My mama tells me I should stop
Go and get a real job
That can't be the way that I roll
And everybody’s growing up, having kids and paying rent and all getting cars of their own
Gonna ride my bike until I get home!!!!
Today was the saddest day of the trip, a long ride back home.
Radhanpur-Amdavad-Navi Mumbai
Packed up, settled the bills and hit the road at 7:30 Am. The roads initially bad for 20 odd kms owing to the construction work. Near Sami, fueled my bike. From here the roads were smooth, 2-3-laned without a divider. Mehsana was up and working when I entered, The traffic cops were out. “What were they doing at 9 in the morning?” Somehow managed to escape the chaos of Mehsana and Hit the toll road to Ahmadabad and within an hour I was there. The Mehsana – Amdavad stretch was the best stretch I ever ridden on. 4-Laned, with zero truck traffic and few state transport buses.
10 Am and I am outside Himalaya Mall, Vastrapur, Amdavad waiting for my cousin sister to arrive. One hour of time pass later, stopped at US Pizza at SG Road. US Pizzas have an “As much you can have” lunch offer with Soup, Cheese Garlic breads,3 variety of pizzas ,around 20 varieties of salads and a desert at the end ,all for Rs. 155. I was one of the main reasons for stopping at Amdavad .After a Kumbhakaran Lunch, bid goodbye to my sister and began the journey to home at around 12:30.
Tanked up at Sarkhej. By now the so-called Fried Rice that I had consumed yesterday was displaying its power. Stopped at Bareja, for a small nap on a charpoy under a tree. The small nap lasted almost an hour. Left Bareja at 1:45 PM for Baroda, but it turned out to be nonstop ride till Surat. Crossed Surat by 5 and took a small Butt break, Reached Vapi by 7. Getting out of Vapi was a headache. With construction of flyover and rains few hours back, there was a big jam at Vapi. Crossed the border and entered Maharashtra, refueled and changed to shorts at the first Fuel Pump in Mah.
After a cup of coffee, Started the final leg of the ride at 8:30 Pm. Maharashtra part of the NH was completely wet due to the rains. I was following the taillights of a Maruti 800 till Charoti. The spray from the trucks and cars covered the headlights with mud. Just before the turn for the toll-naka, Maruti 800 suddenly disappeared and so did the first lane of NH. I only noticed at the last moment and before I could take any actions BANG!!! I was licking the tarmac. Got up immediately, checked my limbs; only bruises on my right knee and cuts on my right index finger. On realizing that all the limbs were in place, I rushed to the bike which was lying 10 yards behind me. No much damage to the bike, just a few scratches on the headlight and crash guard. Also the lady luck was on my side, the bike didn’t fell in to the first lane of the road which was under construction. I need someone to help me lift the bike, if I lifted it alone, it would have fallen into the pit. I called a guy from a dhaba nearby, brought the bike on main stand, and thanked him and the lord.
Started the bike soon and reached home just before midnight. Had a bath, had my dinner hit the bed hard with the satisfaction of riding in the RANN.
Total Distance Covered: 1840
Day 1:680 Kms Day 2: 410 Kms Day 3: 750 Kms
Expenses: Fuel: Rs. 2700 Food and Lodging: Rs. 1200
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Rann Ride : Day 2
I'm feeling like a star, you can't stop my shine .. I'm lovin' cloud nine, my head's in the sky .. I'm solo, I'm ridin' solo .. I'm ridin' solo, I'm ridin solo, solo
Day 2: Dhrangadhra-Dholavia-Radhanpur
Woke up at 7 and immediately went for a bath .Today was going to be easy for my butt , not much ride planned for today . Initially planned route was Dhrangadhra-Halval-Tikar- Varnu- Adesar- Rapar- Lodrani-Dholavira . Called Devji Bhai to inquire about the status of Rann . He informed that the south west monsoon waters have brought sea water in the Tikar side of Rann . Only way into the Rann and out was from Dasada-Zainabad side to Kuda .
I left Dharangadhra with a very heavy heart . The sole purpose of my trip was to ride in the Rann . He said that there is a 10 Km patch of greater Rann between Lodrani and Dholavira ,only to find out later that there is a road through this stretch with greater Rann on both sides . Started for Dholavira at 9 Am . The route I opted for Dholavira was Dhrangadhra-Halvad(30)-Maliya(50)-Samkhiyali(40)-Rapar(45)-Dholavira(90). The Dhrangadhra-Halvad-Maliya stretch will be Four Laned within 2 months . Currently it is 2 laned with very sparse traffic and I didnt allow the needle to drop below 100 Kmph mark . The roads of Gujarat can put the best roads of Maharashtra to shame .
At 10 Am reached Maliya and stopped at a tapri for a Glucon-D break .Here I met Shabbir , who almost convinced me to go back to Tikar , assuring me that Little Rann was still very much dry and only 4-5 days back he had visited Ghantila Mandir . Shabbir does fishing in Rann during the monsoons . The Jhinga fish is the livelihood of the people in the Little Rann during Monsoons . Here I was in a dilemma whether to ride back to Tikar or continue to Dholavira and then made up my mind and continued towards Dholavira with a hope of riding in the Rann on the return journey .
Suraj Bari Bridge is 8 Kms from Maliya . This bridge is built over the Little Rann . Rann was completely encroached by the sea water , no piece of land was visible from here , salt activities had already wound up. Completely disappointed asked around 8-10 people if they had any idea about the condition of Tikar-Varnu Stretch , almost everyone said that sea water has encroached . Without wasting any more time started for Dholavira . The roads from Maliya to Samakhiyali are 6 Laned , perfectly tarred *and perfect to twist the throttle and forget about the rest . At 11:45 Am i was in Rapar and hungry . Rapar is a small town , although they call it city . Landed up in the market area , feasted on the street junk food Paani Puris,Dhoklas , Khandvis , Fruit Salads , Ice Creams , Dabelis etc with almost no impact on the pocket . Started for Dholavira by 12:30Pm with a filled stomach and crossed the 1st BOP(Border Outpost) before Dholavira and stopped at the second BOP for a chat with a lone BSF Jawan on duty at 1:40 Pm . In between Rapar and Dholavira , I happened to meet one Mr. Hussain . He was a knowledgeable guy , who helped me plan the return route . I was pakaoing the the BSF Jawan , with all sorts of questions . This was the first time I was meeting a defense guy on duty . *He informed me that I could well ride till the border fence 35 kms from Lodrani , if the BSF company Captain permits , and that the chances of him permitting are very high .
Conversed with him for an hour and then left for the Harappan Excavation Site , where I met Mr. Raoji Bhai.
Raoji bhai is the sole caretaker-cum-guide for this museum-cum-excavation site . He showed the various items which had been used 5000 yrs ago , i.e. at around 3000 BC . After this briefing , i roamed around the site . The sun was on its high , and i was informed that the temperature was 43 deg Celsius. The best part of the ride happened here . I was standing on the citadel built back in 3000 Bc and staring at the vast expanse of nothingness , the salt desert, the greater Rann . Now I was not in a mood to call it a day so early with nothing much around to do . By now, my plans were to ride to Modhera for night . While discussing the route to Modhera , Raoji bhai told me that i can save around 60-70 kms if i ride through the Rann . As soon as he said that I can ride through the Rann , my heart was jumping with joy . The route was Dholavira-Balasar(52)-Mauvana(22)-Vahva (Via Little Rann) (30)-Santalpur(12) . Without wasting anymore time , I hit the road high on exitement *By now I dropped the option of riding to the border fence.Went to the first Dholavira BOP , and everything beyond that was nothing but white. I couldn't resist riding in the salt desert and pleaded with the BSF officer there but he didn't budge .Finally left from there with utter disappointment and still with a possiblity of riding through Rann . As I crossed Lodrani , bike went into reserve mode *. With only 2.5 liters of fuel , chances of being stranded in the desert was very high . Luck was on my side , met Mr.Hussain again . he informed that one store in Balasar sell Petrol but also dropped a bomb . According to him the Jawans at BOP Mauvana generally don't allow anyone but local from entering the little Rann .
