What is the Backseat Rally?
The Backseat Rally is an exciting hitchhiking race from Istanbul, Turkey to Tbilisi, Georgia. Our participants will hitchhike their way along the Black Sea Coast, experiencing adventure, culture, and camaraderie.
Isn’t it a really long way from Istanbul to Tbilisi?
Yes, it is! We’ve planned for roughly ten days on the road.
However, every team can decide for themselves how quick they want to move (if they manage to regularly catch lifts – of which we’re sure they will), but there’s a catch: If a team is too quick, we will slow them down with a tricky challenge to solve.
Those challenges are supposed to be fun and entertaining, while also culturally engaging. We are really looking forward to seeing someone organize an impromptu dinner party with the locals!
Where will you sleep?
As much as we would love to have everyone be cozied up in a bed each night – that wouldn’t be a true adventure. Our participants will have to set up camp for each night or find a generous host to take them in. They can also consider budget hostels or camp sites, but have to keep their limited budget in mind.
For our opening and closing events, we will be taken in by local families that are supporting our cause, so that our participants will have an authentic experience.
Is It Safe to Hitchhike in Turkey and Georgia?
It totally is. Both Turkey and Georgia are known to be extremely hospitable cultures with friendly people, eager to treat their guests, and with well-established hitchhiking communities. Additionally, we prepare our participants with comprehensive safety guidelines and lectures on safety while traveling, camping and hitchhiking. We ensure that everyone is well-informed and prepared.
What if there’s an emergency or medical issue?
We will make sure that our participants are able to receive medical help through their insurance during their travel. Additionally, we have prepared a list of English-speaking clinics in Georgia and Turkey, as well as major hospitals along the route for participants’ reference in case of any medical assistance required.
The Safety Team is on call around the clock during the event to aid in any kind of emergency. We have established protocols for many situations and request that the participants submit details of at least one emergency contact, as well as a quick and daily health check-in.
I love your idea! How can I participate?
Go ahead and send us a message through the contact form, via email or on Instagram.
We cannot guarantee anything, though, as for this year and the Backseat Rally ’23, there is a limited amount of people that we can take with us. Make sure to follow us on this journey to find out more about what we have planned for the future, as there is a lot more to come and we’re always looking for people to join our team, even if not necessarily as participants.
What is the Minimum Age Required to Participate?
All of our participants must be 18 years or older and we will make sure that they are capable of adequately dealing with the challenges during a trip of this caliber.
How can I follow your adventure?
Stay tuned to our blog and follow our Instagram, that way you won’t miss anything! There is an upcoming web series, where the participants will take you with them on their journey.
Are you still looking for sponsors or volunteers?
We are always looking for people to expand our community of like-minded, adventurous and spontaneous individuals.
If you are interested in sponsoring or volunteering for the Backseat Rally, or the organization behind it (Expedition Tomorrow), please contact our team through the contact form, via email or on Instagram. We greatly appreciate any support and contributions to make it a success.
Still have questions? Get in touch!