1. Why did you decide to sign up for the Rickshaw Challenge Mumbai Xpress 2017?

 

Endurance rallies are our passion together with traveling around the world. India was a country on our list of countries to visit.
 

2. What did you expect and what did you get?

 

We expected a well done rally and a good amount of experiences. We got millions of fun (over what we expected) and a wonderful country!
 

3. What was your scariest experience on the road?

 

A couple of overtakes where we didn’t have space to do it so we had to ‘make out rickshaw thinner’ to go all of us thought the same point ha ha ha
 

4. What was your most positive experience during the Mumbai Xpress?

 

People in the trip and people in the country! Awesome!
 

5. How many breakdowns did you have and what did you learn about fixing a rickshaw?

 

A kicker starter problem, the clutch cable broke down and two problems with oil and the carb. The third time with the problem we solved it on our own!! We had to run away from the American’s rickshaw because we had painted their handles in gold!!
 

6. Describe India in one word or sentence, which doesn’t include coconut or coconut tree!

 

Amazing country and people!
 

7. What is your most “only in India” experience?

 

Selfies everywhere and anytime as being a celebrity!!
 

8. Do you have any recommendations, any good advice for future participants?

 

Get your bag full of sense of humor and everything will be fine!! Carrying some goods for the amazing children in the schools is also a good idea!
 

9. Anything else you want to tell us?

 

Thanks to all the staff of the rally, from Hungary to India to make this unforgettable trip a reality for the participants!
 
 

 

The Many Ways to Make Friends on The Mumbai Xpress…

 

With a view.

 

In traditional garb!
 

With homemade chai!

 

With a shared love of green, white, and orange flags…

 

Silly dancing.

 

Or wearing creative outfits…

 

Or at least a funny hat!

 

And most importantly… a smile always helps!

Fun with Signs

 

Lost in translation….
 

Inventive!
 

Some signs aren’t very useful.
 

Watch out for “rumbler”!
 

Everything is a photo opportunity.
 

Great advice… if you have seat belt.
 

Quite the scene.
 

Good Times from the Start

Good times start from the beginning. It was bright day; surprisingly the monsoon in Mumbai stopped as if it does not want to interfere in the start of the rally. As I walked in to the base hotel (Sun N Sand), looking for participants, I met Michel Day of team no. 1, and surprisingly he had done the same rally two years back. This time he has a different partner but the same team name. With a happy note of satisfied customer the registration of Mumbai Xpress began.
 

Briefing

Then came the time for briefing. The briefing is all about preparing the participants to face the worst. They were reminded that it was their vacation and that they should turn their mind to smile mode. A couple of past experiences were shared with them to make them prepared to face all situations. With a quick introduction of the organization team and how the rickshaw challenge originated, we moved to the next part and the most important part of initiation, driving practice. As scheduled, the practice session started at 2 pm.
 

Getting in the Rickshaws

All the teams were introduced to the rickshaws and the fuel mixture tips were shared with them. Once done all the teams had their initial feel of rickshaw and driven them around. Team 5 had the first problem when they broke the kicker. Then team 13 followed with same problem in Kicker. Probably they had used all the power to start the engines. After an hour of continuous driving teams were called again and given the “stop, start” exercise. The next hour was spent on that and finally we tested all the teams on the timing. Finally the hour of hitting the road had come and all were excited for that movement. Teams were asked to fill petrol first and then to the parking in base hotel.

Early Breakdowns

Team 5 had some issues with the clutch and they were the first call for service. With in no time the service team attended the problem and it was set all right. The same team had issue finding oil in the fuel station. Finally all the things are sorted out and all the teams settled before 6 PM in the parking lot of the base hotel. We all met again at the met at the base hotel reception and walked to the Gringo Bar and Restaurant which is close by. The fellowship get together went well and we winded up early. It was good to see all the teams have a nice time discussing the practice and the drive back to Hotel. The first day came to a good finish and couple of teams visited the local disco bars and had long night. Over all the first day was a great success.
 

The Standings!

 
It’s not a competition, and it’s completely okay not to care. But we also love to have teams who put their whole heart into challenges, and so we give them points. At the end of day one, the leading team was Axles of Ignorance with 500 points (with several teams close behind on 400 points). Also, a special mention goes to Team Rickshaw lady, a solo traveler who dared to drive rickshaw all alone to Chennai.