The first ever Mototaxi Junket was very nearly over before it began about a week ago. Monies had been exchanged, the mototaxis had been built and the paperwork all on the way when the original vehicle provider for the Junket decided they didn't want to provide the bikes any more. With just over a week to go, brown pants of cancellation fear were put to one side and replacement vehicles were hunted down in a country wide search. As 63 brand new Mototaxis in a single location are not a common occurence the Junket fleet has been shipped in from all four corners of Peru.
One batch of mototaxis has been shipped in all the way from the heart of the jungle - Iquitos! Located on the Amazon River it is generally considered to be the largest city in the world that cannot be reached by road, so the mighty three-wheeled machines have been delivered by raft!
The new vehicle providers, Lifan, and a rather splendid Lima based dealership have pulled a feat of transport heroism to get such a large number of vehicles to Huancayo at such short notice. The new beasts are Lifan Trooper 125s and they are rather splendid.
Having emerged from the jungle in time for the launch, with all the teams ready to take them straight back into the jungle on the Junket itself, the last minute order cancellation by the original provider has meant a frustrating delay re-submitting the vehicle paperwork.
So the Junket launch is now scheduled for Wednesday 28th October from the Plaza outside the Town Hall in the middle of town.
Teams started test driving the mototaxis in Huancayo on Friday and they're back there today putting them through their paces. Tonight there's a team meeting in the town hall followed by a conveniently timed local beer festival.
Tomorrow the teams will face stiff competition during the traditional Adventurists Sporting Afternoon, with basketball and football against local teams lined up. In the evening the official party takes place, promising pisco sours, roasted guinea pig, live music, dancing and much back slapping and toast making possibly followed by falling over a bit.
Monday sees more test driving sesssions and team registration followed by a fiesta outside the Town Hall organised by the Mayor and his team to stage an official welcome for all the teams. It's a great honour for everyone to be welcomed in this way - teams will be presented with a certificate from the Mayor, entertained with live music and fireworks and generally treated like visiting dignitries!
Tuesday provides more test driving, followed by a talk about the road and adventure ahead and the final chance for pre launchpiscos and shandies. Second round of paperwork all being well the launch will take place at 10.30 on Wednesday morning.