RickshawGrrl

Greetings from the Land of Phoenix Suns or was that Heat?

2007-08-29T18:58:00.000-07:00

I have no clue about what major teams are in Phoenix. I'm not sure if the basketball team is called the Suns or the Heat. All I know is that it is freakin' hot. 110 degrees hot outside. At least, it is a dry heat. A far cry from the jungle conditions of India. I miss it. I miss the fact that I could have gotten some really good Indian coffee. I miss the curry anything. It's just not right here. Maybe it the combination of the curry and kingfisher, the humidity, and the conversation that just made it perfect. Waves breaking in the background also perfects the memory.

Driving around Phoenix in the oppressive heat does something to the brain. Call me crazy, I think I miss the lorries not completely on your side of the road, the buses not completely stopping to pickup or drop-off passengers, the bustle of people not completely sane, the cows not completely making baby calfs in the street, oh and let's not forget the goats. GOATS!

I miss the beach. Being in Malvan in the water, getting yelled at by the "lifeguard" to not stray too far away. Not going too far because I'm a big scaredy cat. I just wanted to lay in water and just let the waves take me away.

What do I have here in Phoenix? Okay, there is a pool at the hotel here. But its not the Arabian Sea.

Late Breaking News...

2007-08-19T16:08:00.000-07:00

Jen and I in the news:

http://www.newkerala.com/july.php?action=fullnews&id=51882

http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IEK20070810020704&Page=K&Title=Southern+News+-+Karnataka&Topic=0&

It's so hard to be hounded by the press, especially the Indian press.

Mixed feelings about returning home....

2007-08-19T11:59:00.000-07:00

Kids,
Hello America!!!
I arrived late last night. Tracy and Brian were so kind to pick me up at the airport. They surprised me with cake and champagne. I passed out after my second glass. Frankly, I was in no condition to drive back to MD. Picked up my car and drove on the Beltway....I've never felt so safe to drive.

I'm back at my home. Glad to be back, but having some mixed feelings. I think I'm missing the cows on the street. I can't really describe the feeling. Shell Shocked? No, it's not that. Culture Shock? Maybe. I think I need a nap or take a walk. Maybe it's restlessness. I'm so use to getting up early and hitting the road. Do I miss the noise, the smells, the insane participants of the autorickshaw rally? Maybe. I'm definitely missing the people. Jen and I have met some incredible people on this trip. And after intensely "hanging out" (lack of a better term for it) with them for the past two weeks, its weird not to have them around. Of course, we'll try to stay in touch, which requires me to have to register on Facebook....ugh.

Jen will be returning to the States later this week.
I'm beat. I feel like I'm not making much sense at the moment.
later,
raj

I'm out of touch and out of time....

2007-08-14T06:24:00.000-07:00

Kids,
Thanks for the emails of support. Jen and I really appreciate the worry emails. I'm sorry for not being in touch more often. The road can be trying and then there is the social aspects of trip. And then there places where internet just doesn't exist. Or electricity for that matter.....

Break downs have become our "thing". If the autorickshaw, did not break down at least once within the day, then I would worry. Its an adventure to find a mechanic (or anything for that matter) in small villages along the route. Of course, Indian ARC provides their own mechanics but it could a few hours till they reach the rickshaw.

Best thing to is take the bull by the horns and find what you need out there.

I have video to upload. I have photos to show. I have stories to tell. Unfortunately, I just don't have the time right now. Other autorickshaw riders are waiting.

Much love,
Rickshaw Raj

I think I'm alive

2007-08-08T08:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,
Thanks so much for the concern emails. I apologize for not writing sooner. I thought that Jen and I would have easy access to the internet. Boy, did I have high hopes! I am in Manglelore. I'm glad to be out of rain, which we had quite a bit of it today. It's been a long, ardous journey but with some fulfilling rewards. On Tuesday, Jen and I were able to visit the Government High School in Banglelore. Originally, we were not assigned this school. It was an add on because we raised so much money ($4,277.41). That's all from the t-shirt sales, ice cream socials, and your sweet donations!

To say it school visit was overwhelming experience, is an understatement. I couldn't stop crying for a good few hours. It was amazing. The children were excited to see us, which in turn made us excited about the seeing them.

We sang, we high-fived, we laughed. It was crazy!!! Oh those crazy Americans. Jen talk the kids "Peanut Butter and Jelly Song". If you're not familiar, I will sing it you when I get back.

