West Bengal, India
The real Day Twelve. Travelled only about 60km today. Say in a hut beside a river. Had a walk around some tiger and leopard rehabilitation centre. Tomorrow we plan to go on a jeep safari in the morning and then drive to Guwahati. After that its the hill climb to Shillong which is about 120 km. Apparently that supposed to take 6 hours
West Bengal, India
Day Twelve after spending most of the morning servicing our Rickshaw we hit the road. About 50km north of Raiganj we finally found some good roads. The servicing did wonders until we had our first breakdown. After pulling apart the Carburettor found that our mechanic hadn't done a very thorough clean. After clearing the obstruction and shaking hands with the 20 Indians who had turned up to watch. We were on our way again. After the photos were taken of course. Found another great hotel, not. We managed to take in some really awful street food. Tomorrow we are planning to go to a wildlife sanctuary and see some Rhinos and Elephants.@
West Bengal, India
Day Ten we managed to navigate west Bengali roads/tracks/hell to make it back to the national highway which we found to either not exist or under construction. Limped our Rickshaw into another dive of a hotel. Plan to get a service and a welding job done before we leave tomorrow. Next door is a welder handily and across the road is the mechanic.
West Bengal, India
Day Nine worst roads if they were in fact roads at all. Poor Rickshaw been hammered today. Broke one of the roof rails. Still have a roof rack. Will try and make it back onto the National highway tomorrow and then see if we can get it welded. Hotel last night was woeful and tonight's even worse. We have to keep our petrol on our room at night so loving the smell of two stroke.
Odisha, India
Day Eight. Real tough day. Nik got sick so I had to pick up the driving. Covered 453 km today. We hoped to go see a park tomorrow but looks like its a no go. Road got bad towards the end. Tomorrow we cross into West Bengal so hopefully they will improve.
Odisha, India
Day Seven another motorway day. Made it to a five star resort and then decided to take a scummy hotel on the beach instead. Plan to try and make it right through Odisha tomorrow.
Andhra Pradesh, India
Day Six. Another straight day of motorway (Indian Style). Decided to head to a beach side resort recommended by lonely planet. Not impressed LP. Lots of teams turned up too. Thoughts were with the Sitar war crew who broke down and had to push for a couple of Ks.@
Andhra Pradesh, India
Day Five pretty straight drive. Met up with one team that had hit a cow the night before. The poor guy had re-sprained his ankle and was driving with it elevated out of the window. Made for a great video. Found a local bar and Nik was propositioned by a local guy.
Andhra Pradesh, India
Day Four massive 453 km travelled today to make up for the day off in Bengaluru. Lots of back road travelled which made for an interesting drive. Met up with quite a few teams in Nellore.
Karnataka, India
Day Three spent today servicing the rickshaw and deciding our route through India. Then onto watch an IPL game.
Why am I doing the Icarus Trophy? Great excuse for a month off work.
I have no basis to think I can complete this air-race, which makes me confident I’m absolutely a contender.
