"Can You Make It?", 3 friends and a piece of Europe
"Can You Make It?", 3 friends and a piece of Europe
"Can You Make It?", 3 friends and a piece of Europe
Aug 15, 2024
Red Bull “Can You Make It?”, 7 days, 3 friends and a great part of Europe
There are messages that can change an entire week.
This one came from Anouk, a long-time friend that Mathilde did not know yet. She had just stumbled upon “Can You Make It?” from Red Bull and naturally suggested that we participate together. Very quickly, our team formed: The Kiff Brigade with Mathilde, Anouk, and Tristan.
The principle? 300 teams, seven days to cross Europe, from one of the 5 starting cities, validating challenges and checkpoints to reach Berlin, all without money, using Red Bull cans as currency, a restricted phone for safety, and access to the challenge map, with a simple goal: Cover as many kilometers and checkpoints as possible to rise in the rankings. It is not a speed race but a real game of strategy and navigation.
The selection and the starting signal
To apply, you had to send a one-minute video presenting the team, its determination, and its “little talents.” We really got into it. The video was accepted, and an email confirmed that we were part of the 300 teams selected. After that, everything started moving: tickets in our names, contact with a Red Bull member for the briefing, and the preparation of bags for 7 days of surprises: sweaters, t-shirts, swimsuits, good shoes, waterproof bags, sleeping mats, tent (we didn’t always know where we would sleep)… We prepare to experience everything: the easy, the hard, the unexpected.
We depart for Budapest, our starting city. Red Bull welcomes us, taxi, hotel, and already the energy of the other teams. The 300 teams are spread across five cities: Barcelona, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Budapest, and Milan. Everyone has the same objective: to reach Berlin in 7 days while maximizing points.
In the evening, we are explained the framework: GPS tracking, restricted phone to contact the control center if needed, and a challenge map without automatic location (you have to manage on your own). It lists the checkpoints, their hours, the awarded points, and daily/weekly challenges. The atmosphere is electric, music, and sleep. The next day, breakfast, then gathering at the main square of Budapest for a mini-departure festival: activities, artists, DJ, and distribution of the kit (map, cans, stamp book). We have two hours with our real phones still active to map out our route. Optimistic goal: 8–9 checkpoints. Then, we seal our personal phones. The game begins.
Red Bull “Can You Make It?”, 7 days, 3 friends and a great part of Europe
There are messages that can change an entire week.
This one came from Anouk, a long-time friend that Mathilde did not know yet. She had just stumbled upon “Can You Make It?” from Red Bull and naturally suggested that we participate together. Very quickly, our team formed: The Kiff Brigade with Mathilde, Anouk, and Tristan.
The principle? 300 teams, seven days to cross Europe, from one of the 5 starting cities, validating challenges and checkpoints to reach Berlin, all without money, using Red Bull cans as currency, a restricted phone for safety, and access to the challenge map, with a simple goal: Cover as many kilometers and checkpoints as possible to rise in the rankings. It is not a speed race but a real game of strategy and navigation.
The selection and the starting signal
To apply, you had to send a one-minute video presenting the team, its determination, and its “little talents.” We really got into it. The video was accepted, and an email confirmed that we were part of the 300 teams selected. After that, everything started moving: tickets in our names, contact with a Red Bull member for the briefing, and the preparation of bags for 7 days of surprises: sweaters, t-shirts, swimsuits, good shoes, waterproof bags, sleeping mats, tent (we didn’t always know where we would sleep)… We prepare to experience everything: the easy, the hard, the unexpected.
We depart for Budapest, our starting city. Red Bull welcomes us, taxi, hotel, and already the energy of the other teams. The 300 teams are spread across five cities: Barcelona, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Budapest, and Milan. Everyone has the same objective: to reach Berlin in 7 days while maximizing points.
In the evening, we are explained the framework: GPS tracking, restricted phone to contact the control center if needed, and a challenge map without automatic location (you have to manage on your own). It lists the checkpoints, their hours, the awarded points, and daily/weekly challenges. The atmosphere is electric, music, and sleep. The next day, breakfast, then gathering at the main square of Budapest for a mini-departure festival: activities, artists, DJ, and distribution of the kit (map, cans, stamp book). We have two hours with our real phones still active to map out our route. Optimistic goal: 8–9 checkpoints. Then, we seal our personal phones. The game begins.
