Formatting & trip photos to follow...

Final Words

Posted by Andrew at 8th September 2010 at 18:02

Tim and I have now arrived back safely after our 8000 mile adventure to Mongolia! It feels great to be home, however we were both a little sad to finish our journey and leave our exciting life on the road to return to normality.

Along the way to Ulaan Baatar we fended off floods in Poland, a heat wave in Russia, a clutch failure in Kazakhstan and river crossings in Mongolia. Our trusty Toyota Carolla sped us swiftly away from corrupt police, carried us around potholes that could swallow a whole car, through the Aral Mountains and across the Gobi desert. Everywhere we went we were treated with respect and often generosity by the (normally bewildered) locals, many of whom were much poorer than ourselves. Spending five weeks in a cramped environment with the same person every day could drive some people mad, however despite a few differences of opinion on the correct use of lights and windscreen wipers we got along well the whole way. While we tried many tasty and some not-so tasty local foods, neither of us ever fell ill. This may have been down to Andrew’s pre-trip immunizations and Tim’s iron stomach, never-the-less this made the trip much more enjoyable for the both of us!

Travelling independently in our own car gave us the freedom to explore and have unique experiences that many tourists may not have. Some of the highlights included meeting our Kazakhstani cow rancher friend Gollum, and finally arriving into Mongolia. As soon as we exited the Mongolian border compound it felt like we were somewhere special. In the cold morning air, under the immense blue sky, surrounded by a few yerts, smoke trailing up from their chimneys and with a graded road leading off into the distance winding between snow capped hills, it really felt like we had arrived in a country like no other we had passed through. In this vast country, almost the size of Europe yet populated by fewer than three million people, it was reassuring to find a proud people who still have strong traditional elements in their lifestyles, in what can often feel like an increasingly small and technology dominated world.

One of the aims of the trip was to raise money for the Christina Nobel Childrens’ Foundation. Thank-you very much to everyone who donated for their support and generosity. We are thrilled to have exceeded our original target of £1200, and after visiting the centre feel that the money is going to a worthy cause. We also owe a huge thanks to Inchcape Toyota Guildford who donated our fantastic rally car and to Guildford Tires for kitting it out with four brand new reinforced tires. No doubt our trip would have been a lot more challenging without such a great car and we hope the vehicle goes on to raise a good sum at the charity auction in Ulaan Baatar. Any journey like this would not have been possible without the support of our friends and family who gave us advice, publicity and brownies!

Perhaps one thing we have learned is that if you are lucky enough have the time and determination, there is nothing to stop you from doing something like this. With proper preparation and a bit of luck, a journey to unusual places doesn’t have to cost thousands of pounds or end you up in a foreign police station. Many fellow ralliers had very little travel experience at all, only the personal drive to get out of their comfort zones and discover our world, while having a laugh and an adventure along the way. Bringing that perspective home, as well experiencing the friendliness of many people along the way has been one of the best parts of the rally.

The Finish Line

Posted by Andrew at 30th August 2010 at 13:08

We have finally finished the Mongol Rally and are in Ulaan Baator!! We actually arrived last Wednesday however unfortunately did not realise our text updates had stopped working hence this delayed post. It felt strange to arrive at the city we have been travelling towards for the last five weeks. The final leg of our journey consisted of sitting in a long traffic jam in Ulaan Baator on the way to the finish line.

We have spent the last few days exploring the city and visiting a nearby national park where we stayed in a yurt. It has been great to spend some time in the same place and to discover more about Mongolia, however we both now feel ready to return home.

Thank you very much to everyone who generously donated to our fundraising effort and helped us to raise more than our target of 1200! We spent this afternoon visiting the Children's Centre that the money will go towards and played with the children there. It was great to see how well these children are being supported in a caring environment when they would otherwise be on the streets.

Thanks to Inchcape Toyota Guildford for donating such a great car. Our Toyota Corolla preformed fantastically and gave us a smooth, trouble free ride no matter what the roads and tracks of Kazakhstan and Mongolia threw at it. We have had to refuse many offers from locals to buy it! We've grown very found of our car during the journey and are sad to leave it behind.  We will update the blog with how much it reaches at the charity auction.

