Driving in East Russia

So after a good 3700 km on Russian streets I thought I’ll leave a comment about what it’s like to drive a Troopy through East Russia. After we left the traffic insanity of Vladivostok we had 3700km of Russian highway to Ulan Ude ahead of us. Here’s what I found:

- a two lane street is really a three lane street if someone wants to overtake

- Everybody adds 10km/h to the speed limit. Unless it’s a construction site, than they go double the limit

- Street conditions can go from German Autobahn to “should we switch to 4WD” without any warning

- If you turn of the highway almost all of the streets are gravel road and sometimes rivers (literally!)

- At gas stations you have to pay before you fill up. If you overestimated you get money back

- An oil change is just under 6 euros!!

- It’s so easy to find great spots to camp just a few kms off the highway and it usually includes a little adventure. Yes, we got stuck on mud! Badly. But the Maxtrax saved us in the end.

- From time to time you have to stop for cows crossing the street. But at least they are using the pedestrian crossing!

- Traffic lights either count down or blink before changing which is great!

- Deadly accident sights are marked with plastic flowers on the road side, same as the ones on grave yards. (There were quite a few)

- The Amur highway connecting western ad eastern Russia has only been paved since 2004. (After driving it himself Vladimir Putin said: It’s not the Autobahn but it’s alright)

Stats:
Distance: 3700km
Diesel: 518 l
Consumption: 12.1l/100km
One full service at 398000km
No police stop

We had a great time driving in Russia! We met lots of interesting people on and off the road and really appreciated the hospitality!Read more