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The Malabar Rampage 2023 has come to an epic end and it's time for a review of the event from our Head Field Scientist Princely!   The Malabar Rampage 2023 started with a flying start, literally.   Why I am saying that is that, after all, the 11 teams had their registration on time and we had a briefing. Then we assembled at the practice ground around 1 am in the afternoon at the Shunmugam Beach parking lot, where the teams would meet their rickshaws for the first time and get sime driving lessons. After that usual explanations about the petrol oil mix, some engine introduction and the starting demo, the teams were asked to start and move the vehicle themselves.   Then it happened - Faye from Team 5 Going Goa, started the engine, engaged gear and gave the throttle. The vehicle just took off and hit the wall without control. The headlights were broken, and a few more small  damages had happened to the vehicle, while Faye was alright.  Our mechanic immediately fixed them and gave the vehicle back so Team 5 could continue their practice - a bit more carefully this time.   All the other teams had their own way of learning and they picked things up rather quickly. Later Team 5 also found their feet again and did practice meticulously, before they hit the road. There were no other calls after the incident and it all ended with beer coupons and great stories at the welcome party.   Next up was the mini challenge day, to get warmed up for the road and all the little tasks we give our teams. I heard some of them drove all the way to Kovalam and came back. This was  of course after they had fulfilled the challenge

We've successfully kicked off the Mumbai Xpress 2022, a 2000 km self-driving rickshaw adventure all the way from Mumbai to Chennai. Two weeks full of excitement lie ahead of our teams. Like always, head organizer Princely Jeyachendren gives us an overview of the event from his point of view. Let him take you on a trip to India!   Day 1 - Getting to Know the Trusty Rickshaw! Welcome to the Mumbai Xpress 2022 edition! We as the Rickshaw challenge organizers, would like to thank all the everybody who has done any one of our scheduled or private challenges for the great support by spreading the word about this crazy adventure on three wheels. The last Mumbai Xpress happened in 2019. So after a gap of two years  we are finally here again with 5 lovely teams. Many things have changed during the last two years of the pandemic, but our support staff with their relentless work solved all logistic challenges to make this rally possible. With this short note of gratitude we would like to jump directly into the event! Mumbai, the megalomaniac metropolis of the Indian subcontinent, has its own charming way of welcoming tourists. When the doors of their airplane opens, the total sensory experience of Mumbai city will transcend you into a new world. As the city development plan is being worked on in full strength, the new metro lines and bridges have clogged the already cramped road space even more. All the participants were fascinated during their drive to the hotel from airport. The day we met them for the registration and introduction briefing, the story of their stay in Mumbai had millions of details, which they could not have experienced anywhere else. During my introduction speech, I was trying to prepare them for the further

Our teams have arrived back home by now, trying to settle back into everyday life after their Indian rickshaw adventure. Mark and Chris , also know as "The Banditos", have take some time to answer our questions about their experience during the Rickshaw Challenge Malabar Rampage.   Why did you decide to sign up for the Rickshaw Challenge Malabar Rampage 2022? After doing the Tamilnadu run in  2014 I always wanted to get back to India and explore a different region. There is no better way to do that than in a rickshaw!   What did you expect and what did you get? A crazy experience and lots of fun. Delivered many times over.   What was your scariest experience on the road? All of it ! No seriously the first couple of days were pretty hectic with long drives and very busy roads but once you get to understand the Indian rules of the road its pretty easy. Just watch out for the buses coming towards you and look for a place to get off the road!     What was your most positive experience during the Malabar Rampage? Without doubt the school visit in Mangalore. Just seeing the excitement from the children when we arrived and the greeting we received from the staff and Indian round table.   How many breakdowns did you have and what did you learn about fixing a rickshaw? Only one breakdown on the first day of training. There is always a local (or army of locals) to help you out. We broke down by a rickshaw taxi rank and a number of the drivers fixed the fault and had us on our way within a few minutes and even before the support team arrived.   Describe India in one word or sentence, which