Most motorcycle adventures start with a destination.
The Mongol Rally starts with a question.
How far would you be willing to ride with no support vehicle, no guaranteed route, and no certainty that everything will go to plan?
For many riders, the idea sounds completely ridiculous. For others, it's the sort of challenge that sparks something deep inside. And perhaps that's why adventures like the Mongol Rally continue to capture our imagination.
Every summer, hundreds of teams set off from Europe with one goal: reach Mongolia.
The catch?
There are very few rules. No support crews. No set route. No luxury backup plan. Just you, your vehicle and a sense of adventure.
The journey covers more than 10,000 miles across mountains, deserts, border crossings and some of the most remote landscapes on earth.
Now if you are envisioning a beautifully laden Desert X or GS1200 think again...
What makes the Mongol Rally truly bonkers are the vehicle rules. Only small engine vehicles are permitted, Cars should ideally have engines of 1000cc or less, though engines up to 1.2 litres (1200cc) are generally accepted. Motorbikes and scooters are allowed up to 125cc, (some larger bikes with prior approval). Participants are encouraged to embrace the unexpected and choose vehicles that make the journey more challenging and memorable In the organisers words: It’s about small. It’s about stupid. It’s about unsuitability. It’s about humour.
It's less a rally and more an exercise in resilience, problem-solving and embracing uncertainty.
“If you know you are going to make it, then it’s not an adventure.” –Mongol Rally Organizers
If the idea of riding across continents sounds intriguing, here are a few inspiring stories from women who have taken on the challenge of the Mongol Rally and other extraordinary adventures.
oh, and you can sign up here! Mongol Rally - The Adventurists
Zaya the Adventurist
Zaya documented her experience of tackling the Mongol Rally by motorcycle despite relatively limited riding experience beforehand. Her story is a powerful reminder that determination and adaptability often matter more than experience.
Read her story:
https://invenusveritas.com/the-petrolettes-blog/2015/2/8/zaya-the-adventurist
Not sure you can carry everything on a 125?.....
Pamela and Charlie – An All-Female Mongol Rally Team
An all-female team sharing their preparation, challenges and excitement as they set out on one of the world's most unusual adventures.
Read their story:
https://www.ottsworld.com/blogs/female-mongol-rally-team/
Going Solo
A first-hand account of taking on the rally independently and embracing the uncertainty that comes with travelling alone across vast distances.
Read the story:
https://www.theadventurists.com/updates/doing-the-rally-solo/