Tburk49760
New member
So much info to absorb... My head hurts!Building the perfect (affordable) car will be so much fun... Keeping it relaible will be a challenge... keeping it together to the finish will be a miracle!
Fiat 500 Rally Thread
- Thread starter gorillamel
- Start date
gorillamel
Dirty Blonde
Ah ha, my partner in crime appears! Couldn't resist the urge to join ExPo, eh? 
You comment is so true. That'll be part of the fun! Good thing I love to plan things and organize the crap out of stuff, too, haha!
Now if only we can think of a team name. (Among all the other stuff we have to plan for, haha)
You comment is so true. That'll be part of the fun! Good thing I love to plan things and organize the crap out of stuff, too, haha!Now if only we can think of a team name.
(Among all the other stuff we have to plan for, haha)
G0to60
Observer
I would love to do this some day. It looks like a lot of fun and adventurous.
I followed someone's journey several years ago when he bought and built up a Hyundai Accent for the rally. Here is the build thread and the rally thread for some inspiration:
Build Thread
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?4081407-Mongol-Rally-2009...Build-Up-Thread
Rally Thread
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?4548920
I followed someone's journey several years ago when he bought and built up a Hyundai Accent for the rally. Here is the build thread and the rally thread for some inspiration:
Build Thread
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?4081407-Mongol-Rally-2009...Build-Up-Thread
Rally Thread
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?4548920
gorillamel
Dirty Blonde
^Thanks! I love what they did with that Accent. I am jealous that they were already in the UK to start off and mod their vehicle, haha.
I spoke with my fabricator today who told me about the import/export tax the U.S. charges for off road parts, i.e. parts not essential or original to the vehicle, which tends to be rather high. This means if I fab up the skids and roof rack here and ship it there, it may cost me a lot. I will have to do more research on this to make sure I fully understand it. If nothing else, I will have to find an off road shop in the UK near where I buy the vehicle to mod for me. I'll have to make inquiries into that as well.
I am getting some good ideas from friends/family about places to ask for support/sponsorships. First step- create our webpage AND get our team name!
I spoke with my fabricator today who told me about the import/export tax the U.S. charges for off road parts, i.e. parts not essential or original to the vehicle, which tends to be rather high. This means if I fab up the skids and roof rack here and ship it there, it may cost me a lot. I will have to do more research on this to make sure I fully understand it. If nothing else, I will have to find an off road shop in the UK near where I buy the vehicle to mod for me. I'll have to make inquiries into that as well.
I am getting some good ideas from friends/family about places to ask for support/sponsorships. First step- create our webpage AND get our team name!
gorillamel
Dirty Blonde
Team name: Mongolian Panda Express
Charity: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Members: me (gorillamel) and Tburk49760
Intended vehicle: 2005 Fiat Panda 4x4 Climbing multiair (diesel) *fingers crossed*
website (still being created): www.mongolianpandaexpress.org
More to come!
Charity: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Members: me (gorillamel) and Tburk49760
Intended vehicle: 2005 Fiat Panda 4x4 Climbing multiair (diesel) *fingers crossed*
website (still being created): www.mongolianpandaexpress.org
More to come!
gorillamel
Dirty Blonde
After hours of research and trying to kill Google Maps many times, I think I have a nice rough draft of the route. Much more research will have to be done, but I'm pretty happy with the choices so far (I apologise for the he11aciously long link, I do not know how to imbed maps on here): MAP LINK HERE
I'm not sure if it is a requirement to make the 1st night party in Prague, Aust. If so, I will have to redo some parts of the route. I also need to make sure the border crossings I chose are available for non-native citizens. For some reason, Google Maps will not let me mark the ferry journey across the Caspian Sea from Baku to Turkmenbashi. Not to mention, Google only let me put in points A-Y (stupid), so there are other points to add (esp to make it think I want to take the M41/Pamir Hwy)
Or, in summary, here is the route:
start- Goodwood circuit, Goodwood, UK
Dover, UK
Calais, Fr
Luxemburg City, Lux
Basel, Switz
Lichtenstein
Plitvice Lakes NP, Croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Shkodra, Alb
Ohrid, FYROM
Meteora, Thesaloniki, Gr
Bosphorus/Istanbul, Turk
Cappadocia, Turk
Tblisi, Georg
Baku, Azerb (ferry across Caspian sea to Turkmenistan: http://worldinwords.net/crossingthecaspianseabyferr/) $60
Turkmenbashi, Turkmen
<a>40°15′10″N 58°26′22″E</a> (Darvaza, Turkmen- Door to Hell gas deposit)
Khiva, Uzbek (border crossing)
37.210833, 67.272222 (Termiz, start M41 Pamir hwy)
Khorog, Taj
42.827778, 73.881389 (Bishkek, Kryg, end M41)
Almaty, Kaz (border crossing)
Beskol', Kaz
Semey, Kaz (border crossing)
Gorno-Altaysk, Rus
Ulaanbaatar, Mong
If anyone has any experience on any parts of this route, your input is much appreciated. I am very open to ideas/criticism, etc.
