Uno's if we'll get there? 2006-09-22 09: 43: 42

Team Ramrod [Completed...] 2006-07-28 20:21:05

Kharkov, camped on police land? Mini wheel bearing grinding. Adventure.

Bravo5 [Completed...] 2006-07-28 19:57:21

Bravo5: Crossed into Russia this evening without too much trouble. Head for Volgograd tomorrow morning. Good progress over last 2 days. No other ralliers seen.

Up The Proverbial Creek [Abandoned...] 2006-07-28 19:42:20

Turkish taxi drivers good for nothing but inventing seat beads. Never leaving the trusty SJ ever again.

Monkey Tank [Completed...] 2006-07-28 19:26:48

Finally out of the city. All good til we went for dinner. walked into roadside restaurant full of men, only to be escorted swiftly to the women's room!

Up The Proverbial Creek [Abandoned...] 2006-07-28 19:20:23

Just arrived at the Ulus checkpoint to be told they have never heard of the Mongol Rally; and no, we can't come in wearing hawaii shirts and shorts.

Team Mongol Shoebox [Completed - returned...] Team progress map 2006-07-28 19:07:23

reached Moscow! Lost for hours, does this town have a hotel under 5000r & who turnd off the heating?

Kahn It Be Done? [Completed...] Team progress map 2006-07-28 19:06:43

left kiev today after eating an average kiev in a brothel. Havnt been pulled over yet today, get in! Cars running a dream

Hi Jet Set [Completed...] Team progress map 2006-07-28 19:06:43

We found a nice camping spot close to the Russian border. We do wonder what all the shooting around us is about...

Mongol Mocha [Completed...] 2006-07-28 18:56:42

Woo made into russia with no border trouble. Camping in a random field nxt to a load of sunflowers

Fuel? 2006-07-28 18:55:34

Cheers sis for getting us in the swissotel, but the view from the 18th floor is a bit average!

Nervous Breakdown [Completed...] Team progress map 2006-07-28 18:41:28

stayed in st petersburg lastnight. Got stopped for speeding, roads TERRIBLE! Code5953some1 tell tim to check site. Tx may be less frequent.

Team Dairy Devil [Completed...] 2006-07-28 18:30:01

Very frustrating day fighting off huge bribes on borders. Just used some Kate's Cakes to bribe officials on the Ukraine border. Mmm delicious.

Spanish bullfighters [Completed...] 2006-07-28 18:21:46

volgogrado astracan. 650 km. A las puertas de kazakhstan! Ducha provisiones un par de oraciones y al desierto. Saludos

Mini Adventure (The A Team) [Completed...] 2006-07-28 18:07:24

Well this must be a new record in 12 hours we.ve been pulled over by the filth 14 times with 0 fines good but annoying

the scallywags [Completed...] Team progress map 2006-07-28 18:05:05

SOVIET ROADS HAVE CAUSED EXHAUST TO FALL OFF. PATCHED UP

Bonkers Bovine [Completed...] 2006-07-28 17:53:14

Paddled in black sea then got stopped by police again! Good guys this time - gave us a donation for send a cow!!

pandarama.co.uk [Abandoned...] Team progress map 2006-07-28 17:35:03

Schmoozing the old bill just cost us 4 MoD rat-packs and a pack of Mrs Nelson's finest gingerbread. Doh!

Team Jager [Abandoned - returned...] 2006-07-28 17:32:29

team Jager is just en route to poland, we're a bit behind we know but our excuse is we had to buy a new car. SJ's suck big time, russia soon!

nevergetthere.com [Completed...] 2006-07-28 17:32:28

Approachin georgia. Istanbul rocks. Roads r interestin. 2910 miles.

2006-07-28 17:12:59

We've just arrived in mother Russia. And had some nice food. And we got over taken in the fast lane!!! Later more food, tea, sleep.

Mongol Minis - White [Completed...] Team progress map 2006-07-28 16:50:01

Border crossing took longer than expected, camped at around 4am just inside ukraine. Found crack in red mini subframe, spent morning getting it welded.

celtic chancers [Completed...] 2006-07-28 16:40:36

Got caught sp'ding twice..20usd. entered russia thru brdr on e50 rd. Changed money. Spent the lot in 20 secs in a local shop. So hungry! Woohoo!

