Race the Green Machines » Further Information

1. Why has this event been organised?

The main aim of Race the Green Machines is to encourage, and raise awareness of, low carbon travel. The Green Machine Team are united in their passion for a good old fashioned adventure and a concern for the environment, so we decided to combine the two. We want the event to receive as much media coverage as possible, so the more people that enter the better!

It is also anticipated that each team will be supporting a charity, although which one is completely up to you. If you think that your chosen charity would benefit from further exposure and wants to be incorporated in our website, please ask them to contact us direct and we will be happy to feature their link.

2. Is this race carbon neutral?

The race itself is carbon neutral as vehicles are not allowed to emit carbon emissions whilst in transit. It is worth pointing out that electric cars will require recharging from the grid which will inevitably incur carbon emissions elsewhere as no European country is completely dependent on renewable energy. However as Europe continues to grow its renewable sources of energy so these vehicles will become greener and greener. There will also be carbon emissions associated with crossing the English Channel and the return leg from Istanbul*. Taken as a whole the event is therefore a low carbon race.

Even though carbon purists may point out that a degree of carbon is being emitted it is important to remember that the aim of our event is to raise the profile of low carbon travel in a fun and exciting way. This is a message to the cynics who think that a carbon constrained world is going to be restrictive and a return to the dark ages when we think it opens up new and exciting opportunities.

*We would be delighted if any participants want to complete the entire journey carbon neutral style. Any takers for rowing the channel?

3. What will I get for my £200 entry fee?

Race the Green Machines is an organised event which will provide guidance and direction to those taking part. A comprehensive information pack will be provided outlining visa requirements, possible routes, ideas on modes of transport and emergency contact details. You will also receive your official t-shirts with your info pack. There will be a coordinated departure from Battersea Park in London where you will get to meet the sponsors, the Green Machine Team and charities that are involved in the event.

4. What is the time-frame and what if I don’t make it in time?

The 2,500 mile route is very much achievable within the three week window, commencing 24th July and arriving in Istanbul on 14th August. During this period there will be numerous other teams on the road. If you have not completed the journey by the 14th then there is no reason to stop! Simply continue cycling, driving, sailing, running or hang gliding. It is a serious distance, and the time period established is just a guide. Many people will take longer, but 3 weeks is regarded as a sensible, yet competitive time.

5. What happens if I get lost or have an accident en route?

The information pack provides some helpful information such as contact details of embassies and other helpful folk within each of the respective countries. However, bear in mind that when you are out on the ground in your chariots of triumph then you are predominantly on your own. There is no guarantee that you will reach Istanbul.

6. Is it safe?

If the whole affair was totally without risk, then what would be the point? You may as well stay at home ensnared in a world of yellow and black tape, complaining about candela light levels and the ergonomic angle of your office chair back. However, please refer to the Foreign Office website for more up-to-date information for perceived risks on your planned route

7. What sort of vehicles can I use?

Anything that satisfies the following criteria:

No carbon is to be emitted whilst in transit.
No laws, either domestic or international, are to be broken in your quest to reach Turkey.

8. What do I do with my vehicle when I get there?

The Green Machine team are in negotiations with various logistic contractors to seek free transport of the various creations back to UK, but at the moment it is best to assume that there is no return transport and that vehicles will need to be transported back.

9. Do I need insurance?

You will need vehicle insurance and personal accident insurance. These need to be individually organized by the teams, but should be no problem as you will remain in Europe for the entirety of the challenge.

10. Do I need to provide the exact details of the vehicle and the exact details of the team?

At this stage only the type of vehicle is required (electric, solar, pedal power, running etc ) along with the number of people in the team. There will be a requirement for more details nearer the time.

11. Can I employ a support team?

The spirit of the challenge is to increase awareness of the nature of vehicular carbon footprints and thus support vehicles are not encouraged. However it is understood that certain creations will require more technical support than others and it is therefore allowed within the rules of the game.

12. Where will teams stay?

This is very much the responsibility of the individual, but considering that this is at the peak of the summer, accommodation will be much sought after and you are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.

13. Are there any age restrictions?

Yes, you must be over 18 years of age on the departure date to take part. Children can be involved in a support capacity, but must be supervised by a qualified adult. By qualified we mean someone with the capacity to look after them for the duration of the trip.

14. Does everyone in the team require a driving license?

Green vehicles are governed by the same rules as other road users and are therefore driven by those who have passed their driving test. Navigators and mechanics can be taken but strictly in a non-driving capacity.

15. If I’m driving through Europe and break down, can I just ditch the car?

Not such a stupid question as it can be expensive to transport these vehicles back, but the same rules apply. Basically, you will not be able to commence the competition if your vehicle is not road legal, and thus furnished with a tax disk. The vehicle will then be traceable to you. You are this responsible for the vehicle, even if you leave it wilting in a back street in Slovenia.

16.Do I need a visa?

If you hold a European passport then you will not need a visa as all of the logical routes will be within Europe’s borders. If you plan to go via a non-European destination then you will definitely not win the race and might have a bit of explaining to do to your partner/husband/wife/mum when you are not back after three weeks. If you are a non-EU national please refer to your national foreign office for specific visa requirements.

17.Can I get my money back if I can’t make it?

We understand that projects fall through and sometimes deadlines aren’t made, and will therefore provide a full refund to anyone that has to pull out. However, numbers need to be final one month prior to departure, so you will only receive £50 back if you cancel after 24th June. Please appreciate that certain organisational requirements must be in place prior to the race starting so not all your money can be returned.