Today we met our Rickshaw – a 3 wheeled beast that probably should not be driven 2500 kilometres across roads that have been damaged by landslides, floods and the unrelenting impact caused by trucks, cars and buses – think pot hole central. Still – we have more confidence than ever that we can reach Jaisalmer within the 2 weeks, and see a lot of beautiful countryside on the way.
We are feeling prepared – and by a few conversations we have had with other teams we feel we may be more prepared than others. We secured jerry cans today for spare fuel, a tarpaulin to cover our baggage in case of rain, various tools, and other mechanical essentials (e.g. WD40 – which is not called WD40 in India).
Tomorrow we get to give our Rickshaw a good test drive and complete our “pimping” – we have purchased several items that will make our Rickshaw stand-out – lights, music system, flags, and of course some fluffy dice. Come Saturday the League of Adventurists have organised a game of football (soccer) – a team comprising various “Rickshaw Runners” up against a team from the Sikkim Bar Association (a group of lawyers – not alcoholics). Should be quite a game as it is at the Gangtok Stadium and has been well promoted by the local Tourism Authorities here. Afterwards we have the launch party to attend, where food, drink and music will be in supply as teams wish each other luck. This will be at a local hotel/resort. Then Sunday – we have to pick up the Rickshaw from it’s current garage and drive it to the starting line for a 10.30am start where the State Minister will bring down the flag to signal the start of the event.
So – lot’s happening and before we know it we will be on out way.
Also today we also managed to visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, visit a Buddhist Monastry, a Hindu Temple, and some local cottage industry emporiums.
Look at the Photo Page for more photos and one of our Rickshaw – hope to have some there within next 24 hours.
Lastly – the fact/tid-bit for the day – In India cars, trucks and buses drive on the same side of the road as they do in Australia, England, Singapore…and the US, Europe and China…
Drink bottles as in the clear deep spring type bottles make great disposable funnels for pouring petrol when you cut off the spout end. That’s my remote control tip for the day. Hopefully you will be dignified and wear driving gloves on the trip. Smashing. Good luck at the start. Missed Robbie buck last night. Was having take away pizza instead. Go forth and conquer! Toodles.
hi guys, looking good … shared your photos with Jenni’s team here in Stamford today .. so its about 200k per day, right ? how fast will the rickshaw go ?.. wondering how many hours in the saddle you’re expecting to have to do each day / or night ?! Good luck with the footie and enjoy the last couple of days of preparation
Good tip Lord Marcus re: the disposable funnel – funnel now secured. Gloves are on!
Hi Pete, Yes around 200 kms/day – some days we will no doubt do less and some days more. We have been advised to not go over 35 km/hr for the first 100 kms and then not more than 50-60 km/hr after that. So ‘slow and steady’ is the rule of thumb – and I doubt the quality of roads in many places will allow higher speeds. There has been lots of rain here – so the descent from the mountains will certainly mean a slow start.
Hi Andrew and Paul – all the best for your journey and I am sure the your previous experiences of the road trips in India (specially the last one) will gave you a head start over others :).
Thanks Abhijit!
g’day guys. how does your chariot look? Do you get to tinker with it? Especially in the suspension department.
Hool
G’day Hool, the rickshaw looks good – the roof rack was broken but we had them replace that. Today we purchased more essentials to pimp her up – so by the time we start she should be looking pretty snazzy. We don’t get to tinker with the suspension – but we did buy some cushions! Off for a test drive now – hopefully the rain holds off – it has been very wet here.
hi again, another question for you … wondered what’s the nationality mix & age of your co-runners ?
Hi Pete, Good spread of age and nationalities – youngest seem to be in early 20’s, majority seem to be in 30’s, with then a good many in 40’s and 50’s. Tonight is the launch party so we will see everyone in one spot so will get a better idea of the make up. SO far we have met other Australians, many from the UK, Irish, USA, NZ, Indian, French, German, and I believe there are teams from Kenya, Austria, Switzerland and others.