In about 17 days, I start my expedition that has taken an incredible amount of planning, persistence and communication, filled with highs and lows, obstructive officials, reviewing great products, reviewing crap products and best of all meeting some extremely helpful people.
The HUBB has also been instrumental in gleaning overland information, its a great website.

You can read more abt the expedition: www.onthewrongside.info

To prepare the vehicle and personnel gear has probably been the hardest part of the planning stage. Come to Hong Kong and I can get you any latest gadget, Armani Suit or top of the range Ferrari, but can I get anything remotely off-road'ish or extreme weather gear for the trip ahead. With no dealers or distributors, its custom make this and order on-line!

Being landlocked by China gives me no alternative but to drive across the border from Hong Kong to the Motherland. Shipping the car and myself to Russia is no cheaper, but the process has been long and fraught with revoked visas, complicated forms, driving test in China (as they don't accept IDP), traffic light insurance (in case I hit one) and the list goes on.

To this day my visa has been approved but not yet stamped..

Off-road training and mechanics course has been equally demanding, but an incredibly friendly team made up of Hilux enthusiasts have turned me into a confident driver..despite my Cantonese being below par. I still have to question whether I can change the water pump and timing belts in the middle of the Gobi...

During the expedition, I 'll come back to the HUBB adding stories and advice as I head west. I'll also post some reviews on the gear I am using and how it holds up in the hostile environment.

And for those heading East, maybe we'll cross paths.

C