We ran on the same set of tyres all the way, unlike almost all the other teams, who suffered numerous punctures due to the gravel and rocky tracks of Mongolia.  Our one small puncture was fixed with a patch in 20 minutes.  Thanks so much to Guildford Tyres, who gave us four new reinforced tyres for the trip.

Once back in the UK we will continue to update the website and add photos from the trip. 

 Ovorhangay, Mongolia

Recieved by SMS at 25th August 2010 at 04:53

Have reached the tarmack road are speeding towards UB with only 200miles to go! We were a little sad to see end of the graded tracks as it feels like much of the adventure is already over. But with another car in the convoy running on a broken wheel bearing, snapped rear spring and no boot or window latches it will be a relief to make it to the finish all in one piece.

Bayanhongor, Mongolia

Recieved by SMS at 24th August 2010 at 03:50

Having lost 2 cars we are continuing towards UB with the remaining 3 including ours. We got a small puncture which was patched up in 20 min. Crossing along the top of the Gobi has been great fun on sand tracks - like a real rally but a bit slower. We had a big river crossing that submerged the wheels. Quite fast flowing water so a scary moment. Carried fuel for an irish microlight pilot while he flew above us on the way to the finish. We should make it in 2-3 days! @

Altay, China

Recieved by SMS at 24th August 2010 at 03:12

Having a good time crossing enormous empty plains lined with snow capped mountains. Tracks aren't too bad just very bumpy. All sumps pretty dented and our muffler is in the boot. Now we sound like a proper rally car! Held up a lot while other cars get fixed. One car is too damaged to go on so we will have some passengers! Our Toyota is doing great and locals want to buy it. One team crashed into sudden river and was stuck for 2 days. We r making good time for getting 2 the finish.

Bayan Olgii, Mongolia

Recieved by SMS at 19th August 2010 at 10:28

We are now in Mongolia! Crossing the border took 29hrs - 5hr at the Russian side and the rest waiting for car papers at the Mongolian side. While the car was impounded we were able to enter Mongolia so spent the freezing night staying with a family in a house near the border. We are now convoying with 4 other teams heading S to Hovd. The countryside is spectacular and looking out from the bumpy track we can see the white specks of yerts at the foothills of snow capped mountians in the distance. We have met teams with flat tires already, so we hope our two spares will be enugh to get us to U-B over the next 10days.

Biysk, Russian Federation

Recieved by SMS at 16th August 2010 at 10:34

Having picked up final supplies we are using the world map to navigate our way to the Mongolian border.

Barnaul, Russian Federation

Recieved by SMS at 15th August 2010 at 13:16

We are back in Russia taking the quickest route to Mongolia. Left the hurrying convoy who wanted to drive at night and looking at the quality of the roads the next day we didn't regret it. Before leaving Kazachstan we went to a lake surrounded by mountains for a swim. Looking forward to the off road challenges in Mongolia just hope the car is ok. We'll definatly fair better than some of the teams we've seen - could hardly fit my boot under one team's over loaded vehicle .

Almaty, Kazakhstan

Recieved by SMS at 13th August 2010 at 06:11

After a relaxing 2 days in Almaty we are on our way North to the Russian Border convoying with three other teams (British, American and Austrian). Almaty is a very modern city and was quite a change from the last week in the desert! We ate Pizza Hut for a treat and spent one night in a hotel and the other in the mountians above the city. On way to Almaty Andrew had to play dumb with police wanting $50 fine for driving in daytime with lights off but eventually got passport back without paying. The road we were on also entered Kyrgystan without us realizing it. We are both still in good shape and looking forward to the final 5000km or so of our journey.

Zhambyl, Kazakhstan

Recieved by SMS at 10th August 2010 at 17:18

Finished driving early today after a nice morning spent passing through country villages and a stop to wash the car in a river (it is now filthy again). While hiking in the afternoon we met a friendly Kazakh cow rancher who took us to his house and offered us fresh watermelon and a milky/beefy drink. The watermelon was delicious. Kazakhstanis we have met frequently go out of their way to help us or make up feel welcome and we wish we had brought something to offer them in return.@

