Prologue:
Long tiring days at work, working in 24 / 7 shifts.. Weekly offs randomized to Tuesdays and Thursdays... life was moving next to hell. I needed a break, at least to calm off things and start afresh. After lots of planning and discussing, got a well deserved 3 day break around the 1st of May. Come last week of April, I was excited about the trip.. My manager called up for a meeting, I was wondering if it had to deal with canceling my leaves.. thankfully, it was other wise. I was moved to a new project, to be joined from the 3rd of May. So the three day plan is now a five day one. Kerala was always on my mind, but couldn't do it because of some reason or the other and this was the time to do it.
The Picasa Album
Day 1: Riding Solo to the Gods Own Country
Odometer: 003684 - Trip Meter: 000
Riding Solo has become a new habit of mine, which off late i started to enjoy the most. Woke up for a cup of coffee at 4 in the morning. I could feel the emotions running through my mom's eyes even on that dim light I just consoled her that i would reach back safe and ON TIME! refreshed myself and started in another 30 mins.
So a much deserved early morning start, the weather was cool and pleasant bid adieu to parents and started up. Took the NH 45 route towards Trichy and my first stop was Thindivanam, 100 odd kilometers from Chennai. Open roads, not much traffic and pleasant weather.. the trip started comfortably, more that what i dreamt of.
Next stop was near Perambalur, another 100 odd kilometers away, this time the sun was just setting down while i emptied the breakfast along agricultural fields.. Went out of water and so stopped by a road side tea shop. From around 90 kilometers away from trichy i hoped i was clearing a good distance (Cruising around the 80's)!
The sun was already out and I started sweating, that too with the riding jacket, i was sweating even more. Came out of the Tea shop to only find my ride down and i could lift it up Got help to park it up , found that my rear tyre had a puncture. All this happened in front of the tea shop/besides a puncture shop. I still suspect those guys would have hit the nail into my rear tyre
They were too busy fixing up lorry tyres meanwhile i removed the tyre, cleaned up the bike, loosened out the remaining air in the tube and got the tube out. It took them two full hours to fix the puncture and give back the tyre. Finally fixed the rear tyre and started off to trichy by 9:30 AM. The first few kilometers were bumpy and later on the tyre got adjusted or rather i got adjusted to its settings and i opened up the throttle. Reached trichy around 11, and the ByPass traffic was at its Mad best! Took about 45 minutes to cross the outskirts of Trichy and later on the traffic got eased out.
Reached Dindigul around 1PM, 420 kilometers on the trip and i was getting tired and the weather was making me get exhausted. The Route towards theni was not clear and i was misled by many! After roaming so much on the madurai highway (I was only 30 odd kilometers away from Madurai!) , finally got hold of the roads towards theni. The temperatures came down after reaching Theni and roads were really scenic.
Roads were bordered by lush green trees and accompanied by mountains, i started to feel the goodness of the trip. Stopped for lunch around 3PM in a small village hotel and ate as much i could. Shocked to see the bill as 37 rupees, i gave them 50 rupees and wished them luck with a happier stomach and heart!
With more than 550 on the odo, i was getting really tired and stopped every other juice shop. Reached the foot of the hills towards Periyar (Thekkady / Kumily) around 3PM, the scenery was wonderful. Stopped by the falls, tried cornering on my TBTS, clicked snaps, played with monkeys, and with other things to do.. climbed up the hills and reached the Periyar Tiger Reserve at 4:05 PM.
The forest officer said am late by 5 minutes for the last boat of the day He guided me to a nearby cottage, decent enough with twin beds and with a hill view. Paid 300 for the room and from the room, started gazing at the birds and monkeys loafing around the woods, saw the hills smoking. My 18x Zoom from the cam showed that it was forest fire and it was a rare sight, at least for me.
So the day ended with 594.5 kilometers from Chennai / 4279 on the odometer. My longest ever on a day, tiring but truly enjoyable one.
Odometer: 004279 - Trip Meter: 594.5
Day 2: Crossing Lakes, Mountains, Dams and excellent twisties..
Odometer: 004729 Trip meter: 594.5
I woke for a special cardamom tea and it was still dark outside. The forest fire had set down, and i was still lazy to get up from bed. My shoulders were paining and i also had a sour back. Indeed riding 600 kilometers had taken a toll on my body. Bathed in Hot water and i was feeling better, got out of the room and headed into the Periyar Tiger Reserve which was just a few meters away from my room. Entrance fee was Rs.25 and another 25Rs. for getting a Camera inside.
The roads inside the reserve were great! Looked scenic and was scary for a guy like me walking all alone. The Forest officer at the entrance gate adviced me of seeing wild animals and i was eagerly looking forward for it. I thought the climate would be cold and still had the riding jacket On. But it was a great mistake. The weather was much like chennai, Hot and not that cool as i wondered. 15 minutes into the reserve, my legs started paining and i havent crossed half the distance. Kept walking further up, and spotted a deer crossing by the road. It ran away into the woods as soon as i opened up the camera. With not much time to spare for the first boat into the lake, got a share auto (much like what you find in chennai, but too costly!) to the periyar lake. Paid him 20 bucks and he dropped me in no time!
The boat 'JalaTharanga' was waiting for me. I was the last one to board the boat and every one on the boat was made to wait for me. I had a small place next to a 6'6" monster. Contradictorily, there was a beauty on the other side of it, but DAMN! Her husband came along! For sometime, I was in crossminds wondering where to concentrate. The lake, or the beautiful birds or the odd animals crossing by or the only beautiful thing to see on the boat.
I planned otherwise, turned to the beautiful side and started shooting with my cam. The boat started sailing into the lake, with so many birds flying around my cam was trying to capture as much as it could. Cruising into the lake Spotted Bisons, deers, Wild Pigs, and finally Elephants at quite a distance.
The temperature cooled down once we went deep into the lake, and the beautiful one asked me to take a picture of her with her hubby. I clicked t(HER) picture on her Canon and my eyes and we parted. Got a lift to the cottage by one of the workers in the reserve, refreshed myself at the room and checked out the room.
To roads towards Munnar were sought as one of the best, but in turn it was other wise. The roads were being repaired and it was take diversions right from where i started. The only advantage was that i had to cross many small villages of Kerala and it was indeed refreshing. Children playing along the small canals, women washing clothes at the rivulets and grandads resting along side the coconut tree shades were a pleasant sight. Stopped by Nedumkantam, another small town for some cool drinks. The shop owner, an elderly woman had no clue what i asked her. Managed to open up the fridge ad pick up a fanta myself, and some snacks and sweets. She charged only 5 bucks for the fanta and 20 for the snacks and sweets.
The roads then were excellent, few straight, lots and lots of twisties and some hair pin bends, My ride just proved perfect on all those roads. Stopped by a few places for snaps and i proceded on. The temperatures rapidly decreased and the green green sights were a virtual treat. Those green tea plantations, excellent twisties running through them, with mountains around the backdrop indeed what a biker wants. My first time to Munaar / Kerala and for sure Munaar didnt disappoint me.
I was wandering even after i reached Munaar, stopped by Matupatty dam for a few snaps. And time and again some other beauty stops by and i forget to concentrate on what i need to do :P Further up, stopped by the KSEB boating arena and they wont allow me in with the camera. So i decided not to go in without my camera, and went a head to Top Station, topmost point as per the banners. The roads leading to the Top station is really fascinating. with single lane roads running through the tea plantations at those high altitudes, it was verymuch picturesque.
The Top station, a view point owned by a private party is in Tamil Nadu's limits. The 3 kilometers into the view point from kerala is in a very bad state. The locals claim the forest department is not allowing them to lay new roads, while the forest department further down the road claim the Tamil nadu government is not co-operating to lay new roads. If laid, the distance between top station and kodaikkanal would be a mere 59 kilometers, that too running through dense forests.
My next stop was at the Pambadum - Shola National park, where i went for trekking. 4 kilometers into the wild forest, accompanied by a forest officer.. a totally different experience. But came out with bleeding legs , because of leech bites. I was exhausted after the trekking, after all i trekked 4 kilometers after hard riding and oops i forgot to have my breakfast and lunch and it was already 5 in the evening.
On way back visited another dam and the Kundale lake. Stopped for some photos, had a pine-apple juice and returned to Munaar. Way back, i was concerned if i had enough petrol and locals asked me to fill up petrol at Ellapatti, the only town to stock up petrol on cans. The shop owners at Ellapatty were very kind enough, most of them were tamils and originally from some parts of chennai. They offerred 5 rupee discount for me, after knowing that i came from chennai and for riding down all the way Though concerned voices like "You could have come by bus, it just costs around 200" could not be avoided!
So again, an eventful day.. Lots of new places, meeting new people and rejuvinating the hidden faith. The ride started becoming more special for me.
End: Odometer: 004919 Tripmeter: 784
Route: Thekkady to Munnar - SH19 towards Devikulam and NH49 from there on. The roads are scenic, and would save a lot of distance unlike the other normal route running through Tamil nadu..
Day 3: Playing with Nilgiri Tahr n Crocodiles..
I didnt know when i slept last night, but i knew it was late. When i woke up, I was all sweating, with a head ache having been covered up inside the bedsheet for more than 10 hours and with no fan nor a
ventilator in the room. I got up and went out of the room, saw the pleasant view of the hills.. a refreshing sight.. brushed up, refreshed up myself and had a tea and some snacks. Came back to the room ,
packed up my bag, had bathe in HOT water and checked out the room around 9 AM. The room boy asked me to leave a bit late as the Eravikulam National park opens up only by 10 and I would have to
wait there for nothing. I took his words, went out finished my breakfast, tanked up and started up by 9 30.
