The mighty Rickshaw Run teams are wobbling across the finish line thick and fast. The final leg of this summer's run sees the teams wind their way into the East coast of India to Pondicherry – the final destination perched on the shores of the Tamil region.
Leaving Nepal in the midst of a fuel crisis, teams "Negotiated … petrol from local militia" to get them across the border before drifting through the stunning mountains in the north to the Himalayan foothills…
"in Gorakhpur heading 2 Varnessi tmw after 2 days of fun roaming himalayan foothills, still have 3 wheels, 2 teammates, 4 gears(we think), this is AWESOME!"
The intrepid teams have taken routes far and wide, heading to West Bengal and straight through the plains of Orissa and down the East coast, or venturing South West for a bit of tiger spotting or to see what could be seen of Uttar Pradesh. The Loony Lassis managed to squeeze in a trip to one of the Frank Water charity projects in a village on their way and have proved in the best of spirits that you can survive without a map, or in fact, any notion of where you are:
"major repairs done. Gone thru tiger country and ended up staying at textile factory - not sure where we are but nice people and free food and room!"
Most have no doubt been "having a blast dodging cows" wherever they ended up!
The trip has been as eventful as ever as teams hold up the flame of true adventure. Accidents, breakdowns, illness, melted batteries and monkeys on the motorways haven't stopped the Summer 08 Rickshaw teams from steaming forth to Pondicherry, though those ice cold beverages awaiting them all, might have to wait for some longer than others…
Team Operation Sneaky Weasel reported "situation critical. have lost only gaffa tape and thus have no means to hold Tuk Tuk together. jon better, pete ill, martin laughing. several breakdowns, numerous ventures into the 'desert'…have spotted monkeys, buffalo, dogs, numerous cows which we have still managed to avoid. jon even testifies to have seen a lion, general consensus is that he is no longer fit to drive."
Brilliant… Meanwhile, breakdowns and fame have been holding up A Lovely Cup Of Tea:
"Breaking down every 30mins on average and increasingly being stopped to pose for photos and sign autographs, but somehow made it to a town called hinganghat.not a great place, found a guest house which we have been told we cant leave for our own safety"
A few teams have taken a short sojourn in Mamallaporum to enjoy the white sands and seafood before they complete the final leg. While others are just making a dash for the finish line no matter what.
And so another daredevilish adventure continues to be had – here's to more cow dodging before the end…
June 10th 2008