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
Monday, March 9, 2009
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.
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| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
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| 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) |
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| 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).
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| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
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| 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.
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| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
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| 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.
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| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
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| 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.
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| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
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| 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.
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| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
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| 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.
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| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
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| 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...
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| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
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| 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!
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| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
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| 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.
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| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
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| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
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| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
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| 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.
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| From Fort Gingee (Senji) |
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| 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) |
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| 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) |
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| 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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