My first stop was at Tea Museum, just on the other side of the road. It was not open and i went further, and then after a few kilometers stopped by Nyamakad Water Falls. My bad time, there wasnt any
water at the falls and it was just the rocks to be seen. Not a ideal start, i pushed up further for my next stop, The Eravikulam National Park. I reached there exactly by 10 and there was such a huge queue
awaiting to get the tickets into the park. The Queue easily outnumbered more than 200, and I was at the end of it. I was in two minds weather to take it off and leave to the next location or wait for the
counter to open. The queue started moving at a snails pace and after an hour, I got the tickets into the park. Parked my bike behind the office and boarded a mini van that takes us into the Eravikulam
national park, some 5 kilometers above the office. The roads leading to the park were very much scenic, but they dont allow private vehicles into that forest area
The mad driver, dropped us at the park in no time and we were set on our own. peeked into a small building at the park, Called 'Story of the Park' - It had pictures and photo cards about the history of the
park. Came out and ventured into the park. A few steps in, a Nilgiri tahr sped past me and dis appeared as soon as i opened up the Cam. Going further up , i saw plenty of them, as close as it could get. They
posed up really well, and i was happy clicking those
Still further up, I found that the park had nothing other than these Nilgiri tahr's and the misty hilly spreading down. No doubt that it was an awesome sight, but i dreamt otherwise. Spent some time
Capturing the scenery, and helped a few couples taking pitures of them. The end of the park came and the senery was just getting better. Came back down and had some snacks in the canteen there.
boarded the bus and reached back the parking place. The roads and the scenery indeed is very refreshing, again tried cinvincing the forrest officer that i would just go up once on my bike and come down,
but he wont allow
The roads after that were in a bad state, with potholes here and there, and the temperature started to rise having crossed munnar and coming down the hills. Stopped by Marayoor, the sandal wood forests
for a break. Nothing picturesque and so i proceeded on. Down the hills, into Chinnar , the temperature started to boil up and i started to sweat again. Stopped by the Chinnar wildlife sanctuary and again it
was cosed for the Day. Not what i really wanted out of the trip, most of the important locations being missed up. Crossed the kerala border, and into TamilNadu again. Needless of say, weather in tamil
nadu was literally killing me.. No more green sight to go, was wondering how the next destination would be. Stopped at the first shop on the tamil nadu border, quickly emptied a tender coconut and
headed to the Amaravathi Dam, just 6 kilometers away.
The dam was asusual dry and literally nothing to see in it. The locals asked me to visit the Crocodile farm on the other side of the road. The entry fee into the farm was just 50 paise!! There were quite a few
crocodiles in the farm and most of them just sleeping. Those awake were opening their mouth and threatening the kids. Took a few random shots and started to Valparai, my last destination for the day.
Called up Keerty, a.k.a Thy @xBhp and told him that i would meet him at N.M Sungam, a small town near his hometown, enroute to Valparai. He kindly obliged and i started off from the Amaravathi
Dam. The roads were scenic, contradictoryly these were running through the agricultural lands and some Coconut farms. Few things which were astonishing for me was that, there are posers almost every
where, even in villages and small towns! and Pulsars have become common in Villages these days. Few small bends and some straight roads and i was at N.M Sungam., called up Thy and he is still on his
way. Stopped by a small parota shop and finished up my lunch. By then Thy reached and we headed to Aliyar dam.
The dam was huge! The bulidings there reminded me of older tamil movies and we headed up into the dam. A few snaps and we started to Valparai, some 60 kilometers away and more specially there
were 40 HAIRPIN BENDS!! We headed up and our next stop was at The Loams View, which gives a panaromic view of the dam. Meanwhile two of keerthy's friends joined us into Valparai. The mist started
to settle down, while we were steadily cruising up. Few more friends joined up keerthy's gang and we lost 45 minutes and it was getting dark. With pictures becoming bleak, we sped the 40 hairpin bends
and ventured into the Valprai Town.
Keerthy's friend tanked up,
while Keerthy and myself went searching for a room to stay up for the night. Finally got into Myna Lodge, a decent enough lodge with twin beds. Paid 150 bucks for the room
and went out and had our dinner. Came back to the lodge to find that there wernt any parking place and parked the ride with so much fear on my eyes. Checked with the staff a hundred times if the bike
will be safe. Went in and locked the room while keerthy and his friends parted back to Pollachi, their home-town.
So yet another eventful day, mix of sad and happy emotions. Few places missed out but spending some good time playing with the Nilgiri tahr, speaking about elections on the road side tea shop and arguing TVS Star is no way better than a Enfield on those coconut farms were real special
Total Kilometers for the day : 185
Day 4: With good company..
Staying in a low cost lodge has its own share of problems and tortures. Yet another night without much sleep. This time it was those drunkard neighbours, who lethargically switch off the fan or lock up the room from outside or wake you up in the middle of the night to ask if i stole their mobile! Ever since 'Thy' left my room , I had to live up with these disturbances. Woke up the next day morning, without an alarm at 5:30 AM. Brushed up, refreshed myself and packed up things. An hour passed by and i went out looking up for a tea shop., Only a few shops were opened and calmly waited for a tea shop to open up. Had some biscuits and a hot tea. Passed a beauty parlor or Saloon in our words, stepped in and had a clean shave., The twenty minutes i spent in the barber shop was real funny. With everyone except me speaking nothing other than POLITICS! Came back to the room, had bathe in cold water, dressed up and awaited Thy's call. No private cellphone network in Valparai, Only the BSNL networks function here and so i was waiting for the load landline ring tone. Thy called up at 7 30 and said he will reach around an hour. Meanwhile i again went out, cleaned up my ride and parcelled the breakfast in a near by hotel.
Thy arrived and we quikly finished our breakfast. Checked out the room, got a few water bottles and packed up the snacks i had bought in Kerala. A few snaps and we were ON. Checked our tire pressures at a near by puncture shop and we headed to Athirampalli. Our first stop for the day was at Sholayar dam. A huge dam, again with not much water., few snaps and we were back on road. Crossed the Tamil Nadu border and once again entered Kerala. The scenic forest route to athirampalli, had awesome twisties, bad roads, roads with just stones and some newly laid thar. We knew that for the next 60 kilometers its going to be just woods, woods and more woods and with no shops or towns inbetween! We were prepared for the worst or best to come in. Took the first few kilometers with care, let a few cars to overtake though total vehicles encountered on the whole stretch wouldnt have crossed two digits!
The woods were scary, with a wierd noise all over. The roads were in a real bad shape, with Thy mentioning that the roads would be damaged of the possible encounters of elephants., i was just awaiting the same. We could barely maintain speeds above 30 as the roads were real bumpy and took a toll on the bike and our backs on speeding above 30. We decided not to stop anywhere unnecessaryly but stopped in every other curve for pics, pics and more pics. Infact we even took a 45 minute break in the middle of the forest, with no one else to care - we went on taking up random snaps, a few poses into the woods and finally we were on. Managed to stop by a river, finally there was some place with some decent water flowing in! I even thought of having a quick bath into the river, but there were already a gang bathing and another gand of drunkards going into it. Again., a few snaps and we were on. The woods were a good companion on our rides, we started enjoying the natural beauty., the creepy trees, wierd sounds of insects, tall woods, and a few monkeys to be played up with. We swapped rides, and the roads were getting better with the new thar being laid in between.
Our next stop was was for our so called lunch. I had bought some snacks from Nedumkantam, kerala and the home made chocolates from Munnar. We shared it up , rested our butts for sometime and we went on. Riding the R15 , was a special and different experience. It just moved briskly and does what we say! Moving around the corners or the twisties were much easier. For another 50 kilometers, i didnt wish to go back to the bull., not untill we reached our destination for the day. As again, i was practising the cornering techniques or rather the bending and leaning aspect of it.. there comes a mad cage driver, just in front of me., completely in the wrong lane on the open roads. with nothing else left to do, i steered to the other side and breaked hard. With gods grace, nothing happened and i was on my limits. This happens and living in India, we just have to forget it move on.
Few kilometers down the road, another photo session, this time it was along side the wooden logs, and an empty road leading to a timber yard. The day had started good and riding with a good company is always for the better of the trip. Thy started taking out pics and i started posing :P The weather was getting hot and i removed my riding jacket and let the breeze cool me off. It was here we found that Thys jacket had fallen off somewhere, far from where we could even guess where we could have lost it. 30 minutes passed by, a long break indeed.. we quenched our thirsts and soon we ran out of water.
Some hard fast riding got us to a town, near athirampalli. Seeing a shop after 60 kilometers!! Stopped for a juice break. We could hear the sound of the flowing water from there.. a bright smile that we almost did it.!
Crossed the Forest check post, and entered into the Athirampalli. The place was crowded too much and being a holiday, it was getting worser. Though., Seeing a huge crowd after spending hours in the lonely dense forests were somewhat different for the first few minutes ! We went ahead and parked the bikes. My ride's clutch wire went kaput exactly at the parking area. We were in two minds weather to deal with it once we come back or to attend it immediately. The forest officers had a mechanics number who resides some 5 kilometers from the Athirampalli falls. Called him, but no use. I pillioned Thy and went past the falls looking for a mechanic. Shi* ! My mistake, i should have had the spare cables, but for my lethargic mindset
Many kilometers passed, only the roads are getting better, but no sign of mechanics. Finally stopped by a shop and asked directions to a mechanics garage. We were instead told that the mechanics house is just besides the shop, and he is not at the house currently. With no options left, we sailed further up.. and some 5 kilometers later, we saw a garage! Spoke to him in the bad crap malayalam that we could speak off and made him understand that the bike's clutch wire has blown off. He inturn gave a enfield mechanics number and asked us to meet him at his house after an hour.
