Test Driving

Today we went to Niwas Palace to give our first try at learning the mechanics and test driving of the rickshaw. This was the day I have been most nervous about since I have very little experience with manual transmission or motorbikes. 

After a brief walk-thru on what every button means we got ready to rev it up. Unfortunately, our kindness mobile wouldn't start. We had our first breakdown before we even drove it once! Turns out it needed a new fuel switch and carberator, so off to the mechanic it went. And came back with some shiny new parts. At first I was dismayed that it was already broken (a sign for what's to come?) but quickly realized this couldn't be better - brand spankin' new equipment at the get go. So much better for that to happen today than two days from now! 

With renewed spirit, Mike hopped into the drivers seat and quickly became a driving pro, while I nervously sat in the back. Finally, I had no choice, it was my turn. After stalling on my first start, I was off and before too long had the hang of it. My gear shifts are still quite clunky, but I must I was proud of how it went. Shout out to AZ Motorcycle Awareness and JD Smith for giving me at least some semblance of what I was doing!

Tomorrow we will do more practicing and also outfit our Rickshaw with all the stuff what will help us get to Kochi. Having today over with is a relief, I feel more ready than ever to conquer this adventure!

Please keep reading and following my blog updates. I promise I will have lots of videos and pictures to post, I'm just having problems getting them downloaded right now. Thanks for your patience - more awesome is coming!