Up The Proverbial Creek [Abandoned...] 2006-07-28 16:36:25

Sitting in an English pub in Istanbul reminiscing about the old country. Heading east tomorrow. Feels like a brand new off... Hope not to get touched!

The Last & The Ludicrous [Abandoned...] 2006-07-28 16:34:32

Almost halfway to the border, been going flat out. Yoda decided to take his own path home. Just found a petrol station with a bar....

Team Snailracer [Completed...] 2006-07-28 16:25:26

Crossed russian border fairly easily...apart from our second flat tyre!

Mongolian Taxi Service [Completed...] 2006-07-28 15:46:35

4 hours of the finest bureaucracy the world has to offer and we're through into russia. Inevitably, it looks very similar to the ukraine, only bigger.

pandarama.co.uk [Abandoned...] Team progress map 2006-07-28 15:42:52

5pm Loltava & still heading relentlessly East. Local plod curious but amused - a common reaction so far...

Team Plan.a.Doo [Completed...] 2006-07-28 15:40:19

In Asia at last ,Have only just escaped the Istanbul traffic. 360 km to Ankara. Car starting to smell off sweaty feet

Island Monkeys [Completed...] 2006-07-28 15:09:25

Stopped 5 times in some communist break away state by police. Tried 2 fine us for anything, beer & cigarettes . Now in ukraine, heading 2 oddesa. Missing vicki!

Mini Adventure (The B Team) [Completed...] 2006-07-28 15:08:40

We got lost whilst trying 2 find russian money cos they don't take $. Haven't eaten for 24 hrs but we've just found a petrol station + got snacks

The Hearse Flies [Abandoned - but finished without car...] Team progress map 2006-07-28 15:00:07

calais - flies have finally set foot/tyre on foreign soil, awesome!

pandarama.co.uk [Abandoned...] Team progress map 2006-07-28 14:52:18

Ukranian tedium now acute. 4.30pm approaching Karkov. Kiev traffic system a mess. Has no-one invented road signs there? E40 dull dull dull.

Mongol Mary [Completed...] 2006-07-28 14:38:47

Sat at the russian border untill midnight. Have to be able to cause some trouble here.

Monkey Tank [Completed...] 2006-07-28 14:09:11

We are now crossing the Bosporus - leaving Europe and crossing in to Asia!

Fuel? 2006-07-28 14:00:05

A big big thank you to ace international moving! We would be completely lost if it wasnt for then we would be totally lost

Mongolian Taxi Service [Completed...] 2006-07-28 13:31:10

At the russian border, been waiting two hours already and no idea what's to come. Aiming to end the day just shy of volgograd if all goes well.

The Lumley Run. Episode 2 [Completed...] 2006-07-28 12:46:59

Got to Moscow last night, fricking cold. Petrol has become cheap as too. Heading to kaz early doors sun. And did i mention the police?!

Goldy Looking Micra [Completed...] 2006-07-28 12:41:09

heading for kaz border approx 200 miles took 4 hours to find way out of saratov no signs - stone roses on mp3

The Hearse Flies [Abandoned - but finished without car...] Team progress map 2006-07-28 12:31:38

dover - thanks to orchard recovery, we are now at dover!

Send A Rhino [Abandoned...] 2006-07-28 12:29:49

Arrived in Odessa last night about 200$ lighter- nightmare!Couldn't get a hostel but met some random guy in a bar and stayed with him. Russia tomorrow

BLAZING CAMELS [Completed...] Team progress map 2006-07-28 12:21:20

england.france.belgium.germany.czech.slovakia.hungary.romania.done.in bulgaria,Istanbul here we come.Henri+eleanor Xxx

Team Ramrod [Completed...] 2006-07-28 12:10:52

2000 trip miles. Kittens, puppies, colts. Mini sheared lug. Fun mechanic stop. Pressing on. Gave cop fuel. All love Mini but We have cool new stickers

Monkey Tank [Completed...] 2006-07-28 11:40:16

At the blue mosque in istanbul with arnold the 5 foot monkey. Every man and his dog wants to have his picture taken with him. Could be here all day!