Day 1 - First step: heading to Slovakia
First destination: Bratislava, with a checkpoint “water” (for us it was noted “sky/wake”: swimsuit, let’s go). Without speaking Hungarian, we attempt to hitchhike at the exit of Budapest. After an hour of walking, a car stops. We offer a can (our “currency”), we explain ourselves as best as we can, and we’re off.
Arriving before the checkpoint closes, we tackle the challenge in swimsuits. Excitement, first stamp in the book. But the sky darkens. It starts to rain, and we need to find somewhere to sleep. Hesitation: try to stay with locals or set up the tent on site? We opt for the tent, sheltered, on the pavement… Let’s just say it was a short night and cramped: I sleep outside half in, Mathilde half outside, Anouk however she can. The adventure really begins.
Day 2 & 3 - A tough break, pause in Győr (Hungary)
On waking, Anouk is sick, very sick. We call Red Bull first thing in the morning. The local team (Tomy and an amazing girl, Trinity) takes care of us. Off to the hospital, tests, rest. We are booked into a hotel in Győr. Trinity brings us food, checks in on us, and relays information to the control center.
After two days, Anouk can get back on her feet and carry her bag again. Trinity asks us if we feel up to continuing with only 5 days left. We were so eager to experience the adventure: we agree, shorten the itinerary, and set off again.
Day 4 - Vienna and the waltz in the big wheel
After a few hours at a gas station, a driver takes us to Vienna. The checkpoint of the day: ride the Wiener Riesenrad (the historic Ferris wheel of the Prater) and learn the waltz… by swapping roles (the girls in “costumes,” the boys in “dresses” — atmosphere). At the top, an improvised wedding among teams: it’s mostly funny, absurd, and it brings us closer.
We manage to have a schnitzel (not the best burger in the world, but it fills us up) in exchange for cans, then we look for where to sleep. We ask here and there, under the rain. A man we meet on the street offers us the keys to his wife's jewelry workshop for the night. We have a roof, improbable and welcoming. We leave everything clean, return the keys to the gentleman in the morning, he shows us his own violin design and repair workshop and offers us breakfast before we leave.
Day 5 - Train, Brno, and cabbage juice in Prague
At the Vienna station, we negotiate two train stops (lenient controllers on the Austrian side), then renegotiate on the Czech side. We get off in Brno, then aim for Prague.
Unusual checkpoint: stomping cabbages with our feet to make juice “well from there.” We confirm, we get some bonus Red Bull cans and head back to the station. Except that… fire alarm, station closed, no more trains. Plan B: bus station. We try a FlixBus to Prague, the controller checks the capacity and lets us board in exchange for some cans. Four hours later, we arrive.
For sleeping arrangements, it’s sporty. A hotel can’t accommodate us, but directs us to an “open-minded” hostel. The manager isn’t there, but the bar downstairs might trade some help for a place to sleep. We meet the owner (with the mean look of a James Bond villain but a heart of gold): he gives us the keys to his apartment and offers us to sleep in one of the rooms. We have a bed, a couch, and a real roof. We help a bit, explore Prague, negotiate three kebabs for cans (the waiter eventually understands our explanation), and we sleep like dormice.
Day 1 - First step: heading to Slovakia
First destination: Bratislava, with a checkpoint “water” (for us it was noted “sky/wake”: swimsuit, let’s go). Without speaking Hungarian, we attempt to hitchhike at the exit of Budapest. After an hour of walking, a car stops. We offer a can (our “currency”), we explain ourselves as best as we can, and we’re off.
Arriving before the checkpoint closes, we tackle the challenge in swimsuits. Excitement, first stamp in the book. But the sky darkens. It starts to rain, and we need to find somewhere to sleep. Hesitation: try to stay with locals or set up the tent on site? We opt for the tent, sheltered, on the pavement… Let’s just say it was a short night and cramped: I sleep outside half in, Mathilde half outside, Anouk however she can. The adventure really begins.
Day 2 & 3 - A tough break, pause in Győr (Hungary)
On waking, Anouk is sick, very sick. We call Red Bull first thing in the morning. The local team (Tomy and an amazing girl, Trinity) takes care of us. Off to the hospital, tests, rest. We are booked into a hotel in Győr. Trinity brings us food, checks in on us, and relays information to the control center.