On reaching Balasar, it wasn't difficult finding the store that sell petrol at black market prices (Rs. 75 for a liter). Bought a liter and left for BOP Mauvana .This is the first time after almost 1000kms , i was riding on single-lane country roads . I was under the impression that such roads never existed in Gujarat . After Mauvana the roads disappeared . I was all sand till the BOP Mauvana . Like Mr. Hussain said , BOP guys started throwing tantrums . Finally after checking all bike papers, Driving Licence , PAN Card , they considered letting me go . I was standing there for half an hour while they were discussing where to let me go or not . Then came Ravi , BSF Jawan from Pune. He started conversing in Marathi . I somehow managed to convince him that , riding through the rann was the only purpose of me riding this far , at the end Ravi spoke to their officer and they allowed me to ride further . Ravi later disclosed that my beard was the reason behind their reluctance . As I was about to proceed further , I was invited to join them for evening Aarti . I was a completely different Aarti , straight out the movie 'Border' . By the time I left BOP Mauvana , it was 7 PM and only 45mins of daylight was left I hit the sandy and bushy patch before entering the rann .
Then the moment arrived and I was riding through Rann . A feeling , an experience which cannot be put into words . 5 kms into the Rann , my bike came to a standstill , switched to the reserve fuel mode and fired again. *I stopped for a moment to experience nothing but couldn't . I saw the horizon to my right ,ahead of me and in the rear view mirror . To my left I could only see the construction debris of the new highway being built across this stretch . Halfway through Rann there is another BOP in middle of nowhere . Went there to inquire if i was on the correct path . As I was about to leave that BOP their pet dogs started jumping at me . There was this sandy stretch for 200 mtrs where I twisted the throttle a little and lost balance . I almost fell there and many times in the sand lost my balance . Back in the Rann , I could see the sunset in RVM . Now the Rann was behind , it was very easy riding there , the real challenge was yet to come ;A 5km ride through a blanket of sand on the mercy of the HighBeam. I lost my balance 10-15 times in this stretch , at times i had to get down and push the bike when the wheels were buried inches inside the sand. I could see the peacocks and peahens gazing at me and my bike . How I wished that I carried my tent along ! Imagining the experience of spending a night here, continued to push the bike . Vavha village, then appeared out of nowhere . I decided to drop Modhera from the plan and call it a night at Radhanpur which was still 55kms away .
Back on the Highway , few kms before Randhanpur stopped for refueling . Reached Hotel IndraPrasta , booked a room for night w/o AC . I happened to see few Nepalis cooking and hence ordered Fried Rice for dinner . That was the biggest mistake of the trip . Checked into my room had a bath , called home to inform that i'll be home by Saturday night . Then had that so called Fried Rice . It was nothing but steamed rice dipped in oil and soya sauce with cabbage toppings. Somehow consumed it and hit the bed .The hotel was close to highway , the truckers made sure that I woke up every hour,but my tiredness ensured that no one can stop me from a good sleep.
Day 2: Dhrangadhra-Dholavia-Radhanpur
Woke up at 7 and immediately went for a bath .Today was going to be easy for my butt , not much ride planned for today . Initially planned route was Dhrangadhra-Halval-Tikar- Varnu- Adesar- Rapar- Lodrani-Dholavira . Called Devji Bhai to inquire about the status of Rann . He informed that the south west monsoon waters have brought sea water in the Tikar side of Rann . Only way into the Rann and out was from Dasada-Zainabad side to Kuda .
I left Dharangadhra with a very heavy heart . The sole purpose of my trip was to ride in the Rann . He said that there is a 10 Km patch of greater Rann between Lodrani and Dholavira ,only to find out later that there is a road through this stretch with greater Rann on both sides . Started for Dholavira at 9 Am . The route I opted for Dholavira was Dhrangadhra-Halvad(30)-Maliya(50)-Samkhiyali(40)-Rapar(45)-Dholavira(90). The Dhrangadhra-Halvad-Maliya stretch will be Four Laned within 2 months . Currently it is 2 laned with very sparse traffic and I didnt allow the needle to drop below 100 Kmph mark . The roads of Gujarat can put the best roads of Maharashtra to shame .
At 10 Am reached Maliya and stopped at a tapri for a Glucon-D break .Here I met Shabbir , who almost convinced me to go back to Tikar , assuring me that Little Rann was still very much dry and only 4-5 days back he had visited Ghantila Mandir . Shabbir does fishing in Rann during the monsoons . The Jhinga fish is the livelihood of the people in the Little Rann during Monsoons . Here I was in a dilemma whether to ride back to Tikar or continue to Dholavira and then made up my mind and continued towards Dholavira with a hope of riding in the Rann on the return journey .
Suraj Bari Bridge is 8 Kms from Maliya . This bridge is built over the Little Rann . Rann was completely encroached by the sea water , no piece of land was visible from here , salt activities had already wound up. Completely disappointed asked around 8-10 people if they had any idea about the condition of Tikar-Varnu Stretch , almost everyone said that sea water has encroached . Without wasting any more time started for Dholavira . The roads from Maliya to Samakhiyali are 6 Laned , perfectly tarred *and perfect to twist the throttle and forget about the rest . At 11:45 Am i was in Rapar and hungry . Rapar is a small town , although they call it city . Landed up in the market area , feasted on the street junk food Paani Puris,Dhoklas , Khandvis , Fruit Salads , Ice Creams , Dabelis etc with almost no impact on the pocket . Started for Dholavira by 12:30Pm with a filled stomach and crossed the 1st BOP(Border Outpost) before Dholavira and stopped at the second BOP for a chat with a lone BSF Jawan on duty at 1:40 Pm . In between Rapar and Dholavira , I happened to meet one Mr. Hussain . He was a knowledgeable guy , who helped me plan the return route . I was pakaoing the the BSF Jawan , with all sorts of questions . This was the first time I was meeting a defense guy on duty . *He informed me that I could well ride till the border fence 35 kms from Lodrani , if the BSF company Captain permits , and that the chances of him permitting are very high .
Conversed with him for an hour and then left for the Harappan Excavation Site , where I met Mr. Raoji Bhai.
Raoji bhai is the sole caretaker-cum-guide for this museum-cum-excavation site . He showed the various items which had been used 5000 yrs ago , i.e. at around 3000 BC . After this briefing , i roamed around the site . The sun was on its high , and i was informed that the temperature was 43 deg Celsius. The best part of the ride happened here . I was standing on the citadel built back in 3000 Bc and staring at the vast expanse of nothingness , the salt desert, the greater Rann . Now I was not in a mood to call it a day so early with nothing much around to do . By now, my plans were to ride to Modhera for night . While discussing the route to Modhera , Raoji bhai told me that i can save around 60-70 kms if i ride through the Rann . As soon as he said that I can ride through the Rann , my heart was jumping with joy . The route was Dholavira-Balasar(52)-Mauvana(22)-Vahva (Via Little Rann) (30)-Santalpur(12) . Without wasting anymore time , I hit the road high on exitement *By now I dropped the option of riding to the border fence.Went to the first Dholavira BOP , and everything beyond that was nothing but white. I couldn't resist riding in the salt desert and pleaded with the BSF officer there but he didn't budge .Finally left from there with utter disappointment and still with a possiblity of riding through Rann . As I crossed Lodrani , bike went into reserve mode *. With only 2.5 liters of fuel , chances of being stranded in the desert was very high . Luck was on my side , met Mr.Hussain again . he informed that one store in Balasar sell Petrol but also dropped a bomb . According to him the Jawans at BOP Mauvana generally don't allow anyone but local from entering the little Rann .
On reaching Balasar, it wasn't difficult finding the store that sell petrol at black market prices (Rs. 75 for a liter). Bought a liter and left for BOP Mauvana .This is the first time after almost 1000kms , i was riding on single-lane country roads . I was under the impression that such roads never existed in Gujarat . After Mauvana the roads disappeared . I was all sand till the BOP Mauvana . Like Mr. Hussain said , BOP guys started throwing tantrums . Finally after checking all bike papers, Driving Licence , PAN Card , they considered letting me go . I was standing there for half an hour while they were discussing where to let me go or not . Then came Ravi , BSF Jawan from Pune. He started conversing in Marathi . I somehow managed to convince him that , riding through the rann was the only purpose of me riding this far , at the end Ravi spoke to their officer and they allowed me to ride further . Ravi later disclosed that my beard was the reason behind their reluctance . As I was about to proceed further , I was invited to join them for evening Aarti . I was a completely different Aarti , straight out the movie 'Border' . By the time I left BOP Mauvana , it was 7 PM and only 45mins of daylight was left I hit the sandy and bushy patch before entering the rann .