The road has been hard on us. The road is a life of its own with its potholes, washed road, cows, goats, chickens, bikes, motobikes, people walking in and out.....
Oh, it can be a real mad house! I've driven twice. Jen is such the trooper. And boy, she puts these rickshaw drivers to shame. Oh, the stares that we get!!! We did have an Indian drag queen come up to the car. It can only happen to us.

I have to run. I have to check in and see if my friends have made it. Oh yes, that's another story. I hope to have internet access on a regular basis.
Take care,
much love,
Raj

Where in the World is Jen?

2007-08-02T13:20:00.000-07:00

Just a few hours till I leave. I have no clue where anything is packed in my bag. And frankly, I have no clue where Jen is?

Where in the World is Jen?

Elvis has left the Building

2007-08-01T05:33:00.000-07:00

What was that Raj was talking about? Perspective?

You know how when you know when you probably should have listened to the combined voices of friends and family when they warned you against some boneheaded idea of yours? Okay maybe it's just me.

Well, I am happy to have ignored words of wisdom against this trip. Already it has been an adventure.

The united front against my bringing a hand painted plaster bust of Elvis however....maybe I should have listened to reason.

A very polite security fellow informed me that Elvis would never be allowed on the plane as a carry on as he was a "blunt object, you know, like a baseball bat." And because Elvis could be used as a weapon he would have to be packed in my luggage.

Feel free to place bets as to how long I will be picking plaster out of my stuff.

Perspective. It is all about perspective. Do good. Have fun. Pick plaster out of luggage.

12 MOFO DAYS!!!

2007-07-30T20:40:00.000-07:00

Jen pointed out that we'll be on the road for 12 days. Who is going to tape my stories for me? By stories I mean my daytime soaps? Oh, dear! Shoo...12 days on the road with grit in our teeth and maybe a wifi connection to blog. How will we talk to the world? Email has become my way to contact friends about happy hour. Oh God, no happy hour. OH my.....it's like a detox program.

Anyway, I know India is super wired. So wired that i think the bandwidth is better there than at work. But I take communication for granted. I take the ability to wake up in the morning and get dress to go to a great job every morning for granted. I work with great people and my life is good and I take it for granted.

Jen and I will be meeting kids who all they ask for is a ceiling fan in their classroom. Perspective. I am worried about talking to the world? And these kids are worried about food, water, job, medical attention, family, etc...

Perspective...it's what we're lacking. Get some. I know I do.

I WANT TO DECLARE MY LOVE

2007-07-30T20:36:00.000-07:00

I WANT TO DECLARE MY LOVE TO ROSIE....
THE TRUE WONDER DOG. I LOVE YOU, ROSIE!!!
love,
rickshaw raj

Let's Ride Already

2007-07-29T06:09:00.000-07:00

I'm ready to go. I'm eager. I'm eager to get started on this journey. There is only so much a person can prepare for.
Passport: check
International Driving Permit: check
Deet: check
Malaria pills: check
Quick drying undies: check
Camera: check
Blog: check
Video uploaded on YouTube: check.....what?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcSdLs0vXJY

PS...I'll have the final totals on Monday. I have to go Coinstar and dump all the pennies I got from Heaven.
SWEET SWEETNESS,
love,
Rickshaw Raj

The Countdown Begins... - post from Rickshaw Jen

2007-07-25T07:19:00.000-07:00

Okay,

I leave in a week. Raj leaves in a week and a day.

I would like to point out, for the record that I have my visa. my passport and my international driver's premit. And while there was some debate as to whether I would be able to find my passport in order to get other important papers, that I managed to get this paper work done before, yes, before Raj did. Not that I'm saying anything.

I've got all my shots, picked up a snake bite kit (one never knows), and invested in some of them there quick dry undergarments that Raj talks so kindly about.

That we've raised close to (possibly well over at this point) $2000 is amazing. And to the folks who have contributed so far THANK YOU so much.

Rickshaw Jen at Vertigo Books Tonight!!!

2007-07-20T09:10:00.000-07:00

Pish-Posh about Harry Potter! Rickshaw Jen will be at Vertigo Books in College Park tonight for the Harry Potter release!

