The Spring 2010 Rickshaw Run is almost over. With just a couple of stragglers left on the road, the teams that managed to make it in time celebrated in Gangtok in fine style.
Impromptu parties each evening as people arrived helped warm things up, then come the 11th and the real celebrations began. It all got kicked off nicely with a fantastic traditional welcome from the tourism department and the local people.
Many heads were turned as the runners paraded themselves up and down the main street, after receiving scarves and goodies. The local media were out in full force to interview the teams for television and newspapers.
After much cheering and hoo-ha, we made our way to the stadium for the big football match. First impressions didn’t look to promising. Our opponents looked fit, sharp, had full kit and had had 4 days training. Out teams looked fat, dull, some had managed a t-shirt, and had only been training on their hangovers.
Of course though, the Rickshaw Runners stepped up to the challenge bravely, and proceeded to pull off the shock of the Run and actually beat the local media team – a fairly convincing 6-2 score-line adding to the celebratory mood. As the teams lined up to receive their awards there was a real feeling of invincibility about the Rickshaw eleven (eleven which was more like 30!).
After a quick shower it was time to head to the party. The buses down to the party venue offering people a chance to get into the mood. Once everyone was in the hotel they demolished the buffet, before heading on to the club for some awards. Teams were lauded for various unusual and entertaining reasons, before we then made tracks for the dancing arena. Despite the DJ’s best efforts to play dreadful music, we got there in the end, and the last teams danced the night away in tradition Rickshaw Run style – badly, but having oodles of fun.
A big thank you to everyone that participated, the people of Sikkim, the people of Cochin, and everyone else involved in any way. Gangtok has been a huge success and lots of fun. Cheers Chaps, until the next adventure.
Report from the field sent in by Mr Matt – Head of India Branch, Rickshaw Run
Impromptu parties each evening as people arrived helped warm things up, then come the 11th and the real celebrations began. It all got kicked off nicely with a fantastic traditional welcome from the tourism department and the local people.
Many heads were turned as the runners paraded themselves up and down the main street, after receiving scarves and goodies. The local media were out in full force to interview the teams for television and newspapers.
After much cheering and hoo-ha, we made our way to the stadium for the big football match. First impressions didn’t look to promising. Our opponents looked fit, sharp, had full kit and had had 4 days training. Out teams looked fat, dull, some had managed a t-shirt, and had only been training on their hangovers.
Of course though, the Rickshaw Runners stepped up to the challenge bravely, and proceeded to pull off the shock of the Run and actually beat the local media team – a fairly convincing 6-2 score-line adding to the celebratory mood. As the teams lined up to receive their awards there was a real feeling of invincibility about the Rickshaw eleven (eleven which was more like 30!).
After a quick shower it was time to head to the party. The buses down to the party venue offering people a chance to get into the mood. Once everyone was in the hotel they demolished the buffet, before heading on to the club for some awards. Teams were lauded for various unusual and entertaining reasons, before we then made tracks for the dancing arena. Despite the DJ’s best efforts to play dreadful music, we got there in the end, and the last teams danced the night away in tradition Rickshaw Run style – badly, but having oodles of fun.
A big thank you to everyone that participated, the people of Sikkim, the people of Cochin, and everyone else involved in any way. Gangtok has been a huge success and lots of fun. Cheers Chaps, until the next adventure.
Report from the field sent in by Mr Matt – Head of India Branch, Rickshaw Run