London to Mumbai by Road 2016 – Revisited
Day 75 – 10 November 2016
Kontiki Rises Again
Our incredible London-to-Mumbai adventure has now brought us to Visakhapatnam (Vizag) on India’s east coast.
The last section of the journey, particularly the roads between Myanmar and India, has undoubtedly been the toughest challenge that both Team Kontiki and our faithful motorhome have faced.
The roads were often little more than dirt tracks littered with thousands of deep potholes, broken surfaces, and dangerous mountain stretches. Every mile seemed to test both driver and machine.
The punishment eventually took its toll.
At one point, our spare wheel broke loose and detached itself from underneath the motorhome. Fortunately, we noticed it in time and were able to recover it before it disappeared forever.
The rear suspension suffered even more dramatically.
Both rear shock absorbers failed, and the torsion springs eventually gave way, causing the back of Kontiki to sag alarmingly low.
Looking back, however, there is one remarkable statistic that still amazes us.
Despite travelling across Europe, Russia, Central Asia, China, Myanmar, and India on every imaginable type of road surface, we have not suffered a single puncture.
Most importantly, throughout all the challenges, breakdowns, and rough roads, we have remained safe, healthy, and able to continue our journey.
That alone is something to be thankful for.
Today also brought some exciting news for Team Kontiki.
My brother, Mahesh Karadia, arrived from the United Kingdom to join us for the final stages of the adventure.
Like us, Mahesh is a keen and experienced motorhome traveller, having enjoyed many road trips over the years. We were delighted to welcome him aboard and share the closing chapter of this epic expedition together.
His arrival gave the whole team a renewed sense of excitement just as the finish line was beginning to appear on the horizon.
The other major event of the day was, of course, Kontiki herself.
After several days in the workshop, the repairs were finally nearing completion.
Following lunch, we returned to Ganesh’s garage, eager to see the finished result.
And what a transformation it was.
The rear of the motorhome was sitting proudly once again, looking higher, stronger, and healthier than it had for weeks.
The new suspension components, springs, and shock absorbers had completely transformed her appearance.
Ganesh looked quietly confident.
Now came the moment of truth.
The test drive.
We climbed aboard and headed out onto the roads around Vizag with Ganesh accompanying us.
Within minutes, we could feel the difference.
The ride was smoother.
The handling was better.
The rear suspension felt solid and stable.
Gone was the sagging rear end that had caused us so much concern over the previous weeks.
By the time we returned to the workshop, both Ramesh and I were smiling.
Ganesh had worked wonders.
Despite the modest appearance of his garage, he had once again proven that experience, skill, and determination are often far more valuable than expensive equipment.
We thanked him sincerely for bringing our faithful motorhome back to life.
With the mechanical work complete, there was only one thing left to do.
After weeks of battling mud, dust, rain, rough roads, and workshop grease, Kontiki deserved a proper clean.
We took her to a nearby vehicle wash where she received a thorough cleaning inside and out.
As the dirt and grime disappeared, she almost looked like a new motorhome again.
Standing back and admiring the freshly cleaned vehicle, we felt a sense of relief and excitement.
Tomorrow, after several days off the road, Team Kontiki would finally be moving again.
The destination remained unchanged.
Mumbai.
And now, with Mahesh joining the crew and Kontiki fully repaired, we were more ready than ever for the final stretch of our epic journey.
Location: Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Andhra Pradesh
Weather: Warm and sunny
Highlights: Completion of Kontiki’s suspension repairs and arrival of Mahesh Karadia from the UK
Most memorable moment: Successfully completing the suspension test drive with Ganesh
Vehicle update: New suspension springs and shock absorbers fitted; motorhome fully repaired and roadworthy
Special thanks: Ganesh and his team for their excellent workmanship and dedication
New Team Member: Mahesh Karadia joins Team Kontiki for the final stage to Mumbai
Evening activity: Thorough cleaning of Kontiki inside and out
Mood of the day: Relieved, excited, and ready to get back on the road
“Sometimes the road tests both the traveller and the vehicle. Today, after thousands of miles and countless challenges, Kontiki stood tall once again, ready for the final run to Mumbai.”
Join us tomorrow as Team Kontiki leaves Vizag behind and resumes its epic journey towards Mumbai with a repaired motorhome, a refreshed crew, and the finish line now firmly in sight.
