If I am to sum up my experience at the BP Ultimate Rally Raid Portugal in one word, it would be “Bombastic!” What a fantastic experience it was.
From the very beginning I had decided I would be riding this rally Malle Moto style. But I never expected, even in my wildest dreams, that I would get so much support and warmth from the people of Portugal.
Big shoutout to the entire people of Grandola, who were so welcoming and helpful. Right from salvaging my drowned bike from a slush pit to jump start my dead battery, they saved me from the all the moments where my race could have easily come to an end.
The terrain had become challenging due to ensuing rains and it was mud and slush everywhere. Nearly everyday I was knee deep into slush by the time I reached the finish.
First two days were challenging due to technical issues caused due to rains. On day 3 we had to cross the border and reach Badajoz in Spain after a tiring and long stage.
My tyres had run completely bald by the end and having no service meant I had to ride with them for the next stage too. I am glad I could complete the stage successfully with zero traction tyres.
All in all, the experience was awesome and gave me immense learnings and confidence to ride without a service team.
My steed Kove has been such an amazing partner in crime. Onto the next one now!
I would like to convey my regards to BP Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal for arranging a great event.
Many regards to Ms. Fernanda Canastra for being a beautiful host and friend in an unknown country.
Big thanks to Pedregà Team and xraidsexperience for helping me with technical issues.
Thankyou T2 Sports for all their support.
Thanks to vowmotorsports for providing the best Sand track I could have got in india
Thanks to my coach Manthan Joshi for making me race-fit.
Lastly, many thanks to Ishita Gupta for managing my race formalities and keeping up with me during the stages.