Then the moment arrived and I was riding through Rann . A feeling , an experience which cannot be put into words . 5 kms into the Rann , my bike came to a standstill , switched to the reserve fuel mode and fired again. *I stopped for a moment to experience nothing but couldn't . I saw the horizon to my right ,ahead of me and in the rear view mirror . To my left I could only see the construction debris of the new highway being built across this stretch . Halfway through Rann there is another BOP in middle of nowhere . Went there to inquire if i was on the correct path . As I was about to leave that BOP their pet dogs started jumping at me . There was this sandy stretch for 200 mtrs where I twisted the throttle a little and lost balance . I almost fell there and many times in the sand lost my balance . Back in the Rann , I could see the sunset in RVM . Now the Rann was behind , it was very easy riding there , the real challenge was yet to come ;A 5km ride through a blanket of sand on the mercy of the HighBeam. I lost my balance 10-15 times in this stretch , at times i had to get down and push the bike when the wheels were buried inches inside the sand. I could see the peacocks and peahens gazing at me and my bike . How I wished that I carried my tent along ! Imagining the experience of spending a night here, continued to push the bike . Vavha village, then appeared out of nowhere . I decided to drop Modhera from the plan and call it a night at Radhanpur which was still 55kms away .
Back on the Highway , few kms before Randhanpur stopped for refueling . Reached Hotel IndraPrasta , booked a room for night w/o AC . I happened to see few Nepalis cooking and hence ordered Fried Rice for dinner . That was the biggest mistake of the trip . Checked into my room had a bath , called home to inform that i'll be home by Saturday night . Then had that so called Fried Rice . It was nothing but steamed rice dipped in oil and soya sauce with cabbage toppings. Somehow consumed it and hit the bed .The hotel was close to highway , the truckers made sure that I woke up every hour,but my tiredness ensured that no one can stop me from a good sleep.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Rann Ride : Day 1
You've been riding, you've been riding quite awhile, child Keep on riding You've been jiving, like a peacock that's your style ooh-ee.
DISCLAIMER : No Pics of this ride as I didnt have a Didgicam and my Nokia 5800 was robbed recently.
One Tuesday evening.
Me : Amma , Kal bike leke Ghumne jaa raha hun.(Mom, I am going on a ride tomorrow)
Mom : Kidhar? (Where?)
Me : Rann :)
Mom : yeh kya hai? (Whats that?)
Me: Kucth mei Desert hai .
Mom : Kitna din mei wapas aayega aur pappa se poocha kya? (When will you return and did you ask your dad?)
Me :7-8 days mei return and i'll inform dad once hes home .
The ride eventually began on Thursday , with a strict warning to return by Sunday night . You don't dare to disobey Indian Parents .
Thursday, 9th June, Morning :
The Ride finally began !!! And I was on road by 6:30 Am . I had no idea where in Kutch I was heading towards . It was a boring ride till Surat with around 15 flyovers being constructed on this stretch . Somewhere after Manor the flag fell off from the bike , picked it and packed it up. After riding for around 4 and half hours stopped at Hotel Hare Krishna for Brunch , some 20kms before Surat bypass @ around 10:45.
The same old menu card with no new items and unwillingly ordered Handi Biryani and Lassi .
Now without knowing where to head , I rang up Mr. Jugal Tiwari , who runs the Center for Desert and Ocean, CEDO , in Moti Virani .But, he was out of town and advised me to stay at Mr. Devji's Resort in the Little Rann , near Dharangadhra.The Biryani arrived , it was the sweetest biryani I ever had . Big mistake ordering such dishes in Gujarat . Called home to inform the status . Cross checked the route to Dharangadhra, with the Hotel owner.
Most people in Gujarat dont know the distances and they will confuse you in all possible ways . Always ask the truckers for correct distances in this part of India.
There are two routes to Dhrangadhra
1.Baroda-Amdavad(120)-Viramgam-Dhrangadhra(120 from A'bad) - Choose this route if you have a car. It will be quicker by an hour
2. Baroda bypass - Vasad(18) - Tarapur(35) - Bagodara(55) - Limbdi(42) - Surendranagar(25) - Dharangadhra(35)
I chose to follow the latter as per Mr. Hotel Owners advise.
Again hit the road at around 12 pm , stopped every 45 mins for a butt break .
By now, the Sun was at its peak and i was feeling sleepy . 15kms before Baroda , i found a deserted Bustand with a shade . Parked by bike besides and slept for half an hour there .
Got up and started again .A boring ride till a few kms before Bagodara .On the way i saw a lot of Muslim people walking on some pilgrim . They were coming from all directions , looked like some Julus.
Few kms before Bagodara , strong winds hit me from the left and almost threw me out of balance . Never before i had experienced such strong winds , not knowing that they were going to give me company till Limbdi. On both sides of road were dried farms .
The winds grew stronger and tougher on the Bagodara - Limbdi stretch and this was the first time since morning I was enjoying the ride . Whenever i tried to overtake a truck from its right , the bike got sucked towards the trucks and as soon as I overtook them the wind would hit very hard at me . The first few time regaining the balance was difficult and then it became a ritual.
My target was to reach Limbdi by 6PM and Dharangadhra by 7PM . The search for a petrol pump that accepted credit cards meant that I would reach Limbdi by 7 PM . As per the locals there was still an hour of daylight left , so no problems. Refueled and started towards Surendranagar. The roads got narrower but were butter smooth . For the first time since morning I had to face traffic . I never imagined Surendranagar to be this big . It had 2 MALLS . I was completely surprised by the charm of this place . It took me 15 minutes to get out of this city. Sun was yet to set and Dhrangadhra was still half an hour away , reached there @ 8:00 PM .
Dhrangadhra welcomes you with the sight of huge gates with Indian Military inscribed on it. Dhrangadhra is a military cantonment. Called Up Mr. Devji Bhai to ask for directions to his Resort . He said that it was still 40 kms away and immediately i asked him for an alternative place to call it a night . He directed me to his Guest House cum Home . His wife (Auntyji) showed me my room . The room looked like an artists den . Many canvases,frames and painting around . Unpacked myself and my stuff , called my mom to inform my status and got to know that my grandma went mad at mom and dad for letting me do a solo . Mom made it clear that I will have to be home by Sunday.
I had to decide whether to hit Nakhatrana or Dholavira , the next day . Nakhatrana would require 3 days and Dholavira would only require a day , hence zeroed in on Dholavira for the next day . Had a bath and hit the bed with an empty tummy.
DISCLAIMER : No Pics of this ride as I didnt have a Didgicam and my Nokia 5800 was robbed recently.
One Tuesday evening.
Me : Amma , Kal bike leke Ghumne jaa raha hun.(Mom, I am going on a ride tomorrow)
Mom : Kidhar? (Where?)
Me : Rann :)
Mom : yeh kya hai? (Whats that?)
Me: Kucth mei Desert hai .
Mom : Kitna din mei wapas aayega aur pappa se poocha kya? (When will you return and did you ask your dad?)
Me :7-8 days mei return and i'll inform dad once hes home .
The ride eventually began on Thursday , with a strict warning to return by Sunday night . You don't dare to disobey Indian Parents .
Thursday, 9th June, Morning :
The Ride finally began !!! And I was on road by 6:30 Am . I had no idea where in Kutch I was heading towards . It was a boring ride till Surat with around 15 flyovers being constructed on this stretch . Somewhere after Manor the flag fell off from the bike , picked it and packed it up. After riding for around 4 and half hours stopped at Hotel Hare Krishna for Brunch , some 20kms before Surat bypass @ around 10:45.
The same old menu card with no new items and unwillingly ordered Handi Biryani and Lassi .
Now without knowing where to head , I rang up Mr. Jugal Tiwari , who runs the Center for Desert and Ocean, CEDO , in Moti Virani .But, he was out of town and advised me to stay at Mr. Devji's Resort in the Little Rann , near Dharangadhra.The Biryani arrived , it was the sweetest biryani I ever had . Big mistake ordering such dishes in Gujarat . Called home to inform the status . Cross checked the route to Dharangadhra, with the Hotel owner.
Most people in Gujarat dont know the distances and they will confuse you in all possible ways . Always ask the truckers for correct distances in this part of India.
There are two routes to Dhrangadhra
1.Baroda-Amdavad(120)-Viramgam-Dhrangadhra(120 from A'bad) - Choose this route if you have a car. It will be quicker by an hour
2. Baroda bypass - Vasad(18) - Tarapur(35) - Bagodara(55) - Limbdi(42) - Surendranagar(25) - Dharangadhra(35)
I chose to follow the latter as per Mr. Hotel Owners advise.
Again hit the road at around 12 pm , stopped every 45 mins for a butt break .
