Down the mountain to Ratnagiri

Thursday's run had its own significant challenges. (Not least being the outside toilet facilities at the hotel,  [see below]).

Our journey started with a steep 6,000 foot descent, in visibility that varied constantly for the most part,  between 10 and 30 metres, in very damp conditions and avoiding the various rock falls in the road.  All this in a little 6hp 3 wheeler, that was designed as an urban taxi!! However, on occasion, the cloud would break,  revealing stunning views,  sheer drops and beautiful waterfalls.

When we reached the valley bottom,  we had to deal with the fact that almost every business was closed in the State,  due to a strike and political protest. As we repeatedly weaved our way through throngs of gathering protestor and political rallies,  we were hijacked 3 times by protestors for photo shoots.  The coincidences that the 3 of us were wearing orange T shirts and I was wearing a large stick on moustache,  stood us in good stead,  as they were all wearing orange caps and carrying orange flags,  plus a number wanted photo selfies,  to compare their moustaches to mine!!

Shortly after we arrived at the hotel,  tired and hungry,  a 15 minute monsoon storm hit. Driving inland and sadly killing over 30 people in Karmala.  Such events put often put our trials and tribulations into perspective!

The Amazing Journey from Pune to Godavali in the Mountains

Stunning,  humbling,  fun,  challenging!

Our first stop,  was a visit to a school funded by the Indian Round Table.  It teaches 1,400 pupils, in shifts,  in an area not much bigger than an executive home in the UK. The kids, staff were amazing and despite their difficult circumstances,  were full of joy! To stand before them all and give an impromptu chat, was quite daunting but was the very least they deserved.

Then we hit the road! Beautiful scenery,  lovely people with vibrant smiles,  all welcoming and all keen to talk,  have selfies and brighten our day.  We took on  3 mountain passes,  were subject to having Bindi' s on our heads,  having our Rickshaw blessed,  run out of fuel whilst overtaking on the highway  had a lovely roadside curry and Chai at £2 each.

All of the above was topped off with stunning vistas and the struggle of keeping a Rickshaw moving and weaving through the mountain traffic as we finally taking on the 1 mile goat track up to 7,000 feet,  to our hotel at the top of the mountain,  in the village of Godavali.

The best day so far! Really buzzing!

Alibag to Pune

Oh Dear! Had to go via Pen again,  complete with the most polluting steel works we have seen in many years and roads that resemble the aftermath of some great battle.

However,  once past Pen, the roads and scenery improved dramatically. Having been hijacked for selfies, pulled over by curious police,  soaked by flash rain, studiously avoided all contact with roaming cattle,  for fear of being imprisoned,  we chugged up at 1,000 foot ascent and inadvertently joined the mountain expressway, (from which Rickshaws are banned). We then climbed a further 1,000, weaving in and out of trucks, ( many of which had more than one shredded tyre), broken down vehicles and avoiding all the cars that speed past on both sides.  We were given a choice by a police officer to bribe him, for being in the wrong place.  I instead chose to exit the expressway.
This was fortunate as we had acquired a loud vibration.  After checking but seeing nothing wrong,  we limped on for 15km but stopped as it was getting worse.  When the. Mechanics arrived,  it transpired one brake disc had detached.
After an uneventful journey,  we arrived in Pune. A busy but clean,  proud and beautiful mountain city.

Time for a well deserved night on the town!

Life on the road. Mumbai to Alibag

The first 2 days on the road have been nothing,  if not eventful!
One team crashed before they even managed to get out of Mumbai.  The highways have no lane discipline and it is not unusual to be driving 6 abreast on a 3 line highway! So many trucks driving with shredded tyres and bus drivers who have no regard for any other road users.
The highway to Alibag was one long crumbling and potholed road,  with speeds often down to walking pace.  Any bottle neck was a complete free for all.
Alibag did offer up a wonderful curry and the whole meal, with a tip, was £2.40 each!

The Contrasts of Mumbai

I cannot speak highly enough of the kindness,  friendliness and general positive demeanour of the people from all walks of life in Mumbai.

This in such contrast to storm drains that are in truth open sewers and literally

mountains of plastic rubbish that inundated the beaches.

So whilst you may understandably be put off from what is truthfully a dirty and chaotic city,  I would encourage you to come to meet wonderful the people. 

Induction By a Fire!

What can I say! Walked 3 km to the practice ground and got caught in a monsoon shower. Dived for cover in a shop doorway.  The next thing we know,  the owner has invited us in for coffee. What wonderful, hospitable people we have encountered in Mumbai.
Then on to the practice ground and we learned the basics of driving the Rickshaws,  doing quick driver changes and having fun with the local students.
We then drove back to the hotel in our Rickshaws,  in the chaos of Mumbai traffic.  Quickly learning to drive like the locals.
It's been a great day to learn,  observe,  meet wonderful people and feel blessed that we do not have the extreme difficulties of the Mumbians.

Acclimatization Day!

Hired a taxi for the whole day! £20. Been the length of Mumbai and experienced the joys of the traffic.  We quickly learned,
1. It is a requirement at all times,  to maintain a gap of no more than 6 inches between our vehicle and any other moving object.
2. We have priority at all times
3. The more you sound your horn,  the less happens.
4. Don't drive with the windows down, unless you want to talk to every Hawker and beggar.
5. The monsoon season does not conform to human calendar expectations.
Had a beer with the lovely locals in a spit and sawdust bar, then went for a lovely pot of tea at the beautiful Taj Palace Hotel.
We're now sat on the sea wall,  with a beer, in the hot monsoon winds,  as the sun sets.
Cheers!@