What It Takes to Join the BBS Rally: Vehicles, Gear, and Mindset
People often ask us what kind of vehicle they need for the BBS Rally. Is a 4×4 mandatory? Can they bring a motorcycle? What about a 1995 Toyota Corolla? The short answer: if it moves, and you trust it with your life for 10,000 kilometers, bring it. The long answer is a bit more nuanced.
The BBS Rally is not a race, but it is a test—of your machine, your preparation, and your mindset. You’ll cross mountains, deserts, war-torn border zones, tropical coastlines, and more than ten countries. So yes, technically, you can do it in almost any vehicle, but the real question is: should you?
Most participants choose reliable, repairable, and versatile vehicles. A high-clearance 4×4 is the ideal choice for many, especially when navigating the rocky trails of Oman or the off-road stretches in northern Iraq. We’ve had participants with Toyota Hiluxes, Land Cruisers, Nissan Patrols, and even lifted Sprinter vans. Those who come on motorcycles often bring mid-weight adventure bikes—something that can handle both highway and dirt, with enough range between fuel stops. Still, we’ve seen people in Dacias, scooters, and everything in between. It’s not about brand—it’s about knowing your vehicle, knowing its limits, and being ready to improvise.
Gear-wise, you don’t need expedition-grade overlanding rigs that cost more than your house. What you do need is practicality. A second spare tire is often more useful than a drone. A basic recovery kit (shovel, traction boards, tow strap) can save hours in the sand. Having spare filters, fluids, belts, and a basic toolkit isn’t optional—it’s essential. You’ll be hundreds of kilometers from the nearest mechanic at times, and while RallyUniverse offers limited support and coordination, we’re not a tour company with a fleet of backup trucks. Self-sufficiency is key.
Navigation is another thing. We provide recommended GPS tracks and maps, but you’ll need a phone or device that works offline. Paper maps are still relevant in some regions. And don’t underestimate the power of old-school compass and common sense—sometimes that’s all you’ve got when the tech fails.
Beyond the physical stuff, it’s the mental preparation that defines who finishes the rally and who doesn’t. If you need guarantees, confirmations, hotel bookings, and running water every night—this rally might not be for you. There will be heat, cold, endless waiting at borders, language barriers, and moments where you question why you signed up in the first place. But if you embrace that, if you find calm in chaos and humor in hardship, you’ll have the experience of a lifetime.
This rally attracts a very specific kind of person. Not adrenaline junkies, not luxury seekers, but people who crave the unknown and don’t mind dirt under their fingernails. People who would rather sleep under the stars than in a Hilton. People who understand that sometimes the detour is the route.
So what does it take to join the BBS Rally? A roadworthy vehicle, solid gear, decent prep, and a mindset that doesn’t panic when things go sideways. You don’t need to be rich, famous, or extreme—you just need to be ready. Ready to see the world unfiltered. Ready to let go of comfort and control. Ready for a story you’ll tell for the rest of your life.