After two days, Anouk can get back on her feet and carry her bag again. Trinity asks us if we feel up to continuing with only 5 days left. We were so eager to experience the adventure: we agree, shorten the itinerary, and set off again.
Day 4 - Vienna and the waltz in the big wheel
After a few hours at a gas station, a driver takes us to Vienna. The checkpoint of the day: ride the Wiener Riesenrad (the historic Ferris wheel of the Prater) and learn the waltz… by swapping roles (the girls in “costumes,” the boys in “dresses” — atmosphere). At the top, an improvised wedding among teams: it’s mostly funny, absurd, and it brings us closer.
We manage to have a schnitzel (not the best burger in the world, but it fills us up) in exchange for cans, then we look for where to sleep. We ask here and there, under the rain. A man we meet on the street offers us the keys to his wife's jewelry workshop for the night. We have a roof, improbable and welcoming. We leave everything clean, return the keys to the gentleman in the morning, he shows us his own violin design and repair workshop and offers us breakfast before we leave.
Day 5 - Train, Brno, and cabbage juice in Prague
At the Vienna station, we negotiate two train stops (lenient controllers on the Austrian side), then renegotiate on the Czech side. We get off in Brno, then aim for Prague.
Unusual checkpoint: stomping cabbages with our feet to make juice “well from there.” We confirm, we get some bonus Red Bull cans and head back to the station. Except that… fire alarm, station closed, no more trains. Plan B: bus station. We try a FlixBus to Prague, the controller checks the capacity and lets us board in exchange for some cans. Four hours later, we arrive.
For sleeping arrangements, it’s sporty. A hotel can’t accommodate us, but directs us to an “open-minded” hostel. The manager isn’t there, but the bar downstairs might trade some help for a place to sleep. We meet the owner (with the mean look of a James Bond villain but a heart of gold): he gives us the keys to his apartment and offers us to sleep in one of the rooms. We have a bed, a couch, and a real roof. We help a bit, explore Prague, negotiate three kebabs for cans (the waiter eventually understands our explanation), and we sleep like dormice.
Day 6 - Border to Germany, Leipzig, and a Night with Locals
In the morning, we set off to take on a pedalo challenge around an island in Prague — we were on the side of Slovanský ostrov — 15 minutes of paddling, sunny, calm. Third checkpoint validated. With our bags on our backs, we rush to find a ride to Germany.
After hours of walking and waiting at a gas station, a family man picks us up on the German side, chatting rock with Google Translate as our translator. We head toward the border in the Oberlausitz region and then to Leipzig. We miss a checkpoint by a few minutes (closed). Consolation: a charming pizzaiolo trades us each a pizza for cans and stories.
We complete the challenge of the day (“help someone”) with two cyclists — one is French, the other German. The German invites us to sleep at his home if he gets his wife’s approval. It’s a yes. A simple evening, they are both backpackers, so we talk about travel, lifestyle, the desire to go again. Shower, couch, sleep.
Day 7 - Express Hitchhiking to Berlin and the Red Bull Studio
After thanking the couple who hosted us, we set off for the sports center and the soccer ball checkpoint (three challenges with a ball). We are terrible, we fail, but we keep smiling.
Last big stage. Gas station, hitchhiking sign, and after 1h30… a hurried driver picks us up and zooms onto the Autobahn. We quickly arrive in Berlin. Headed to the Red Bull recording studio (a highly sought-after checkpoint) — we time it well, there’s still space. We record, we succeed in the challenge, and win a small signed vinyl. That’s our fifth stamp.
Now we need to find a bed. Many teams are already there, hotels/hostels full. We walk a long way to a large hotel. They can’t accommodate us, but allow us to settle in the lobby. Two French teachers on a school trip set up near us, listen to our story… they offer us a bed each in their room (there were extra beds). In exchange, they ask us to share our adventure with their 8th-grade students. Deal made. We eat (a Turkish restaurant treats us and even refuses our cans), we come back, we do a 15-minute presentation: the middle schoolers can’t believe it. The evening ends with a drink with the teachers (Spanish, German, tech, CPE). Perfect night.
Day 8 - Arrival in Berlin and the Grand Evening
Breakfast, then walk to the finish line, passing by pieces of history (the Berlin Wall, mythical night spots). At the finish, we find waves of teams, volunteers, and the control center person who has followed us all week — they greet us with a big smile. We get our five checkpoints stamped: everything is in order, sealed pouch never opened.
