I had the distinct pleasure of meeting my new companion for the next two weeks – a 2007 auto-rickshaw with 7hp and nearly 20k kilometers on the odometer. I have a hunch this little bugger is going to fall apart on me quite a bit!
I wanted the fun of painting it myself, so I went for a quick ride down to the parts area with my new friend Sabu and got some assorted paint and a brush – then went to work! I’ve no idea what my inspiration was other than laziness, but I’m happy with the result:
Of course, I also spent some time driving around and getting used to the little beast, finding it considerably easier to drive than expected. It feels so relaxed and lazy compared to the amount of effort required to drive the mototaxi on the 2009 Mototaxi Junket.
Tonight I’ll get a bit of a background on some of the better routes and driving tips for India, then tomorrow I will do a final bit of shopping… followed by the off on Sunday! I am considerably less equipped than I was in South America as we expect very little activity in the middle of nowhere (thanks to India’s huge population) and overall am somewhat prepared to “just go with it.” Feels a bit more adventurous but a lot more lazy.
I’m also in the process of encoding a quick two minute video to get you guys “in the driver’s seat” of the rickshaw, and will hopefully be able to upload it tonight.
I need your help!
I can’t keep calling it “the rickshaw” or “the little beast” – it needs a name. Suggestions, quick!
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