I'm not sure if it is a requirement to make the 1st night party in Prague, Aust. If so, I will have to redo some parts of the route. I also need to make sure the border crossings I chose are available for non-native citizens. For some reason, Google Maps will not let me mark the ferry journey across the Caspian Sea from Baku to Turkmenbashi. Not to mention, Google only let me put in points A-Y (stupid), so there are other points to add (esp to make it think I want to take the M41/Pamir Hwy)
Or, in summary, here is the route:
start- Goodwood circuit, Goodwood, UK
Dover, UK
Calais, Fr
Luxemburg City, Lux
Basel, Switz
Lichtenstein
Plitvice Lakes NP, Croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Shkodra, Alb
Ohrid, FYROM
Meteora, Thesaloniki, Gr
Bosphorus/Istanbul, Turk
Cappadocia, Turk
Tblisi, Georg
Baku, Azerb (ferry across Caspian sea to Turkmenistan: http://worldinwords.net/crossingthecaspianseabyferr/) $60
Turkmenbashi, Turkmen
<a>40°15′10″N 58°26′22″E</a> (Darvaza, Turkmen- Door to Hell gas deposit)
Khiva, Uzbek (border crossing)
37.210833, 67.272222 (Termiz, start M41 Pamir hwy)
Khorog, Taj
42.827778, 73.881389 (Bishkek, Kryg, end M41)
Almaty, Kaz (border crossing)
Beskol', Kaz
Semey, Kaz (border crossing)
Gorno-Altaysk, Rus
Ulaanbaatar, Mong
If anyone has any experience on any parts of this route, your input is much appreciated. I am very open to ideas/criticism, etc.
Scott Brady
Founder
Great route. Similar to the one we completed, although ours included the more rugged and remote Wakhan Corridor in Tajikistan. I am happy to help with the route, even send our GPX file.
The only modification I would recommend would be Iran. If I were to do the route again, I would include Iran.
gorillamel
Dirty Blonde
Thanks! The route is not set in stone and we are definitely up for any recommendations. I will look into the Wakhan Corridor for sure, sounds fun!
Any help you could give would be much appreciated. I'd love to see your GPX files. Was there any part of your route that you found the most difficult/fun? I've heard mixed reviews about Turkmenistan and the "rider", what are your opinions?
I've been going back and forth about Iran. Having researched the process to get a visa, sounds like quite a bit of work and money, which will already be tight for us on our budget.
gorillamel
Dirty Blonde
I thought I would share my reason for choosing to support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation as my charity for the Rally. I am a type 1 diabetic and would like to show that having diabetes is no excuse to not go out and explore the world and have a chance of a lifetime adventure. It definitely throws a curve ball into the traveling equation, i.e. we're bringing a mobile frige and second battery to keep my stash if insulin cold. And I am planning on having my dr write a note explaining that I am diabetic and what the insulin is for and to have the note translated into as many languages of the nations we will be traveling though as possible.
I am also planning on creating a brochure, with the help of my doctor and some endocrinologists and dieticians about diabetes, its warning signs and ways to seek help and also have it translated into many languages to try to help educate some of the areas we are traveling though about diabetes awareness.
Any feedback, especially from diabetic overlanders, would be much appreciated. I have not done a trip of this magnitude to so many remote foreign countries and could use as many recommendations as possible. Thanks!
Oh, and I encourage you to help donate to JDRF and help us with the materials needed to print/publish the brochures in multiple languages. Here is our official website (donation paypal links all over it, haha): http://mongolianpandaexpress.org/index.html And do forgive, the website is still a work in progress as more ideas form in our head.
I am also planning on creating a brochure, with the help of my doctor and some endocrinologists and dieticians about diabetes, its warning signs and ways to seek help and also have it translated into many languages to try to help educate some of the areas we are traveling though about diabetes awareness.
Any feedback, especially from diabetic overlanders, would be much appreciated. I have not done a trip of this magnitude to so many remote foreign countries and could use as many recommendations as possible. Thanks!
Oh, and I encourage you to help donate to JDRF and help us with the materials needed to print/publish the brochures in multiple languages. Here is our official website (donation paypal links all over it, haha): http://mongolianpandaexpress.org/index.html And do forgive, the website is still a work in progress as more ideas form in our head.
gorillamel
Dirty Blonde
I am still searching for specs to try to fab up an engine skid for a 2005+ Panda. Seeing as they are not readily available to me to look at and measure and photograph, I have been reaching out to the FIAT community forums online, but without much luck. I shall continue to try to get this info. I did send Primitive Racing an email, which they replied advising needing exact specs before proceeding with the project. Ha, when planning an overland trip, some things are just not easy.
We are now working up the courage to start asking for sponsors now that the website has progressed greatly (now if only I could figure out how to make the blog link on it work *sigh so not IT-minded sigh*). We have figured out a general cost involved for this trip, but, as most things, prices and costs change, especially when going into the unexpected. That's part of the excitement of it!