Lost And Hungry [Abandoned...] 2006-07-28 11:15:49

Testing to see if these work without map refs. Nearly at moscow now.

Directionless [Completed...] 2006-07-28 11:03:06

Got to the ukraine yesterday after paying loads of bribes. Slept 30km out of odessa. First wash in 5 days in the sea. Dragons having some problems but not bad

Mongol Blues [Completed...] Team progress map 2006-07-28 10:44:42

no cheap places in kiev so camped behind a petrol station. The seven cars must stay together to cross the border. Making good time in convoy

Fuel? Team progress map 2006-07-28 10:16:02

awesome! We're in Moscow! Managed to avoid ALL police stopping us! Beer in hand, we're happy...Can't beleive we made it this far!

The Last & The Ludicrous [Abandoned...] 2006-07-28 10:12:39

Just about to leave kiev, used the banks whole supply of 1 and 5 dollar bills! Waiting for americans and thd convoy is gd to go....

Blue Lightning [Abandoned...] Team progress map 2006-07-28 09:51:33

2000 miles, 7 countries and we've just worked out the screen wash. Heading to russia.

the scallywags [Completed...] Team progress map 2006-07-28 09:42:39

9HR BORDER CROSSING WITH RUSSIA COMPLETE WITH BENT COPS

Fuel? 2006-07-28 09:20:59

Just passed the kremlin!

The Mongol Frauds [Completed...] 2006-07-28 09:02:12

After a 12hr stint through stunning scenery, we're at Goreme in the C.Turkey countryside for r+r. Crazy rock formations all around

Mongolian Taxi Service [Completed...] 2006-07-28 08:57:45

Pulled over twice in 2mins. One wanted to give dad a breath test because of one day's stubble and messy hair. Escaped without fines both times.

Island Monkeys [Completed...] 2006-07-28 08:17:30

Thanks for all the messages! 3 hours at border, very tired. Instant dislike to moldova. Slept in horrible layby, woke up refreshed to spectacular view!

OB1 2 GOBI [Completed...] 2006-07-28 07:46:00

We're the on black sea coast, turkey. Country number 11! Car running beautifully and Room.13s paint job is going down an absolute treat! Next stop= Georgia.

OB1 2 GOBI [Completed...] Team progress map 2006-07-28 07:45:52

kastamonu, turkey

Mongolian Taxi Service [Completed...] 2006-07-28 07:17:15

100km past Kharkov heading for Russian border. Snail racers still right behind us. Weather good. Roads only average.

Marcos Polo [Completed...] 2006-07-28 07:12:52

we're in the land of the midnight sun. There's something quite special about driving into an amazing frosty sunrise at 2.30 in the morning

celtic chancers [Completed...] 2006-07-28 06:57:24

2537 miles. Stopped by fuzz y'day. Fined 20usd & football! Behind schedule 4 visas. Frank yells when sleeping. Car smells bad. H'ding 4 lahansk.

Pedal Faster [Completed...] Team progress map 2006-07-28 06:51:47

in asia! New exhaust thanks to mohammed and crew who wrote something in turkish on car and laughed a lot

Team Snailracer [Completed...] 2006-07-28 06:22:50

Just leaving kharkov. Need fuel. No cash. No one lakes visa. Fun

Fuel? 2006-07-28 06:08:18

In russia, near moscow. Bloody cold. Second night sleeping in the car in a row, its a good thing we dont like sleeping

celtic chancers [Completed...] 2006-07-28 04:35:57

Completly lost in kharkiv. No signs, locals look predatory & we slept in cars for 4 hrs. Feel rough, edgy & wanting out of ukraine. Help!

Team Snailracer [Completed...] 2006-07-28 04:22:29

Off to the russian border with the sun climbing into the sky in front of us

Mongolian Taxi Service [Completed...] 2006-07-28 04:07:25

On the road again before 6.00am straight into the rising sun. Managed to avoid combine harvesters last night. Still about 500km to Russian border.