RickshawGrrlz T-shirts and Harry Potter books will be on sale. Be sure to prepay for the book. I'm calling Vertigo right now. Click on the link below to see details!
http://vertigobooks.blogsome.com/

But really, it's all about Jen!!! So come out and see Rickshaw Jen!

Vertigo Books

Have you googled yourself lately?

2007-07-19T14:27:00.001-07:00

What are other blogs saying about us?

http://girlbike.com/2007/07/05/rickshawgrrlz/

http://wonderingaboutgod.blogspot.com/2007/07/rickshaw-raj.html

http://vertigobooks.blogsome.com/2007/06/30/rickshawgrrlz-fundraiser-717/

My Independence Day

2007-07-19T14:01:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to my 1st Place drill team for the 4th July parade. (Yes, we won the drill team award!) Here are some pictures of the 4th of July Parade. The Rickshaw was Red, blue and glittery. So festive! There is video produced by Brian Hoose. I'll have that uploaded onto YouTube soon. Thank you passing out flyers, pulling me in the rickshaw and believin'!
Mary Ann and Mike Miles
Joyce Yin
Julie Pelltier
Greta Weidner
Klia Bassing
Caroline Bassing
Carrie Rose
Tracy and Brian Hoose (Thank you, Brian for making the video!) It will be posted on YouTube very soon!!!!
To the 4th of July Kids---we are going to share that trophy. Each person will have the trophy once a month at their home. SWEET!!!!

Also, check out the t-shirt logo. It's hot.
Much love,
Rickshaw Raj

Fundraiser at Franklin's A Success!!!!

2007-07-19T13:33:00.001-07:00

Thank you to those that came out to Franklin's on Tuesday night. I have pictures that I will eventually post! In between the meeting -n- greeting, selling t-shirts in the parking lot, and taking pictures, and getting people to sign my guest book, Jen called and left a message asking how it was going. I left her a very quick message saying something to the effect of "Can't talk. Good times. Good times." My head was spinning and my heart soaring to see so many good friends that came out to help support the cause. Thank you very much.

I don't have a total yet! The manager assures me that he will have that number over the weekend.

I would like to give some special shout outs:
Carrie Feldman for doing the media hookup....You Rock!
Sarah and Caroline for helping me not to freak out at REI. (Long story about quick drying underwear.)
Jan Fowler, Duane Kidwell, Jennifer and Thom Newlin ---the Ultimate Vertigo Customers! They came to Franklin's at lunch and dinner. Hard core!!!
Sonoe---for selling the t-shirts at Vertigo Books and being sweet.
And the waitstaff and managers at Franklin's. Thank you for taking care of us!

I know I have a lot to do before I leave. I have pictures to post, thank you notes to write, quick drying underwear to buy. Plus Jen and I have figure out how to pimp our rickshaw! At least I got my visa yesterday. Phew!
Thank you for your support!
Much love,
Rickshaw Raj

Franklin's TONIGHT!!!

2007-07-17T09:48:00.000-07:00

Folks,
The days are closing in on me. I'm running around getting deet, fast drying pants, and last minute odds and ends. I'm not sure if I need a mosquito net or if I really need a travel backpack with a day pack with camel pouch. All these decisions. At this point, I just want to get there and ride.

I picked up the RickshawGrrlz T-shirts last night from Vertigo books. The shirts look outstanding. I'm so pleased with the design. Tonight is the Franklin's Fundraiser. The goal tonight is to reach $2,000. I think we are close. Through your generous support, Jen and I have collected little over $1,600. If we don't break $2,000. Its fine. But it would be really, really nice if we could.

Hope you all can make it out tonight. If not, pick up a t-shirt at either Vertigo Books in College Park or send me an email.

Much love,
Rickshaw Raj

Update on Donors List and Web Links

2007-06-29T14:29:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay in updating the donor list.

A special shout-out to the peeps who have saved their pennies for me, those that have stopped by the cube to ask "Who should I make this check out to?", and to the people who always ask "Are we going to have another ice cream social?" Thank you so much.

Keep the love coming in. I've received so many cards with words of encouragement and love. I even received a picture of a baby to take with me to India. No worries, Molly. I will put the picture in a very safe spot on the Rickshaw.

Also, I've updated the links. Be sure to check out the www.brooklynbretta.com. It is way cool.

Much love,
Rickshaw Raj

Team RICKSHAW GRRLZ Sightings

2007-06-28T12:04:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,
I want to let you know of two exciting upcoming events to help raise money for Team Rickshaw Grrlz.

