So now we're all here. We've arrived. In India. In Kochi. This is where we want to start a very special Fundride: the anniversary tour to mark 10 years of Fundriding in aid of Kleine Hilfsaktion e.V.

And even our first impression was overwhelming for all of us—wherever you look, you see friendly, smiling faces. Indian people are just incredibly nice. You feel welcome from the very first moment.

So, over the next two weeks, this crazy bunch plans to travel over 1,500 kilometers across southwestern India, starting in Kochi/Kerala, passing through Karnataka, a bit of Tamil Nadu, back to Karnataka on the coast, and finally to Goa. And, how could it be otherwise, they'll be riding typical Indian motorcycles from the Royal Enfield brand.

There are 15 Fundriders on 13 motorcycles at the start. The group is completed by our tour doctor Dirk Boerner, our tour guide Roland Debschütz, a good friend of Roland's – Balaji from Rajasthan – Deepak and Vishnu from Motorcycle Escapades, who will be there as local guides, all of whom will also be traveling on motorcycles. This brings the total to 18 motorcycles. To transport our luggage and provide technical support along the way, we will also be accompanied by a van with a driver and two mechanics on board. In that regard, everything is taken care of.

Our starting point, Kochi, is worth the trip in itself. There is a lot here that reminds us of the Portuguese, Dutch, and later, from 1795 onwards, British colonial periods. In many parts of the city, you feel as if you have been transported back to those times. The original backwaters in the hinterland are also worth seeing and it is worth planning a day for this. Not to mention the highlands of Kerala. It is not without reason that Kerala is proudly called "God's own country" in India.

Our "base camp" in Fort Kochi is at Ballard Bungalow, where we met Markose, an extremely courteous and caring host. There is nothing he cannot organize—not least a delicious welcome dinner for the entire group. During this dinner, the first briefing for the tour took place and responsible tasks were assigned—for example: who will be in charge of the cash box, into which everyone will pay an equal amount and from which, for example, the treasurer will pay for lunch on the tour. Even during this briefing, it was clear that the chemistry was right, there was a lot of laughter and joking around, and everyone is super excited to see what the next two weeks will bring.

So tomorrow we'll be setting off – not on a long journey, but on a short round trip. We need to get used to driving in Indian traffic, and we want to. Left-hand traffic, traffic rules that aren't really rules, a horn that serves as a means of communication – and a whole lot of calmness. Since tomorrow is Sunday, the traffic will be light and we can relax and get used to the conditions and the motorcycles. Very important: take a photo of the mileage before setting off, because we're not just out for fun (among other things!). It's a Fundride, and every kilometer we ride literally contributes to our mission: We ride for charity!

Author: Ralf Hoffmann – Fundrider & Project Manager India