By now, the Sun was at its peak and i was feeling sleepy . 15kms before Baroda , i found a deserted Bustand with a shade . Parked by bike besides and slept for half an hour there .
Got up and started again .A boring ride till a few kms before Bagodara .On the way i saw a lot of Muslim people walking on some pilgrim . They were coming from all directions , looked like some Julus.
Few kms before Bagodara , strong winds hit me from the left and almost threw me out of balance . Never before i had experienced such strong winds , not knowing that they were going to give me company till Limbdi. On both sides of road were dried farms .
The winds grew stronger and tougher on the Bagodara - Limbdi stretch and this was the first time since morning I was enjoying the ride . Whenever i tried to overtake a truck from its right , the bike got sucked towards the trucks and as soon as I overtook them the wind would hit very hard at me . The first few time regaining the balance was difficult and then it became a ritual.
My target was to reach Limbdi by 6PM and Dharangadhra by 7PM . The search for a petrol pump that accepted credit cards meant that I would reach Limbdi by 7 PM . As per the locals there was still an hour of daylight left , so no problems. Refueled and started towards Surendranagar. The roads got narrower but were butter smooth . For the first time since morning I had to face traffic . I never imagined Surendranagar to be this big . It had 2 MALLS . I was completely surprised by the charm of this place . It took me 15 minutes to get out of this city. Sun was yet to set and Dhrangadhra was still half an hour away , reached there @ 8:00 PM .
Dhrangadhra welcomes you with the sight of huge gates with Indian Military inscribed on it. Dhrangadhra is a military cantonment. Called Up Mr. Devji Bhai to ask for directions to his Resort . He said that it was still 40 kms away and immediately i asked him for an alternative place to call it a night . He directed me to his Guest House cum Home . His wife (Auntyji) showed me my room . The room looked like an artists den . Many canvases,frames and painting around . Unpacked myself and my stuff , called my mom to inform my status and got to know that my grandma went mad at mom and dad for letting me do a solo . Mom made it clear that I will have to be home by Sunday.
I had to decide whether to hit Nakhatrana or Dholavira , the next day . Nakhatrana would require 3 days and Dholavira would only require a day , hence zeroed in on Dholavira for the next day . Had a bath and hit the bed with an empty tummy.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
The best ten minutes of my life so far
It has been raining cats and dogs in Mumbai. The City has received more than 15 cms of rain since morning, as a result of which many people didn't bother coming to college today. I had different ideas, since didn't have a rainy day like today this monsoon, I wanted to hit roads as soon as possible. Dressed up in my rain suit and the rains had eased up. Still ripped my way to college within 15 mins. Four and a half hours later, the college authorities gave up and canceled the rest of the lectures. Now it’s raining heavily, I quickly tucked the rain gear into the bag and headed towards the parking lot.
Kick started my bike zoomed out of the gate onto the road. There was water accumulated at many places, without hitting the brakes went over each of them splashing water everywhere. I don’t know why but I every time I splashed water there was a big smile in my face, probably the kid in me was enjoying the most. A turn later I skipped a red light and was onto the Palm Beach Road and I was determined not to let the Speedo indicator needle go below 100 Kmph mark. Now the raindrops were piercing my face and chest like a sharp needle, the pain was unbearable but still wasn’t in any mood to let speed drop below the 100 mark. Bearing the intense speed and skipping two more red lights, I reached home in a record time of nine minutes flat. As soon as I removed the raincoat from the bag and kept it on the table, look on my mom’s was like, “Aah, now my son’s really gone insane!!
Kick started my bike zoomed out of the gate onto the road. There was water accumulated at many places, without hitting the brakes went over each of them splashing water everywhere. I don’t know why but I every time I splashed water there was a big smile in my face, probably the kid in me was enjoying the most. A turn later I skipped a red light and was onto the Palm Beach Road and I was determined not to let the Speedo indicator needle go below 100 Kmph mark. Now the raindrops were piercing my face and chest like a sharp needle, the pain was unbearable but still wasn’t in any mood to let speed drop below the 100 mark. Bearing the intense speed and skipping two more red lights, I reached home in a record time of nine minutes flat. As soon as I removed the raincoat from the bag and kept it on the table, look on my mom’s was like, “Aah, now my son’s really gone insane!!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Pleasingly Messed Up Ride
Ride day: Wake up at 5:20 Am after 4-5 snoozes, only to find out that it’s not raining. Disappointed, I complete the morning formalities. Now, the rain gear is nowhere to be found. Found it , dusted it as I had not used it after last monsoon .Geared up , I headed to the parking lot only to find my bike missing . Realized that I had left it at my uncle’s place, asked mom for my Kinetic Honda's keys. Five minutes and fifty kicks later it starts. Phew!!! Parking Kinetic, I tried to start the bike but in vain. Few kicks later it starts , waving goodbye to my uncle I leave his place and press the horn button ,yes you guessed it right the horn's given away . Now I have to ride for 250 kms without a horn and every rider knows how difficult it is. Now I have to catch up with Abhishek, Prasad and other MRC members. We were supposed to meet at Centre One, Vashi at 6 Am and it’s already 6:30. On the way to C1, I realize that my bike papers are at home, turn around, got the papers from home and reached c1 at 6:45 am to find no one, not even a stray. Assuming I have been left behind, called up Prasad to know about his whereabouts, he replied saying that they will reach in a couple of minutes. Another Phew!!!! After the starting trouble, I was praying was a pleasant ride.
MRC riders Abhishek, Prasad, Abhijeet and Suman with their Pulsar 150, CJ sir with a pillion and his Pulsar 220, Salim sir with his Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 5s arrived with the sweet sound of their engines. A few handshakes later the ride began. Cruising on the 6- lane Palm Beach road, reach Datta Snacks, Panvel for a routine stop. After feasting on Mumbai's staple food - Vada Pav and Chai, we were well on our way to Pali, our next destination. By the time we neared Pen. Abhijeet Received call from CJ.
Problem 1:
Suman’s bike refused to start at Datta Snacks and Mr. Salim had already reached Pen. Abhijeet went back to Panvel with the toolkit.
In the mean time Prasad, I, Abhishek, Ashish and Kamlesh thought of hiking a small hill nearby which was covered with a green bed sheet. The hike upwards was not more than 25m but was a very steep and slippery affair. After an hour of photo sessions and other means of time pass it was time to join Salim, who was waiting alone in Pen. Hiking down the hill was much more slippery, while other preferred to use their foot, I wanted to slide down. A plastic bag would have made the task easier and at the end my pants had to take this.
A few clicks later, continued till Vadkal Naka for a breakfast and Salim joined us here. The Missal Pav we ordered was done in no time and even after paying the bills, we stayed there waiting for the others to arrive. Finally they arrived at 12 noon and as soon as they finished their food we left for Pali. After riding for some time on the beautiful Goa highway, it was time to ride on the one - laned, two way roads full of twists and curves with greenery on either side leading to Pali. Pali temple wasn’t much crowded so darshan didn’t take much time. All I prayed for was a pleasant and an eventful ride, but little did I know that there was another breakdown in store for Suman’s bike.
Problem 2:
Everyone up in their gears and Suman’s Pulsar refuses to start. CJ tried every trick he knew and opened almost every part of the bike except the engine and filter. The bike still refuses to run. In the mean time Prasad and Ashish bring a mechanic. He then begins his duty, checks the parts CJ had and then finally the air filter. I seemed that water had entered the filter. Now that problem was found, it was solved in a matter of minutes. After couple of hours later we left Pali.
Weelay Phata (Junction) was our next destination where Prasad’s friends would join us to show some nearby places. The country roads were at their green best. On reaching Weelay Phata we were waiting for Prasad’s friends. This is where I clicked this 7 km pic.Download it,zoom it and compare the two signboards.
