Aneurin


The Finish Line

We finally made it. We got over the finish line at 17:21 on Thursday. We spent Tuesday in Bangalore getting shitbox a new clutch, gear box, carburettor and starting handle. Our weasel taxi driver did one better and brought a mechanic to us. Although it was better then brining us to the mechanic we knew that it was purely to charge us more rupees. In he walked with a sack full of spare parts and tools. Needless to say that hotel security were not best pleased and the head of security arrived. Captain Siri, an ex special forces member and an absolute gent, arrived and immediately disliked our weasel taxi driver and his mechanic. After a discussion with the taxi man he recommended that we give him the the payment let him "take care of it". So went to the national park and let left him to it. It seemed it was our fate not to do a single bit of actual sightseeing as of course the park was closed on Tuesdays.... Standard India. We arrived back to the hotel and met captain who told us to tell him if the weasel taxi man called us again. We were not surprised that the weasel didn't call. From Bangalore we went to Coimbatore in an uneventful drive along the motorway as we tried to make up time after our setback. We left Coimbatore and headed toward the finish. The dive down the mountains was amazing but the roads returned to North India standards. Progress was slow and we made terrible time in arriving in kochi. The finish line was underwhelming as everybody had left to get ready for the closing parting which was staring within the hour. So our celebrations were put on halt as instead of getting on the ferry to the party, which we missed, we had to take another rickshaw to it. After driving 4,500 km in one it was the last form of transport we wanted to take to the party but we desperately needed a few well earned kingfishers. Thanks to everyone who donated and supported us along our journey. In total we have raised €4641 and covered 3,646 km. It has been an incredible experience and I don't think it will fully sink in until I get in the car and try and go the wrong way down the N11.

DAYS 14 - FINISH: SALEM - COCHIN - FORT COCHIN/FINISH LINE

RICKSHAW RUN - AUGUST 2015: SHILLONG TO COCHIN - COMPLETED!!!

16 Days, 3740 kilometres, 600 mosquito/bed bug bites, 400 photos with strangers, 187 litres of petrol, 162 hours driving, 40 chai teas, 38 paneer butter masalas, 32 times running out of petrol, 7 near misses, 5 break downs, 3 broken head gaskets, 2 massive backfires, 1 collision with a truck, lost clothing, autoparts and petrol cans….. but after all this, ladies and gentlemen, ‘The Richies’ have completed the Rickshaw Run!!!

We have successfully driven our little tuk tuk, ‘Richie’s Rickshaw’, from the very top of the country to the bottom southern state of Kerala. The home straight was pretty cool… after flying down the east coast, we cut inland and had a few nice days back in the countryside. We again were overwhelmed by the locals, even invited to play some park cricket with them…. let it be known they are VERY VERY good! We then hit the central highway again, arriving a day early into Cochi. To get to the finish line, we had to get the old boy onto a ferry… no small feat given this tiny ferry was also packed with trucks, cars and as many bikes they could squeeze in. Once on dry land, we hunted for the finish line, arriving into the welcoming arms to the Adventurist team. Turns out we were the 5th team to cross the line (although the 4th to drive it over the line… the first team to arrive did so on a truck after half their engine fell out!). Although not an official race, we were pretty chuffed…. good from the ‘Old Richie’.

Its been an amazing experience and one I would definitely recommend. Yes it was challenging, and there were days when the 12 hours in the tuk tuk were hell. When it breaks down in nearly 40 degree temperatures, on a dirt road 30 kms from the nearest town, and you have zero mechanical knowledge, you do question what the hell you are doing with your life! However, I couldn’t think of a better way to explore this amazing country. It can be noisy, hot, smelly at times (much like Rhys!) but thats only a small part. The countryside was amazing, really beautiful scenery, changing dramatically as you moved from state to state… whether it was monsoon-like weather in Megalahaya, to the lush tea fields of West Bengal, to the dry and sometimes sketchy areas of Bihar… so much to discover and each day was completely different. Doing it in a tuk tuk was the best way to truly see India… Travelling across the country in one of their own vehicles made us so unique yet approachable, and boy did we receive some attention… sometimes too much (ask Rhys about the guy that straddled him in the ocean…. kinda weird!).

