Dangers and Contingencies

We can guarantee that our rallies are epic and life changing, but one of side effects of a true adventure is there will be some real danger. While American roads are in general much better than say, most roads in India, it pays to play it safe. Since this is a minimal assistance rally, you’ll spend part of the road on your own, with no one to help you except your fellow team members, and maybe other teams passing you by. Some of the terrain you’ll drive over is tough, such as Death Valley, which is one of the most hostile places on Earth where the heat can get so high that the rock can boil an egg! Just because you’re in America doesn’t mean you should assume driving will be a walk in the park.

However, if you drive safely, follow our rules and our advice, not to mention the local laws, you’ll be OK. We’re not saying this to scare you off, but we want you to know that this is not a trip for the feint hearted – you will be driving long stretches of desert road, sometimes in extreme heat, poor weather at high altitudes and hectic downtown traffic in Los Angeles – so take extra care and prepare for the unexpected.

What do we mean by “minimum assistance rally”?

There are no back-up vehicles, mechanics, rescue teams or any other support vehicles or persons in place to help if something does happen. There are no arrangements on national or local levels that are waiting to assist you in your journey. You are a regular tourist and have to obey all the regular rules. This applies to everything from visas to police officers and medical.

There are no arrangements to rescue you if you become stranded, broken down, injured or otherwise harassed during the event. There is a good chance that you may face mechanical, medical, financial or other types of damage or loss by participating in the Wild West Challenge. The successful rally participant understands this by assuming total personal responsibility. The best ways to avoid any serious mishaps is to:

  • obey all local laws regarding motor vehicles, including speed limits
  • obey all local laws regarding social conduct, including the use of drugs and alcohol
  • perform all the required steps for entry-exit conditions at borders
  • conduct yourself in a manner that is in keeping with local laws, regulations and customs

What can happen?

  • Acts of war or political unrest
  • Religious, political or cultural customs different than those in a home country – leading to conflicts
  • Car accident at high speeds in any country
  • Car accident or injury far from major populations
  • Irreparable damage to your vehicle far from human populations
  • Theft
  • Dangerous / drunken drivers
  • Floods or landslides
  • Mine fields
  • Dehydration
  • Sun stroke
  • High altitude sickness
  • Food poisoning
  • Poor or no medical treatment
  • Corrupt officials who won’t let you travel (or slow you down significantly) until receiving bribes
  • Lazy officials who will perform their jobs slowly and thus delaying you
  • Corrupt policemen who will try to take money from you because you are a foreigner