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After few kilometers we reach a fork where one route leads to Pune and other to Lonavla. We continued taking the road to Lonavla. The roads were a complete nightmare. Wait!!!! Did I say roads? Actually there was nothing as such; it was just a narrow Jungle path. The lights begin to fade away and it gave away completely within half an hour. At one point a monkey came before Abhijeet’s bike posed and ran away. The road was mainly made of slush with many water crossings in between. Prasad fell prey to one of these slush crossing and at another instance I almost banged Prasad from behind because of the dead horn. This stretch is an off roaders Paradise and riding in dark adds to the excitement. To my surprise the King of roads, Maharashtra ST was alive in this path too. Spotted a couple of them. The 56 kms stretch had less than 50 houses. Reached Amby Valley by 8:15 pm took a ritual pic and was on usually tarmac. Its monsoon time, we’re near Lonavla and how can fog be ignored. Well thick fog followed us all the way till Lonavla. After a cup of coffee at Kamath’s, the ride back home began. There was some drizzling at 2-3 places for not more than a couple of minutes when we were actually expecting heavy rains. All of the sudden all hell broke loose the moment we reached Khopoli. The groupe suddenly dispersed or maybe I was separated from the rest. There is nothing visible no. To add to the difficulty of riding alone in very heavy rains there was horn was also not working (if u remembered that).Now, I was blindly following the taillight of a truck who was ripping at speeds well above 80 kmph mark. 10-15 mins I got bitten by the adventure bug and overtook the truck which was serving as my savior and was riding at almost 100 kmph. Few minutes later spotted Abhijeet and we together ripped all the way till Panvel where Salim and Suman joined us minutes later. After riding together with them, I parted ways at Belapur, where I went on the Palm Beach road to home. Reached home by 11pm, parked my bike, my wrists were cramped and I wasn’t able to open them and take my hands off the handle. Called Prasad to know about his whereabouts and was informed that he was still at Belapur with the rest. Went home and threw my rain gear to one corner, changed into shorts and crashed to the bed.All thanks to Shri Ballaleeshwar at Pali and Suman’s Pulsar for making this an unforgettable affair.
For more pics click here
Monday, May 4, 2009
A 90 minutes, 90 KM...Purely Instinctive Ride...
Problem 1: We had no camera!
Rahul has a cam but as it wasn't planned so he hadn't bought it that day to college...We tried asking a few friends with decent cameras in their phones to lend them to us for a couple hours. As nice as they always are, they were very possessive and insecure about the idea. For a minute we almost canceled the plan because of this. But then someone told us a guy named Kiran had a cybershot phone. Now I must mention we weren't that good as friends but when I asked him he said yes first then asked what it was for. I was very kind of him to behave that way. And that's how kindness can help you take snaps...
Problem 2: I needed a helmet!
Now, Rahul comes to college on his bike but I travel by local trains considering the fact that I live around 65 KM away from my college. So the problem? I didn't have any helmet to help me with the summer heat and dust getting in to my eyes!! So, then we were running around finding someone to lend us their helmet. And as it turned out, every other guy in class who used to bring their bikes to college didn't, that day...Well, everyone except Aadhitya. At first he refused to lend us his helmet, I don't know why. Then we tried again and he agreed but he kept warning me. He said "If you loose it, I'll kill you" Wasn't that too dramatic! He seemed worried because on his way home, he would have to pay a fine if found without his helmet. Anyways,we got what we wanted and we didn't mind anything now...
Problem 3: There was no problem 3! We were already out on the road by now!!
While we were riding, I was constantly thinking about how different people are everywhere. Rahul always asked me to come with him for a ride. I am a lazy ass and didn't respond well to that. That day was different. This year to me is different. A lot many things seemed to evolve me from inside since the year started. I am going to write about that evolution in my personal blog soon, but this is about the ride. It felt free. I am not the kind of guy who always bunks classes to have fun. I am not the kind of guy who has a lot of fun. Really. But I wanted to have some that day.
We went towards Panvel and we had two options - To go on the Goa highway or Pune. I could have really gone to Pune itself but I didn't want to miss the practical. So we go on the Goa highway for as long as an hour. We stopped in between for a few clicks. The fact that we didn't have a camera bothered me and that is the reason we don't have much pics. But the roads, as lonely as they can be, were surrounded by many beautiful scenarios. At times, there would be vehicles all around us and all I would want is to ignore them and enjoy the birds around. Other times, there would be no one at all, but trees. And big ones. like the one's we never get to see here in the city. There is this Karnala sanctuary that I wanted to go to. But we didn't have much time.
At one point, we stopped to take a few pictures of birds playing besides a small lake. I felt a bit afraid to go down and shoot some pics but Rahul managed to push me anyways. He was not in his shoes so he stepped back. At first, it did feel scary. I thought the slope was too narrow but the view was worth it. I mean how often do you get to see a flock of beautiful birds..playing amongst themselves..flying free..drinking water..I am not that good at painting pictures with words but I guess you know by now what I mean.
After halting at around 4-5 places, we thought we'd have lunch somewhere and go back. It wasn't easy to find one. The only one we got was not open although there were two guys there. There was like a small hill there. We thought we would go up and have the lunch we had in our bags. Rahul drove all the way up and there we sat watching the road where we came from look very smaller now. It was hot being noon but the winds were blowing and surprisingly there was not much dust there. We quietly had our lunch and had a little talk about the trip. Suddenly, there comes this man who we met down at the hotel. He walked all the way up to the hill to talk to us. At first I thought he would as us to leave. I guessed that from the looks of his face. But he was nice. He offered us to sit in the rest room if we wanted and have our lunch there. Rahul talked to him in Marathi (which I am not quite good at) and told him we rather enjoyed it on the hill. He smiled and went away. Rahul sensed my thoughts and we talked about how people are friendlier in village areas. He knows more because he's a frequent traveller...that's where the name comes from - Insane Wanderer...
It was a nice trip overall, but I don't remember much to write about. Its very unfortunate that I failed to write before because of preoccupations. Apologies to Rahul for that, who's been pushing me to write this since a month now...actually more than that. It was March 24th 2009 as the picture says...Not a very exciting fun trip, but it was sure an experience to remember and purely instinctive as the title says...
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Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Khopoli Fast
A result of tampering my mobile phone resulted in this ride . Tuesday night before going to the bed I happened to set my alarm in the mobile for 9 Am . In the night I received an automated call from BPL mobile and I reset the alarm to 7 Am . The Alarm goes on and on at 7 and a couple of snoozes later my sleep had an untimely death . With loads of time and just newspaper reading , boredom was slowly encroaching on me . The clock says 7:45 an I had already finished my bath , breakfast and was not in a mood to read the papers . One deep breath and the next thing in my mind was a ride . Moments later I was ready with my jacket and helmet with no destination planned . Picked up my school bag and was on road . The only highway I could remember then was NH4 ( old Mumbai-Pune Highway ) . Riding very slow at an average of 30-40 km/hr amidst heavy traffic till Sanpada . Thereafter , the road was all mine and still riding at the same speed with the helmet visor opened up and breathing some clean air .
Near Kamothe
The wrist watch says 9 Am and I was in two minds whether to continue riding or attend the lecture which was to begin at 9:30 Am . Finally after a chai (Tea) I decided to give the lecture a miss and decided to ride to Khopoli and then to college to attend the second lecture at 10:30 Am .
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Chai stop
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NH4
Within 10 min of riding I was at Khopoli Bus Stand and Lonavla was calling me . Dismissing the call , the return journey began . A few kilometers later , a signboard pointing to Mahad Ganpati came to my notice . I had missed this temple during my Ashtavinayak Yatra and within a weeks time I was here . Spent a good spiritual 45 min here in the temple and by 10:15 I was back on road with 15 min for lecture and 65 km to be covered.
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Mahad Temple Pond
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I was trying to ride as fast as I can and in 18 min. I was at Panvel covering 28 km . Another 30 min later I entered the college at 11 Am . 11:05 Am entered the classroom with my jackets on , inviting a blank look from my classmates except a few . Luckily the professor allowed me in despite being 35 min late and got my attendence too . In my view this was the best was I could have spend those 3 hours .
Regards,
Rahul ( Wanderer )
Rahul ( Wanderer )
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Ashtavinayak Yatra - Part 2
Check out Part 1 of the Yatra .
At Theur , we were way ahead of the initial schedule and I was excited as if I have achieved something very big . Siddhatek was around 70 km from Theur . Sailesh had said us that we would have to cross a river to reach the temple , last time when he visited that was the only way to reach the place . This piece of news brought even more excitement in us . Waving goodbye to Theur we were in the Pune-Solapur highway in a couple of minutes . This highway is perfect for speeding because in the 50 km journey on this highway I could not recollect even a single curve . I was speeding and Prasad and Sailesh were over speeding . On the way , Prasad ran over a stray dog crushed by a truck possibly. By 4:15 , we reached Patas Junction and a few clicks later were back on roads for Siddhatek .