So we went back to the falls, with no mood to bath with hundreds of people fighting for place to bath., we just carried on. I washed my face, relaxed myself and came back to the shore meanwhile Thy went on to click a few snaps of the falls. The falls, no doubt was huge and wonderful. Just that we have to bath on the stream that leads to the falls, with hundreds of people nastying up the place was a bit sick for me. Soon it was 4:30 PM and we went back to the parking place. Called up Raju, the bullet mechanic from Chalakudy. Thank fully, he knew tamil and we explained the problems. Since the roads were down the hill from the falls ., to his house i calmly pushed up the bike and banded into the second gear after the ride sped past 20., the bike ame back to life but i knew for sure i was just damaging the engine. Chillarpatti came in sooner that expected and i rocketed past the place , where Thy was asking for directions.. he came back signalling that the place had already come., with much care i took a 'O' turn on the busy roads, without letting the bike struggle up for the clutch, i turned up and reached the place. Dropped the bike near a church when i went along with Thy to the mechanics house. He wasnt there at the house, and we tried reaching him on his mobile., he was already at the bike and had replaced the clutch wire. Came back, thanked him., paid him 200 for the wire and we started off to Chalakudy.
Missed out on the correct direction and we went on the other side. One hour of hard riding and roads started relaxing. Then there i see a board., COCHIN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT--- 5 KILOMETERS!! I was like aaw... Machi we have come to Cochin!! We both were puzzled what to do and what was really happpening! i knew for sure, Cochin wasnt so close to Chalakudy and that we didnt ride that fast, nor did the traffic let us to do so. Pulled up to the side of the road and asked for directions. Thankfully, It wasnt Cochin, but somewhere near aluvae, enroute to Ernakulam. Trissur was on the other way back. We again had to deal with the same mad traffic. Riding experience in bangalore came to some use and i sped up fast zipping (On my TBTS! :P) through the gaps. 50 kilometers to trissur and we both signalled on our minds that we will meet up in trissur if we lose track., and we really didnt signal each other. I zoomed past a signal ( I had to break that signal ) and went a head while Thy got locked up behind a huge truck. 100 minutes of hard, fast riding got me in Trissur. Called up thy and he was still 15 kilometers behind. I finished a light dinner, again! Still Thy didnt come, had a tea and calmly awaited him. Finally after 30 minutes Thy flew that junction and went a head. I was running out of balance and had just two rupees and 10 paise. Called Thy, No response. I started the bike and tried catching him. No use, no clue where he went. Again Thy called and said he is waiting at the trissur junction. Another 3 kilometers a head, i met him and a short butt break.
The roads were awesome from here on, but the number trucks were huge! Stopped for a juice break, and it was around 9:30 PM. Some 90 kilometers to Pollachi i hoped. The traffic was getting dense, with oncoming traffic having high beam lights, it became a nightmare to ride with the scratched up visor. So started riding up with the visor lifted up, hitting up insects and dust into the eyes, i was literally crying for a way out! As again, Thy got fixed up behind a truck and i went a head and for long. No signs of Thy , and so stopped by some small town. Thy was on the other end of the town. Called up Thy and he asked me to meet him up on the other end, as we have to divert into another road towards pollachi. The roads were a bit bumpy, and lighting was poor. Though the roads became Ok after some 10
kilometers. I was starting wondering about my last lank up , as the petrol indiator was showing near the 1/4th of the tank. I remembered that i last tanked up the previous day morning in Munnar and didnt fillin any more petrol after that. For the next 50 kilometers, there wernt any petrol bunks open and it was already past 10 PM.
Managed to fillin petrol in some bunk , 10 kilometers before the Kerala Tamil nadu border. Stopped by for a butt break, i was growing tired and Thy's wrists started paining. Another juice break and we went on to Pollachi. Crossed into the Tamil nadu border and the roads were awesome!! The rear tires pressure went down and so i could only manage speeds around the 60's and 70's. Around 11 30 PM, we went into Pollachi., a Huge beautifuul town indeed! Seeing me with a backback, riding gear, helmets ON!, a poser on tvs victor signalled up for a race., Though i couldnt speed up past 70 or so, and once when i did around the 80's to overtake a truck, the poser mistook me that i am Calling up for a race and was going flat out at 90 and signalled that he won! I was having a lighter moment inspite of the tireful day, and was speaking to myself.. thats the way people are!
Few diversions on and finally around 12 AM, we reached Pollacchi / Thys house. Thys dog was barking so happily seeing me wonder why it was. Expressed a sorry to Thys parents that i'm making their son ride hard and get him back home late in the night Later, Thy just took me to the hotel room , a few kilometers away. This time around the room was awesome with luzurious beds., told thy that i would leave to chennai a bit late, by around 6 in the morning and i crashed.
A tiring day, with more than 300 kilometers., taking over 300 snaps for the day and Riding across twisties, forests, small rivers, woods were exceptional! Overall happy to have ridden with good company and a heartful thanks to Keerthy for accompanying a mad biker like me!
Day 5: A burnt up ride..
The day started with a painful morning, with every inch of my body paining at its own will. 6 30 AM, got up late.. called up Thy and asked if he is coming to meet me up, one last time.. He nodded and i went into have a hot bathe.. 7 AM and i was ready. Paked up things and i was just relaxing myself, a long day awaited me.. 7 30 AM, keerthy was at the door., we cheked out the hotel and went in for the nearby hotel for a coffee. Burnt up the engines and our first stop was a few kilometers away, my dads school. A few snaps on it and we were on. Checked up the tire pressures and we were on. Thy accompanied me till the highway that leads towards karur, as i was not quite sure of directions.
Bad luck, Thy sped past me i was again stranded in the middle of nowhere. My batters fuse went kaput, and so keenly changed to the spare one i had. Switched on to the other spare and the same again. So now, no more spares and a early sunday morning, no mechanics around. Tough day indeed.. i already started sweating, and time was running by. Thy came back after sometime not knowing what really had happened. He then called up his mechanic and he arrived in sometime. He fixed up with the fuse, and asked me to change it with some other mechanic enroute to chennai. Started up the bike, a few kilometers further, the same thing happened.
The mechanic came to help and this time he fixed up the lines directly, and so no more fuses. I really didnt knew the alter effects of giving the lines directly. I asked if it would hurt and he checked up the ride and again swapped back to the old fuse and connected the lines with a fuse wire. So then the ride came back to life once again. They parted up back to Pollachi where in i started towards tharapuram.
The roads were decent, with wind mills all around a pleasant sight and ofcourse seeing the wind mills for the first time. Stopped by for a few pics and didnt turn off the engine and i was scared to let anything wrong happen. Stopped by Tharapuram, asked for directions and checked with a mechanic if anything wrong with the lines / battery. He checked out and said its clean. A hundred kilometers passed by and i could sense the wires / battery been heated up., and with riding non stop with such a hot weather was a No-No. And soon the ride came to a grinding hault.
Twenty kilometers from Karur, on a perfect village with no mechanics or anything to help me out. Pushed the bike for a kilometer, but nothing to help. thankfully, a guy came to help without even asking for it. He promptly towed me up for the next 5 kilometers and dragged me off till 5 road, the next proper village. Saw a mechanics shop, but the mechanic wasnt there. And my bad, i forgot to recharge my mobile. A tough day indeed. Called up from a local phone booth and he arrived after some 10 minutes. He checked the ride and said he doesnt know anything with these modern bullets. I just asked him what the problem Could be.. he again changed to a new fuse, and the earth wire gone for a toss he changed it.. not sure if he replaed the same perfectly, but he changed it and the bike came back to action. 10 kilometers on, the bike stalled up again. With nothing else to do, i swapped to to the direct lines.
The ride was smooth, but for the political meetings.. the roads were too crowded and got stuck up in mad traffic in Karur owing to Amma's campaign. And so again, inch by inch movement under the hot sun, i was just more than scared to know what could happen. Thankfully, in the next thirty minute i crossed the strech and was on the other end of the road leading towards trichy. 20 more kilometers, i was just beginning to beleive that i would make it, the bike stopped with the wires smoking up. I saw the wires burnt up and huge smoke from the battery. Sigh.. nothing else to do, pushed up up the bike for another 2 kilometers, and put it up with a mechanic. he promptly asked me to parcel the bike and send it to the showroom as the whole wiring kit needs to be replaced.
Got a mini truck to tow up the bike again back to karur, and stopped by a parcel service office. KRLS it was, they packed the bike and loaded it into their truck. My bike couldnt come along as the trucks would leave only by night and reach the next day morning. I went in search of a bus, to chennai and there wasnt a bus until 9PM. So had to take a town bus to trichy, and i was sweating like anything. 2 30 PM, it was and the bus moved up briskly. From 2 wheels to 8 wheels, indeed disheartening Its part and parcel of such trips, Called up dad and said i will be late. Reached trichy by 4 45 PM and found a bus to chennai. A normal bus, and thats the only one available. The bus started by 5 PM and finally reached back Chennai by 11:55 PM.
So, 5 days in and around Kerala, The Gods own Counry & The Enchanting Tamail nadu. 1500 kilometers of fun filled riding and 300+ kilometers of suffering on a cramped up bus. A different experience, Riding solo has its own experiences and this ride was one such.
Thanks for reading.
__________________
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
TwinSparked @ the tracks..
Well, I wasn't obsessed with tracks, never before , more inclined towards touring - but now the quarter mile matters too..
The track day started with a sleepy morning, right after a night shift - a few kilometers away, FURY, INSIDIOUS & EL LOCO was waiting for me..
A quick introduction and we zoomed past , reached the MMSC in no time..
A short introduction, followed on.. a Briefing Session by Varun.. Praful started the session blistering into the tracks and others followed suit.
I sat back, enjoying the fellow riders beat it out at the track.. Then a typical grunt, as though a group of lions entered in..
Pondered out, 3 SBKs.. My jaws popped out - first time seeing a SBK in flesh! Realising a virtual dream, came back to the pits to see whats cooking..
Soon Manoj signaled to the pits stating that somebody had a fall.. Rushed back to Varun, he was busy registering the almighty's..
Started my TBTS, for the first time - the bull marched on to the tracks.. A long way on, slowly one corner after the other.. @ C7 saw manoj down with a crash..
He was down with a few scratches, but his P220 frame was bent and a scratched silencer. Came back to the pits & saw INSIDIOUS with a tored up back
A matter of fact, INSIDIOUS had a fall, manoj informed us & i went and saw manoj himself with a fall.
