Kerala, India
Made it to the finish. 63rd out of 67. Pissed off - we wanted to be last, but our rick had developed some serious moans n groans. Some idiots arrived after 11 days - what was the point? They must have done nothing but sleep and drive.
Ernakulam, India
16/01/12 Almost everyone we have met on our travels have been hugely friendly and helpful. Breakdown in the rick and there is immediately a sea of experts to offer an opinion or stop for a friendly chat. Then there were the few police that we did actually stop for, who helpfully made up non existent offences and tried to fine between 500 and 2000 rupees. We paid nothing but other teams have coughed up. The only two aggressive people we met (separately) were drunk off duty police. Ha... But I really love India.
Ernakulam, India
15/01/12 Day of near misses with buses. They drive everywhere at lunatic speed, overtake then immediately swerve to a stop. Think the night bus in Harry Potter film only madder. Strangely we haven't seen a Sacred Cow for 2 days. KP had a beef curry last night mmm... Chenai beach is a 'hidden gem of Kochi' - well it's been found by the 20,000 Indian drunks... Sir, it's Big Sunday.@
Kerala, India
14/01/12 Hard going today. Some rough roads and busy. Now keralla State. Found a hotel called Surya Residency, Muzhappilangad. Got dark and was getting hairy. Did a loads of beach driving in the rick. It is making terrible noises. Had our own Finish Party with teams Frankie & Clueless + Do The Needful.@
Karnataka, India
13/01/12 Turtle Bay Resort just short of Udupi. Good run today - only a few bone shakers. Think we are now officially swimming in Indian Ocean.
Karnataka, India
13/01/12 Finally shaken ourselves into action and on the road. Karnataka beach for brekkie. Noticeable change to man wearing traditional dress, possibly pilgrims. Town great and what should be a great beach is heaped with rubbish. Rick running fine now.
Goa, India
10/01/12 Take back what I said about Goa. Found beach huts on quiet beach in nature reserve. Fantastic owners. Woke up 11/01 and exec meeting decision - stay at least another day and stuff finish party. Gone rogue. Smelling the roses. Rick is sick and needs TLC.
, Anjuna Beach, Goa
09/01/12 It is funny to see some persons desperation to get to Goa. I can go to Blackpool to buy a Kiss Me Quick hat. This place is full of Europeans/aged Hippies who have FOUND THEMSELVES. Only here to catch up with other Rickshaw friends and out pronto tomorrow. This is not India. Full of dealers.:)
Maharashtra, India
08/01/12 hard day in the saddle. Poor rick has taken a good rattling. Gave us 3 odd hours of trouble. Kev + mechanic (no cost) cleaned + tinkered with various bits. Turned out to be loose lead. Got too dangerous driving in dark. 1st hotel took PRESIDENTIAL SUITE. :)
Maharashtra, India
07/01/12 found a great bar - total dive. Then confronted by a guy claiming to be local police. He was a total arse. Told us to be quiet seberal times while he spoke complete twaddle. We shouted for bill and left.@