At Theur , we were way ahead of the initial schedule and I was excited as if I have achieved something very big . Siddhatek was around 70 km from Theur . Sailesh had said us that we would have to cross a river to reach the temple , last time when he visited that was the only way to reach the place . This piece of news brought even more excitement in us . Waving goodbye to Theur we were in the Pune-Solapur highway in a couple of minutes . This highway is perfect for speeding because in the 50 km journey on this highway I could not recollect even a single curve . I was speeding and Prasad and Sailesh were over speeding . On the way , Prasad ran over a stray dog crushed by a truck possibly. By 4:15 , we reached Patas Junction and a few clicks later were back on roads for Siddhatek .
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On our way between Daund and Siddhatek , the roads were bad and at one part they were not even there . There was a way through a wet farmland or else we would have had to take a 5 km detour . There was an intresting moment here , while crossing the farm Sandeep's rear wheel got stuck and was not moving an inch . Then we found out that huge amounts of mud had come in between the wheels and the mud guard and that was the reason for the jam . A couple of minutes and some dirty hands later , his machine was roaring . On reaching Siddhatek , to our disappointment a bridge had been constructed over the river . As a result no river crossing . After stocking our luggage and shoes again at a flower vendor we entered the temple and a huge queue welcomed us . The queue was fast moving and on reaching the idol of Lord Sri Siddhivinayak , we offered our prayers , took blessings and were on our way out of the temple . The trunk of the Lord Ganesh is towards the right and in other seven temples its bent towards the left . Prasad , Sandeep and Sailesh had bought an offering plate and the only thing left on the plate was coconuts . You are supposed to break the coconut yourself and Prasad turned out to be an expert at this art breaking three coconuts within no time and these were not the like the ones we get in cities the were the one straight from the tree , the ones u get at the nariyal paani wala. After a while we had some wadas and soft drinks and began packing our bikes for Morgaon .
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Route to Siddhatek : Theur-Patas(Pune-Solapur Highway) - Daund - Siddhatek
Trip Meter Reading - 393 km
Distance From Theur: 86 Km
Next Destination - Morgaon , Pune.
After having some tea time snacks we parted ways with Siddhatek . Morgaon was arond 60 km from Siddhatek and it was already 6:15 Pm and was getting darker and as we touched the Pune-Solapur Highway it was completely dark. The highway was full of high beamers . We went on overtaking one truck after another from the left as there was no way from the right . This event lasted for around 30 km till we reached Chowfula . At Chowfula we halted to ask for directions and were told that Morgaon is around 24 kms from here and the roads were not that good . When enquired about the lodging facilities there , we got positive replies . On way to Morgaon , Prasad was leading the way in the dark with mine and Sandeeps bike following his bike . At one place I happened go out of the road and was about to crash beacuse of the high beam from one of the truck but somehow managed to keep my balance and I was back on road an was at Morgaon by 7:45 Pm . We found a very very okay place to stay for the night , a 12 x 8 ft room with bedding's and blankets and a clean toilet , all this for Rs. 350 and we didn't have any other option so had to take it . Half an hour later , every one freshened up and we were roaming the streets of Morgaon and had a mukh darshan or Lord Sri Mayureshwar . A few moments later we left for dinner , we had a feast for Rs. 262 . Our dinner for 4 was
15 Rotis
Paneer Mutter
Veg. Kadai
Veg. Makhanwala
2 Dal Fry
3 Plates of rice
we finished it in no time as we were really hungry . A walk to our logde and everybody were asleep within 15 min .
Next morning , we woke up at 6 am and each of us had a bath one - by - one and left for the temple at 7 . A moderate queue was present at the temple and after a wait of 20 min we were near the idol offered our prayers and took the blessings of Lord Sri Mayureshwar . Later we had some Misal pav for break fast and were on our way to Ozar .
Trip Meter Reading - 393 km
Distance From Theur: 86 Km
Next Destination - Morgaon , Pune.
After having some tea time snacks we parted ways with Siddhatek . Morgaon was arond 60 km from Siddhatek and it was already 6:15 Pm and was getting darker and as we touched the Pune-Solapur Highway it was completely dark. The highway was full of high beamers . We went on overtaking one truck after another from the left as there was no way from the right . This event lasted for around 30 km till we reached Chowfula . At Chowfula we halted to ask for directions and were told that Morgaon is around 24 kms from here and the roads were not that good . When enquired about the lodging facilities there , we got positive replies . On way to Morgaon , Prasad was leading the way in the dark with mine and Sandeeps bike following his bike . At one place I happened go out of the road and was about to crash beacuse of the high beam from one of the truck but somehow managed to keep my balance and I was back on road an was at Morgaon by 7:45 Pm . We found a very very okay place to stay for the night , a 12 x 8 ft room with bedding's and blankets and a clean toilet , all this for Rs. 350 and we didn't have any other option so had to take it . Half an hour later , every one freshened up and we were roaming the streets of Morgaon and had a mukh darshan or Lord Sri Mayureshwar . A few moments later we left for dinner , we had a feast for Rs. 262 . Our dinner for 4 was
15 Rotis
Paneer Mutter
Veg. Kadai
Veg. Makhanwala
2 Dal Fry
3 Plates of rice
we finished it in no time as we were really hungry . A walk to our logde and everybody were asleep within 15 min .
Next morning , we woke up at 6 am and each of us had a bath one - by - one and left for the temple at 7 . A moderate queue was present at the temple and after a wait of 20 min we were near the idol offered our prayers and took the blessings of Lord Sri Mayureshwar . Later we had some Misal pav for break fast and were on our way to Ozar .
Route to Morgaon : Siddhatek- Daund - Patas (Pune-Solapur Highway) - Chowfula - Morgaon
Trip Meter Reading - 462 km
Distance From Theur: 69 Km
Next Destination - Ozar, Pune (Junnar) .
After consuming the Misal Pav , everyone was on a high an within 20 min reached Chowfula . After Chowfula , we were crossing one village after another until Shirur where there was some traffic for a brief period and then again village roads welcomed us . Sandeep and Prasad sped off and I was cruising and smelling the village soil . At one village (did not bother to know the name) I met 3 of them to check for directions .
Distance From Theur: 69 Km
Next Destination - Ozar, Pune (Junnar) .
After consuming the Misal Pav , everyone was on a high an within 20 min reached Chowfula . After Chowfula , we were crossing one village after another until Shirur where there was some traffic for a brief period and then again village roads welcomed us . Sandeep and Prasad sped off and I was cruising and smelling the village soil . At one village (did not bother to know the name) I met 3 of them to check for directions .
Once checking the directions and few information from the villagers about the route , we were back to burning the rubber . I had reached Ozar by 11:30 Am but others did not notice me overtaking them and were waiting for me to arrive at Narayangaon . At 11:45 Am some tourist buses had arrived and in no time a long queue was created . Prasad and Sandeep arrived at 12 Pm . We soon dumped our luggae at a flower vendor again. Here instead of waiting in the queue we decided to visit Lenyadri which was around 20 km from Ozar .
Trip Meter Reading - 606 km
Distance From Theur: 144 kmNext Destination - Lenyadri, Pune (Junnar).
The roads to Lenyadri were horrible , full of potholes . Lenyadri was here and one has to climb around 300 very steep steps . Climbing is really tiresome but seeing elders climb I was motivated . The temple , of Lord Sri Girijatmaj ,here is inside a cave . After climbing up and down did some shopping . Bought some grapes and dried grapes and pedas .
Route to Lenyadri : Ozar - Lenyadri
Next Destination - Ozar,Pune (Junnar).
By 2:30 , we were at Ozar , this time threr was no queue . We had a like peaceful darshan of Lord Sri Vighneshwar offered our prayers and took blessings and were on our way out . As this was the last temple , there was a lot of sovinours to be brought back home . These were supposed to be gifted to friends and relatives . By 4:15 pm , all shopping was done . We headed to a hotel inside the temple complex where the time for lunch was over so went to another hotel where we were denied food again for the same reason . Hunger had hit us really bad because we didnt have anything since 8 Am . So packed off and we left the temple and found a dhaba just outside the village gate . Had some good food in Bhakris, dal Rice , and some curries . Again a feast and the bill was just Rs. 175 . That was it and we were on our way back home .
Route to Ozar: Lenyadri - Ozar
Next Destination - Home, Koper Khairne , Navi Mumbai
Had a brief stop at the Malshej ghats for refuelling and some pics . Everyone were back to their ripping best while I again prefered cruising admiring the beauty of Malshej and soaked in the nature, met others and some village 13 km from Kalyan at 7 pm and it was completely dark . Reached home by 8 Pm , had a light dinner and went straight to the bed .