Manoj recovered and came back to the pits, enjoyed the next 1 hour seeing the R1, GSXR, CBR.. Our very own Kushanth's ZMA & the two mopeds doing miraculous speeds within the pits
FURY borrowed my jacket for a few laps around the tracks and it started tempting me to ride around the tracks.. When FURY came back, I got back my jacket and started off..
The first lap was casual, speeds only around the 80's.. Cornering was a big No No!! The huge foot pegs started scraping with a slight lean on to the corner..
But managed to do around the 60's to 70' around the corner.. The fastest was 95 , from C3 to C4 not to mention my TBTS was still with the run-in period!
The ride really perforwed well, quicker starts than what i expected out of the bird and first time i went till the 5k RPM..
Came back to the pits after few laps, the bike was fuming hot! Chilled out with the budding bikers and then it was a unexpectable call! A ride on the CBR!!
The virtual dream came down, i rode down the 12 exciting coners.. if not as the rider, as a pillion was a totally uncalled for experience..
The dangerous corners around the triple digits was so scary!!
The wind just blew past me in the other shorter straight around C3 & C4!
The miraculous 150's and the pillion experience just counting on the edge of the tyre was indeed impressive..
But the corner C4,5,6 &7 took a toll! Softly shouted at Suneet to head back to the bits
Came back to the pits with a jubilation! Phew! Wish some one had captured the ecstatic moment!!
Joining back at the pits, again a blow - this time it was karthik who again had the fall..
INSIDIOUS tagged along with me on my TBTS and we went to see karthik fell apart from his R15. He had a sour knee which bled and his ride was badly broke!
Couldnt help him much as the FIRST AID Kit wasnt there in my ride, not sure where it was , so went back to the pits and got the bandages from GURU and came back to the spot..
Felt sorry for Karthik that it literally took 30 odd minutes to treat the wound Applied the antiseptic ointment and took INSIDIOUS back to the pits.
Later, Varun, Joel & Co. got back the ride back to the pits in one piece , that too with the clip on, literally broke!
Then it was time for posing with the babes.. well i meant the SBKs.. The CBR, R1 & the GSXR.. Few nice clicks and i was back to the pits seeing the Desi bikes in action..
Later, took FURY's Pulsar for a Spin, the gear shifts.., the handling was totally different from that of my Bird..
was more happier riding my bird than the pulsar (No offence to Fury / Pulsars) but felt my ride was more relaxed than that of the pulsars w r t the handling
Varun finished his Knee downs on the R15 and came back announcing the last few laps, the needles struck around the 1PM mark.
Then it was time for the group photos and the adieu's..
After a tiring day at the tracks, with the sun beating down went back to office sweating, with the riding jacket ON..
My colleagues saw me as though i came back from a unknown territory
Over all, a tiring day.. but a wonderful time.. first time meeting many of the fellow xBhpians and what not the first time experience in the tracks will never fade away from the memories..
Finally.. Me & INSIDIOUS (With Ace's Lid ) on my TBTS to see what happened for Karthik...
P.S: Sorry this is just a Copy Paste from my blog, Couldn't write eloborately about the performance of TBTS , hence the blog.. please pardon my BAD ENGLISH or the poor grammar
Picasa Album Link here
The track day started with a sleepy morning, right after a night shift - a few kilometers away, FURY, INSIDIOUS & EL LOCO was waiting for me..
A quick introduction and we zoomed past , reached the MMSC in no time..
A short introduction, followed on.. a Briefing Session by Varun.. Praful started the session blistering into the tracks and others followed suit.
I sat back, enjoying the fellow riders beat it out at the track.. Then a typical grunt, as though a group of lions entered in..
Pondered out, 3 SBKs.. My jaws popped out - first time seeing a SBK in flesh! Realising a virtual dream, came back to the pits to see whats cooking..
Soon Manoj signaled to the pits stating that somebody had a fall.. Rushed back to Varun, he was busy registering the almighty's..
Started my TBTS, for the first time - the bull marched on to the tracks.. A long way on, slowly one corner after the other.. @ C7 saw manoj down with a crash..
He was down with a few scratches, but his P220 frame was bent and a scratched silencer. Came back to the pits & saw INSIDIOUS with a tored up back
A matter of fact, INSIDIOUS had a fall, manoj informed us & i went and saw manoj himself with a fall.
Manoj recovered and came back to the pits, enjoyed the next 1 hour seeing the R1, GSXR, CBR.. Our very own Kushanth's ZMA & the two mopeds doing miraculous speeds within the pits
FURY borrowed my jacket for a few laps around the tracks and it started tempting me to ride around the tracks.. When FURY came back, I got back my jacket and started off..
The first lap was casual, speeds only around the 80's.. Cornering was a big No No!! The huge foot pegs started scraping with a slight lean on to the corner..
But managed to do around the 60's to 70' around the corner.. The fastest was 95 , from C3 to C4 not to mention my TBTS was still with the run-in period!
The ride really perforwed well, quicker starts than what i expected out of the bird and first time i went till the 5k RPM..
Came back to the pits after few laps, the bike was fuming hot! Chilled out with the budding bikers and then it was a unexpectable call! A ride on the CBR!!
The virtual dream came down, i rode down the 12 exciting coners.. if not as the rider, as a pillion was a totally uncalled for experience..
The dangerous corners around the triple digits was so scary!!
The wind just blew past me in the other shorter straight around C3 & C4!
The miraculous 150's and the pillion experience just counting on the edge of the tyre was indeed impressive..
But the corner C4,5,6 &7 took a toll! Softly shouted at Suneet to head back to the bits
Came back to the pits with a jubilation! Phew! Wish some one had captured the ecstatic moment!!
Joining back at the pits, again a blow - this time it was karthik who again had the fall..
INSIDIOUS tagged along with me on my TBTS and we went to see karthik fell apart from his R15. He had a sour knee which bled and his ride was badly broke!
Couldnt help him much as the FIRST AID Kit wasnt there in my ride, not sure where it was , so went back to the pits and got the bandages from GURU and came back to the spot..
Felt sorry for Karthik that it literally took 30 odd minutes to treat the wound Applied the antiseptic ointment and took INSIDIOUS back to the pits.
Later, Varun, Joel & Co. got back the ride back to the pits in one piece , that too with the clip on, literally broke!
Then it was time for posing with the babes.. well i meant the SBKs.. The CBR, R1 & the GSXR.. Few nice clicks and i was back to the pits seeing the Desi bikes in action..
Later, took FURY's Pulsar for a Spin, the gear shifts.., the handling was totally different from that of my Bird..
was more happier riding my bird than the pulsar (No offence to Fury / Pulsars) but felt my ride was more relaxed than that of the pulsars w r t the handling
Varun finished his Knee downs on the R15 and came back announcing the last few laps, the needles struck around the 1PM mark.
Then it was time for the group photos and the adieu's..
After a tiring day at the tracks, with the sun beating down went back to office sweating, with the riding jacket ON..
My colleagues saw me as though i came back from a unknown territory
Over all, a tiring day.. but a wonderful time.. first time meeting many of the fellow xBhpians and what not the first time experience in the tracks will never fade away from the memories..
Finally.. Me & INSIDIOUS (With Ace's Lid ) on my TBTS to see what happened for Karthik...
P.S: Sorry this is just a Copy Paste from my blog, Couldn't write eloborately about the performance of TBTS , hence the blog.. please pardon my BAD ENGLISH or the poor grammar
Picasa Album Link here
Sunday, March 1, 2009
A Solo Trip to Heaven
The leaves were approved well in advance, but working in shifts made life miserable. It was a mix up of night and day shifts and i was tired. The weekend came and it was a delightful track day GTG. After a sober night shift, headed directly to the tracks and had a blast! Returned to office from the tracks, life was screwed up. With just a couple of days to go, i was consoling myself to get these two days roll off ASAP
Tanked up in a nearby petrol bunk, Returned home after a exhausted 11 hours at office on Monday night, 4 hours to the d day! 11:30 PM - had a heavy dinner and packed up the things. The saddle bags weren't there and so had to manage with the backpack.Searched for the camera, and i found it wasn't there!! I forgot to get it from my friend and the trip looked bleak! Finally managed to get hold of a broken 4MP camera and my 2 MP mobile camera as reserve.
Off to bed at 12 AM, woke up at 3 30 AM. Eyes gave up and i slept off, 4:15 AM, mom woke me up and asked if im riding that day! I woke up , got ready in 15 minutes and 4:30 AM i was ready. Sipped a wonderful coffee and the trip began @ 4:45 AM
Day 1: It was cold, but the leather gloves and the riding jacket were comfortable.
Rode for the next 50 kms, slow and steady @ 3k RPM wit a max speed of 70-75 Kmph. Stopped for a coffee break near thindivanam toll plaza. opened up the throttle and it was in high 90's. The climate was wonderful and i enjoyed riding in a decent pace.
With not much traffic around, i casually i rode on the middle lane and then a merc sped past me alerting me up from the dreams and the sleepy morning. I was thrown apart from the middle to the left most lane. Stopped for a butt break and then it was the turn of truckers and the road diversions.
Roads were OK till then, but for the next 20 kms till villupuram the roads were bad, mostly muddy and filled up wit potholes. further on the roads were good, but the diversions never ended. took the diversion to salem, the state roads started. it was scenic, greenery all over and i enjoyed riding around the 80's. Around 9 AM, stopped for butt rest near kallakuruchi. The traffic gradually increased as there were many schools and colleges in that road. After about 1 hour of zig zag riding, the traffic became less and rode on further.
The sun started beating down, It was HOT! Stopped near Bhavani (CAUVERI RIVER) for a snap and pushed the bike a bit. Git dehydrated and stopped near erode for a break at the aavin parlor. Quickly emptied a glass of milk, a cool drink and a palkova (some sweet made out of milk).