Above all, the thing to take away from this is how amazing the people are. Never have I seen such fascination, warmth and generosity shown by complete strangers. It didn’t matter where we went, nice hotel or poor roadside store, it was all the same. Often we didn’t even need help, yet Indians were always offering, seeking nothing in return. The fact that we were foreigners made us special… we were thanked simply for visiting their country. In a country of so many, often with so little, it was very humbling. Thank you India, you and you’re 1.2 billion are alright!

As this years run comes to an end, and the final few teams roll into Cochi (of course some won’t actually make it!), its time to celebrate. We had a Northern vs Southern Hemisphere game of Kabbadi, this weird local game that no one really understands… basically you just tackle each other and try and touch lines or something…. meh. There was also a cricket match against some local school kids (pretty sure we were hustled!). Tonight we have the finish line party on an island not too far from here. We won’t lie, we are pretty keen to sink a few and share war stories with the other runners… and if last night is anything to go by (was a quiet night which escalated very quickly), it should the goods.

Hope those that have followed this have enjoyed the updates as much as I have enjoyed doing them. If you wish to do the run at some point you will not be disappointed. Check out the adventurist link below. Also, I did this run in the hope of raising both awareness and support for the Cancer Council of NSW. If you feel inclined, please donate via the link below to ensure they can continue to provide such an amazing service to those who need it most.

Adam out.

THE RICKSHAW RUN http://www.theadventurists.com/rickshaw-run

DO IT FOR CANCER https://secure.cancercouncilfundraising.org.au/registrant/FundraisingPage.aspx?RegistrationID=902352#&panel1-2


The End.

We've done it - we have crossed the finish line and our journey is over! The Rickshaw Run is finished. A bittersweet moment, as we have now handed back the keys to our glorious machine and it is no longer ours. As well as driving it over 4,000km the entire length of India and raising around $1,500 for charity, I also got to fulfill my dream of taking it through a McDonalds drive-thru! We still have tonight's party to look forward to also. It's on some island off the coast of Cochin, a location I can only assume has been selected for its ability to contain the carnage, and possibly prevent Nathan from somehow being carted off to hospital again. It's been a hell of a trip...hopefully I'll be back for another run one day!

Here's a few numbers for those playing at home... 4,200 Kilometers traveled £743 Raised for charity 16 Days 8 States 3 Guys 1 Rickshaw 0 Sense Uncountable: Chai's drank, Cold showers, Potholes, Near accidents in traffic, Open mouthed stares, Potholes, Inside lane overtakes, Photos with Indians, Potholes, Goats we nearly turned into roadkill, Indians shitting on the side of the road, and did I mention Potholes?

Bus drivers we have wished a fiery death in hell: All of them, inclusive of ones not met or encountered on the road.![Uploading file...]()![Uploading file...]()![Uploading file...]()

Day 16 - Adimali to Kochi

Finished! Will write up blogs soon.

The End

One last push, one wee ferry ride with the rickshaw and we made it. We actually made it. 3962km later our wee rickshaw is let to rest as are we. Only one thing to do then. Party!

Muvattapuzha to Cochin

Last day. 47 km to go. Relaxed start. Played some cards before we checked out. It took just over 2 hours to get to Cochin. No problems. Checked into our hotel and dropped our luggage then headed to the finish line. Job done. Feels good but slightly anticlimactic to hand over the keys. Watched some of the other people play a game of kabaddi. Hilarious. Then a short cricket game against an Indian team. Back to the hotel for a shower then off to the party. A few beers. Good yarns. Terrible DJ. Good night.

Photo of kabaddi. 

Day 15 - Coonoor to Adimali

Will write soon