The Fellowship of the Mongol Ring [Completed...] 2006-07-28 01:34:16

Team fellowship have successfully reached Rovaniemi, finland. All downhill now.

Alan Paca [Completed...] Team progress map 2006-07-28 00:33:51

in bulgaria afta 3hrs at romanian bordr, filthy border folk tryin2extort $left ryt n centre! Al nyter on cards as hav2b in istanbul early4turkmen embassy

Mongol Dragons [Completed...] 2006-07-28 00:04:07

Staying in mariapol tonight not far from russian border. Police keep stopping us and asking us for british coins! Should be in rostov tomoro night.

Dave and Marc-O-Polo [Abandoned...] 2006-07-27 23:43:37

Anyone in odessa...we're headed towards the novoshatnisk/sachty border tomorrow.if anyone fancies meeting up give up a ring.07969992361. Dave&Marc.PS.Cheers Tim

Health & Safety [Abandoned...] 2006-07-27 23:41:21

Health and safety are all good and back trucking again. In krackow, poland. Be in moscow in few days. Peace out

Up The Proverbial Creek [Abandoned...] Team progress map 2006-07-27 23:17:49

For those that had'nt guessed we're in The Bul, looking forward to crossing into the East after vital repairs to the beast...

The Hearse Flies [Abandoned - but finished without car...] 2006-07-27 22:12:21

Hearse now convalesced, hearse flies re-starting shortly, hooray! Keep a beer cold for us in europe guys!

Island Monkeys [Completed...] 2006-07-27 20:53:50

Queuing at border for Moldova with UBs and sardinians. Romanian guards tried it on for 90euro/car. We bargained all cars for 15. Now got to buy Moldova visa...

The Lumley Run. Episode 2 [Completed...] Team progress map 2006-07-27 20:44:26

We're in Moscow! 24 hours R&R.

Monkey Tank [Completed...] 2006-07-27 20:42:46

Sat in the Merchants City of Istanbul. Clean, fed and watered. Fully recovered from the 2hr border crossing. Turks don't appear to be fond of Scots currency!

Bonkers Bovine [Completed...] Team progress map 2006-07-27 20:39:58

reached odessa at noon - drove on - now about 100 miles further east and stopped for the night at a motel - £8 for a room!

Goldy Looking Micra [Completed...] 2006-07-27 20:08:27

In Saratov got pulled over by rozzers while we were looking 4 a hotel they laughed at us and then organised an escort to one!

Spanish bullfighters [Completed...] Team progress map 2006-07-27 20:08:27

poltova volgogrado. 760 km. Hv 8:30. Ya en rusia sin problemas en frontera. Comida del dia: sandia. To bien

Mini Adventure (The A Team) [Completed...] 2006-07-27 19:51:50

Well the russian boarder crossing went ok just took us 2 hours and alot of hand guesters but we're through and looking 4 a place to sleep 4 the night

Fuel? Team progress map 2006-07-27 19:44:38

made it through the Russian boarder! Only took two hours as well! Buy car insurance on the boarder and NOT b4 everyone! Nearly got ripped off!

Mongolian Taxi Service [Completed...] 2006-07-27 19:44:02

In my tent,in between kiev and kharkov, by the side of a farmers track wondering if we're going to be chewed up by a combine harvester in the morning.

Team Snailracer [Completed...] 2006-07-27 19:40:29

Camping in field near kharkov. Headin for russian border tomorrow

Mini Adventure (The B Team) [Completed...] 2006-07-27 19:34:13

We made a number plate out of card board! spent two hours at the border but we are through. Russia baby yeah!

Mongol Minis - White [Completed...] Team progress map 2006-07-27 19:16:33

Just got into chisnau, moldova, long drive through transilvania last night, tired but a good swim in a lake sorted us out. On to odessa tonight.

pandarama.co.uk [Abandoned...] Team progress map 2006-07-27 19:10:59

Rear spring leaf bodged OK. Blagged our way to Chernobyl zone 2. Much food for thought. Now bivouacked in forest near Kiev.