A hour of non stop riding got me to avinasi. Took the diversion to Mettupalayam. It was around 480 on the odo and i haven't tanked up! I was puzzled that my bike gave more than 45kmpl!! I tanked up again and zoomed a head. I wanted a change and so took the odd way out. After Mettupalayam, it was the usual CONOOR route, but i took he diversion towards kothagiri, another hill station. It was indeed a pleasent ride, the roads were phenomenal.. It was curves, curves and more curves a head. The temperatures lessened and it was perfect to ride on! After numerous curves and corners, It was as though KILLER & JOEL gave a drill
Stopped for a nice cup of tea, i started a head to Doddabetta - the highest peak in South India! Spent a good hour there, a few snaps and i came down. Reached OOTY in about 30 minutes and was roaming like a nomad with no clue on where im going! Finally stopped near the OOTY lake. Saw a couple of hotels opposite to it. Booked a room, parked the bike and went out for a long walk. Bought a few home made chocolates and emptied it immediately Came back to the hote, had a nice dinner and hit the sack @ 7:30 PM. A couple of hours later, my girl friend called me, Told her Im in OOTY, a solo trip. She scolded Me - #@!$%^&# - I crashed to the bed again
I ended the day with 570 Kms on the odo, the longest i have done on a day.. it was tiring but enjoyable.
Day 2: started with a wonderful cup of fresh Nilgiri masala tea. refreshed myself and went out to see a white horse. The guy asked if u wanna go solo or you need a guide? Also he mentioned that the horse itself would take me back to the same place and not to worry. With a brave thought, i told i would go SOLO He just accompanied till the end of the road and then i was all alone into the forests and the villages. The horse was nice til the first corner and then phew it started running up fast! I was puzzled and afraid where it is taking me to! i had absolutely no control on the horse and what ever i do , it just zoomed a head. the bumpy ride gave a sore back and it swollen up the butt It came to a grinding half after 30 minutes of non stop running.. and then.. the horse wont move no matter what i do! I thought of getting down from the horse and walk back., but what will i tell to the guy who would wait in front of the room.. after a while another guy who was riding a horse came along, tagged me with him and dropped me at the hotel! I was thrilled and it was a fascinating experience..
Came back to the room and started ahead to Pykara. the ride wasn't smooth, as with a sore back.. reached the view point and the place was so beautiful. Took a few snaps and then i started back. Reached pykara and the lake was wonderful. Waited for some one to tag along as they wont allow solo riding on a boat After 20 minutes of pleasant scenery from the boat, i came back to the shore - took a few snaps and went to the other side of the lake, the Pykara dam. Went a head into the dam, couldn't take the snaps as the watchman was too adamant not to allow me take snaps - reached back to the hotel room in 30 minutes and went out for lunch. Took rest for some time and it was time to visit the gardens and parks in the evening. Paid the Botanical garden, a visit. It was nice, with green green and green plants everywhere! The crowd was heavy and i didn't enjoy it. A few clicks and i started from there.
Stopped at a service station, washed my bike and went to the room. parked the bike and went to the OOTY Lake, a nearby park and for Go karting! It was dark and i came back to the room. Ordered the dinner and packed up things. Had a shower as i was tired, finished the meal and crashed on the bed around 9 PM - 67 Kms of riding around Ooty - Odo - 001378
Day 3: It began with a shivering mood. Woke up at 5:15 and had to manage with a cold water bath at 5:30 AM!! Settled off the bills and started at 6:00 AM. The weather was awesome, it was misty everywhere and i could barely see the vehicle in front of me. It was cold even after wearing a thick tee and a riding jacket and the gloves.
The foggy weather also made the helmet visor foggy! every breathe made it worse! Cautiously rode down at the 40's. The corners were no longer easy. Even a 40 KMPH turn was skiddy. Relaxed a bit and set off in a very slow pace. It was indeed cold and i needed to be extra cautious with the truckers and cars coming against me.. It took about 30 minutes for reaching CONOOR and another 30 minutes to reach Metupalayam.
From there the flat roads started, and i opened up the throttle after a long long time! managing around the 80's, it was tough to cope up with the jay walkers and stupid cyclers pedding across the roads! crossing villages from mettupalayam and annur and avinasi was a tough task! I wanted to take a different route and so took the diversion to Mettur. The intial roads were dumb. With just potholes and not roads, i could mange only 10 kmph for about 3-4 kms and then the roads with a bit of potholes started..Further more the scenic village roads started. It took a while and i reached mettur finally around 10 AM. Spent some time at the Stanley reservoir and started back home.
Took the road towards Dharmapuri and hence skipping salem. I reached NH7 and then it was time for the long long straights! The sun was out already and it gave me a tough time. Stopped so many times for butt breaks and tea breaks. After 70 odd kilometers, i stopped in Krishnagiri.
The sign board read Right to Chennai and Straight a head to Bangalore.
I was wondering if i was to go straight ahead to Bangalore, get scoldings from my girl or what else to do. I took the RIGHT decision
100 odd kilometers, i stopped for lunch at Ambur and then at vellore, 140 kilometers from home. A hour of non stop riding and i reached near kanchipuram and i was exhausted. Stopped for a cool refreshing tender coconot on the way and the sign board read "99 Kilometers to chennai".
From three digits to double digits in a mater of hours.. i was happy with the progress..finally reached the outskirts of chennai around 3 30 PM. Then i had to deal with the numerous college buses and the Hyundai buses plying around. They were riding at their own will, thinking they were the lord of the streets.. with nothing else to do, i started with the zig zag riding and i finally reached home at 4:00 PM.
A fascinating 1140 Km trip.. A solo trip on my new ThunderBird.. It was all jubilation once i reached home.. The memories would never die so soon.. Overall, a wonderful trip to remember and prosper for the coming days...
If i can, why not you?? Leave Home!!
The Picasa PhotoStream link is here
Tanked up in a nearby petrol bunk, Returned home after a exhausted 11 hours at office on Monday night, 4 hours to the d day! 11:30 PM - had a heavy dinner and packed up the things. The saddle bags weren't there and so had to manage with the backpack.Searched for the camera, and i found it wasn't there!! I forgot to get it from my friend and the trip looked bleak! Finally managed to get hold of a broken 4MP camera and my 2 MP mobile camera as reserve.
Off to bed at 12 AM, woke up at 3 30 AM. Eyes gave up and i slept off, 4:15 AM, mom woke me up and asked if im riding that day! I woke up , got ready in 15 minutes and 4:30 AM i was ready. Sipped a wonderful coffee and the trip began @ 4:45 AM
Day 1: It was cold, but the leather gloves and the riding jacket were comfortable.
Rode for the next 50 kms, slow and steady @ 3k RPM wit a max speed of 70-75 Kmph. Stopped for a coffee break near thindivanam toll plaza. opened up the throttle and it was in high 90's. The climate was wonderful and i enjoyed riding in a decent pace.
With not much traffic around, i casually i rode on the middle lane and then a merc sped past me alerting me up from the dreams and the sleepy morning. I was thrown apart from the middle to the left most lane. Stopped for a butt break and then it was the turn of truckers and the road diversions.
Roads were OK till then, but for the next 20 kms till villupuram the roads were bad, mostly muddy and filled up wit potholes. further on the roads were good, but the diversions never ended. took the diversion to salem, the state roads started. it was scenic, greenery all over and i enjoyed riding around the 80's. Around 9 AM, stopped for butt rest near kallakuruchi. The traffic gradually increased as there were many schools and colleges in that road. After about 1 hour of zig zag riding, the traffic became less and rode on further.
The sun started beating down, It was HOT! Stopped near Bhavani (CAUVERI RIVER) for a snap and pushed the bike a bit. Git dehydrated and stopped near erode for a break at the aavin parlor. Quickly emptied a glass of milk, a cool drink and a palkova (some sweet made out of milk).
A hour of non stop riding got me to avinasi. Took the diversion to Mettupalayam. It was around 480 on the odo and i haven't tanked up! I was puzzled that my bike gave more than 45kmpl!! I tanked up again and zoomed a head. I wanted a change and so took the odd way out. After Mettupalayam, it was the usual CONOOR route, but i took he diversion towards kothagiri, another hill station. It was indeed a pleasent ride, the roads were phenomenal.. It was curves, curves and more curves a head. The temperatures lessened and it was perfect to ride on! After numerous curves and corners, It was as though KILLER & JOEL gave a drill
Stopped for a nice cup of tea, i started a head to Doddabetta - the highest peak in South India! Spent a good hour there, a few snaps and i came down. Reached OOTY in about 30 minutes and was roaming like a nomad with no clue on where im going! Finally stopped near the OOTY lake. Saw a couple of hotels opposite to it. Booked a room, parked the bike and went out for a long walk. Bought a few home made chocolates and emptied it immediately Came back to the hote, had a nice dinner and hit the sack @ 7:30 PM. A couple of hours later, my girl friend called me, Told her Im in OOTY, a solo trip. She scolded Me - #@!$%^&# - I crashed to the bed again
I ended the day with 570 Kms on the odo, the longest i have done on a day.. it was tiring but enjoyable.
Day 2: started with a wonderful cup of fresh Nilgiri masala tea. refreshed myself and went out to see a white horse. The guy asked if u wanna go solo or you need a guide? Also he mentioned that the horse itself would take me back to the same place and not to worry. With a brave thought, i told i would go SOLO He just accompanied till the end of the road and then i was all alone into the forests and the villages. The horse was nice til the first corner and then phew it started running up fast! I was puzzled and afraid where it is taking me to! i had absolutely no control on the horse and what ever i do , it just zoomed a head. the bumpy ride gave a sore back and it swollen up the butt It came to a grinding half after 30 minutes of non stop running.. and then.. the horse wont move no matter what i do! I thought of getting down from the horse and walk back., but what will i tell to the guy who would wait in front of the room.. after a while another guy who was riding a horse came along, tagged me with him and dropped me at the hotel! I was thrilled and it was a fascinating experience..
