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The adventure of superlatives

Atlantic Pacific Ocean Drive

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15.000+ kilometres and 20+ countries
From Hamburg to Vladivostok
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8 timezones in 7 weeks
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From tarmac to offroad
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Pearls of the Silk Road
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You'll never forget this Adventure!
4 deserts. 6 mountain masses.
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Thie epic adventure starts in 2024!
Are you ready?

The Longest Adventure In The World

The Atlantic Pacific Ocean Drive (APOD) is the superlative in the world of adventure rallies — in all its wild and feral glory, it spans over 15,000 kilometers (over 9,300 miles) from Hamburg to Vladivostok.
On your journey, climb 6 of the world’s tallest mountain ranges and cross 4 of the driest deserts on the planet, spread out over 8 time zones and more than 20 countries. Get ready to suit up in July for the greatest adventure in the world and of your life—from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

Take on this challenge, arguably the longest and most adventurous journey you can take overland from West to East, with the help of a classic ’80s set of wheels, or a sensible little compact, or a zippy motorcycle or even a kitschy commercial vehicle. Trust your good sense (and your other senses!) to guide you through Western and Central Asia: All you need is a trusty map and compass—GPS and navigation systems are a no-go! It’ll just be you, your teammate(s), vast expanses and endless adventures. The Atlantic Pacific Ocean Drive will blow your mind. 

It’s time for the greatest adventure on the planet.

Rally data and application

Start: no date yet
Registration: on hold

Quickfacts - ATLANTIC PACIFIC OCEAN DRIVE

THE ROUTE

Start in Hamburg & Finish in Vladivostok
Over 15,000 km in 40 to 50 days:

  • Southeast Europe with Carpathians & Balkans
  • Turkey, Georgia & Azerbaijan
  • Caspian Sea, Iran & Turkmenistan
  • Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan & Tajikistan
  • Mongolia & Siberia/ Russia
  • Gobi Desert, Mujunkum & Kysylkum
  • Pamir, Altai & Tian Shan Mountains

1/18
THE VEHICLE

Cars
Old-school cars: Classics or modern classics, at least 15 years old (incl. 2010 makes)

Two-wheelers
Old-school bikes: At least 15 years old (incl. 2010 makes); a motorcycle team may consist of no more than two motorcycles

Commercial vehicles
Old-school vans & trucks: At least 15 years old (incl. 2010 makes); campers/RVs and trailers are not allowed


2/18
REGULATIONS

Codex

  • No GPS
  • No navigation systems
  • No highways/motorways
  • More adventure!

Roadbook
The Roadbook awaits you and your team, filled with great suggestions for your trip in addition to cool challenges and opportunities for extra fun. 
The activities and tips in the Roadbook are just a bonus, not mandatory!

 


3/18
YOUR TEAM

How many members can a team have?
There’s no upper limit. All of you have to fit in the vehicle, however!

Charity:
Each team collects €750 for sustainable charity projects of their choice.

Entry fee:
A two-person team starts at €1.000.
Each additional member pays €250.


4/18
START EVENT

In July the rally starts in Hamburg. The event begins at 10am and the official start takes place between 11am and 1pm. 
The day prior all adventurers can already get to know each other at the pre-adventure-get-together and get in the mood for the upcoming adventures. The event will start around 6pm.
Of course, all friends and fans are welcome.


5/18
THE ROADBOOK

At the Starting Line of the Atlantic Pacific Ocean Drive in Hamburg, your team will be given the Roadbook, which is packed with useful tips for your route, unbelievable challenges, and plenty of suggestions to maximize your fun and get the most out of your adventure.

The activities and adventures in the Roadbook are best undertaken as a team. Creativity and a talent for improvisation are your best assets here!
The activities and tips in the Roadbook are just a bonus, not mandatory!


6/18
PARTY TIME

In Southeast Europe we celebrate with you a big Good-Bye Europe Rallye-Party in an extraordinary location.