Shuttle, hotel, hot shower, and meeting for the big Red Bull “Can You Make It?” evening: a hangar, a terrace, a DJ, 900 participants dancing, recaps of the most beautiful moments, a freestyle rider chaining his moves, and crazy anecdotes (teams traded cans for improbable entries, even for world championships). We didn’t win the competition, but we gained everything else: encounters, resourcefulness, unexpected rooftops, and that rare feeling of having fully lived.
After a two-day halt in the adventure, we aimed for the top 200 and at the display of scores (which were hidden 24 hours before the finish line), surprise… WE ARE 191st! Not too proud to have done better than 109 teams in 5 days.
The next day, flight, return to Paris. Summary: approximately 1,100 km traveled without money, over sixty cans exchanged, five checkpoints validated… and a strengthened friendship. We did it.
If you have been tempted by this adventure, know that registration is free and takes place every two years!
Day 6 - Border to Germany, Leipzig, and a Night with Locals
In the morning, we set off to take on a pedalo challenge around an island in Prague — we were on the side of Slovanský ostrov — 15 minutes of paddling, sunny, calm. Third checkpoint validated. With our bags on our backs, we rush to find a ride to Germany.
After hours of walking and waiting at a gas station, a family man picks us up on the German side, chatting rock with Google Translate as our translator. We head toward the border in the Oberlausitz region and then to Leipzig. We miss a checkpoint by a few minutes (closed). Consolation: a charming pizzaiolo trades us each a pizza for cans and stories.
We complete the challenge of the day (“help someone”) with two cyclists — one is French, the other German. The German invites us to sleep at his home if he gets his wife’s approval. It’s a yes. A simple evening, they are both backpackers, so we talk about travel, lifestyle, the desire to go again. Shower, couch, sleep.
Day 7 - Express Hitchhiking to Berlin and the Red Bull Studio
After thanking the couple who hosted us, we set off for the sports center and the soccer ball checkpoint (three challenges with a ball). We are terrible, we fail, but we keep smiling.
Last big stage. Gas station, hitchhiking sign, and after 1h30… a hurried driver picks us up and zooms onto the Autobahn. We quickly arrive in Berlin. Headed to the Red Bull recording studio (a highly sought-after checkpoint) — we time it well, there’s still space. We record, we succeed in the challenge, and win a small signed vinyl. That’s our fifth stamp.
Now we need to find a bed. Many teams are already there, hotels/hostels full. We walk a long way to a large hotel. They can’t accommodate us, but allow us to settle in the lobby. Two French teachers on a school trip set up near us, listen to our story… they offer us a bed each in their room (there were extra beds). In exchange, they ask us to share our adventure with their 8th-grade students. Deal made. We eat (a Turkish restaurant treats us and even refuses our cans), we come back, we do a 15-minute presentation: the middle schoolers can’t believe it. The evening ends with a drink with the teachers (Spanish, German, tech, CPE). Perfect night.
Day 8 - Arrival in Berlin and the Grand Evening
Breakfast, then walk to the finish line, passing by pieces of history (the Berlin Wall, mythical night spots). At the finish, we find waves of teams, volunteers, and the control center person who has followed us all week — they greet us with a big smile. We get our five checkpoints stamped: everything is in order, sealed pouch never opened.
Shuttle, hotel, hot shower, and meeting for the big Red Bull “Can You Make It?” evening: a hangar, a terrace, a DJ, 900 participants dancing, recaps of the most beautiful moments, a freestyle rider chaining his moves, and crazy anecdotes (teams traded cans for improbable entries, even for world championships). We didn’t win the competition, but we gained everything else: encounters, resourcefulness, unexpected rooftops, and that rare feeling of having fully lived.
After a two-day halt in the adventure, we aimed for the top 200 and at the display of scores (which were hidden 24 hours before the finish line), surprise… WE ARE 191st! Not too proud to have done better than 109 teams in 5 days.
The next day, flight, return to Paris. Summary: approximately 1,100 km traveled without money, over sixty cans exchanged, five checkpoints validated… and a strengthened friendship. We did it.
If you have been tempted by this adventure, know that registration is free and takes place every two years!