Came back to the room and started ahead to Pykara. the ride wasn't smooth, as with a sore back.. reached the view point and the place was so beautiful. Took a few snaps and then i started back. Reached pykara and the lake was wonderful. Waited for some one to tag along as they wont allow solo riding on a boat After 20 minutes of pleasant scenery from the boat, i came back to the shore - took a few snaps and went to the other side of the lake, the Pykara dam. Went a head into the dam, couldn't take the snaps as the watchman was too adamant not to allow me take snaps - reached back to the hotel room in 30 minutes and went out for lunch. Took rest for some time and it was time to visit the gardens and parks in the evening. Paid the Botanical garden, a visit. It was nice, with green green and green plants everywhere! The crowd was heavy and i didn't enjoy it. A few clicks and i started from there.
Stopped at a service station, washed my bike and went to the room. parked the bike and went to the OOTY Lake, a nearby park and for Go karting! It was dark and i came back to the room. Ordered the dinner and packed up things. Had a shower as i was tired, finished the meal and crashed on the bed around 9 PM - 67 Kms of riding around Ooty - Odo - 001378
Day 3: It began with a shivering mood. Woke up at 5:15 and had to manage with a cold water bath at 5:30 AM!! Settled off the bills and started at 6:00 AM. The weather was awesome, it was misty everywhere and i could barely see the vehicle in front of me. It was cold even after wearing a thick tee and a riding jacket and the gloves.
The foggy weather also made the helmet visor foggy! every breathe made it worse! Cautiously rode down at the 40's. The corners were no longer easy. Even a 40 KMPH turn was skiddy. Relaxed a bit and set off in a very slow pace. It was indeed cold and i needed to be extra cautious with the truckers and cars coming against me.. It took about 30 minutes for reaching CONOOR and another 30 minutes to reach Metupalayam.
From there the flat roads started, and i opened up the throttle after a long long time! managing around the 80's, it was tough to cope up with the jay walkers and stupid cyclers pedding across the roads! crossing villages from mettupalayam and annur and avinasi was a tough task! I wanted to take a different route and so took the diversion to Mettur. The intial roads were dumb. With just potholes and not roads, i could mange only 10 kmph for about 3-4 kms and then the roads with a bit of potholes started..Further more the scenic village roads started. It took a while and i reached mettur finally around 10 AM. Spent some time at the Stanley reservoir and started back home.
Took the road towards Dharmapuri and hence skipping salem. I reached NH7 and then it was time for the long long straights! The sun was out already and it gave me a tough time. Stopped so many times for butt breaks and tea breaks. After 70 odd kilometers, i stopped in Krishnagiri.
The sign board read Right to Chennai and Straight a head to Bangalore.
I was wondering if i was to go straight ahead to Bangalore, get scoldings from my girl or what else to do. I took the RIGHT decision
100 odd kilometers, i stopped for lunch at Ambur and then at vellore, 140 kilometers from home. A hour of non stop riding and i reached near kanchipuram and i was exhausted. Stopped for a cool refreshing tender coconot on the way and the sign board read "99 Kilometers to chennai".
From three digits to double digits in a mater of hours.. i was happy with the progress..finally reached the outskirts of chennai around 3 30 PM. Then i had to deal with the numerous college buses and the Hyundai buses plying around. They were riding at their own will, thinking they were the lord of the streets.. with nothing else to do, i started with the zig zag riding and i finally reached home at 4:00 PM.
A fascinating 1140 Km trip.. A solo trip on my new ThunderBird.. It was all jubilation once i reached home.. The memories would never die so soon.. Overall, a wonderful trip to remember and prosper for the coming days...
If i can, why not you?? Leave Home!!
The Picasa PhotoStream link is here
Monday, February 16, 2009
Fort Gingee (Senji)
It all started as another bugging day to office - woke up at 5 AM - got ready for office. 5 30 Am - Started at home, Kicked the Bullet, it came into life immediately... Thankfully my mom asked me to wear the new jacket I got as it was cold outside... Rode for a few kilometres, realised that i had a night shift day, called up my colleague to confirm the same. It was 6 AM - perfect weather to ride! Confused where to ride to! Was wondering why not finish the run in? So decided to ride somewhere around 100 km’s from home – The odometer read 277 kilometres – headed towards the NH 45, the road was smooth but the truckers were a nightmare and added to that a convoy of busses from FORD ,it was really hard to maneuver the 185 kg Bike. Crossed Chengalpet around 7 AM, then the open starts... No signs of much traffic, just few trucks and some cars. The climate was cold, it was misty, and yes it was MISTY!! The open road was inviting to be ripped but i was pretty adamant not to exceed 80 kmph.
The roads were butter smooth, comfortable and was riding relaxed at the 80’s. I was intended to ride casually to Mahablipuram through the NH45 as it was always that the East Coast Road that i had used for Mahabalipuram / Pondicherry. For Breakfast, I stopped at Melmaruvathur around 8AM. Saw a hotel just next to the bus stop, and i happened to hop inside as i found many hovering into it. The usual ‘Idly - Vada – Coffee’ was ordered, and finally it came – huge, round and hard! Managed to eat three idly’s and the vada, the last one was a problem as the food was pathetic The coffee was a bliss and refreshed the sleepy morning.
Carried away by the wonderful roads, I rode another 10 kms further to realise that i should have taken a left before Melmaruvathur (where i had the stupid breakfast). Anyway, I carried on thinking i would take the diversion at Thindivanam. Another 60 minutes of riding got me to Thindivanam, and Stopped for a coffee break. Met a group of Bikers travelling down to Tanjore , had some discussion about ThunderBird and the abnormality of not feeling like a bull, etc etc. They adviced me to visit a nearby fort than visiting Pondicherry. I was also convinced that the new place would be a lot more fun that the usual weekend getaway! So finally the destination was fixed! It was Fort Gingee (Senji in Tamil).
The toll road ended at Thindivanam, took a turn towards the State Highway. The road was a bit scenic, covered by huge trees but with the odd pothole every now and then. The state roads were enjoyable with many kids waving their hands and many asking for a lift. I was reluctant to give so for the first few kilometres, but further down the road i found not many busses around. Stopped for a phone call at some place and saw a couple of kids crossing the road with their heavy bags. Asked them if they need a lift to their schools, they were very much happy! Speaking to them, found that they walk about 5 kilometres everyday for their schooling as there were minimal busses, and it would be always over crowded. Wondered i was lucky to be born at least in a middle class family to be able to afford me a bicycle even for the school next street! Dropped them off few kilometres later and they waved with a thankful smile.
Finally reached the Fort at 9 30 AM. The odometer read 428 kms, had covered a good 150 kilometres in 3 and ½ hours with a lot of butt breaks and coffee breaks. The aerial view of the fort itself was appealing. It looked huge, but thought there wasn’t anything much to discover in a fort. But was proved wrong, later! Out of nowhere, a guy jumped in asking for the parking fee. Paid him 5 bucks for the parking besides the monkeys. Wondered if the Bike will be in one piece as there was hell a lot of monkeys! :D Parked the Bike on a shady place and headed inside the fort.
Met a foreign couple, from London (Chris & Natalia). They are traveling all over Tamil Nadu on a RE Bullet. Natalia looked cute, so introduced myself to speak sometime with them. :P Soon got bugged up of them, they took about 10 photos of the same monument from different angles and i was running out of time. Wished them luck and with a smile to Natalia and left a head. The architectures were huge and marvellous. Sorry for the poor quality mobile camera images, they don’t do justice to the actual beauty of the Fort.
Not only outside, inside the fort also there were numerous forefathers, who climb around the branches. Be careful, not to hurt them. They are good as long as you don’t torture them! Had a cold drink in a small petty shop and then headed towards the actual fort. Crossed the Kalyana mahal, a temple, The Elephant Tank, Magazine, Palace Site, Granary and the magazine in no time. The granary was scary as it was just dark, dark and dark! It had just dark rooms with nothing. Managed to go inside two rooms and then got scared and rushed back. I found none except the foreign couple inside the fort for the first 30 minutes.
Headed towards the fort, crossed a neatly maintained Lawn, used only by a small gang (who else? The Monkeys!) As soon i hit the entrance of the fort, saw a couple cuddling up and acting dumb – pissed up and headed up. Was atleast happy that someone would be up there to give me company till the top. The path to the top was tough – it was steep, the sun was out and i was sweating out. It was scarier the way up, as i found literally no one and i was wondering if it was the right path. Still headed up, i was dehydrated with the HOT sun, and i was sweating as though i came out from bath! I removed the jacket, loosened a couple of buttons and wiped up myself.
Finally found a couple of gentlemen, fixing up a barrel like structure. Spoke to them about the fort, history and the barren looks. Came to know that a gang of guys and girls had already gone up the fort and people normally come in early by 9 or around evening. Thanked him for the info and headed up for some good sights! :P I found it really tiring climbing up the fort, with a backpack, a heavy helmet on one hand and the mobile trying to capture anything possible...
Stopped next for a small, deserted temple, disappointed that nothing much was there, went on atleast to go till the top and come back. The next pleasant sight was a small tank, it looked small, dirty and wanting to be explored. There wasn’t any path to it as its about some 20 odd meters from the steps. Braving myself, I went down into the dirty lush plants keeping the mobile, camera and the bag along the steps. Reached the tank skidding along the mud, it was a nice view – few insects and some water species to be played with. The next task was to climb up the odd meters hanging on to the braches and leafs! With much difficulty and thanks to the woodlander, it gave me better grip on the skiddy surface!
Marching on with a happier mood came across another path not travelled often! This time it was a bad choice, it was filled up with dirty prostitutes and lame hookers. I rushed back to the actual path and continued. The view down was pleasant, the tiny vehicles, the green agricultural lands, the straight roads were a virtual treat. The top of the fort looked never ending. The fort was really huge, especially when you don’t have water to hydrate yourself it looks bigger. Then, I came across steep 40 steps, thinking the top had come in climbed up with josh... I was again fooled; the citadel was yet to come! Walked across for the next 10 minutes, passed a gang of school kids, curious travellers, group of girls, and a old couple. The top of the fort finally came, looked lustrous with pleasant sights everywhere. Visited a couple of rooms a temple and the watch tower.
