There is always talking about having to drive in convoy with Perestroika. What is the story on this?

Driving in convoy comes from our beginning in the times of the Soviet Union. Because of the language barrier, different letters and the often non-existent sign posting to town and site made people use the easier option, i.e. following the guide who knew his/her way around.

In some countries, i.e. in former Soviet states, in Iran, in Libya and yet again in Syria, the government institutions expect us to stay together as a group and not to roam around the country. Occasionally we are even accompanied by state security and in some place they go as far as setting all traffic lights to “green” for us.

In the regular trips up to 50 days it is not necessary anymore to go as a group. New technologies such as the GPS systems make it easy to find a place. Our credo now: “Anyone wanting to go by themselves may do so unless it is forbidden by local law”. In the daily tour briefing the upcoming route is talked through and one can go alone or with friends.

Anyone going alone can adjust his driving to his own needs and requirements, make stops, take pictures at their convenience and visit the sights individually. Still the track and the evening destination has to be found individually by a certain time, even when this is in the centre of a city.

Difficult border, i.e. borders to Belarus and Russia should be crossed together with the group. Also one should consider driving ahead of the group so the followers could assist in the event of a breakdown or another mishap.
 
Those going with the group leader have to adhere to the departure, break- and sightseeing times, drive in their place in convoy and should have a cb-radio on board. In exchange they do not have to worry about the track, place to stop and par and finding petrol pumps or shopping sites. One receives guidance. An important issue is that in case of emergency and other issues one is not alone, these may be: health problems, vehicle breakdown, police check, security matters and things that require the local language concerning local language.

Going in the group is for some participants the only option. This may result from different points of view. Some find it easier to follow others because there is no co-driver to assist in finding the way or the co-driver does not like to read the maps and signs.

Regardless whether it is a trip around the Hunsrück, a tour to Moscow or to Lake Baikal:

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