Rickshaw Run - Winter 2009

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-Mark
www.nocoastmotorsports.net

THEY MADE IT!!

from: http://www.teamzusa.com/

1/15/2009
Dear friends and family, this is the official blog to announce that WE HAVE MADE IT! After 2 1/2 motors, 2 batteries, one injured cyclist, head to head combat with trucks the size office buildings, and dodging almost every kind of wildlife that exists, we have made it through the country of India. The last steep climb to Shillong is about 80k (50ish miles) we flew up the hill at a roaring speed barely missing trucks by inches and saw just outside of town a sign that said "Welcome Rickshaw Runners, something about bravery, and you made it!" I was bouncing with delight. We found out yesterday that two teams flipped there rickky just 30k outside of Shillong. Can you imagine doing the drive all the way through India then flipping just minutes from the finish? No. No you can't. Our finish point was at a hotel at the top of the hill and it had another banner that said "YOU MADE IT!" I can't tell you how amazing that was, the feeling was encredible (sorry you missed it grant). We got there, signed in, and had a celebratory beer. Maybe not a good idea since all we had had to eat were a few biscuts (cookies). No, it was a good idea. Yesterday we did the finale Rickshaw Run hoopla. Paraded our ride through town with local drummers leading the way, then a boring spell of watching cricket, then a dinner, drinking, and dancing party that put our parties to shame. Everyone feeling the worth of their accomplishments all in one joyus celebration. Mike, Mark and I are leaving on a train today for Viranashe, then Agra, then Dheli, then home. It has been a journey. No one could even imagine what this adventure entails until you actually do it. Now that it is over I am feeling worn and tired but have a sense that I have done something greater than I could ever have imagined.

And it was amazing every step of the way. They just announced their newest adventure race, 1000 kms across Mongolia on a horse. The entry fees almost $5K though unfortunately.
I went straight from India to Vegas for Punk Rock Bowling. 54 fucking hours from hotel to hotel then did some drinking and gambling. Was on track to adjust back to US time and then met a girl and stayed up hanging out with her until about 9 am, nearly missed my flight.
Anyhow, we have a few thousand photos and a couple hours of videos to sort through, but I'll post when the album/video is up.

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Grant Hughes

NoCoast Wrote:
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> And it was amazing every step of the way. They
> just announced their newest adventure race, 1000
> kms across Mongolia on a horse. The entry fees
> almost $5K though unfortunately.
> I went straight from India to Vegas for Punk Rock
> Bowling. 54 fucking hours from hotel to hotel
> then did some drinking and gambling. Was on track
> to adjust back to US time and then met a girl and
> stayed up hanging out with her until about 9 am,
> nearly missed my flight.
> Anyhow, we have a few thousand photos and a couple
> hours of videos to sort through, but I'll post
> when the album/video is up.

Been reading Grant.
You guys are fuckin nuts.
Keep it up.


>
> Grant Hughes
> www.nocoastmotorsports.net
> Denver, CO

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John Vanlandingham
Sleezattle, WA, USA

Vive le Prole-le-ralliat

www.rallyrace.net/jvab
CALL +1 206 431-9696
Remember! Pacific Standard Time
is 3 hours behind Eastern Standard Time.

I can't wait to see the pics and videos! Just finished reading the blogs and you guys did awesome.

My wife and I did a huge tour in India in 06'. Thought 6 weeks would be so long - it wasn't. Travelled all over, stayed in nice places, and it was the most life changing experiences ever... It REALLY puts shit into perspective.

So hopefully if I'm in CO this summer - we'll have to go for beers and chat!

Rabin

I just found some pics from one of the teams we hung out and drove with alot of the time. I posted them up on myspace here:
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewPicture&friendID=60095381&albumId=2628449

Probably better quality from her camera than ours will be.

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Grant Hughes