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So we had our bikes but we had one little problem, Tuk Tuks are way to small for 2 bikes and 2 tall guys. I've heard they fit 6 people in those which I still can't believe. Luckily our hotel shuttle friend Praba, another amazing guy, said he would come pick us up. We met him the night we got there and when he was working we'd only ride with him.



The ride day finally comes and lets just say getting out of Chennai is no less than an Evel Knievel suicide mission. Unfortunately there are 2 types of speed traps: cows and movable steel police barriers. We had to stop a few times for cow crossing but the worst happened just a mile from the hotel. Gary and I were riding in the "bike lane" (those don't really exist) where there was a 3 foot gap between us and the medal police barrier. Some dill weed on a junky scooter knocks the speed barrier right in front of me. I wish I had a picture because the bike and I were seriously messed up. Police and insurance are pretty non-existent so getting Suresh's reimbursement wasn't an option. Any normal human would turn back and soak a few in the hot tub.

HELL NO

Mission is already in progress, a soldier doesn't pack up in the middle of a battle and head home. At this point the bike had a bent front rim causing the brake to be completely useless, so we unscrewed it and hung it over the handlebars. Not much I could do about the massive welt that was on my right leg, just needed to ride it off. Once we were out of town, other than the occasional cow crossing, the ride was beautiful, even the road was smooth in some parts.

We finally reached our destination. It was only 90°F and 80% humidity, no sweat. Longest 35 miles I've ever ridden. Our destination was Mahabalipuram (map). To be honest we thought it was going to be a little bigger. Comparing this to a cathedral in Europe, this was just a few square feet smaller, a lot smaller. It was a very popular spot. We met some really nice families and shared stories and explained why we looked like were were from another planet.

After touring Mahabalipuram for at least an hour or more, we had to check out the gift shop. Unlike America where all gift shops are lined with cheap Chinese nick knacks, they had real Indian made items and handmade. The best part was the medicine man in the back room. There were a lot of shakra stones and this guy was totally into his medicine. We headed back to a room deep into the building; was kind of eery for a moment. Once we arrived he pulls out a brass singing bowl. Good thing because my bruised thigh was killing me.



By now Gary and I were famished and we still had Krishna's butterball to lift up. Apparently 100s of elephants could not do it but we did. We indulged in a local who steered us to a seafood restaurant near the water. I'm so glad we followed this guy through town as there was nothing better than a cold beer and some fresh seafood. The view was amazing and the place was all to ourselves. This by far was one of the best lunches I've had, good company, relaxing, fresh food, and scenic views. We ate fresh snapper, a lobster, a side of fries (for the carbs) for roughly $15 for 2.

To finish up our epic trip, we had to lift up Krishn's butterball. Apparently, Krishna's a bit of a playboy and eats a little too much. This rock is HUGE! And its resting on the space of a quarter, how the heck is this possible??? Either way, Gary and I figured it was worth standing under it even it it did crush us like an ant. I needed the lady in the orange to me help out, wasn't feeling it that day.



After and exhausting but adventurous day in Mahabalipuram, we headed back. Luckily we knew what to expect on the way back, we dodged city buses and kept an eye out for cows. Even after eating the most amazing lunch we were still starving. There was this little bar in the hotel that always seemed closed. Given that were were too tired to think much, we meandered into the darkly lite bar and asked if they served dinner. To our luck the did and not only that the chef was a special guest. Once again we had a place to ourselves! This is one day I'll never forget, thank you Gary.