THE MONGOL RALLY 2011What happens when you channel your inner James Bond, mix it up with a little bit of MacGyver, add in a pinch of Jason Bourne and perhaps just a splash of A-Team-style Mr. T? You get the Mongol Rally, that’s what- and yes, it’s back for 2011 and we’re beyond excited. Led by a team of organizers known as The Adventurists, this is truly a rally and a half, and absolutely not for the faint of heart. Which is what makes it so good.
WHAT IS IT?
It’s an opportunity to live out your most adventure-filled dreams. A trans-continental race jam packed with hijinx, shenanigans, tricks, the occasional massive scare, and yes, an almost-hourly adrenalin rush.
It’s an opportunity to live out your most adventure-filled dreams. A trans-continental race jam packed with hijinx, shenanigans, tricks, the occasional massive scare, and yes, an almost-hourly adrenalin rush.
WHERE DOES IT GO?
If you dare to embark upon the route, you’ll be traveling halfway around the earth, through a string of locales most people haven’t even heard of. The only thing you’ll really know is that you’ll start in Europe and end up in Mongolia, traveling up to 10,000 miles in between. Past teams have been taken through the Arctic Circle, and as far south as Afghanistan. Four weeks, several teams, 100% adventure.
WHAT ARE THE RULES?
Serious degree of difficulty here. First, zero support. Should something go wrong, should you break down in the desert with only a piece of chewing gum to hold your car hood closed, so be it. Better get your thumb prepared to start hitching a ride with a caravan. Second, your vehicle has to be tiny, and according to Mongolian authority rule, must be younger than a 10 year old shoe. No car older than 2001 allowed. Third- your engine’s got to be smaller than a liter. That’s correct- absolutely no engine larger than a liter. Or face a fine. As they say, this is an adventure, not a nursery school class. Using a massively large, well-equipped off road vehicle wouldn’t be fair, or half as fun now, would it?
Serious degree of difficulty here. First, zero support. Should something go wrong, should you break down in the desert with only a piece of chewing gum to hold your car hood closed, so be it. Better get your thumb prepared to start hitching a ride with a caravan. Second, your vehicle has to be tiny, and according to Mongolian authority rule, must be younger than a 10 year old shoe. No car older than 2001 allowed. Third- your engine’s got to be smaller than a liter. That’s correct- absolutely no engine larger than a liter. Or face a fine. As they say, this is an adventure, not a nursery school class. Using a massively large, well-equipped off road vehicle wouldn’t be fair, or half as fun now, would it?
WHY THE HECK WOULD YOU DO THIS?
Well, because in the end, it’s for charity. The Mongol Rally has raised up to a quarter of a million US Dollars in the past and they hope to smash that record in 2011. Each team entering must raise a minimum of £1000 GBP just to enter and that’s just usually a starting point. It’s not the easiest way to raise money for a good cause, but certainly one of the most intriguing.
Well, because in the end, it’s for charity. The Mongol Rally has raised up to a quarter of a million US Dollars in the past and they hope to smash that record in 2011. Each team entering must raise a minimum of £1000 GBP just to enter and that’s just usually a starting point. It’s not the easiest way to raise money for a good cause, but certainly one of the most intriguing.
WHAT THE EXPLORATEUR IS DOING
If you are reading this and thinking about entering, let us know immediately! We’ll pledge a portion of your registration / entrance fee and for any Explorateur readers who actually do complete the rally, we’ll provide you with a luxurious resort stay for 2 in the Caribbean to chill out and recuperate in an ultra-blissful atmosphere. http://mongolrally.theadventurists.com/index.php
If you are reading this and thinking about entering, let us know immediately! We’ll pledge a portion of your registration / entrance fee and for any Explorateur readers who actually do complete the rally, we’ll provide you with a luxurious resort stay for 2 in the Caribbean to chill out and recuperate in an ultra-blissful atmosphere. http://mongolrally.theadventurists.com/index.php
Good luck. May the best crazy-daring-bold-team-in-a-car-with-no-oomph-but-tons-of-spirit WIN!