Day 6 - Rickshaw Challenge - Madurai to Tuticorin

Before we set off for Tuticorin, a journey of about 140km we have a short walking tour in Madurai.  We assemble at the temple which looks lovely in the early morning light.

I notice a guitarist who might be able to give Carlos Santana a run for his money.

 The narrow streets contain relics of the former palace and small temples are dotted around.

The streets are getting busier and we watch the men loading chili into sacks - they are scantily clad and I hope they they don't scratch their bits before washing their hands

We end our tour at the Naicker Palace which provides John with an opportunity

On the road, our little convoy keeps up its record of breaking down within 10km after we have a fill of dodgy fuel.  Team 3 splutters to a halt but manages to get itself sorted.  Team 4 pulls in behind and can't get restarted.  In trying to help, Phil over revs the bees throttle, there's a big twang and Be gives Phil a stern glare.

We retire to the local chai stall to await the arrival of the mechanics, who as usual work wonders and have us back on the road with the minimum of fuss.  Turns out the over revving broke the fan, it shattered and knackered the electrics.

Once we're sorted, the road to Tuticorin is relatively straight forward and we make good time although as usual, we're amongst the final teams arriving at our hotel.

Another shredded wheat needed

As usual, team 6 brings up the rear

but unusually, we get a following wind and briefly we storm into the lead

and we have the rare shot of team 6 from behind

The lead is short-lived and we are soon back in our normal station - any hill takes all our momentum and we crawl along at a noisy 50km/hour. But we chug along and

We've another day off tomorrow, in Tuticorin where we're playing the locals at cricket - our mixed team including Germans and Norwegians promises to be a bit special!  We'll catch up soon.