At the official rally party, we pitch our tents together and celebrate the adventure into the deep night.

Where exactly remains our secret until the start...You'll find out in the roadbook.


7/18
FINISH

As each team can set its own pace during the rally, the finish line in Vladivostok will be open for you for a few days.

At the finish line you will receive your rally certificate as well as support with the handling of the vehicle return transport.


8/18
THE WINNERS

Bringing all teams back together, we'll celebrate the successful end of the Atlantic Pacific Ocean Drive with a big closing party and an award ceremony back in Hamburg.

The winning team of the Atlantic Pacific Ocean Drive Rally Roadbook Competition will earn a starting spot for a future SAC rally of their choice at a value of up to €1.050!


9/18
LIVE TRACKING

With the SAC Live Tracking App for all rally teams, your friends, relatives and colleagues can follow your team live during the rally.

With the app you can view your driven route as well as rally statistics and add photos, videos and comments to the individual stages. You can also create a professionally designed photo book with all your rally memories after the rally.


10/18
ROADWAY

The road conditions during the rally can vary greatly:

  • From dry asphalt tracks in Siberia
  • Over gravel roads in the Pamir high mountains
  • Through pothole slalom course in the Tan states
  • To no roads at all in Mongolia...

Everything is possible & something is in for every taste!


11/18
LODGING

From wild camping in the steppe to post-Soviet motels to pompous hotel palazzos, everything is allowed! Depending on your adventurous spirit and budget, you are free to decide what you like best on each stage.

The spontaneous search for a suitable overnight accommodation on the respective stage is usually no problem during the rally period.


12/18
RALLYE-KIT

The Rally Kit has everything that belongs at an official rally:

  • rally vehicle branding with the official rally logos and your official rally starting numbers
  • rally T-shirts
  • awesome additional merchandise

Your team will receive the Rally Kit four weeks before the Rally Start.


13/18
PIMP YOUR CAR

Creativity pays off!
Teams with extravagant costumes and eye-catching vehicle decorations will be awarded extra points by the rally jury.
Whether you dazzle your fellow drivers with slick racing stripes and fluttering flags or go full techie with flashing disco lights on your radiator, we’re looking forward to seeing how you bring it.

Anything goes, as long as it’s street-legal.


14/18
ENTRY FEE

The registration fee for the Atlantic Pacific Ocean Drive is €1.000 for a two-person team. The fee for each additional team member is €250.

Additional team members can be added up to 1 month before the Rally Start.

The registration fee does not include the charitable donation of €750.


15/18
YOUR CHARITY

Round up €750 for great charity projects.
You can either collect for one of our selected charity partners or choose a charity project that has always been close to your heart. Charity donations can be collected any time from the date you sign up to the moment you cross the Finish Line. More


16/18
BACK HAUL

After the finish there are two alternatives for your rally car:

  1. You can have your vehicle shipped back to Europe.
  2. The hardcore rally teams simply drive back.

We will support you with the handling of the shipment to Europe.
The costs of the shipment are borne by each team.


17/18
Covid-19

You can book your Adventure Rally with complete peace of mind. 

If the tour does not take place due to Covid-19, we will refund your entry fee or we will reschedule your entry (entry guarantee).

So you have all options!


18/18

FAQs - Frequently adventured questions

A sense for adventure, an at least 15-year-old classic car, small car, off-road vehicle, two-wheeler or commercial vehicle, a few visas and 5 to 7 weeks of time.

 

Depending on your nationality and choice of route, you may require a visa for the following countries: Turkey, Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Russia (Double Entry Visa), Mongolia. If you also want to make a detour to Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan or Pakistan, you will also need a visa for these countries.

German citizens do not need a visa for the following countries at the moment:
Turkey, Georgia, Armenia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Mongolia.

