Just thought as the new boy on the block that a few of my own thoughts would be good. By saying 'new boy' I only arrived a few days ago and flew straight into Chennai and joined the second stage of this trip, I had been on several of Gordon’s Trips and In fact came and did India in 2010. So knew what was to come.
I have already seen and done a lot in the 300 plus miles that we have covered in 2 days. Across roads that barely exist and also travelled on roads that have pots holes in like you have never seen before yet the main roads were was good.
I have seen oxen in the centre of congested traffic just resting and taking no notice of passing vehicles whatsoever, women working in the paddy fields , Temples that are unbelievably beautiful, landscapes and breath taking scenery. And the drivers seem to be quite mad, but what fun, no one gets upset they just sound their horns and smile, good job they do,several times I have been admiring the view to hear a loud horn of a passing bus, my reaction jerks me into a more aware mood, “use your mirrors” I say to myself, but then settle down to enjoying the day
Must say something about my fellow travellers and 2 ladies firstly the ladies they must have real trust in their riders to ride pillion in these conditions I take my hat off to them both Kerry and Kathy you are very brave, but I can see from the constant smile on your faces that you are enjoying it.
I know that Kerry was a bit concerned riding on the back of Gordon but they seem to make a good team.
All the chaps are good natured and have made me feel at home they are all very good riders one of today’s section of road would have unseated any one that had not had a few miles under their belt
As for our organiser, well to keep us all up together is a full time job he does enjoy it, well done Gordon, without you I would not be here.
Thank you to my friends and family back home especially my Grandchildren, Grand Dad is enjoying himself and will see you soon
David Cox
Neil and Liz Rudram – Thoughts on The India Coast to Coast Tour.
ReplyDeleteWe arrived back in Taunton on Monday afternoon and had our usual routine things to deal with. Now we have time to ponder about our unique holiday in India, we both consider ourselves reasonably travelled but the Pride India tour must rank as one of our best holiday experiences to date.
I would be the first to admit that I was probably the most in-experienced member of the group and found some of the days quite challenging, however after a couple of “Kingfishers” at the end of the day my difficulties paled into insignificance and the sights and events of the day became exciting and a wonderful experience. In spite of some biking experience in India 18 months previously I had forgotten that the omnibus rules the road, while nominally they drive on the same side of the road as us but this is only an ad hoc rule, that dual carriageway is purely a means for the tut-tut drivers to return on the same bit of road as they started out on and contra flows can occur without warning or cones and doesn’t require a reduction in speed.
Our highlights were riding through the narrow busy town streets cheek by jowl with India and his wife (and his bullock and cart), the high mountain wooded roads, tea plantations, the chai stops, the glorious range of colours of India and her people, the souk like bazaar in Pundacherry, swimming in the Bay of Bengal, the huge temple in Tiruvannamali and surprise surprise The Royal Enfield Factory.
Congratulations to Gordon for masterminding the trip, to Sam for being Gordon’s right hand person and Ted for his tolerance of my riding who I am sure is profoundly thankful that I am not riding the return leg. Also thanks to Roger for taking Liz off my hands (!) when the riding got a bit onerous for me.
Finally Liz’s message to Graham she is sorry that she has brought home your jar of Arnica ointment which she used on her bruises – due to the rip tide on the Indian Ocean beach and the other due to a trip hazard at the MGM resort, also possibly associated with my entomological pursuits. She hopes Graham will have no requirement for the ointment this week.
Liz says thanks Gordon you’re a star and we both hope Becky is recovering from her Tamil Tummy. Wonder if you’re still getting Starters for Puddings and Main Course for Starters! Personally I thought it was hilarious and just added to the fun. No doubt Fran will try to sort the Chefs out but probably to no avail! Look forward to the debriefing and seeing you all soon.
Neil and Liz.
( composed this on Tuesday night but it has taken this long for me to find out how to post it! )