Trip Meter Reading : 812 Km
Total Distance Covered : 812 Km
Fuel Expenses : Rs 900
Food and Lodging expenses on shared Basis : Rs 250 per head.
Shopping : Rs. 500
A ride to Remember : PRICELESS
I have done many rides in the past , but this ride is very special and it has in some way affected the way I ride , riding my bike felt made me feel very special during the trip and the best part is that I am in someway more synchronized with my bike .
Will be back after my next ride.
Regards ,
Rahul (Wanderer)
The roads to Lenyadri were horrible , full of potholes . Lenyadri was here and one has to climb around 300 very steep steps . Climbing is really tiresome but seeing elders climb I was motivated . The temple , of Lord Sri Girijatmaj ,here is inside a cave . After climbing up and down did some shopping . Bought some grapes and dried grapes and pedas .
Route to Lenyadri : Ozar - Lenyadri
Trip Meter Reading - 621 km
Distance From Theur: 15 kmNext Destination - Ozar,Pune (Junnar).
By 2:30 , we were at Ozar , this time threr was no queue . We had a like peaceful darshan of Lord Sri Vighneshwar offered our prayers and took blessings and were on our way out . As this was the last temple , there was a lot of sovinours to be brought back home . These were supposed to be gifted to friends and relatives . By 4:15 pm , all shopping was done . We headed to a hotel inside the temple complex where the time for lunch was over so went to another hotel where we were denied food again for the same reason . Hunger had hit us really bad because we didnt have anything since 8 Am . So packed off and we left the temple and found a dhaba just outside the village gate . Had some good food in Bhakris, dal Rice , and some curries . Again a feast and the bill was just Rs. 175 . That was it and we were on our way back home .
Route to Ozar: Lenyadri - Ozar
Trip Meter Reading - 637 km
Distance From Theur: 16 kmNext Destination - Home, Koper Khairne , Navi Mumbai
Had a brief stop at the Malshej ghats for refuelling and some pics . Everyone were back to their ripping best while I again prefered cruising admiring the beauty of Malshej and soaked in the nature, met others and some village 13 km from Kalyan at 7 pm and it was completely dark . Reached home by 8 Pm , had a light dinner and went straight to the bed .
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Trip Meter Reading : 812 Km
Total Distance Covered : 812 Km
Fuel Expenses : Rs 900
Food and Lodging expenses on shared Basis : Rs 250 per head.
Shopping : Rs. 500
A ride to Remember : PRICELESS
I have done many rides in the past , but this ride is very special and it has in some way affected the way I ride , riding my bike felt made me feel very special during the trip and the best part is that I am in someway more synchronized with my bike .
Will be back after my next ride.
Regards ,
Rahul (Wanderer)
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Ashtavinayaka Yatra - Part 1
The plannings and preparations for this ride started way back in September 2008 . It was Prasad and me who decided that this ride is to be done on 24-26 of January . Initially the plans were in place for a three day ride there were some guy's who were in the ride but never confirmed their status . I had informed my parents that I am going for Ashtavinayak Yatra but they didn't know that it was a ride and it was not hard convincing them as both were religious and gave me thumbs up for the ride . Immediately got my bike serviced from my mechanic .
Now, Ashtavinayaka means "eight Ganeshas" in Sanskrit. Ganesha is the Hindu lord of prosperity and learning. Ashtavinayaka Yatra is pilgrimage to the eight Hindu temples in Maharashtra, India that house eight distinct idols of Ganesha. Each of these temples has its own individual legend and history, as distinct from each other as the statues in each temple.
The following are the eight places where the temples are located; Ozar, Theur, Pali, Mahad, Morgaon, Ranjangaon, Lenyadri, and Siddhatek. Out of these eight places, Theur, Morgaon, and Ranjangaon are around Pune City . Ozar and Lenyadri are near Junnar Town . Pali and Mahad are in Raigad district whereas Siddhatek falls under the Ahmednagar district.
A day before the ride , on the 23rd of January , Prasad calls me and asks if we can do this ride in two days and before he finished speaks I said " Okay, No probs . " That night called my granny in Mulund and said her that I am going on the yatra tomorrow on bike . I was expecting some advices from her or she persuading to drop the plans but to my surprise nothing as such happened and the wished me a happy and safe journey . Expecting the same advices from my maternal grandparents called them to inform them and no advices again just good wishes . Soon packed my bags and kept everything ready .
It was 24th morning 4 Am and Prasad called me to wake me up and by 5:15 Am I was ready to hit the roads and was at Centre One, Vashi by 5:30 Am after taking the blessings of my grandparents . Within a couple of minutes Prasad arrived on his Pulsar 150 with him was his friend Sandeep on his Bajaj Discover 125 with Sailesh as pillion .Resetting the trip meter to 0 and wasting no time we started for Pali our first temple on the list .I have never before had a ride on this roads when dark , even though it was early morining it wasn't less dark and the high beamers were just adding on to my worries . The whether was chilling too , I was feeling cold even with my leather jackets on . For the first time I was riding on the Goa highway (Nh17) .On the Goa Highway instead of going straight I took a left - turn into Pen thinking it was Vadkal , soon called Prasad and corrected my path . By 6:30Am Sun began to rise and there were a lot ot moments to be captured and was still a good 60 km away . Prasad and Sandeep continued riding and the photographer in me wanted to click some pics on the Goa highway . After clicking some pics met the guys at Wakan Phata or Pali Phata .
Pali Ganpati temple is some 20kms from Wakan Phata and the roads are pretty good . One Lane roads with no vehicles from either sides , just three motorcycles cruising on the the roads. By 7:30 we were at the Pali temple premises . The Aarti had just finished and there was no crowd . We stocked our bags,jackets and shoes at a local flower vendor and entered the temple had the Darshan of Lord Shri Ballaleshwar offered our prayers , took our blessings and were out within 15 minutes . The idol here is short but wide . Like other temples in India , photography inside the temples is prohibited here too . Pali village is nestled between the Sarasgad Fort and a river (forgot the name) .
Route to Pali : Mumbai - Panvel - NH17 (Mumbai - Goa Highway) - Wadkal - Wakan - Pali
Trip Meter Reading - 101 Kms
Next Destination - Mahad, Raigad
By 8 Am started our journey toward Mahad . Mahad is a village on the hilly regions of Konkan 1.5 kms off NH4 (Old Mumbai- Pune Highway) . There is a Pali - Khopoli road leading to Mahad
. The roads were in bad condition with some good patches in between . Sun was out on a high by 9 Am and all of us were hungry we stopped over at Hotel Rajinikanth and Dhaba had some khanda(onion) bhaji's ,Vada Pav's and a cup of tea . 9:30 Am and we are at Mahad temple i.e. premises of Lord Sri Varada Vinayaka. There is a huge queue . A little enquiry and we were told that a 12 tourist busses d arrived 15 min backand the queue time will be at least 4 Hrs . We were left with no option but to settle for Mukh Darshan(Sight or glimpse of the idol from outside the temple) . All I got was just a glimpse of the idol. Since this temple is just 50 Kms from my home , I was easily convinced . One intresting fact about this temple is that a nandadeep has been lit in this temple which has been continously lit since 1892.
Route : Pali - Mahad (via Khopoli - Pali road)
Trip meter Reading : 142 kms
Distance From Pali: 41 Kms
Next Destionation : Ranjangaon , Pune .
Once confirming the directions in the road map , hit the roads the infamous Old Mumbai - Pune Highway(NH4) . Cruised till Talegaon without any hassles and on our way from Talegaon to Chakan heavy traffic greeted us with their widespread hands . Maneuvering through the trucks and auto-rickshaws we crossed Chakan . On crossing Chakan on way to Shikrapur there were large farmlands on both the sides, looked like paddy farms . The roads from Shikrapur to Ranjangaon was a beautiful stretch . Some 20 km of serious ripping and arrived at the Ranjangaon at 12:30 Pm. Ranjangaon seemed a spiritually awakened village. Dumping our baggages , jackets , helmets and shoes at a flower vendor outside the temple, we stepped inside the temple premises . There was a long queue at the temple but even then the atmosphere was verly calm and silent . Every single person was soaked in the devotion of Lord Ganesh . The long queue was weel organised and fast moving . After an hour in the queue , darshan of Lord Sri Mahaganapati was very pleasing . We offered our prayers, offerings and took blessings and sat inside the temple chanting the prayers for another 10 min . The temple was very clean and huge . We spent some time exploring the temple clicking some photographs until hunger struck. There is food offered in the temple as prasad . As prasad dal ,rice and sheera are offered unlimited . We had a feast and the beauty is that the people having the food were from all walks of life and were sitting nearby and smiling at each other , perhaps , such a thing can be seen only in India . Once food was over , Theur was calling us . Bags loaded , Jackets on , our motorcycles were back on roads again.