July 4th---Come see Rickshaw Raj at the Takoma Park 4th of July Parade. Parade starts at 10AM goes through the main drag of Takoma Park. Be sure to lookout for me as well as people passing out flyers and holding the money bucket. Bring a chair. Bring Sunscreen. And most importantly bring some change!!!

July 17th--- Franklin's in Hyattsville, MD has kindly agreed to host a Happy Hour fundraiser.
Check out their website at http://www.franklinsbrewery.com/. Be sure to mention Indian Relief Fund and 20% of your bill (pre tax) will go to Team Rickshaw Grrlz.

I'll be there starting at 6pm. There will be a raffle and t-shirts with the new logo specially designed by Jen's wonderful brother!!! He is a genius!

Be sure to bring a friend!

Also, I would like to give a special shout out to Mr. Joe Eaton of the Washington City Paper. He was so kind to do a little write up about the Rickshaw Grrlz on the paper's blog.

If you haven't seen it, check it out: http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/citydesk/index.php/2007/06/28/behold-the-autorickshaw/

Thank you to the latest donors. I'm sorry I haven't updated the list.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Much love,
Raj

Further adventures of the RickshawGrrlz

2007-06-18T07:27:00.001-07:00

CRAP! I finally figure out how to freakin' post and I lose paragraphs worth of genius writing to a little think called "not pressing the save button." What ever!

Hey all, RickshawGrrl Jen here. It has been a while since anyone posted. Lots of stuff has happened. I haven't figured out posting pictures or links, so bear with me. My spelling is also on the creative side rather than the accurate side of things. Just sos y'all know ahead of time.

So. The good folks at Vespa Hartford (also known as my employers) recently had an open house. At said open house I drove folks around in the autorickshaw (also known as a tuk tuk), Avery gave out massages, and the store sold raffle tickets for prizes. All of the money all $254 it went toward this adventure. Wow. I was and continue to be flabbergasted (in a good way) at the generosity of folks when they hear of this adventure.

Check out the Vespa Hartford website www.vespahartford.com . We might just get around to posting pictures of the event.

Furthermore the tuk tuk that I've been driving around the parking lot in Plainville, CT is now a movie star. Yup, a movie star. Owen Wilson may very well have sat his ass in our tuk tuk. Contain yourself folks.

Here's the story. Wes Craven has made a movie called Darljeeng (again with the spelling), about three friends travelling across India by train. There was one scene in a tuk tuk that they did not get enough shots of. So instead of sending everyone back to India, they called us to see if they could rent ours for a few days. (The filming happened in Brooklyn)

"Sure," said we at the shop. "Hey, I've driven a moving truck through New York before." I innocently said. And the job was mine. Not sure I'd do it again, but heck, it was an adventure.

I braved thunderstorms, hail, fast moving trucks, interstate 95, New York drivers, all manner of construction, and the Triboro Bridge in a 16 foot moving truck.

Note to anyone crossing the Triboro Bridge in a 16 foot moving truck any time soon. It will cost you $9 to cross it, not $4.50. If you do not have the $9 in CASH you get to cross the Triboro, get off at the first exit, come back across the bridge and wait for them to bring you your license and registration (because they took it from you so you'd come back). THEN you get to search greater NYC for a functioning ATM with in spitting distance of a place where you can park a 16 foot truck with out squishing anyone. Once that is found you get to cross the bridge again in rush hour traffic.

Just in case any of you were thinking of crossing the Triboro Bridge in a 16 foot moving truck.

Regardless, the tuk tuk got delivered. Much thanks to Nick at Brooklynbretta for his navigational help, moral support, and assistance in getting the damn thing out of the truck. Check out his scooter shop. www.brooklynbretta.com .

TODAY will be devoted to finding my passport. As some of you know I recently moved. So who knows where it is. Raj will be accepting money on bets as to whether or not I find it, when I find it, and will I find it in time to go to India. This might be the hardest part of the whole trip.

Love and thanks to all who have contributed.

Oh snap!

2007-05-24T10:07:00.000-07:00

Oh snap! It's been awhile since I've had a post. I finally got my prescription for malaria pills. Come to find out I'll be taking those for awhile. Two weeks before the trip, during the trip and two weeks after the trip.

