Großenehrich (Thuringia) – This trip will definitely not be a vacation, but damn bumpy….
Sven Raabe (37) and Patrick Jünge (34) are embarking on a very special tour with their old VW Caddy “Hildegard”: On April 14th they will start the “Pothole Rally” through 13 Balkan countries.
“We will cover a good 4,500 kilometers through countries such as Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece and Croatia – on potholed country roads and real gravel roads,” says the Thuringian Patrick Jünge. “A hard thing for both of us and of course for our Hildegard.”
“Hildegard” is 23 years old and cost 500 euros
Your VW Caddy The two bought it used and paid 500 euros for it. “Our Hildegard was built in 2001 and now has 198,000 kilometers on the clock – we’ll hit 200,000 on the rally.”
This means that all the requirements to take part in this special rally are met: the car had to be at least 20 years old and could not cost more than 500 euros.
To ensure that the two adventurers from Thuringia don’t experience shipwreck with their “Hildegard”, they have given the van a proper makeover. “We installed a new clutch and improved the rear chassis,” say Jünge and Raabe. “And we also have a comfortable roof tent – it’s 1.40 x 2.20 meters and even has a window for stargazing.”
Last summer, the men had participated in such a Pothole Rally which took them 2500 kilometers through the Baltic States.
The truck mechanic and the metalworker are grateful for the many supporters in the run-up to their trip. “We need a good 2000 euros for the trip, the registration fee for the rally alone was 500 euros,” they say. In addition, there are costs for tolls and fuel.
The pothole rodeo across the Balkans will last twelve days. Patrick Jünge smiles: “When we have survived the ordeal, I will be celebrating my 35th birthday on the day we arrive!”