Though it took most teams several days to get into the mindset of traveling and living in India as long haul autorickshaw drivers, by day 13 everyone had grown nostalgic and a little disappointed that it would all end so soon and regular life would take its’ place. Luckily there was also a fantastic extra excursion to Kulaba (Island) Fort in Alibagh Beach after the flag down.
The day itself was peaceful, the roads became less densely covered by jungle and more agriculture, towns and open spaces filled the view. Still overcast in the wake of the passing monsoon, the island was still not reachable by 4pm, the time when the tide should have gone out. The two usual options for making it out to Kulaba Island are simply waiting for low tide and walking, or taking one of the horse carts. With storm clouds threatening, it became obvious that only the poor swimming horses would be able to make it, even at the lowest tide.
This is one of those moments, when you realize how delicate nature is and even when something is repeated, like the CEAT Mumbai Xpress, nature often makes each experience totally unique. Last year there were hardly any monsoons, as the CEAT Mumbai Xpress 2007 chased the lingering monsoons. This year we were right in the middle of their fury. A wild and intense experience, but unfortunately not so good for the view this time around.
Luckily the Hotel RaviKiran had a flat screen television in the restaurant and teams got to soak in the Olympic fever with beers and local cuisine before resting up for their final day on the road to Mumbai. Before leaving the next morning the scores were posted. In the competition category, team 15 Wheelie Wheelie Mad from New Zealand was clearly in the lead, but with competition only counting for 55% of the total scores, who would be the winner? The question lingered on everyone’s minds.
