WE MADE IT! 14 days of driving, 2500km, thirty seven packets of Parle G biscuits (OK I made that up) later, we finally crossed the finish line in Kochi. Team Bharat Express 3 finished in 35th position out of 80+ rickshaws. A major achievement to get all 5 of our 7bhp rickshaws over the line, even if some of our team mates did push their steed onto the podium (for effect only, it must be said!). A few beers followed, the adrenaline did it's thing, and we were all totally exhausted. We went to the finishing party in the evening but nobody had any energy left to talk, dance or even drink beer, so a relatively early night was had.
All in all a great adventure. Tough going at times, a great laugh at others. Some meltdowns (not only the spark plugs) and a lot of highs. Dodging cows in the road - hijacking a bus to take us out for the evening - bad guts and throwing up - Parle G , stuffed parathas and Kingfisher - Honey Bee brandy - accidents - great company. Bring on the next adventure!! XX
Always beware the Short Cut. our decision to take a shorter route led us through a small town that was having a bloody big party. We sat for 3 hours in a traffic jam, the smell of sweat, incense and burning clutches all pervasive. So much for arriving somewhere nice to celebrate Rich's birthday - we finally escaped the mayhem and drove until 10pm to grab one quick (dodgy) beer and the equivalent of a KFC chicken burger, followed by some pistachio kulfi (thanks guys!). A birthday that will never be forgotten!
Rich's birthday! A pit stop at the side of the road for some freshly pressed sugar cane juice - delicious. Approx one hour later, Rich slammed on the brakes and ran in to the nearest toilet for an explosive experience. Too early for the juice to have had an effect, I blame it on the heat.
After Scootergate, we finally arrived in Palolem. A healthy late lunch of chips and beer to line the stomach before the evening's party.
To liven up our drive to Palolem, Tony decided to knock a local guy off his scooter. Actually, to be fair, the local guy basically drove really really badly and fell off, but don't tell Tony that. A fee of 600rp was demanded and agreed to cover a slightly damaged plastic mudguard and a scraped leg. Until a gang of locals turned up and told the guy to demand more cash. At this point, he removed his shoe to show us his one remaining toe, and also revealed that he has a still rod in his leg. Quite how this is relevant remains a mystery, although it is indeed unfortunate. Maybe he needs to learn how to drive.
A particularly annoying women on a moped decided to join in the row by telling Resh to shut up as she is an outsider. A fight looked likely, however a revised fee was agreed and the Professional Faller off Mopeds went away happy to find another person to bump into.....
Ferry at Panjin - after lots of jostling, managed to squeeze 4.5 rickshaws onto the deck, so reluctantly BE4 got left behind....sniff
