17 April 2017 (01:44 UTC-07 Tango 06) 28 Farvardin 1396/20 Rajab 1438/21 Jia Chen 4715

“It is a global project, which we planned for several years, and which demonstrates abilities of people and of vehicles.”-Anna Golubeva, To The East coordinator

On Friday four odd looking giant All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) left  Arkhangelsk, Russia, on a 10-thousand km (6-thousand-214 miles) trip across the Arctic.

The vehicles are the radical Sherp ATVs and will travel where no other ground vehicle has gone in the Arctic “…the only thing you can see is the shadow from the ISS [International Space Station].”

To The East is sponsored by Russian Geographic Society and the city of Saint Petersburg.  You can buy a Sherp for about $65-thousand USD.

“A crew can live in the vehicle. It is small, highly maneuverable; two people are comfortably in the front part while driving, and they can take a night rest, there is a comfortable soft bed there.”-Alexei Garagashyan, designer/expedition leader

“The vehicle does not have any axles, everything is inside, so in case of necessary maintenance everything is done inside the vehicle. They will not have to crawl under the bottom or freeze outside. Oiling chains – no problem here, just push the button and the oil gets there. The vehicle is made for use in complicated conditions.”-Anna Golubeva, To The East coordinator

Why are they taking this dangerous never before done trip? “…most importantly, it is a unique opportunity to see this country, to meet new people.”-Alexei Garagashyan, designer/expedition leader