Day 21: Ankara to Batumi
North from Anatolia
Leaving the heart of Turkey behind, the team headed north from Ankara toward the Black Sea. The highways were smooth and fast, cutting through rolling hills before giving way to expansive coastal views near Trabzon.
Seamless Charging Thanks to Local Support
Along the way, the crew stopped to charge using D-Charge, with help from the local Škoda and Volkswagen teams. Everything ran smoothly—even without advance scheduling—thanks to quick coordination and solid infrastructure. The ID. Buzz was back on the road without delay.
Unexpected Company on the Coast
As the team followed the coast eastward, the drive took an unexpected turn. Vehicles from the Mongol Rally began appearing on the route: dust-covered hatchbacks and modified vans, each one more eccentric than the last. Some zipped by, while others sat roadside with makeshift repairs underway. It added a sense of camaraderie to the day—fellow travellers with a shared goal of pushing across continents.
Midnight Arrival in Georgia
The crew crossed the border into Georgia just before midnight, emerging from the final tunnel into Batumi. Palm trees, bright lights and late-night energy signalled the beginning of a new leg in a very different landscape.
Next stop: Tbilisi.