In the mean time, I took my little 500 S on some dirt tracks in the Boise foothills to get some GoPro action (and lots of giggles). So, in the meantime, while I continue to research and map things, enjoy the videos (warning: they are fairly boring).
I brought my Halloween costume out (dinosaur) and played around with my friend and her daughter making a general ***** of myself in nature...with my lovely FIAT, hahaha!
We are now working up the courage to start asking for sponsors now that the website has progressed greatly (now if only I could figure out how to make the blog link on it work *sigh so not IT-minded sigh*). We have figured out a general cost involved for this trip, but, as most things, prices and costs change, especially when going into the unexpected. That's part of the excitement of it!
In the mean time, I took my little 500 S on some dirt tracks in the Boise foothills to get some GoPro action (and lots of giggles). So, in the meantime, while I continue to research and map things, enjoy the videos (warning: they are fairly boring).
I brought my Halloween costume out (dinosaur) and played around with my friend and her daughter making a general ***** of myself in nature...with my lovely FIAT, hahaha!
wreckdiver1321
Overlander
I'm loving this. I really like the little 500. Quite an awesome way to use it!
gorillamel
Dirty Blonde
Thanks!
We continue to research our route and have modified it a few times.
My current task is attempting to figure out how to make a logo....with no IT skills, haha.
Here is current route (sort of):
Start- Goodwood circuit, Goodwood, UK
Dover, UK
Calais, France
Luxemburg City, Luxembourg
Basel, Switzerland
Lichtenstein
Plitvice Lakes NP, Croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Shkodra, Albania
Ohrid, FYROM
Bulgaria (need to research this more)
Bosphorus/Istanbul, Turkey
Cappadocia, Turkey
Batumi, Georgia (border crossing)
Tblisi, Georgia
42.917797,43.015672 (Ushigui, Georgia)
Astrakhan, Russia
Atyrau, Kazakhstan
Muynak, Uzbekistan (dried up Aral Sea view)
Khiva, Uzbekistan (border crossing)
37.210833, 67.272222 (Termiz, start M41 Pamir hwy)
Khorog, Tajikistan
Wakhan Corridor, Afghanistan (cross at Ishkashim)
42.827778, 73.881389 (Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, end M41 --> border crossing here), or...
Karkara Valley, Kaz (border crossing)
Beskol', Kazakhstan
Shemonaika, Kazakhstan/Rus (border crossing)
Gorno-Altaysk, Russia
End- Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
We continue to research our route and have modified it a few times.
My current task is attempting to figure out how to make a logo....with no IT skills, haha.
Here is current route (sort of):
Start- Goodwood circuit, Goodwood, UK
Dover, UK
Calais, France
Luxemburg City, Luxembourg
Basel, Switzerland
Lichtenstein
Plitvice Lakes NP, Croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Shkodra, Albania
Ohrid, FYROM
Bulgaria (need to research this more)
Bosphorus/Istanbul, Turkey
Cappadocia, Turkey
Batumi, Georgia (border crossing)
Tblisi, Georgia
42.917797,43.015672 (Ushigui, Georgia)
Astrakhan, Russia
Atyrau, Kazakhstan
Muynak, Uzbekistan (dried up Aral Sea view)
Khiva, Uzbekistan (border crossing)
37.210833, 67.272222 (Termiz, start M41 Pamir hwy)
Khorog, Tajikistan
Wakhan Corridor, Afghanistan (cross at Ishkashim)
42.827778, 73.881389 (Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, end M41 --> border crossing here), or...
Karkara Valley, Kaz (border crossing)
Beskol', Kazakhstan
Shemonaika, Kazakhstan/Rus (border crossing)
Gorno-Altaysk, Russia
End- Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
gorillamel
Dirty Blonde
Week one routes mostly planned out. I posted them on our Team Blog here: http://mongolianpandaexpress.org/our-journey-blog.html
Day 1: Goodwood circuit, Chichester, UK to Freiburg, Ger
Day 2: Freiburg, Ger to Brig, Switz (Zermatt)
Day 3: Brig, Switz to Plitvice Lakes NP, Croatia
Day 4: Plitvice Lakes to Dubrovnik, Croatia (or to Day 5)
Day 5: Dubrovnik
Day 6: Dubrovnik to Ohrid, FYROM
Schedule is still very loosely planned and subject to change.
Day 1: Goodwood circuit, Chichester, UK to Freiburg, Ger
Day 2: Freiburg, Ger to Brig, Switz (Zermatt)
Day 3: Brig, Switz to Plitvice Lakes NP, Croatia
Day 4: Plitvice Lakes to Dubrovnik, Croatia (or to Day 5)
Day 5: Dubrovnik
Day 6: Dubrovnik to Ohrid, FYROM
Schedule is still very loosely planned and subject to change.
PirateMcGee
Expedition Leader
Doesn't the sport have lowered suspension?