Route : Mahad-Lonavala-Talegaon-Chakan-Shikrapur-Ranjangaon
Trip meter Reading : 266 kms
Distance From Mahad: 122 Kms
Next Destionation : Theur , Pune .
Ranjangaon-Shikrapur-Lonikand fall on Maharashtra SH-66 . A same beautiful stretch on which the needle in the speedo was never below the 90 kmph mark . In 15 mins we reached Lonikand around 27 kms from Ranjangaon . The roads from Lonikand to Theur are in pathetic condition , riding on them almost broke my back. To add to this there were bullock carts all along the road and trucks coming in from the opposite direction , all in this one lane roads . it took us almost 45mins to do these 13 kms and finally Theur was here .By 3:30 we reached the Theur temple , dumped our bags in a sugarcane juice shop outside the temple , had some fresh juice and entered the temple after washing our face, hands and feet. This temple looked old and it needed some painting . It was a big temple ,but was almost empty . Without any rush , we offered our prayers and took blessing and some exploration of the temple and we were on our way out .
Route : Ranjangaon-Shikrapur-Lonikand-Theur
Trip meter Reading : 307 kms
Distance From Mahad: 41 Kms
Next Destionation : Siddhatek,Ahmednagar .
Regards
Rahul
Part 2 of the blog in the tube.
Now, Ashtavinayaka means "eight Ganeshas" in Sanskrit. Ganesha is the Hindu lord of prosperity and learning. Ashtavinayaka Yatra is pilgrimage to the eight Hindu temples in Maharashtra, India that house eight distinct idols of Ganesha. Each of these temples has its own individual legend and history, as distinct from each other as the statues in each temple.
The following are the eight places where the temples are located; Ozar, Theur, Pali, Mahad, Morgaon, Ranjangaon, Lenyadri, and Siddhatek. Out of these eight places, Theur, Morgaon, and Ranjangaon are around Pune City . Ozar and Lenyadri are near Junnar Town . Pali and Mahad are in Raigad district whereas Siddhatek falls under the Ahmednagar district.
A day before the ride , on the 23rd of January , Prasad calls me and asks if we can do this ride in two days and before he finished speaks I said " Okay, No probs . " That night called my granny in Mulund and said her that I am going on the yatra tomorrow on bike . I was expecting some advices from her or she persuading to drop the plans but to my surprise nothing as such happened and the wished me a happy and safe journey . Expecting the same advices from my maternal grandparents called them to inform them and no advices again just good wishes . Soon packed my bags and kept everything ready .
It was 24th morning 4 Am and Prasad called me to wake me up and by 5:15 Am I was ready to hit the roads and was at Centre One, Vashi by 5:30 Am after taking the blessings of my grandparents . Within a couple of minutes Prasad arrived on his Pulsar 150 with him was his friend Sandeep on his Bajaj Discover 125 with Sailesh as pillion .Resetting the trip meter to 0 and wasting no time we started for Pali our first temple on the list .I have never before had a ride on this roads when dark , even though it was early morining it wasn't less dark and the high beamers were just adding on to my worries . The whether was chilling too , I was feeling cold even with my leather jackets on . For the first time I was riding on the Goa highway (Nh17) .On the Goa Highway instead of going straight I took a left - turn into Pen thinking it was Vadkal , soon called Prasad and corrected my path . By 6:30Am Sun began to rise and there were a lot ot moments to be captured and was still a good 60 km away . Prasad and Sandeep continued riding and the photographer in me wanted to click some pics on the Goa highway . After clicking some pics met the guys at Wakan Phata or Pali Phata .
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Pali Ganpati temple is some 20kms from Wakan Phata and the roads are pretty good . One Lane roads with no vehicles from either sides , just three motorcycles cruising on the the roads. By 7:30 we were at the Pali temple premises . The Aarti had just finished and there was no crowd . We stocked our bags,jackets and shoes at a local flower vendor and entered the temple had the Darshan of Lord Shri Ballaleshwar offered our prayers , took our blessings and were out within 15 minutes . The idol here is short but wide . Like other temples in India , photography inside the temples is prohibited here too . Pali village is nestled between the Sarasgad Fort and a river (forgot the name) .
Route to Pali : Mumbai - Panvel - NH17 (Mumbai - Goa Highway) - Wadkal - Wakan - Pali
Trip Meter Reading - 101 Kms
Next Destination - Mahad, Raigad
By 8 Am started our journey toward Mahad . Mahad is a village on the hilly regions of Konkan 1.5 kms off NH4 (Old Mumbai- Pune Highway) . There is a Pali - Khopoli road leading to Mahad
. The roads were in bad condition with some good patches in between . Sun was out on a high by 9 Am and all of us were hungry we stopped over at Hotel Rajinikanth and Dhaba had some khanda(onion) bhaji's ,Vada Pav's and a cup of tea . 9:30 Am and we are at Mahad temple i.e. premises of Lord Sri Varada Vinayaka. There is a huge queue . A little enquiry and we were told that a 12 tourist busses d arrived 15 min backand the queue time will be at least 4 Hrs . We were left with no option but to settle for Mukh Darshan(Sight or glimpse of the idol from outside the temple) . All I got was just a glimpse of the idol. Since this temple is just 50 Kms from my home , I was easily convinced . One intresting fact about this temple is that a nandadeep has been lit in this temple which has been continously lit since 1892.
Route : Pali - Mahad (via Khopoli - Pali road)
Trip meter Reading : 142 kms
Distance From Pali: 41 Kms
Next Destionation : Ranjangaon , Pune .
Once confirming the directions in the road map , hit the roads the infamous Old Mumbai - Pune Highway(NH4) . Cruised till Talegaon without any hassles and on our way from Talegaon to Chakan heavy traffic greeted us with their widespread hands . Maneuvering through the trucks and auto-rickshaws we crossed Chakan . On crossing Chakan on way to Shikrapur there were large farmlands on both the sides, looked like paddy farms . The roads from Shikrapur to Ranjangaon was a beautiful stretch . Some 20 km of serious ripping and arrived at the Ranjangaon at 12:30 Pm. Ranjangaon seemed a spiritually awakened village. Dumping our baggages , jackets , helmets and shoes at a flower vendor outside the temple, we stepped inside the temple premises . There was a long queue at the temple but even then the atmosphere was verly calm and silent . Every single person was soaked in the devotion of Lord Ganesh . The long queue was weel organised and fast moving . After an hour in the queue , darshan of Lord Sri Mahaganapati was very pleasing . We offered our prayers, offerings and took blessings and sat inside the temple chanting the prayers for another 10 min . The temple was very clean and huge . We spent some time exploring the temple clicking some photographs until hunger struck. There is food offered in the temple as prasad . As prasad dal ,rice and sheera are offered unlimited . We had a feast and the beauty is that the people having the food were from all walks of life and were sitting nearby and smiling at each other , perhaps , such a thing can be seen only in India . Once food was over , Theur was calling us . Bags loaded , Jackets on , our motorcycles were back on roads again.
Route : Mahad-Lonavala-Talegaon-Chakan-Shikrapur-Ranjangaon
Trip meter Reading : 266 kms
Distance From Mahad: 122 Kms
Next Destionation : Theur , Pune .
Ranjangaon-Shikrapur-Lonikand fall on Maharashtra SH-66 . A same beautiful stretch on which the needle in the speedo was never below the 90 kmph mark . In 15 mins we reached Lonikand around 27 kms from Ranjangaon . The roads from Lonikand to Theur are in pathetic condition , riding on them almost broke my back. To add to this there were bullock carts all along the road and trucks coming in from the opposite direction , all in this one lane roads . it took us almost 45mins to do these 13 kms and finally Theur was here .By 3:30 we reached the Theur temple , dumped our bags in a sugarcane juice shop outside the temple , had some fresh juice and entered the temple after washing our face, hands and feet. This temple looked old and it needed some painting . It was a big temple ,but was almost empty . Without any rush , we offered our prayers and took blessing and some exploration of the temple and we were on our way out .
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Trip meter Reading : 307 kms
Distance From Mahad: 41 Kms
Next Destionation : Siddhatek,Ahmednagar .
Regards
Rahul
Part 2 of the blog in the tube.
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