Recieved by SMS at 9th August 2010 at 17:28

Have camped on hill top overlooking the city lights. We have finally came out of the desert into greener countryside. Yipee! Yesterday we visited a cosmodrome which looked cool from the distance; lots of towers, domes and satilite dishes in the middle of the desert. But the Russian guards prevented up from getting very close. This afternoon stopped off at an amazing 12th century tomb of a Kazakh prophet. The only actual tourist site we have found in the country so far! There was even an english speaking guide. Plan to take time heading to Almaty over next two days. Locals keep on mistaking up for a real rally team

Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan

Recieved by SMS at 8th August 2010 at 07:26

Driving in desert so so hot. Saw dried up salt plains. Clutch seized up yesterday so had trouble driving in sand and dust tracks 100 miles to town where it got oil replaced to fix. Seen some other teams going north but we are going south east on main road. Some roads still bad - just sand and rock with pot holes. Car quite dusty. We're enjoying the adventure and will visit cosmodrome today.

Maqat, Kazakhstan

Recieved by SMS at 5th August 2010 at 19:33

Left Atyrau in late afternoon after frustrating 5hr wait for 'Police Chief' to arrive and sign our visa registration forms. Now camped in desert. Roads have become significantly worse, with pot holes big enough to swallow half the car. The dirt track at side of the 'road' often provides a better route. Passed several friendly Kazckhs who gave directions and had seen other teams. Now enjoying warm beers and macaroni@

Atyrau, Kazakhstan

Recieved by SMS at 4th August 2010 at 18:14

Any other teams in the area who plan to head SE to Almaty over the next few days give us a buzz on 0077019936924 You can buy sim cards from 'Kcell' for $10

Atyrau, Kazakhstan

Recieved by SMS at 4th August 2010 at 17:56

We arrived in Kazakhstan yesterday, crossing the border very easily in under 2hr. Camped overnight in spectacular desert plain surrounded by two humpped camels before continuing on to Atryu this morning. Had policeman with amazing hat in car showing us way to visa registration. People very friendly but poor, living in mud houses outside the oil rich city. Hope to head SE to Almaty over next 4 days.@

News Flash From Volgograd

Posted by Andrew at 2nd August 2010 at 12:36

Having made good progress through Ukraine we drove up to the Russian border around 17:30 on Friday evening. We were both nervous about entering Russia, having heard many stories from people who waited for hours and had to pay for all sorts of "extras". However, our crossing was very straightforward, taking four hours and only costing Tim his solar powered torch as a present to a Ukrainian border guard who took a liking to it. On entering Russia we accidentally drove straight through a police check point. After reversing back to the waving police man, he did a quick check of Tim's paperwork and waved us on. On entering Russia we both noticed the smoother roads compared to Ukraine.The driving is also a lot calmer and most people keep to the speed limits.We camped a short distance from the border in a sunflower field. The next morning we were on the road by 10am (incidentally we are now at GMT+3hr). We stopped for a few hours at a lovely spot on the Sea of Azuz. After wading for 30 meters through the squidgy, grey mud it was possible to swim in the warm water. Several other people were also in the sea. Tim decided to give himself a "Sea of Azuz Spa Treatment". While it probably did wonders for his pores it didn't smell great. After getting briefly lost in Rostove-na-Donnu we hit the road for Volgograd. By 10 AM the car thermometer showed 43C so we gave in and switched the AC on and cruised passed the overheated Ladas at the edge of the road. Did a good distance that afternoon and met two other teams about 150km out of Volgograd. Carried on with one team to try and find a hotel in the city. However after an hour of driving in circle round the centre we could only find two expensive hotels so checked into the cheaper of the two around 2 AM. While being cheaper this was actually the illustrious Hotel Volgograd where even Stalin stayed - we think he had a slightly nicer room that ours though. Before going to sleep we each took our first showers for a week and did some laundry in the bathroom sink using our washing up liquid. This morning we slept in and after a complementary breakfast set off to explore Volgograd. The city is very clean and has many buildings and monuments that reflect it's Soviet past. Again today it is very hot and Andrew cooled off by jumping from the pier into the River Volge. While we have lots of pictures unfortunately haven't been able to upload them, in order to even get internet we have had to keep on buying espressos at this cafe so are feeling a bit jumpy. This afternoon we will head SE towards the Kaazach border and try to cross tomorrow.

Taganrog, Russian Federation

Recieved by SMS at 31st July 2010 at 20:32

We are in Russia! Border crossing took 4hrs and was suprisingly painless. Road much smother than Ukraine. Now to find a campsite...

