THE new year was off to a flying start for three men from Milton Abbot who embarked on the adventure of a lifetime by taking part in a unique race across the sub-continent of India. Dan Vanstone, his brother, Neil, and their friend Tim Lowe set off to India last Thursday to take part in the 'Rickshaw Run Winter 2008' — a treacherous and gruelling 2,000-mile race between 70 teams, that started on January 1, from Cochin in the far south to Katmandu in the far north, near the Himalayas. The task is 'designed' to be almost impossible but Team Racing Devon — as the tenacious trio are known — are determined they will finish, despite having to endure two weeks of driving their three- wheeled rickshaw on pot-holed roads, over barely passable terrain, through jungles, tea fields and even the odd mountain. With the monsoon season in progress, mud will also be a hazard for the two-stroke, single cylinder, 145cc, three-wheeled rickshaw. Tim, 22, and a builder, said that as well as the adventure of taking part they are raising money for the worldwide charity MercyCorps, an international humanitarian aid and development charitable organisation that focuses on emergency relief services and economic development and civil society. Before he set out, Tim told the Times: 'It will be a really good experience and definitely something different. 'It is going to be quite a challenge for the three of us — there is no support on the road and conditions are going to be quite uncomfortable. 'We will just be sleeping wherever and whenever we can. Going from one climate to another, from extreme heat to where it's bitterly cold is going to be quite a challenge. 'We are going to be camping out a lot and the food is certainly going to be "different".' But Tim, civil engineer Dan, 26, and agricultural contractor Neil, 27, from Chip Shop, are determined to give it their best shot, and thank all the people and firms in Tavistock and district who have already supported Team Devon Racing. Among the sponsors so far have been Tavistock Young Farmers who have contributed £320, TRW Engineering of Milton Abbot, £350, Tavistock Hire Centre, £100, Mark's Tyres, £100 as well as donations from individuals. The former Tavistock College students had to raise £1,000 to take part in the Rickshaw Run. Monies raised will be going to support Indian communities in need and once the race is finished the £600 rickshaw, which the three have to buy, will be donated to a family in India, which will be a life-changing gift for the lucky recipient. If you would like to sponsor Dan, Neil and Tim then go on to their website, http://www.the">www.the adventurists.com/team devonracing