FAQs

THE EVENT:

THE RICKSHAW:

INDIVIDUAL CONCERNS:

DANGER

THE EVENT:

What if we get lost?
Getting lost will probably take some effort as we will provide you with paper maps and GPS coordinates, plus the benefit of lots of other brightly colored rickshaw teams, but if you find yourself off course or without any idea where to turn, you have a couple of options. Prior to the event you will be given the opportunity to purchase a pre-paid mobile phone that will allow you to call the support vehicle and event organizers or fellow teams (contact information will be given in your welcome packet). If you get lost, you’ll be able to contact us to get directions or help as necessary. The other thing to keep in mind is that we carefully track every participating auto rickshaw throughout the course of the race. There will be closing times on the stages of the route, which will be before sunset. The idea is that our support vehicle will always be the final vehicle to finish. If you get lost, we will do everything in our power to set you on the right track again.

How will communication work between participants and event officials? At registration prior to the start event officials will provide you with information on what to expect during the course. You also get daily updates of traffic reports, other teams, road conditions, the stage’s closing time, helpful pointers, etc. At the end of each stage, you will be given similar information about the next day’s stage, which will allow you to plan your tourism time accordingly. There will be several event officials available throughout the course of the event to answer any questions you might have. From common European languages to local Tamil, we should be able to communicate with you easily. Our support vehicle is there for emergencies, to answer questions, and to have a good time! Please also note, Internet access will be available at almost every location we’ll be stopping at.

What kind of paperwork is required?
In order to be confirmed for the event, you need to submit your Team Registration Form. If you plan on driving an auto rickshaw, you must have an Indian or International Driver’s License. Information on how to acquire all necessary documents will be given after acceptance into the event. Every vehicle will have a valid registration for use in the Rickshaw Challenge. It will be your responsibility to keep this paperwork with you during the race.

What does my fee cover?
Administration of the Rickshaw Challenge is a full time, year-round job for organizers and additional support staff in multiple offices internationally. We work hard to make things as easy as possible for
participants to sign up and have a great time with minimal administration effort. The registration fee covers your participation in the event, the roadbook, organizer support, basic insurance, luggage handling service, maps and GPS coordinates, permits and letters of recommendation, free transportation for you and your rickshaw back to Chennai (separately of course, but you get to enjoy an air-conditioned train or bus) and one night free accommodation in a luxury hotel at the last stage of the event.

What is the deadline for the entrance fee?
The deadline for the entrance fee is 30 days before the start of the respective challenge.
We encourage you to send it in early to guarantee your place in the event.

Can I sign up for more than one rally?
Yes. You are more than welcome to participate in more than one rally the Mumbai Xpress, Tech Raid, Classic Run and the Malabar Rampage. We have had past participants that loved their first event so much that they joined up for the other Challenge to experience a totally new part of India

 

What is the definition of a team?
A team is defined as one, two or three participants assigned to a single rickshaw.

Where are we going to spend the night(s)
Accommodation will be provided for you on the last night of the event. Before and during the Challenge there will be a suggested hotel or hostel every night. Hotels/hostels have been researched prior to the event and we list all of these options in the roadbook that you are given prior to the event. Each night available to participants in advance of the race for a flat fee, however due to the size of the local hotels we cannot accommodate all participants this way, so all accommodations are “first come, first served.”

What types of roads will we be driving on?
The Rickshaw Challenge organizers have marked the route only on roads marked on common maps, however this is a big cultural shift from developed highways. Expect dirt roads, potholes, and the possibility of incredible conditions. The course is designed so that any rickshaw can participate, no matter its age or model. Of course, we’ll all be expected to get out and push at some point.

THE RICKSHAW:

What do I need to know about an auto rickshaw?
prior to the event. Think of it as a covered bicycle with a fuel-efficient lawn mower engine or a golf cart on Auto rickshaws are common vehicles in India and several other countries. Though variable in size, the rickshaws used for the Rickshaw Challenge will seat up to 3 people (1 driver in the front seat and 2 passengers in the back). Though the design of the rickshaw cannot guarantee complete safety and security, the low top speed of the vehicle contributes to major accident prevention. It is common for these 3-wheeled vehicles to break down, especially older models. They are however, easy to repair and as locals drive them throughout India, there is no short supply of repair shops or autorickshaw mechanics. For the most part, if your rickshaw breaks down during the course of the event, you’ll be able to fix the problem yourself, and you will be trained on the finer points of the rickshaw. Here are some average numbers:

  • Gross vehicle weight: 610 kilograms
  • Overall length: 2625 mm
  • Overall width: 1300 mm
  • Overall height: 1710 mm
  • Wheel base: 2000 mm
  • Engine: Single Cylinder, Two stroke forced air cooled
  • Displacement: 145.45cc
  • Max. Net Power: 7.00 HP @ 5000 rpm
  • Starting System: Kick start
  • Transmission: 4 forward and 1 reverse
  • Brakes: Front and rear hydraulic break system
  • Fuel tank capacity: 8 liters (including 1.4 liters reserve)
  • Kerb weight: 272 kg.
  • Mileage within a city: 18 to 20 km/liter (45 mpg)
  • Mileage on the highway: 25 km/liter (60 mpg)
  • Average cruising speed: 50 to 60 kmh (35 mph)
  • Maximum speed: 80 kmh (50 mph)
  • Average gas tank size: 8 liters (2 gal)
  • Gas tank travel distance: 145 km to 190 km (90 mi to 120 mi)
  • Oil must be added to every liter at 20 to 50 ml/liter (2.5 oz. – 6.4 oz./ gal)

How am I going to learn to drive an rickshaw?
Worry not. The organizers of the Rickshaw Challenge will provide a crash course (never mind the word “crash”) on driving an rickshaw the day prior to the event. We think you will find the vehicles surprisingly easy and fun to drive.

