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THE EVENT:
THE AUTORICKSHAW:
INDIVIDUAL CONCERNS:
THE EVENT:
What if we get lost?
Getting lost will probably take work as we will provide you with paper maps and GPS coordinates, but if you find yourself off course, lost, confused, and 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 will carefully track the event, the teams, and every participating autorickshaw throughout the course of the race. There will be closing times on the legs 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?
Everybody will start in Chennai on August 5, 2007. At that time, event officials will provide you with information on what to expect during the course. Daily, we will keep track of traffic reports, traffic updates, 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 or if you’re looking for some fun company, we’re good for that, too! We have a multi-lingual event team. From common European languages, Russian to local Tamil, we should be able to communicate with you easily. Our support vehicle will be there for emergencies, to answer questions, and to have a good time! Please also note, Internet access will be available at every almost every location we’ll be stopping at.
What kind of paperwork is required?
Before acceptance as a participant in the event, you will need to submit your Team Registration Form and Individual Declaration Form. If you plan on driving an autorickshaw, you must have an Indian or International Driver 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 Autorickshaw Challenge. It will be your responsibility to keep this paperwork with you during the course of the race. DO NOT attempt to join the Autorickshaw Challenge with a stolen vehicle, one that is not registered or insured, or one that you do not have strict and specific permission to use.
What does my fee cover?
Your fee covers your entrance to participate in the challenge as well as your accommodation at the end of the rally. The deposit covers necessary repairs of the autorickshaw in the event it is necessary. You will also receive official t shirts for participating in the rally.
What is the deadline for the entrance fee?
The deadline for the entrance fee is 60 days before the start of the respective challenge.
We encourage you to send it in early to guarantee your spot in the event.
How much of the proceeds go to charity?
As a sponsor, 100% of your proceeds after expenses go to helping the children of India.
What is Adopt-A-Village? How does it work?
Every team will be assigned a village. Each team will have to visit that village and provide medicine, toys, school supplies, children’s clothing and other items that are of importance to your village.
Can I sign up for both rallies?
Yes. You are more than welcome to participate in both the CEAT Mumbai Xpress Autorickshaw Rally 2007 and the Classic Rally 2007.
What is the definition of a team?
A team is defined as two or more people in the race.
Where are we going to spend the night(s)?
Accommodation will be provided for you on the first and last nights of the event (in Chennai on August 5, 2007 and in Mumbai on August 17, 2007). There will be a suggested hotel or hostel for every night of the event. That information will be provided to you along with your daily update. In larger towns, you will find a variety of hotel and hostel options. Outside of the major cities, you can choose a hotel or hostel to stay at based on our list of available places. You are not obliged to stay at any of the suggested hotels or hostels. On the last night of the Indian Autorickshaw Challenge (August 17, 2007), a comfortable and relaxing stay in a luxurious hotel will be provided for you in Mumbai. This is part of your entry fee.
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What types of roads will we be driving on?
The Indian Autorickshaw Challenge managers and organizers have marked the route only on roads marked on common maps, though we cannot promise the roads will have the highest quality. Expect dirt roads, potholes, and the possibility of surprising conditions. The route of the course is designed so that any rickshaw can participate, no matter its age or model. We have also paid close attention to accident-prone zones and have toured the route to avoid such places.
THE AUTORICKSHAW :
What do I need to know about an autorickshaw?
Autorickshaws are widely popular and common vehicles used in India and several other countries. Though variable in size, the autorickshaws used for the Indian Autorickshaw Challenge will seat up to 3 people (1 driver in the front seat and 2 passengers in the back). Though the design of the autorickshaw cannot guaranteecomplete 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. However, they are easy to repair and as locals drive autorickshaws throughout India, there is no short supply of repair shops or autorickshaw mechanics. For the most part, if your autorickshaw breaks down during the course of the event, you’ll be able to fix the problem yourself, and you will be orientated with your autorickshaw prior to the event. Think of it as a covered bicycle with a fuel-efficient lawn mower engine or a golf cart on Nitro. Here are some 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 autorickshaw?
Worry not. The managers and organizers of the Indian Autorickshaw Challenge will provide a crash course (nevermind the word “crash”) on driving an autorickshaw on August 4. We think you will find the vehicles surprisingly easy to drive.
What if I don’t want to drive an autorickshaw?
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.
Do I need to get coverage in case of an accident?
We encourage you to provide your own international insurance to cover for medical. 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 drivers 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.
Can I purchase a Royal Enfield and have it exported back to my home country?
No. The Royal Enfield is not allowed this year.
How much will an autorickshaw cost to rent?
The cost of the autorickshaw rental will be included in the entrance fee. However, you are responsible for paying a €750 deposit upon receipt of your autorickshaw in case of any damage to the vehicle. This 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 thebeginning. If you’d like to make any customizations to your autorickshaw, our autorickshaw “pimpin’” team will be excited to add your requested features to your autorickshaw at your own expense.
How are we going to get our autorickshaw back to the start?
All participants and autorickshaws will be loaded onto a train in Cape Comorin to travel 14 hours back to Chennai. The return train ride to Chennai is covered in your entrance fee. If you choose not to take the train back to Chennai, the cost for your alternative means of return will be entirely yours.
Can I participate with my own auto rickshaw?
Yes! However, it will be your responsibility to obtain necessary permits. Needed permits and documents for auto rickshaws borrowed through the event organizers will be acquired by the event organizers, but if you plan on participating using your own auto rickshaw, acquiring and keeping those documents will be your responsibility. Furthermore, transportation of your auto rickshaw to Chennai will also be your responsibility.
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 applications. We encourage you to apply early prior to the event in case of delays.
Should I bring a GPS?
GPS units are not required for this event. However, we will provide 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 to you.
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 own 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.
For information on the current exchange rate, visit www.oanda.com/convert/classic. 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 on your autorickshaw for any particular reason, you can trust your possessions with our team. You will be given a detailed receipt of the items you will place in our possession. It will be your responsibility to hang on to this receipt in order to have your belongings returned to you.
If I use my auto rickshaw, do I get a discount since I won’t be renting one?
Yes. Participants using their own auto rickshaws and who have the necessary permits will receive a 20% discount off of the registration fee. When applying for participation, please inform us that you’ll be participating in your own vehicle. The registration fee at a 20% discount will include everything the standard registration fee includes except for vehicle transportation back to Chennai. You will be responsible for the cost of transporting your own vehicle back.
I’m an Indian native and I’d like to participate in my own auto rickshaw. What is the registration fee?
The participation fee is the same for all the participants. If u are participating with your own Autorickshaw, you get a 20% discount on the overall price + you need not pay the security deposit of 750 Euros.
If you have any further or specific questions about the Indian Autorickshaw Challenge, please feel free to .
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