Wacky Classic Run 2016 Drifts to an End

The first Rickshaw Challenge of 2016 has officially ended. A journey full of adventure, excitement and laughter, our participants will continue on their travels rich with new life experiences. And now, here are the updates of the last few days of the Rickshaw Challenge we all loved so much.

Day 5
The destination being only a short driving distance away, the teams took it easy and all of them reached flag off in time, except for Team 10, ToukRush. They had a problem with their carburetor and they broke down 4 times during the day. Eventually, they too made it to the hotel by 6.30 p.m. The Rickshaw Challenge 10th year anniversary party was pretty amazing and the teams and crew enjoyed themselves a lot. Our charming Team 7 Chickshaw had detoured into a village and had flat tire. They had the whole village helping them and they were overwhelmed by the hospitality and kindness of the villagers. After 5 days of nonstop fun and games, the teams started to develop close friendships.

Day 6 – Rest Day
A quick holiday for our fearless racers – there were optional challenges and they had a schedule printed out for the day. The actual plan was to go up to Manappad, a lovely beach village, and visit a couple of temples to keep the teams busy. Most of the teams opted out – only three teams did the challenges that day.

Day 7
Morning came and the day started with a pretty packed agenda. First, we went to VVD Coconut Oil Factory where the teams were given a tour around the establishment. The teams spent an hour or so looking around and they took a lot of photos of the place. We then moved on to the much awaited special feature of the Classic Run, the ‘ Bremajothi Farm visit.’

The participants had chance to enjoy tender coconut water as a welcome drink and they had the opportunity to taste various exotic fruits grown on the farm. A special, fermented palm drink was served for the teams and there was a demonstration on how to cut up Jack fruit. Then, Mr. Bremanandam, the creator of the farm took our teams around the place and showed them the various trees and plants he had developed over the years.

Celebrating Pongal was the next program of the day. Teams were offered dhoti and sarees, the traditional South Indian wear, and were asked to make Pongal with ingredients provided by us. During the next hour, the teams toiled around the natural earthenware and fire to make the delicacy.

Finally, the competition was judged by Indian guests at the function. Team 10 won the competition based on presentation, taste and consistency. Some of the teams stayed on the farm for the night and skipped the Tirunelveli stay. The rest of our teams continued towards Tirunelveli and the short day came to a happy ending.

 
Day 8
All our teams were mentally prepared to face the second longest distance in the schedule of Classic Run. The planned visit to Manimuthar falls didn’t happen, because the attraction was closed due to a recent accident of visitors falling and losing their lives. The rest of the challenges were well played by all the teams and it was an event free day. Most of our teams enjoyed the beautiful sunset in Kanyakumari. Then, everyone proceeded to the poolside for some drinking and partying… therapy at its finest!
Day 9
The final day went without hiccups and according to schedule, except for the fact that the service van could not pass the Kerala border due to an issue with sales tax officers. Thankfully, the last party was not affected by this. The trophies and awards reached the hall in time and we went on with the awarding ceremony.  Chickshaw, or Team 7 won the trophy, the Charity award went to Team 3, the Punjabi Hornstars and the Bonkers went to Team 11: Foxes Without Borders. Most of the teams spoke about what they experienced and how they loved their rickshaws and the Challenge. Alas, the Classic Run 2016 has ended. Congrats to all of our teams!

 
The scores for the top five teams were the following:
Chickshaw – 2155 points
Punjabi Hornstars – 1875 points
Mr B. – 1680 points
Madras a Hatter – 1425 points
Team Gillick – 1325 points