I thought there was a shot!

Oh well.

Here are the latest donors:
Caitlin Corrigan
Julie Pelletier
Betsy Gordon
Jill Powell
Mary Jane Lenz

Thank you so much for your contributions. A double thank you to those who have left pennies on my chair at work. Thank you. Thank you. The Penny Pig is full!!! I repeat the Penny Pig is full!

I would also like to thank Maria McWilliams and Hazel Prado for donating gifts for the impending raffle. Ladies, you rock!

I wanted to give a special shout out to my boy, Joshua Martin Fischer, for sending me the best mailer I have ever seen. I'm touched for what you have done for me. I love you. And I hope to photograph the mailer to show everyone on this blog.

I have to run.
Much love,
Raj

A Penny for Your Thoughts or at Least to My Cause...

2007-05-08T07:42:00.000-07:00

Josh sent this to me this morning.

"Penny collector Gene Sukie went to the bank and cashed in 10,000 pounds of pennies he had collected over 34 years, which were worth over $14,000. And, of course, I was in line behind him." -Tina Fey

I love Tina Fey.
Unbeknowst to me, Maria, my co-worker started the Penny Pig.

3 New gracious and wonderful donors that will be add to the list:

Tom and Arlene Evans
Kim Cobb
Ellen & Gerry Simmons

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

May Day May Day

2007-05-01T08:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends:
I appreciate you clicking on this link to this blog. It's taken me some time to officially announce my race... not for presidency or congressional office but a race across India. I know you're saying uh?

A few months ago, my friend Jen was searching on the internet trying to locate sites on Indian scooters. This lead to the discovery of an autorickshaw charity race starting in Chennai and ending Mumbai. This charity raises funds to keep children in school and out of sweatshops and help villages in need. Jen immediately called and woke me from a dead sleep. Her reasoning this would be a great way to see India and, most importantly, to help. You know me. I'm not the type of person that sits on her hands. I told Jen drowsily, "Let's do it." Hence, Team RickshawGrrlz was formed! Of course, much later, Jen mentions the race is in August during monsoon season. HOT!

Each team from the race is assigned a village. It is our responsibility to help with the purchasing, delivering and dispersing of medical supplies, books and other items in the village. Along our journey, we will be stopping at each team's sponsored village to delivery the necessary supplies. This journey will take two weeks in the hot, humid climate. However, it will be an incredible and emotional adventure.

We would appreciate any help from you, our friend.

Change for change -- You know you have a jar of Penny's on top of fridge.
Dollars per Kilometer -- A total of 1921 km. 1191 Miles.
Words of Wisdom -- We'll be setting up a guest book but also feel free to leave comments on this blog.
A GPS device -- It's a girl's best friend. If you have one, could we borrow it?

Whatever you can contribute, will graciously be accepted and appreciated.

But what do you get out of all of this:

The knowledge that you are helping make a change in this world.
Your name on the Hall of Fame Donors List located on the left side of this blog.
Stories, images and, hopefully, video from the road on this blog.
Jen's heartfelt thanks.
My heartfelt thanks.

How do you get in touch with me? Well, some of you I work with. Others, please contact me via my email address.

I hope that I can arrange an online collection. But I'm not sure of the setup.

Please stay tune to this blog for further postings.
You can also read more about the trip or previous autorickshaw races on www.indianarc.com and click on Mumbai X-press!

Thank you very much!

All the best,
Raj & Jen
Team RickshawGrrlz

Asking for Money 101

2007-04-18T20:43:00.000-07:00

Hi all,
I know I should update the blog on a regular basis. However, with work (plus the impending traveling it entails), busy catching up on the first season of Justice League, and the aggravations of being a condo board member I'm sort of worn out. I'm formulating in my mind how to ask you all for some money.

Please, may I have some money?

Can you spare some change?

Help Me Help the World.

So speaking of helping... last night, I volunteered at Artomatic, which is a month long exhibition featuring artists who work in a wide variety of mediums. It's purpose is to provide a venue for local artists that may not have the opportunity to showcase in big museums or galleries. Artists have a place to sell their art. Take a look at the website at http://www.artomatic.org/about/facts.

The whole operation is run on volunteers and donations. My job was to sit by the money box on the 8th floor of Artomatic and talk.