Austrian, Swiss and Dutch citizens do not need a visa for the following countries at the moment:
Georgia, Armenia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan


We ask all rally participants, regardless of their nationality, to inform themselves regularly about the respective entry requirements of the individual countries, as visa and entry requirements may change at short notice. A valid passport must always be carried along.

Our visa partners can support you in a fast and unbureaucratic way with the application for the respective visas and can also get you the suitable visas directly. You will receive further information directly after rally registration.

You can also apply for the visas at country-specific travel agencies and visa service agencies in your area (just google). You can also apply for your visa at the respective consulate or embassy directly.

Please note that your passport has to be valid long enough and the issuing of the visa can take some time.

For the temporary duty-free import of vehicles into certain Asian countries (Iran & Pakistan) a border document is required - the Carnet de Passages. It can be used in several countries and is valid for one year. It does not include insurance cover for the vehicle. The Carnet de Passages is issued on the basis of international customs agreements.

Carnets de Passages are issued by the umbrella association:

  • AIT - Alliance Internationale de Tourisme
  • FIA - Federation Internationale de l'Automobile
  • ADAC

The Carnet de Passages (CdP) is a customs security and guarantees the country to which you are entering that the vehicle will be re-exported by the end of your duty-free stay at the latest. If re-export is not possible for certain reasons (total loss, theft, etc.), the customs authority of the country of entry will demand import duty and import VAT. The Carnet de Passages is issued to one person and for one vehicle and is therefore not transferable to other persons or vehicles. The document holder is liable for any consequences resulting from loss or misuse by unauthorized third parties.

 

Good to know:

Mongolia: No Carnet de Passages required. If you, however, use it you should pay attention to the correct handling by the customs authorities.

Iran: Since the beginning of August 2018, the temporary import of American vehicles (vehicles from American manufacturers) is no longer permitted. Motorcycles over 250 ccm are also no longer allowed to enter Iran.

Modern classics and classic classics

Cars
Old-school cars: At least 15 years old (incl. 2010 makes)

Two-wheelers
Old-school bikes: At least 15 years old (incl. 2010 makes); a motorcycle team may consist of no more than two motorcycles

Commercial vehicles
Old-school trucks: At least 15 years old (incl. 2010 makes); campers/RVs/mobile homes are not allowed. Buses and vans such as the T3, T4, GMC Vandura and the Ford Transit are not classified as mobile homes.

Again, vehicles built explicitly as mobile homes/campers/RVs (e.g. with alcoves) are not allowed.

There are no restrictions regarding the value of your rally vehicle.
You don’t have to have nailed down your vehicle to register for the rally. You’ve got until the Rally Start to find your dream machine.

Research on the Internet or in the advertising section of your daily newspaper. On the relevant used car portals such as mobile.de or autoscout24.de you will find a wide selection of suitable and inexpensive vehicles.
Or ask your sister to lend you her beloved small car for a spin.

The rally kicks off right in the heart of Hamburg. The event will start at 10am. The official start will take place between 11am and 1pm.
We’ll let you know the exact address of all this action one month in advance. All adventurers can already get to know each other on the day prior at the pre-adventure-get-together and get in the mood for the upcoming adventures.
The event will start around 6pm. All friends, family and fans are welcome.

You will get all the information about the SAC Good-Bye Europe Rallye-Party in the Raodbook. You will get your hands on the Roadbook at the rally start.

After the finish there are two options regarding your rally car:

1. You can have your vehicle shipped back to Europe.

2. The hardcore rally teams simply drive back the whole way.

We will support you with the handling of the shipment to Europe. Each team bears costs for the shipment themselves.

Accommodations are chosen and organized by each team.

From wild camping in the steppe to post-Soviet motels to pompous hotel palazzos, everything is allowed! Depending on your adventurous spirit and budget, you are free to decide what you like best on each stage.

The spontaneous search for a suitable overnight accommodation on the respective stage is usually no problem during the rally period.

