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!@

D Day minus 3!  To those of you who have been so kind as to support my efforts to raise funds for Leeds Community Foundation, a big thank you!

Whilst note expected, should any of you wish to sponsor me, then that would be hugely appreciated and then the link is below. If not, simply sit back and enjoy the mishaps!

https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/karllavery1

Cheers Karl

Count Down to the Rickshaw Challenge

D Day minus 5!  Karl, Kris and Wayne will be migrating to Mumbai to prepare to take on the Mumbai Express Rickshaw Challenge. 1,900 km from Mumbai to Goa and then on to Chennai, in 12 days, in a wee 6hp Rickshaw!  What with Indian traffic, animals in the roads, Dheli belly and investigsting the beauty and wonders of India propelled by little more than a lawn mower engine, what could possibly go wrong!!??

Click follow and keep tuned in and we shall post updates as the opportunities arise.