People are quite generous, especially when you follow them around the gallery and hound them for money. I learn my persuasive ways by watching the Crazy Spoon Guy skit on Saturday Night Live, played by Adam Sandler. Some of you are quite familiar with the 1991 skit performed on SNL's Weekend Update with Kevin Nealon. It was around the time of Halloween. The whole premise is that Adam is using objects around the house as a Halloween costume, such as plant or spoon. He would ask(some variation of the line), "I'm crazy spoon head man! Give me some candy." Well, instead of asking for candy, I asked for money. And instead of a spoon, I used a knife. "Come on, I'm crazy knife girl. Give some money and some candy."

Needless to say, I was asked to tone it down.

I unfortunately could not find said skit, but here is Adam Sandler on the David Letterman show with his dog, Matzoball. It's very cute.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZKBHyIecDU

I've also learned that people do like a little song that goes with their donation in the bucket. I've learned that at the Cold Stone Creamery. Whenever someone drops some change in the tip jar, the whole ice cream counter erupts into a Fraternity Rush, where the peons (or the rushees) must recite the Fraternity's theme song. Instead of the Frat's fighting song, the songs consist of thank you and coming back and ice cream flavors, such as pina coloda, strawberry shortcake, and sweet cream ice cream. Man, I love that sweet cream! However, my song consisted of me clapping and saying "Yeah! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!" I wished I had a tambourine. I think it would have come across better.

It's never easy to for ask money. Maybe it's that immediate expectation by the donor to see the outcome.

I mean look at the money drive on PBS or NPR. Always, trying to meet a goal within the hour. "If you contribute $75, you'll receive this tote bag..." I become considerably grumpier when NPR has their money drive. Your regular programming schedule is screwed up. I just want to listen to Morning Edition. PLEASE. Maybe if I donate, they'll sing a song. "Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you. thank you." But it's really viewers like you and me that contribute, so to get the programming that we need. We see the outcome. We see the boy behind the counter at Cold Stone sing. We see the artist's sculpture/painting/whatever on display at an event relying wholly on the volunteers and donations.

So it leads me to this question, why donate when you may not see the outcome? Jen and I are very serious about documenting this trip. Our hope is that there are points throughout our journey to write blurbs about our adventures on the road and download images, and possible video, on this blog.

Maybe the outcome might not be so visible immediately. But we'll get there.

change here for circle, district, northern lines - m4w - 26

2007-04-07T09:48:00.000-07:00

One of my crazy past times is looking at the Missed Connections on Craigslist. I scan just in case someone sees me. No one ever does.

I saw this on DC Craigslist Missed Connections:

"i think i'll listen to my headphones as loud as possible tonight.

everyone moves to brooklyn, no one lives in other cities anymore. i feel like i'm suffocating on my past.

what happens to your memories of sitting in cars and on benches and in coffeeshops, what happens to all those nights in frozen history, deep black space of memory, what happens to them all when you see these people again five years later? do they erase? i don't want them to erase.

why do people change? why do things never stay the same? i think i'm going to listen to music in the dark."

Autorickshaw

2007-04-06T19:43:00.000-07:00

Hi all,
I'm excited about the new blog here. This is where I'll be posting my thoughts, stories and comments while on the road from Chennai to Mumbai. Of course, whenever I get a chance.

If you have not checked out the route, go to indianarc.com and click onto Mumbai X-press.

Some folks were asking what an autorickshaw is. Well, here is a pretty good definition of autorickshaw, which was not found on the Wiki!

"An autorickshaw (auto or rickshaw or tempo in popular parlance) is a vehicle usually for hire and is one of the chief modes of transport in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka it is also popular in many other countries. It is a motorized version of the traditional rickshaw, a small two- or three-wheeled cart pulled by a person, and the velotaxi. The autorickshaw is also related to its Thai cousin, the tuk-tuk and the Bajaj in Indonesia. Some more ways this is called are auto rickshaw, auto-rickshaw, autorikshaw, auto rikshaw, auto-rikshaw. Motorized rickshaw, Motorized rikshaw, Tuktuk, Three wheeler and in many parts of India simply as AUTO."

Sad news, Jen, my partner in this autorickshaw race, has left for CT this past Thursday. Jen is taking a job at a scooter shop that has an Indian rickshaw. I hope that we can practice over the months to come.

In other news, I would just like to give a shout out to Josh for starting the fund drive in the south. Thank you. Thank you. Thank