Took a butt rest, i was tired and needed rest. Managed to get some water and took a few snaps. It was 11 AM. It almost took 90 minutes from the parking lot to the top. Wondered how long it will take to go back down and to ride back the 150 kms, but i was determined to make it soon. The way down was risky, with short steep steps, it was slippery and needed attention in every foot. With about 5 breaks, I came down at last!! Visited the Gymnasium and the SAADI – ATULLA – KHAN Mosque. Came out of the Fort, took rest under the shade, pee break and then started at 12 PM.
The sun was beating down, though riding with the jacket was comfortable. Reached thindivanam in 30 minutes and tanked up at the BPCL outlet. The toll road started, heavenly riding started. Received a call, pulled over towards the end of the road, it was my mom – asked if i would be home for lunch. Told her that i had night shift today and i was at Thindivanam and i would home for lunch around 3PM. She scolded for some good 5 minutes and then asked to reach home safe! The usual advices and the usual excuses, dropped the call and started back.
The next stop was at Madhuranthagam, The lake was full – indeed a pleasant view. Spent some time around the lake and it was Business As usual. Stopped over at chengalpet for a coffee break. The trip meter had over run – wonder how that happened. The odometer showed lesser than the trip meter! So rested the Trip meter , hitting the road. The revs were a bit free now and so hit the 90’s for the first time and what not – Huge Vibrations! Anything above 3.5k RPM was a mess, with vibrations... so calmed down and came back to the 80’s. While ripping i had passed over a Nissan... Thinking it was a mess, he blew over me at the 120’s – i was pushed over from the middle lane to the left most part of the road!!
Soothing down, i rode down at the 80’s and the 85’s – reached the outskirts of Chennai around 2 30 PM. Called home and informed that i would be home in half an hour and to prepare the lunch :D Further down into the city, stopped over at the new flyovers (Airport & Guindy). Rode back home and it was exactly 3 when i reached home! The odometer read 579 Kms. The first leg of the Run–In was complete. Thats it! My first trip on ma new ride and it was a rich experience. Thanks for reading ;)
P.S: Sorry for my bad English, with typos here and there & excuse me for the poor quality images – it was taken from my mobile ~ Sony Ericsson K810i.
 |
| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
 |
| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
The roads were butter smooth, comfortable and was riding relaxed at the 80’s. I was intended to ride casually to Mahablipuram through the NH45 as it was always that the East Coast Road that i had used for Mahabalipuram / Pondicherry. For Breakfast, I stopped at Melmaruvathur around 8AM. Saw a hotel just next to the bus stop, and i happened to hop inside as i found many hovering into it. The usual ‘Idly - Vada – Coffee’ was ordered, and finally it came – huge, round and hard! Managed to eat three idly’s and the vada, the last one was a problem as the food was pathetic The coffee was a bliss and refreshed the sleepy morning.
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| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
 |
| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
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| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
Carried away by the wonderful roads, I rode another 10 kms further to realise that i should have taken a left before Melmaruvathur (where i had the stupid breakfast). Anyway, I carried on thinking i would take the diversion at Thindivanam. Another 60 minutes of riding got me to Thindivanam, and Stopped for a coffee break. Met a group of Bikers travelling down to Tanjore , had some discussion about ThunderBird and the abnormality of not feeling like a bull, etc etc. They adviced me to visit a nearby fort than visiting Pondicherry. I was also convinced that the new place would be a lot more fun that the usual weekend getaway! So finally the destination was fixed! It was Fort Gingee (Senji in Tamil).
 |
| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
 |
| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
The toll road ended at Thindivanam, took a turn towards the State Highway. The road was a bit scenic, covered by huge trees but with the odd pothole every now and then. The state roads were enjoyable with many kids waving their hands and many asking for a lift. I was reluctant to give so for the first few kilometres, but further down the road i found not many busses around. Stopped for a phone call at some place and saw a couple of kids crossing the road with their heavy bags. Asked them if they need a lift to their schools, they were very much happy! Speaking to them, found that they walk about 5 kilometres everyday for their schooling as there were minimal busses, and it would be always over crowded. Wondered i was lucky to be born at least in a middle class family to be able to afford me a bicycle even for the school next street! Dropped them off few kilometres later and they waved with a thankful smile.
 |
| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
 |
| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
Finally reached the Fort at 9 30 AM. The odometer read 428 kms, had covered a good 150 kilometres in 3 and ½ hours with a lot of butt breaks and coffee breaks. The aerial view of the fort itself was appealing. It looked huge, but thought there wasn’t anything much to discover in a fort. But was proved wrong, later! Out of nowhere, a guy jumped in asking for the parking fee. Paid him 5 bucks for the parking besides the monkeys. Wondered if the Bike will be in one piece as there was hell a lot of monkeys! :D Parked the Bike on a shady place and headed inside the fort.
 |
| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
 |
| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
Met a foreign couple, from London (Chris & Natalia). They are traveling all over Tamil Nadu on a RE Bullet. Natalia looked cute, so introduced myself to speak sometime with them. :P Soon got bugged up of them, they took about 10 photos of the same monument from different angles and i was running out of time. Wished them luck and with a smile to Natalia and left a head. The architectures were huge and marvellous. Sorry for the poor quality mobile camera images, they don’t do justice to the actual beauty of the Fort.
 |
| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
 |
| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
Not only outside, inside the fort also there were numerous forefathers, who climb around the branches. Be careful, not to hurt them. They are good as long as you don’t torture them! Had a cold drink in a small petty shop and then headed towards the actual fort. Crossed the Kalyana mahal, a temple, The Elephant Tank, Magazine, Palace Site, Granary and the magazine in no time. The granary was scary as it was just dark, dark and dark! It had just dark rooms with nothing. Managed to go inside two rooms and then got scared and rushed back. I found none except the foreign couple inside the fort for the first 30 minutes.
 |
| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
 |
| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
Headed towards the fort, crossed a neatly maintained Lawn, used only by a small gang (who else? The Monkeys!) As soon i hit the entrance of the fort, saw a couple cuddling up and acting dumb – pissed up and headed up. Was atleast happy that someone would be up there to give me company till the top. The path to the top was tough – it was steep, the sun was out and i was sweating out. It was scarier the way up, as i found literally no one and i was wondering if it was the right path. Still headed up, i was dehydrated with the HOT sun, and i was sweating as though i came out from bath! I removed the jacket, loosened a couple of buttons and wiped up myself.
|
| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
 |
| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
Finally found a couple of gentlemen, fixing up a barrel like structure. Spoke to them about the fort, history and the barren looks. Came to know that a gang of guys and girls had already gone up the fort and people normally come in early by 9 or around evening. Thanked him for the info and headed up for some good sights! :P I found it really tiring climbing up the fort, with a backpack, a heavy helmet on one hand and the mobile trying to capture anything possible...
 |
| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
 |
| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
Stopped next for a small, deserted temple, disappointed that nothing much was there, went on atleast to go till the top and come back. The next pleasant sight was a small tank, it looked small, dirty and wanting to be explored. There wasn’t any path to it as its about some 20 odd meters from the steps. Braving myself, I went down into the dirty lush plants keeping the mobile, camera and the bag along the steps. Reached the tank skidding along the mud, it was a nice view – few insects and some water species to be played with. The next task was to climb up the odd meters hanging on to the braches and leafs! With much difficulty and thanks to the woodlander, it gave me better grip on the skiddy surface!
 |
| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
 |
| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
Marching on with a happier mood came across another path not travelled often! This time it was a bad choice, it was filled up with dirty prostitutes and lame hookers. I rushed back to the actual path and continued. The view down was pleasant, the tiny vehicles, the green agricultural lands, the straight roads were a virtual treat. The top of the fort looked never ending. The fort was really huge, especially when you don’t have water to hydrate yourself it looks bigger. Then, I came across steep 40 steps, thinking the top had come in climbed up with josh... I was again fooled; the citadel was yet to come! Walked across for the next 10 minutes, passed a gang of school kids, curious travellers, group of girls, and a old couple. The top of the fort finally came, looked lustrous with pleasant sights everywhere. Visited a couple of rooms a temple and the watch tower.
 |
| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
 |
| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
 |
| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
 |
| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
Took a butt rest, i was tired and needed rest. Managed to get some water and took a few snaps. It was 11 AM. It almost took 90 minutes from the parking lot to the top. Wondered how long it will take to go back down and to ride back the 150 kms, but i was determined to make it soon. The way down was risky, with short steep steps, it was slippery and needed attention in every foot. With about 5 breaks, I came down at last!! Visited the Gymnasium and the SAADI – ATULLA – KHAN Mosque. Came out of the Fort, took rest under the shade, pee break and then started at 12 PM.
 |
| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
 |
| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
The sun was beating down, though riding with the jacket was comfortable. Reached thindivanam in 30 minutes and tanked up at the BPCL outlet. The toll road started, heavenly riding started. Received a call, pulled over towards the end of the road, it was my mom – asked if i would be home for lunch. Told her that i had night shift today and i was at Thindivanam and i would home for lunch around 3PM. She scolded for some good 5 minutes and then asked to reach home safe! The usual advices and the usual excuses, dropped the call and started back.
 |
| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
 |
| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
The next stop was at Madhuranthagam, The lake was full – indeed a pleasant view. Spent some time around the lake and it was Business As usual. Stopped over at chengalpet for a coffee break. The trip meter had over run – wonder how that happened. The odometer showed lesser than the trip meter! So rested the Trip meter , hitting the road. The revs were a bit free now and so hit the 90’s for the first time and what not – Huge Vibrations! Anything above 3.5k RPM was a mess, with vibrations... so calmed down and came back to the 80’s. While ripping i had passed over a Nissan... Thinking it was a mess, he blew over me at the 120’s – i was pushed over from the middle lane to the left most part of the road!!
 |
| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
Soothing down, i rode down at the 80’s and the 85’s – reached the outskirts of Chennai around 2 30 PM. Called home and informed that i would be home in half an hour and to prepare the lunch :D Further down into the city, stopped over at the new flyovers (Airport & Guindy). Rode back home and it was exactly 3 when i reached home! The odometer read 579 Kms. The first leg of the Run–In was complete. Thats it! My first trip on ma new ride and it was a rich experience. Thanks for reading ;)
 |
| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
 |
| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
 |
| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
P.S: Sorry for my bad English, with typos here and there & excuse me for the poor quality images – it was taken from my mobile ~ Sony Ericsson K810i.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
College ReUnion - Mahabalipuram
Life after college can sometimes seem to have a language all its own. From the first day of classes in the fall to the last day of classes in the spring, summer can seem like an oasis. Life becomes a bliss after the college days. The days i spent after i graduated from the college was literally boring and obtuse. Later after joining work - Life was busy, stressful and occupied but not enchanting. Thanks to the Get-together 's and Re-Unions - it had always been a special occasion for me. College Re-Unions as always are the best of the lot.