At the official SAC party stop all teams pitch their tents together. Of course, you can also spend the night there in your own rally bus or truck.

In the road book there are always tasks that directly aim at sleeping in the tent. So pack your tent and sleeping bag, because "wild" camping is only a real adventure when you are in your tent...

The road conditions during this rally can vary greatly:

  • From dry asphalt tracks in Siberia
  • Over gravel roads in the Pamir high mountains
  • Through pothole slalom courses in the Tan states
  • To no roads at all in Mongolia...

Everything is possible and there is something in it for every taste!

 

Each rally has its own Facebook group. There you can exchange ideas with other teams before, During and after the rally. 

The following topics are gladly discussed there:

 

  • Personal team introduction and presentation of your own charity project
  • Tips & tricks for the right equipment
  • Progress in pimping the rally car
  • Purchase and sale of proven rally vehicles
  • Search for other team members or a team to ride with

To the official APOD facebook group
 

Collect €750 for great charity projects.
The money can go to projects that we have carefully vetted to ensure that all contributions go where they should—to the people who truly need them. Or you are free to pick a charity project that has always been close to your heart.
Charity donations can be collected any time from the date you sign up to the moment you cross the Finish Line. More

 

Come up with something! Tell your friends, family, business partners, colleagues and sponsors about your commitment to great charity projects. Collect online via Social Media. Organize a flea market. Make a tombola. Get into the local press or organize a charity party. There are countless ways. Collecting donations is an adventure in itself. More

 

 

Create your personal donation collection pages at movember.com or any other online donation platform. Online donation platforms give you the opportunity to present your donation collection transparently and easily and to handle it online. All donations collected via movember.com or other online donation platforms directly benefit the SAC aid projects and organizations as well as your charity projects.

If you collect donations for your freely chosen heart project, please send us a donation receipt at the end of the donation campaign or at the latest at the end of the rally. This can also be done by email.  More

In order to get even more support for your project and your fundraising, you are welcome to contact the press. Tell the local newspaper, radio or TV about your charity rally. So you might get even more donations and find additional sponsors.

 

Ask the workshop of your trust if your rally car will be ready for you. Ask at the shop on the corner whether he will provide you with the right equipment. Or get a rally haircut from your favourite hairdresser. In return, your sponsors can immortalize themselves on the rally car or you can include them on your website or in your press work. Here, too, there are countless possibilities.

 

You have found the right vehicle, you have your sponsors and now you want to visually pimp the car/van/motorbike. We give your creativity absolute freedom. There is only one thing to consider: a sticker with the official rally logo will appear on the driver and passenger doors as well as on the bonnet. Furthermore, two stickers with your starting number must be placed clearly visible on the vehicle. 

Dimensions of the stickers: 
Official rally logos: approx. 45 cm diameter 
Starting numbers: approx. 45 cm diameter

 

Yes, as soon as you have officially signed up a team for the rally. You can find the official rally and route logos in the rally news in the MySAC login area for download. As a signed up rally team you are also welcome to download pictures directly from the website (right mouse button, save picture as).

Please always refer to us for pictures and logos, especially if they are given to the press. Photo Credits: Superlative Adventure Club

 

Every team can be found in real time on the SAC Live Tracking map. For this we work together with the tracking specialists of FindPenguins and use the FindPenguins app. The app can be downloaded through the PlayStore for android phones and through the AppStore for iOS devices. 
The Live-Tracking map shows you the driven kilometres aswell as the current postion of every team in real time. SAC Live Tracking is of course optional for every team and can be turned off at any time.

 

All memories in one app - or as a foto album right to your home.
The FindPenguins app allows for every team to create a shared journey. That way all team members can add Fotos, Videos and comments to the respective stages aswell as seeing their detailed Route and Rally-Statistics. You can share each adventure with your friends, family, sponsors or the press via Link. In addition, you can also generate a professional foto album in a matter of seconds.

