Rear wheel drive across Russia
 

Yo guys,

First principles. :helpsmilie:

1. Rally prepaired 1996 RWD W140 S280 S Class merc across Siberian Russia in its summer. Gravel rally tyres on mag rally wheels.
2. What is the availability of fuel like across Siberia ie, distance between stations.
:confused1:
3. Yes this trip came to me in a dream after a nock to the head.
:eek3:
4. People keep saying this trip is impossible.
5. 3 persons in car with trailer for water, fuel, spares tools etc
6. Explorer Software Sat nav, GPS, satelite phone.
7. Shipping to Alaska from East Russian sea ports Magadan, Vanino, any suggestions.

Sock it to me before I get carried away with an impossible mission.
Trouble is the more people say It cannot be done the more determined I become. Burst my bubble or feed the dream.

Regard

Richard

yes
 

hi richard
yes you can.

we travelled the route through Siberia earlier this year. Absolutely no problem what so ever getting from Lake Baikal through to Vladivostok. Rough dusty long (4000kms) track but there is a track ! you do not need 4x4 or even high clearance.
But the road to Magadan is a different story. probably a challenge !!!

the road between Vlad' and Chita is in constant use with local russians driving japanese imports through to the markets of moscow and europe - it really is a constant stream.
consequently, there are service areas fuel n food set approximately a fuel tanks distance apart. fuel will be no problem (petrol not diesel).

BUT - - - - - getting out of russia by sea can be tricky, (especially from magadan), it takes time (weeks?) and money (lots of?).
we wanted to but in the end we decided to take an alternative . . . . .
South of Vladivostok is a very small ferry port town called Zarubino, from here you can take a car ferry (you'll likely be the only one on board) to South Korea ($500 for vehicle and $250 per person). Enjoy Korea and then when you are ready contact lady called wendy choi (tel her phil sent you) - she will very efficiently arrange a container from Busan to where-ever (we went to Los Angeles as it was cheapest option). easy, easy, EASY !
40ft high cube continer cost just a smidgen over $4000 TOTAL ! all port costs both sides of water.

My advice - don't try Magadan in 2 wheel drive, enjoy russia (great country, great people) go to Korea then see you state side ! we're here now for 18 months or so.

Phil.

Vanino
 

Yo Phil, :thumbup1:

Thanx for the post, much food for thought. Really want to get to Anchorage Alaska from Russia buy gargo ship, any idea on shipping from Vanino Port Lat. 49.083 Lon. 140.250. If its possible I will do it. Going the long way round, feels more like the wrong way round. Gonna try to arrange hookin up with bikers who are touring Siberia for any part of the trip.

I suppose the real question is, does any cargo ship from Russia go to Anchorage Alaska? Contacting a shipping consultant who has access to this info as trying to contact port direct is proving problematic.

Later

Richard

mmm ?
 

Hi Richard
yeh we also had the same idea.
we also hit same stumbling blocks ! found it impossible to get accurate information from the port.
You nee to find a local shipping agent who wants to help and get them involved. This will be tricky to do !
in the end we abandoned the idea to ship from Magadan because of lack of reliable information, it was appearing that the bet way to arrange would be when we got to the port. But this is not the best bargaining position when you have ot to the wrong end of the road of bones with the clocks ticking on both the weather front and more importantly the visa front.
Iwas seriously concerned we would run out of time while trying to arrange and then be in the position of no way out.

Good Luck !

Hi Richard,
Yes your trip is achievable in the merc. The roads are improving all the time, if you are going to have any problems it will be ground clearance and weather. If the weather turns bad you could find the going hard but you will find a way through I am sure. I would think about some sump guards for the engine and gearbox not absolutely necessary but if you can, do it. Can you increase the ground clearence maybe?

I went to Vanino in 2004 and they were working on improving the road so it should be good now, there is a garage on the junction with the north south road and the Vanino road, you can ask there about road conditions. In 2004 I would have said it would have only just been possible in the merc and not if was wet.

I am guessing but the likelihood of getting a ship from vanino to the USA from is slim to nil. The only reason Vanino exists is for coastal traffic and to supply Sakhalin. I got a ferry to Sakhalin Island; I think it runs every couple of days. You would stand a better chance from Sakhalin to find something as it is an oil and gas boom town, loads of expats working there. You will need a fall back plan in case it does not pan out or is too expensive. Be prepared to talk to a lot of people to find something. I would look for shipping compainies and try and find a logistics manager at one of the oil companies. Vladivostok is two days drive from Vanino the road south is good.
One thing about asking Russians anything is there first response is "no". You need to persevere and persuade them that it is possible. I mean this in the nicest way.
The worst that can happen is you drive home.

Leave the trailer at home it will be PITA, take less stuff, petrol and water will not be a problem.

Steve

Magadan Sokol Airport
 

Yo Phil and Steve,

Got a contact who says there are cargo flights from Magadan Sokol Airport to Anchorage if your willing to back hand a certain official @ $7500.
Tricky, doggy, scarey, gonna delve further. Let you know

Richard

Phil,

Can you provide more contact info on wendy choi in Korea?

Thanks,
Lance