Donets'ka oblast, Ukraine

Recieved by SMS at 31st July 2010 at 15:00

On way to Russian border. Little nervous but fingers crossed doesnt cost $$$. 39C makes nice change from rainy Poland. Have both enjoyed Ukraine. Andrew recieved $10 (initially $25) for 'speeding' yesterday and now jumps at the sight of fake cardboard police

Vinnytsia, Ukraine

Recieved by SMS at 30th July 2010 at 08:15

Set off early this morning to make good time. Had little scare when car started rough due to low oil but topped up and no further probs. Getting hotter as we head east and south. Seen many Ukraine police doing spot checks but havent been stopped yet@

Ukraine!

Posted by Tim at 29th July 2010 at 11:14

We crossed the boarder late last night into Ukraine after a scenic drive on windy roads through the Polish countryside. The boarder crossing was OK at two hours with no cost, but from what we heard from another driver it was straight foward compared to what we will face in Russia. 

Into Ukraine and the atmosphere changed.  No street lights at all, still figures looming from the gloom on the sides of the single straight road which we travelled on.  Old Larda police cars parked up and pulling people over.  All there was to see was dense forest, with the odd slightly run-down house. 

We went into a field to spend the night.  On to a dirt track just off the crumbling main road and the car lost grip, its wheels covered in wet mud.  We decided to leave it till morning and so spent another night in the car, not knowing what was around us.  In the morning we put down grass off the field and the car managed to pull itself out - I (Tim) got nicly sprayed with mud while Andrew skilfully handled the driving! 

Today we have come to the nearest city L'viv and enjoyed wondering round looking at some sights. It is a nice place, a little less alien than the country side, where also today, many people can be seen standing by the road, staring blankly as we drive by.  Some sit or stand next to cows or goats.  We guess many people are waiting for buses, not that we saw many of them.  The city is like a European one, but a little more run-down.  There's a greater difference between here and previously visited countries.

Next we plan to cross this country over the following three days, before entering the Russian border.  It's warmed up compared to Poland and we expect the drive should be pretty nice, with the hope that the roads stay OK.

Lesser Poland, Poland

Recieved by SMS at 28th July 2010 at 12:41

Drove through heavy rain to find the most grim place ever. Not time for a proper visit so drove around and looked at dispiriting brown tenemant blocks and run down soviet era factories with graffiti all over them. Stayed in car with doors locked and ate coco pops. On a lighter note yesterday's quick visit to Prague was really nice. I accidently drove in to a tram station there (Tim). Slept in car for first time, which was ok. Borght back-up wheel for the deteriating roads ahead. Now heading for Ukraine.

Pilsen, Czech Republic

Recieved by SMS at 27th July 2010 at 11:49

Have left the high speed monotony of the autobahn and are now winding our way towards Prague. Went to rally party last night in derilict hill top castle. Hope to be in krakow tonight.

Bavaria, Germany

Recieved by SMS at 25th July 2010 at 22:13

After good stretch on Autobahn camping in forest just outside Nuernberg. Tim sacred of dark trees but feels safer in tent.

Tracking

Posted by Andrew at 25th July 2010 at 13:33

The link at the top of the 'Home' page only gives our last recorded position, and not a smooth route showing our exact journey. For those interested in following our exact route , this can be found on the live tracking page at

http://mongolrally10.theadventurists.com/index.php?mode=tracking  

This page shows the position of all the Mongol Rally teams as little blue dots. If you know our approximate position you can click on the blue dots in the area until you find us! A coloured line will then appear showing all the roads we have driven on since leaving the UK. The details can take a bit of time to load so don't worry if nothing happens immediately. 

NOTE: This feature will probably become less reliable the further East we go and it is unlikely to be any use at all while we cross the Gobi Desert.   

First update

Posted by Andrew at 25th July 2010 at 13:23

We are finally on our way, having made good progress to reach Herkenbosch in the Netherlands after camping overnight in a farmers field in Belgium. The rally officially started on Saturday at Goodwood Race Circuit where 300 other similarly kitted out vehicles had congregated. We did a lap of honour before setting out for Uulan Baatar!

