AGAIN we started the day early, as the
route towards Bikaner from Amritsar is
approximately 530km. After the usual
briefing, the convoy drove towards the next
destination.

End of long road: The team members celebrating after completing their journey through Thailand, Laos, China and Mumbai, India.

The weather was fine but the road condition was quite
punishing to the vehicles as there were many broken roads, potholes and
super fine dust that would render you helplessly blind if you’re not
wearing shades.

We arrived at the Lallgarh Palace at 5.30pm, completing the expedition
to 12,826km in 10hours and 48mins since it was a smooth drive without
any vehicles breaking down.

Right after dinner, we gathered in one of the palace meeting rooms and
the certificate presentation ceremony started with a video and photos
presentation taken during the expedition.

The expedition leader Halim presented us with the expedition
certificate (personalised with individual photo) and a memento – a
handmade Khukuri knife of Nepal with our names and PETRONAS South Asia
Xpedition engraved on it.

Lallgarh Palace, previously one of the palaces owned by Maharaja Karni
Singhji of Bikaner is an astoundingly majestic palace and I’d say we’re
lucky to spend a night here like maharajas and maharanis in the olden
days.

DAY 48

FROM the majestic Lallgarh Palace in Bikaner, the convoy drove towards
Ahmedabad, the expedition’s last destination before flying back to
Malaysia from Mumbai, Bombay. The day started as early as 5am as the
convoy members had their breakfast right before briefing and then drove
out of Bikaner at 6am.

The weather was relatively good as the convoy made its way to Ahmedabad
and until we reached 344km. Botak’s vehicle had a problem with its
crankshaft and had to be towed 32km towards the rest stop as the spare
parts needed was in another vehicle. Again the sweeper’s vehicle became
the hero of the day as we towed it towards the rest stop.

Once fixed, thanks to the magical hands of Ah Kai and Bosley, the
convoy continued the journey only to stop again at 389km as Maefare’s
vehicle encountered a braking failure as brake fluid squirted out of
the hose. Turned out both rear brake pads were skimmed down.

Once it was changed, the convoy continued driving towards Ahmedabad,
braving quite a number of obstacles such as animals, potholes, broken
roads and dangerously ignorant drivers and cyclists.

The convoy had their dinner and much-needed rest of the day at the
Waterworld Resort situated at the Mehsana Highway, Ahmedabad, 644km
from Bikaner, completing 13,469km of the PETRONAS South Asia Expedition
in 14hours and 13minutes.

DAY 49

THE convoy arrived in
Mumbai, Bombay at 8.30pm and it was a busy day as everyone had to pack
their luggage as to make sure everything went according to schedule.
Apart from that, it was the last fuel sampling and B7 had his hands
full sampling all 24 vehicles. I’d say since the last five days, each
convoy members had their mind on their hometown rather than focusing on
the road.

Once arrived, after driving for about 11hours and 45minutes through the
bustling traffic of India, the convoy had their dinner at the Lucky
Restaurant about 10minutes from the hotel, Taj Lands End, Mumbai.

By now, the convoy had completed 14,012km of drive in the PETRONAS
South Asia Xpedition, driving through Thailand, Laos, China and ending
the expedition in Mumbai, Bombay, India instead of Karachi, Pakistan
due to unforeseen circumstances.

Source by thestar.com.my