What if I don’t want to drive a rickshaw?
 If you’re not interested in being a driver in the event, you’re welcome to join our team in the support vehicle or we can find a team for you to join. Where there’s a will there’s a way. Every thing’s possible.

Do I need to get coverage in case of an accident?
We encourage you to provide your own international insurance to cover for any medical needs. However, your auto coverage is automatically covered once you are entered in the race.

If I don’t have an IDL, can I still participate in the race?
No. All participants need to apply for an International Driver’s License. Although the autorickshaw is a 3 wheel vehicle, a 2 or 4 wheel IDL is sufficient. You can contact your local auto insurance or official registration agency for more information on how to apply.

How much will a rickshaw cost to rent?
The cost of the auto rickshaw rental will be included in the entrance fee. However, you are responsible for paying a €900 deposit upon receipt of your rickshaw to cover any damage to the vehicle, this deposit also covers a mobile phone for the event. The deposit will be returned to you in full if the condition of your vehicle at the end of the event is very similar to its condition at the beginning. If you’d like to make any customizations to your rickshaw, our “Pimp my ‘Shaw’” team will be excited to add your requested features to your autorickshaw. This is priced separately, please see http://www.pimpmyshaw.com for details and a price list.

Can I buy my teams’ rickshaw? or Can I buy an auto rickshaw without participating?
Yes! We sell used rickshaws to both participants and individual buyers. You are responsible for all costs associated with the purchase beyond the sticker price including: taxes, shipping, customizations, rush and service fees.

Can I Buy a new rickshaw to be used in the event?
Yes, but it has to be the Bajaj RE 2 stroke engine model with absolutely no structural or engine modifications that would create an unfair advantage over other teams. We require that all rickshaws be available to be inspected alongside our fleet 3 days before the event to check for any illegal modifications and apply the official sponsor stickers.

What if I want to buy a different model and make insane customizations?
Sure! Check out more details on our financials page. You can do anything that’s legal & considered roadworthy in India (no structural modifications). You’ll be out of the regular competition category, but you’ll definitely be short tracked for “most bizarre.”

How are we going to get our rickshaw back to the start?
Relax! It’s covered. As part of your registration fee we make sure that you and your rickshaw get safely back to Chennai via air conditioned train or bus. Of course your autorickshaw probably won’t be sitting in the air conditioned carriage… If you don’t want to return on the scheduled train or bus, your transportation is entirely your cost and must be arranged by you.

Can I donate my rickshaw to a charitable cause?
Yes, we’ve already had teams successfully donate their rickshaws to worthy local causes. Our partnership with the Round Table India means that we will easily be able to find a grateful home for your rickshaw and provide you with any necessary donation receipts or philanthropic support. New, used or just funny looking someone will be happy to accept it. Our used rickshaws are sold at €800 while new ones retail for about €2400.

INDIVIDUAL CONCERNS:

I’m a foreigner. What kind of visa do I need to bring?
A tourist visa is sufficient. Contact your local embassy for more information and any needed application processing. We encourage you to apply early in case of delays.

Should I bring a GPS?
GPS units are not required for this event. However, we will provide the GPS coordinates of the route and destinations should you choose to bring a GPS with you. The route can easily be followed and accomplished by the use of the paper maps we will provide.

What about vaccines, medical issues, and general health during the event?
We highly suggest contacting a traveler’s clinic in your home country or your personal doctor to find out what kind of vaccinations you might need or medical precautions you should consider before traveling
to Tamil Nadu. Though our support vehicle will be prepared to deal with minor emergencies, we highly recommend you bring a medical kit with you, which should include the following:

  • Pain killers
  • Ointments for insect bites
  • High SPF sunscreen (You’ll be in southern India in August. It will be sunny.)
  • Insect repellent
  • Tweezers and needles
  • Antiseptic alcohol
  • Thermometer
  • Eye drops
  • Vitamins
  • Generic antibiotics
  • Anti-diarrhea medication
  • First-aid supplies Please remember, you will be responsible for bringing your own prescription medication as needed.

How much money should I bring?
That is entirely up to you, but here’s what you should keep in mind. You will have time to tour southern India, which also means you will have time to gather a few souvenirs should you choose to do so. You’ll want to bring enough money to cover your food and drink costs, nightly housing costs, etc. for a week as well as some coverage in case of an emergency. ATMs and currency exchange will be available throughout the course of the event, but we also advise you have access to funds from home. After three years of great challenges with international participants we have found that most people are happy with €40 per day. Your preferences may be more or less expensive.

Visit, www.oanda.com/convert/classic for information on the current exchange rate. The currency used in India is the Indian Rupee (INR).

Will I be able to keep my valuables somewhere?
There will be a safety deposit box in the support vehicle of the event. If there is anything you do not wish to carry with you in your auto rickshaw for any reason, you can trust your possessions with our team. You will be given a detailed receipt of items placed in our possession. It will be your responsibility to hang on to this receipt in order to have your belongings returned to you.

If you have any further or specific questions about the Rickshaw Challenge, please feel free to contact us.

DANGER

We’re totally serious about this. You didn’t think that you could go on an exotic and life-changing vacation without there being some real danger? India is a country like no other and you’re driving a vehicle not well regarded in safety crash tests. The good news is that because auto rickshaws have low maximum speeds they’re not likely to get into major crashes. We train you on how to drive safely and what to look out for on the specific roads you’ll be on. However your personal danger quotient is directly relational to the choices you make. In the history of the Rickshaw Challenge we’ve only had two accidents that were the direct result of participants not obeying our rules or the local laws.

Always remember that you’re in a foreign country with different rules and ideas about what’s acceptable (don’t interrupt weddings or cows, even if they’re sunning themselves in the middle of the road).