Mongol Blues [Completed...] Team progress map 2006-07-27 19:07:19

just outside kiev now. Going to try to find a hostel to stay tonight, then make for the border tomorrow. Spent last night in lviv.

Mongol Mocha [Completed...] 2006-07-27 18:57:11

More ukrainian policemen-its getting silly now! Luckly it started to rain and he let us go cos he didnt want to get wet.

pandarama.co.uk [Abandoned...] Team progress map 2006-07-27 18:49:59

9.00am Broke part of rear spring . Ditched ammo boxes to reduce load. En route for Kiev.

Bravo5 [Completed...] 2006-07-27 18:46:34

Bravo 5 beyond Kiev. All going well so far! Camping in another paddock. Aiming for Russian border tomorrow.

Team Loaded [Abandoned...] 2006-07-27 18:09:27

Loaded jolly boys broke down in London!We are last in race!But car fixed and ready to go...Leaving again saturday in the delboymobile

The Last & The Ludicrous [Abandoned...] 2006-07-27 17:53:52

5 beers, 2 quid, maybe we'll stay...

Island Monkeys [Completed...] 2006-07-27 17:53:24

Eastern romania towards Vaslui with the UB or not UB girls. Just met sardinian team. Romanians are friendly, roads have craters in them, horse drawn everything.

Mini Adventure (The B Team) [Completed...] 2006-07-27 17:27:43

Just arrived at russian border. Worried we may have problems cos front number plate fell off somewhere. So drew one on instead. Got pulled over 4 times today

Fiesta Fun Truck [Completed...] Team progress map 2006-07-27 17:22:41

moscow rocks, no car problems so far, losing oil but otherwise fine. She's going like a dream.

Team QuidGrid.com [Completed...] 2006-07-27 17:10:32

Well they needent bother tarmacing the road in bulgaria. There well crap. 1907 miles

Monkey Tank [Completed...] 2006-07-27 17:08:07

Spent a few hrs driving the streets of istanbul with wall to wall mentalists. Car exhaust isnt sounding too great,probaly the bulgaria rds,or the field.

Mongol Mocha [Completed...] 2006-07-27 16:59:14

Got pulled over by another ukraine policeman-cant wait to get out of this country.

YAKATAK Blue [Completed...] Team progress map 2006-07-27 16:47:44

heading north. The heat caused big petrol leak but we have chemical metal so all is good? Just fitted our 1st Volvo part to the bug!

Up The Proverbial Creek [Abandoned...] 2006-07-27 16:44:41

Just checked into a massively discounted suite at the President Hotel in the Istanbul after negotiating horrendous traffic, 5 days after passing test!

The Last & The Ludicrous [Abandoned...] 2006-07-27 16:44:40

Our convoy will b staying in kiev again 2nite and going flat out tomorrow. Another nite on the town!

Hillbilly Hotrod [Completed...] 2006-07-27 16:21:59

Made istanbul! Had a great night camping in a petrol station with up the creek! Anyone about 4 a pint its 07748281827

Nervous Breakdown [Completed...] 2006-07-27 16:20:40

Stayed in parnu last night. At russian border got a fair wait on our hands tho. West estonia a wonderfull place. Cheers for the update mike. Car fine.

Mini Adventure (The A Team) [Completed...] 2006-07-27 15:59:50

Once again the b team have caused us 2 b pulled over this time because of their missing number plate tut tut lets hope this doesnt cause problems at the border

Goldy Looking Micra [Completed...] 2006-07-27 15:50:43

stopping in saratov tonight. going for kazak boarder on friday. we got fleeced by check point police in bolgograd. beware.

Fuel? 2006-07-27 15:41:17

Ant just knocked off a mans wing mirror, are russians always angry or is it just me?

Fuel? 2006-07-27 15:35:16

If there are any teams near moscow, or will be there tomorrow give us a text to meet up on 07852687692

Team Mongol Shoebox [Completed - returned...] 2006-07-27 15:19:53

3hrs and 45mins later team mongol shoebox is in russia baby!