So far we've mainly been driving on open motorways, keen to make good time before things get more difficult. We've sped past small, laden down monogl rally cars in our 'sports' coupe - within the speed limits of course.  Some unlucky teams have broken down before even leaving the UK. 

Satellite navigation has been set up by Tim's cousin Mike, who we thank very much for his hard work fixing the GPS maps at the last minute. The car donated by Inchcape Toyota Guildford has exceeded all our expectations, so another thanks goes to the Searle family! Also thanks to Dad (Charles), Heike and Ellie who were a huge help in bringing everything together in Bath. 

By Monday evening we plan to have crossed Germany and entered the Czech Republic! There are now pictures of the fully decorated car and launch at Goodwood in the gallery (although they're slightly out of order). We can be tracked using the link above which cleverly uses our mobile phone to pinpoint our position. 

Roerdalen, The Netherlands

Recieved by SMS at 25th July 2010 at 11:45

Enjoying a fantastic brunch at Jans house : D

The Final Countdown

Posted by Andrew at 21st July 2010 at 20:08

The last few days have been extremely busy with last-minute preparations here in Bath. The organising of supplies, food, money and spare parts is all being done this week, as well as the countless other small details needed for any long trip abroad. Also high on the agenda is the decorating and modifying of our car. Although slightly delayed by bad weather, painting is now well underway with sporty reds and greens being the primary colors (see gallery for painting in progress pictures). Stickers, extra lights and various other accessories will be added once painting is complete. Andrew also has a cunning plan to make a raised air intake out of an old vacuume cleaner and nozzle, however he is still searching for a free vacuum cleaner... The rally is finally seeming “real” and we are both excited and can't wait to set off! Pictures of the car in "final spec" will follow on Saturday

Car

Posted by Tim at 27th June 2010 at 13:43

This week we've collected our car!

It's a Toyota Corolla  and in really good working order (at the moment).

On the trip home it proved to be very smooth but a tap of the accelerator lets the sporty 1.4 push the car into a roaring oblivion.  Apart from central locking everything seems to work well.  A touch of luxury is provided by air conditioning, electric windows and mirrors and a pretty good cassette sound system. 

The car needs a few small modifications to be made, which will be done during the week before the rally. 

It is ready for the dirt tracks of the Far East due to four brand new Michelin reinforced tyres, which have been imported from Turkey.

 It's also been serviced by Inchcape Toyota Guildford.  We thank them for very generously donating the vehicle to us and hope that it will go to a good charity when it arrives in Mongolia.

Update time!

Posted by Andrew at 17th June 2010 at 19:23

While not much has been happening on the website of Bath-Baatar GT, there has been a flurry of action behind the scenes in the run up to our adventure to Mongolia! So here is a run through on what has been going on:

Any day now we should be receiving our rally vehicle; a beautiful 2001 Toyota Corolla with a sporty 1.4 liter engine! The car has been very kindly donated by Inchcape Toyota Guildford who also gave the car a full service, MOT and new tires! Thank you very much!! We are both looking forward to making some practical and aesthetic modifications to the vehicle.

We can now relax slightly after being successfully granted the tricky (and ridiculously bureaucratic) Russian, and Kazakhstani visas. However we are still waiting on the most important visa of them all…the Mongolian one!

Any serious expedition requires months of planning and thorough preparation, so with 37 days to go we have started gathering kit together, sorting out lots of boring things like travel insurance, car registration, international driving permits, and booking flights home. 

A worry...

Posted by Tim at 16th February 2010 at 23:23

Two impulsive, foolish and perhaps a little naive young men set out with the idea of traversing a third of the way around the globe.  Little do they know of the arduous mountain ranges, deserts, sea crossings and long, long roads that they will encounter.  Not to mention the undesirable characters that they will inevitably attract...  Thousands of miles of unpaved, barren, uninhabited desert will absorb them, just a passing streak through a pitch black sky.  There will be nothing for them but the deserted dirt tracks that pass for roads and their increasingly darkening pensive thoughts.

 (hopefully it will stay a little more cheerful than this).  

Hello World

Posted by Andrew at 15th February 2010 at 21:13

Thanks for checking out the website of Bath Baatar GT! We are currently putting together our website and beginning to get properly started with our rally effort! In the next few weeks we should be posting more details of our rally plans, including the route and pictures of the automobile which will carry us to Mongolia. So keep watching this space...