College Re Union - 26 October 2008 - Mahabalipuram.
The Get Together was planned well in advance and i was happy to set things up. I intended to inform all my friends about a fortnight before and i did right to mail them and keep them posted.
In the beginning, many confirmed and a few refrained from attending and some more who couldn't travel to Chennai. A week to go, I called up many for their confirmations and was happy that the total attendees went above my expectation. But as always, i hoped at least 50% would turn in for the ride.
A day to go for the ride and I was eager to travel to Chennai and meet my friends. I went to office early and logged out soon which i always do :) I managed to take the evening train to Chennai and reached with out any commotion. Later, Hired a cage to reach home.. picking up my dad in his office and finally reached home around 11 PM. It was late, so took some snacks and hit the sack with colourful dreams about the next days ride.
The next morning soon came in - I woke up awaiting a rejuvenating trip. I got refreshed and had some snacks and a coffee waiting for the needle to go past 7 30 AM. It did and i was ready in a flash to begin the trip. I reached the meeting place -Besant Nagar Beach early and i knew my friends would be LATE, and so decided to walk along the sea shore. It was indeed pleasant to walk along side the shore, only to make myself relieved of all the worries and troubles.
The Sun came out and still No signs of my friends. Meanwhile i tried calling many and had a few negative responses. I was nervous if the trip will be On or not. The time was 8 30 and still many had just got up to brush their teeth , i was just left with a sarcastic smile to let things off and took another coffee break. By time, Muku called up and informed that he would be reaching there in a while. I picked him up and went ahead to finish my breakfast , not to forget i was so damn hungry.
We reached the Murugan Idly Shop, near Bessie and was informed by Kulla that he is waiting with his friends about mid way on the East Coast Road. I quickly tried reaching others over their mobile and got to know that the other gang is based out in Sakthi's House and awaiting the arrival of Muruku Mama. In the meantime.. pavadai, MC, Ettu and Shankar met us along the shore. We then started to meet Kulla and his friends near the MayaJaal. We stopped there for a pee and were discussing whether to wait for the other gang or to go a head and wait at the View Point. We decided with the other option and the six bikes roared its way on the East Coast Road.
Soon, We reached the View Point. For many it wasn't appealing and many found it a funnier place to sit and relax. As always a Photo Session was in place. We then started to explore the other half of the View Point, which read "BEWARE OF THE ROBBER". With Captain Kulla's lead, we all set to discover the abandoned piece of land - covered with lush plants and flags. Though it wasn't as dumb as it looks, but indeed it was quite a experience - especially penetrating among the greenish side of the world. We saw many distinguish things out there, not to forget the paavadai's footwear and something which looked like sand dune's with water!
There were memorable events and incidents which occurred every now and then, and one such was pavadai's footwear getting stuck amidst the slush. We spend some more time taking snaps and relaxing along the seashore. After sometime, the other gang had reached the View point. So went back from the shore and met them @ the view point. As it has always been, it was great to meet them. We had some fun filled moments. Then it was time for Bum Fights, most affected were kabali, paavadai, Sound and Ettu. We then had some snacks and started towards the destination - Mahabalipuram.
It was only a 10 Km ride from the View Point, and we reached there in No time. The thrill of riding as a group, that too with your friends is something not every one gets to feel. There are only a few things like these which can be understood only by feeling it from the heart themselves rather than a weird sentence. We parked our rides in the parking lot, and left to have our lunch. We came back to the beach, took some pics and headed to the other side of the beach..
We managed to beat the heat by drenching ourselves in the beach - we spend some valuable time there waving across the sea waves - playing some games and pushing others into the water. We spent about two hours ducked inside the water, later which we had to dry ourselves before starting back to Chennai. We had a little photo shoot and went back to the parking lot, took our rides and started off from Mahabalipuram. We ripped a bit and stopped for one final break of the day. We finished our refreshment and i had already got a few calls from home asking when i will be back . So i bid adieu to all my friends, wishing them a prosperous Diwali with smiles all over on experiencing a immaculate College Re Union. Wishing for many other occasions to experience the joy of riding and the funnier side of life with friends.
The Photo-Stream of the GTG is HERE!
Reference:
Kabali - Kabaliswaran
Sakthi - Sakthi Balan
Paavadai - Balaji
Ettu - Sathish
Muruku Mama - Ganesh
Sound - Kathikeyan
Muku - Subramanyan
Mc - Manikandan
Kulla - Balasubramaniyan
College Re Union - 26 October 2008 - Mahabalipuram.
The Get Together was planned well in advance and i was happy to set things up. I intended to inform all my friends about a fortnight before and i did right to mail them and keep them posted.
In the beginning, many confirmed and a few refrained from attending and some more who couldn't travel to Chennai. A week to go, I called up many for their confirmations and was happy that the total attendees went above my expectation. But as always, i hoped at least 50% would turn in for the ride.
A day to go for the ride and I was eager to travel to Chennai and meet my friends. I went to office early and logged out soon which i always do :) I managed to take the evening train to Chennai and reached with out any commotion. Later, Hired a cage to reach home.. picking up my dad in his office and finally reached home around 11 PM. It was late, so took some snacks and hit the sack with colourful dreams about the next days ride.
The next morning soon came in - I woke up awaiting a rejuvenating trip. I got refreshed and had some snacks and a coffee waiting for the needle to go past 7 30 AM. It did and i was ready in a flash to begin the trip. I reached the meeting place -Besant Nagar Beach early and i knew my friends would be LATE, and so decided to walk along the sea shore. It was indeed pleasant to walk along side the shore, only to make myself relieved of all the worries and troubles.
The Sun came out and still No signs of my friends. Meanwhile i tried calling many and had a few negative responses. I was nervous if the trip will be On or not. The time was 8 30 and still many had just got up to brush their teeth , i was just left with a sarcastic smile to let things off and took another coffee break. By time, Muku called up and informed that he would be reaching there in a while. I picked him up and went ahead to finish my breakfast , not to forget i was so damn hungry.
We reached the Murugan Idly Shop, near Bessie and was informed by Kulla that he is waiting with his friends about mid way on the East Coast Road. I quickly tried reaching others over their mobile and got to know that the other gang is based out in Sakthi's House and awaiting the arrival of Muruku Mama. In the meantime.. pavadai, MC, Ettu and Shankar met us along the shore. We then started to meet Kulla and his friends near the MayaJaal. We stopped there for a pee and were discussing whether to wait for the other gang or to go a head and wait at the View Point. We decided with the other option and the six bikes roared its way on the East Coast Road.
Soon, We reached the View Point. For many it wasn't appealing and many found it a funnier place to sit and relax. As always a Photo Session was in place. We then started to explore the other half of the View Point, which read "BEWARE OF THE ROBBER". With Captain Kulla's lead, we all set to discover the abandoned piece of land - covered with lush plants and flags. Though it wasn't as dumb as it looks, but indeed it was quite a experience - especially penetrating among the greenish side of the world. We saw many distinguish things out there, not to forget the paavadai's footwear and something which looked like sand dune's with water!
There were memorable events and incidents which occurred every now and then, and one such was pavadai's footwear getting stuck amidst the slush. We spend some more time taking snaps and relaxing along the seashore. After sometime, the other gang had reached the View point. So went back from the shore and met them @ the view point. As it has always been, it was great to meet them. We had some fun filled moments. Then it was time for Bum Fights, most affected were kabali, paavadai, Sound and Ettu. We then had some snacks and started towards the destination - Mahabalipuram.
It was only a 10 Km ride from the View Point, and we reached there in No time. The thrill of riding as a group, that too with your friends is something not every one gets to feel. There are only a few things like these which can be understood only by feeling it from the heart themselves rather than a weird sentence. We parked our rides in the parking lot, and left to have our lunch. We came back to the beach, took some pics and headed to the other side of the beach..
We managed to beat the heat by drenching ourselves in the beach - we spend some valuable time there waving across the sea waves - playing some games and pushing others into the water. We spent about two hours ducked inside the water, later which we had to dry ourselves before starting back to Chennai. We had a little photo shoot and went back to the parking lot, took our rides and started off from Mahabalipuram. We ripped a bit and stopped for one final break of the day. We finished our refreshment and i had already got a few calls from home asking when i will be back . So i bid adieu to all my friends, wishing them a prosperous Diwali with smiles all over on experiencing a immaculate College Re Union. Wishing for many other occasions to experience the joy of riding and the funnier side of life with friends.
The Photo-Stream of the GTG is HERE!
Reference:
Kabali - Kabaliswaran
Sakthi - Sakthi Balan
Paavadai - Balaji
Ettu - Sathish
Muruku Mama - Ganesh
Sound - Kathikeyan
Muku - Subramanyan
Mc - Manikandan
Kulla - Balasubramaniyan
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