania + latvia- now still waiting at the RUS border"
3 Mulletiers
"The teams driving the ambulance and fire engine have been asked for $10,000. Each. In cash."
Team Mid Life Crisis
"After 5 hours at the Russian border the Fur Balls escaped a 20,000 dollar 'deposit' thanks to the Russian language skills of Turkteam. The favour was swiftly repaid and Turkteam are currently in tow for the next 120km."
Great Balls of Fur
Harder than expected...
"So far things have been tougher than I expected as a seasoned road tripper but that is more to with the fact that we are getting further from home everyday and that no one speaks English, but we have other teams now. Very hot.intent on staying safe and getting home in one piece. Dan"
Volgograd, Russia
Scooby Doodlers
"reached the russian boarder at 7:30pm last night. ash slept in the car and i inched the car forward in the queue Every 2 hours. Took 10hours to get through (at sunrise). Ash drove from then on while i took my turn to sleep. roads bouncy, rutted, and groved. beautiful countryside with forests and mists."
Moscow
Rust Bucket