Offline tracking. Is that possible?
Yes, without any difficulty! Your phone captures your route as long as there's a GPS signal. The next time you're online that information will automatically be send to the server and your route will be up to date.

 

You’ve got to repair your vehicle! 

But don’t worry - even if you have no clue about technical workings, you’ll get your ride up and running again. This is how we know: 

  1. It’s part of the rally code of honour that teams help each other whenever necessary. There’s nearly always a fellow rally participant in close proximity who has enough technical know-how and the right tools to help you out. 
     
  2. If you’re really stranded way out in the sticks, don’t hesitate to ask for help from local people. Even if you don’t speak the language, you’ll encounter people more than willing to help out. Sometimes just a friendly smile and a couple of shared vodkas will do and before you know it, your motor will be running again…. 
     
  3. If everything else fails, your saving grace will be having registered for some kind of abroad insurance protection at one of the big auto associations.

  • Please be aware of the current official country specific Travel- and safety-information.
  • Difficulties regarding the crossing of borders, even  border closings resulting in border crossings not being possible at all.
  • We explicitly warn you against driving through conflict regions.

Everything is open to the top! However, you must be at least 18 years old to be allowed to participate. Further, we point out that you should be in good physical condition. The participation in this adventure rally is not a coffee ride with an electric blanket.

You can easily register for your rally adventure in three quick steps.

  1. Log in to MySAC
  2. Afterwards, you can create a team in the "My Teams" section
  3. If you have successfully registered your team, you can book the rally for your team

Tip: 
You can change and edit your team name, the number of team members, as well as the facts about your vehicle and pictures even after registration.

Yes, you can still change and edit your team name, the number of team members, as well as the facts about your vehicle and pictures after registration. 
Simply log in with your team account and go to "My Teams". On your team page, you will also find your team members and can edit, delete or add their profiles.

In order to make a booking, you must first create a team. You can change the team data, the number of members and the name at any time.

The entry fee must be paid within 3 days to the SAC registration account, so that your starting spot is officially booked.

In case of a cancellation within the first 4 weeks after booking we will refund 100% of the entry fee.

Furthermore, you have the possibility to secure the entry fee for your starting spot through our ticket protection, should something unexpected, such as a serious illness or pregnancy occur.

Should you not be able to participate in the rally for any other reason, we also offer you the possibility to rebook your starting spot for another year or another rally. For this we charge 250 € reactivation fee. A rebooking is possible until 4 weeks before the start of the rally.

As a further option you can also pass on your starting spot to a third party. If friends, relatives or acquaintances take over your starting spot, please inform us directly via e-mail about the changes. You can then change the team data yourself in the team area under MySAC.

It's possible to book a ticket protection for the entry fee. If due to an unexpected event, for example a bad illness or pregnancy, you can't participate in the rally, you'll get a refund. Yo can find more information about insurance options in the Rallye-News section in MySac.

 

In addition to the entry fee there are additional costs for food, accommodation, petrol, possible ferry crossings or tolls.

The amount depends on you and your budget and the thirst of your car. To give you an idea of your individual travel costs, here is a rough overview of the travel costs per day for a team of 2 people: 

Fuel costs:
approx. 1,50€ per liter

Calculation example:
1,50€ × 8 liters per 100 km × 400 km = 48 € a day.

Accommodation:

Overnight stay in the open air, in a tent, vehicle or with new friends: 0€.
From campsite to luxury hostel: 15€ to 150+€

Catering:

Hunters, Collectors, Fishermen: 0€
Self-catering from the supermarket: 30€
Gourmets and restaurant testers: 60+€

Other costs:

Depending on the route chosen, additional costs for road and bridge tolls, ferry crossings or speeding tickets from 100€ - 250+€ may be incurred on the entire route.

 

The personal data stored with us, such as name, company and telephone number as well as all other information are used exclusively for the communication / inquiry processing and under no circumstances pass on to third parties.