Completion of The Rickshaw Run Winter 2009 Edition

The official date our team, Midnight Riders from a f'in Lighting Storm, completed the Rickshaw Run was January 15th at around 4:00 in the afternoon. Interestingly enough we were one of the last teams to finish, with a placement of 42nd if i remember correctly. Its has taken me some time to collect my head and kick an illness from my lungs, but i thought to post a final note about our adventure. And since the internet and phone connections were slim and staggering throughout the latter part of the trek, im posting this from San Francisco in a climate controlled cafe near my house.

The day Dan, Paul and I arrived in Shillong, we had spent a few hours in Gawahati searching for religious enlightenment through some temples that lined the riverside. We mutually concluded that the finish line was a sweeter prize and ran up the mountain range towards Shillong. As it was with most of our days, we started swiftly and within 5-10km broke the auto down. Yet another test of will and helpful intervention from locals. Other teams were scattered along the 120km, literally. Two teams had experienced accidents and left their canopies on the side of the road. Fortunately, every member was able and attended the closing ceremonies held the night we arrived. Check out some of my photos posted on facebook, **http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=12738&id=1482474595**, the ceremony was a blast that could not be replicated.

The trek was difficult but we experienced India in a very pure unfiltered view. Aside from the two events that were planned by the adventurists people for New Years and for the closing ceremony, we along with our fellow rickshaw riders created action and festive times. But to live in India is a utter struggle, i pray that some of our work with our Mercy Corp charity reach some of the individuals we met along the way. Much of what I learned was positive and to experience India again would be another great opportunity. I applaud all the other teams that did the Run, I met very gracious friends. That's it for now. Send me an email, the team Midnight Riders will be compiling a video soon.

Sean, [email protected]