Fiesta Mongolia [Completed...] 2006-07-27 15:15:15

Near istanbul. Where is everybody? Haven't seen anyone today!

Pedal Faster [Completed...] 2006-07-27 14:43:58

Never ever tell a turkish taxi driver you are in a hurry and and bet him he cannot beat his mate!

Send A Rhino [Abandoned...] 2006-07-27 14:42:33

We just got the front wheel stuck down an open stormy drain in Moldova. I had to lift the front end like HeMan whilst Chris reversed in 4wd. Phew

Pedal Faster [Completed...] 2006-07-27 14:39:35

Bulgaria beautiful and full of abandoned factories in cornfields. Now in Istanbul wandering arm around mosques and bazaars

Fuel? Team progress map 2006-07-27 14:04:02

managed to find our way out of Minsk at last and on our way to Moscow! Just 700k to go! Bring it!

Next stop mongolia [Completed...] 2006-07-27 14:02:30

Arrived in riga, kauna terrible. was good choice, amazing city lots of hotties! first shower in 5 days as stayin in hostel. well deserved beers tonight!

Team Dairy Devil [Completed...] 2006-07-27 13:12:22

Currently in the middle of transylvania. Met some romanian mechanics who are fixing the other car. Might be stranded here for a while. Hoping for the best.

Mini Adventure (The A Team) [Completed...] 2006-07-27 13:10:51

B team were once again being cocky and got caught speeding by old bill. Lets hope they dont take 2 much money off them this time hehehe

Mongolian Taxi Service [Completed...] 2006-07-27 13:04:42

Underway again. A local asked for $US100 to fetch new brake pads from kiev. Amazingly, he came back, and we're underway again in the pissing rain.

The Lumley Run. Episode 2 [Completed...] 2006-07-27 12:54:11

Just had trousers pulled down at border, a 4 hour hard slog. Now en route to the kremlin and lenin. Car Ok, weather shit. Welcome to russia.

Marcos Polo [Completed...] 2006-07-27 12:40:44

fuel pissing every where from the blue bug- good excuse to stop for a coffee

Team Mongol Shoebox [Completed - returned...] 2006-07-27 12:36:21

Stuck at latvian russian border. 90mins so far no progress! Mongol shoebox

Bravo5 [Completed...] 2006-07-27 12:30:36

in Kiev. All going well so far!

Tenby Mongols [Completed...] Team progress map 2006-07-27 11:52:52

tenbymongs driving ukraine with theradpack. Seriously sketchy overtaking being performed but all good. 2 police stops

Couple-Of-Wrinklies [Completed...] Team progress map 2006-07-27 09:53:24

c.o.w.Kiev,but no chickens!buffy in top hotel,we got hostel!heading east e40 still!visa expires 2day oops!

Smokin Dragon [Completed...] Team progress map 2006-07-27 09:35:18

Passed through ok til last 100km. Loads of road blocks and bribing going on. Trying to get into Ukraine. More bribes me thinks. Need showers!

Team Escape The Stoke [Completed...] Team progress map 2006-07-27 09:33:34

on way to kiev. Just paid first bribe. 4 pounds, not sure what we did wrong to deserve it!

Smokin Dragon [Completed...] Team progress map 2006-07-27 09:31:53

Messed up the visit to Transylvania. Took longer than expected to get across Romania. Was beautiful tho. Gonna do all nighter to get to Ukraine.

Team Ramrod [Completed...] Team progress map 2006-07-27 09:13:26

ukraine friendly so far. English more common. Give best wishes to mr bush i was told.

celtic chancers [Completed...] Team progress map 2006-07-27 08:10:11

probs at ukraine border. 5000 cash per car. we took docs & sped border, 100kph. left other ralliers. No maps, fuel, currency.Onto kiev

celtic chancers [Completed...] Team progress map 2006-07-27 08:09:47

found a spot 2 swim, cooked up a brew, drove 4 a bit, bbq'd nr dam, drove until 3ish, slept in cars in a field. On way 2 krakov then kiev.