What happens prior to the event?
There will be a gathering prior to departure. This will be held during a weekend, probably in the London area. Dates will be emailed to you in due course.
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Do I need to be reasonably fit?
You do not need to start marathon training but it would not hurt to increase your cardiovascular workout. If you are not doing any exercise and have no desire to join a gym then we recommend that you try to walk at a fast pace for a minimum of twenty minutes three or four times a week. For those of you who are members of a gym carry on as usual. Stamina is important because the combined effects of long, arduous bike rides in intense heat, on badly maintained roads will leave you exhausted. Combine this with early starts, little sleep and new food it becomes clear your body needs as much help as it can get. A small amount of effort prior to departure can make all the difference.
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How much spending money will I need?
You will need to bring some spending money with you, however you will not need a great deal. We recommend that you allow around £20 per day. This will cover any drinks and food that you may want to buy throughout the day and evening and includes a £5 daily allowance for fuel.
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Do you tip?
Tipping is discretionary, it is usual to tip porters at a hotel but they should not expect it. Please ask if you are unsure how much to tip. At the end of the challenge we will hold a whip around to collect money for the drivers and mechanics that help us throughout the trip. You will find them invaluable and incredibly helpful.
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What will the food be like?
Forget almost every Indian restaurant that you have ever been in, the food in India is Incredible. Kerala is famous for its wonderful vegetarian dishes and there is enough of a choice to keep everyone happy, contrary to popular belief not every dish is heavily spiced or ridiculously hot. Whilst we encourage you to try as many different dishes as possible we also understand that Indian food on a daily basis is not to everyone’s liking. Taking this into consideration breakfast will usually consist of toast, butter, jam, scrambled eggs, porridge, fruit tea and coffee. Dinner will usually be Indian but there will always be a variety of mild dishes for those who require them. The food will be a mixture of vegetarian and non-vegetarian.

When you are on the road we recommend that you try to steer clear of meat. Whilst most roadside food vendors offer nothing but the best and well cooked food there is always the possibility that you may get one who is not so scrupulous. Should you decide to have meat make sure that it is thoroughly cooked. All fruit should be of the peelable variety; if you are eating fruit like apples then they must be washed in drinking water not tap water. The most important thing to do is to think before you eat. The variety of foods available is endless and it will not take you long to find a favourite, just remember before you take any risks, it is your stomach that will have to deal with the consequences!

Drinks are available in bottles or by the glass and again there is plenty of choice. Always remember to use a straw if you are drinking form a bottle. Drinking water should always be filtered, boiled or from the bottle. One of the best drinks available is tea, bought at the side of the road and sweet as a tin of condensed milk. It is refreshing, tasty and at pennies a cup offers you the chance to buy a round at every stop. If you have time watch the tea being made, it beats throwing a tea bag in a cup and adding a splash of milk any day.
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What clothing should I wear?
Whilst we do not wish to spoil anyone’s trip we must make it clear that the appropriate protective clothing should be worn at all times. See our recommended KIT LIST
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What will the weather be like?
The temperature will vary according to where we are during the trip. As we reach the Western Ghats and climb in to the mountains the temperature will gradually drop and will be cooler in the evenings. There is also a small possibility of light drizzly rain. The Tamil Nadu plains will be hotter, reaching about 90 degrees F. The heat here is a dry heat. The coast will be about the same temperature as the plains but there will be more of a breeze.
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What visa do I need?
You will need a tourist visa from India House, Aldwych. (or the Birmingham Embassy) The visa you need is a multiple entry tourist visa and costs, at the time of writing, £30. If you would like to know more you can contact the Indian Embassy on 020 7836 8484. This is not an extendable visa and becomes valid on the day of issue, so please be sure not to mis-time your application. Please remember to state that you want a holiday visa.
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What inoculations would you recommend?
See your GP for advice.
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Do I need Travel Insurance?
Participants MUST be covered by suitable travel insurance. This must include adequate provision for motorcycle touring on machines up to 350cc, medical and repatriation insurance. A copy of this insurance must be sent to the Enduro India office before departure. You are NOT required to cover the motorcycle itself - third party cover is provided by Enduro India but if motorcycle damage occurs through rider error you are liable for the cost of repair. Please CONTACT US if you need the name of an insurance company.
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How can I fund raise?
There are a million and one ways to raise sponsorship, here are a few ideas:Sponsored events, parachute jump, pub crawl, jazz night, fancy dress. Local radio and press. Local sports centre / Rugby / Football / Golf club. Family and friends. Work colleagues. Fundraising is always easier if you involve people close to you, ask them for ideas and help. We appreciate how hard it can be and are here to help you as much as possible CONTACT US
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Can I get personal, commercial sponsorship from UK based companies?
Yes, but all branding of any description has to have approval from Enduro India. For further information in this regard please telephone or e-mail SIMON
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What happens when we arrive?
When we arrive at the hotel you will be told how many to a room. The remainder of the day will be spent resting. At the end of the first day you will be split into groups and allocated a team leader. The following day you will be split into groups for a days practice ride with the team leaders.
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How is the ride structured?
At around 6am prior to departure one of the team will take lead position; they will remain at the front throughout the day. The remainder of the team leaders will ride amongst the group; this will include two medics who will carry medical equipment on the bikes. Interspersed between the groups will be the support vehicles and ambulances, all vehicles will contain a full medical kit. The rear will be taken up by the last support vehicle which will also carry a full medical kit as well as the break down truck and spares/luggage truck. The rear marker will always remain behind you.

You will be left to your own devices throughout the day and can choose the pace you wish to ride. This is not a race and there are no points for arriving first. India is a stunning and diverse country and having travelled so far it would be pointless not to enjoy all it has to offer. You must always ride in a group of two or more, this is purely for practical reasons and allows for the fact that should you get lost or break down you will not be left alone. We recommend that you work on a buddy system.

If you do get lost please call the destination for the evening and inform them that you have got lost, once we have established where you are we can help you. Each days map has the telephone number for the days destination.
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What do we do in the evenings?
USE YOUR IMAGINATION! Once you have settled into the accommodation and had something to eat and drink, you will have the chance to catch up with the other 100+ people on the trip, share the trials and tribulations of your day, compare bruises over a beer and listen to a great guitarist (our resident Doctor, Arun) in front of a huge camp fire. If you play the guitar, now could be the perfect chance to show off your talents!
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Do I need a motorcycle licence?
YES. You must hold a current and valid full motorcycle license at the time of the event. This will ensure that you are qualified to ride a bike up to 33 brake horsepower. Due to the stipulations of our insurers, riders will not be able to participate in the challenge without proof of a valid license.
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