hi guys,
this is just a thought…
As I thought, this is worth a mention and appreciation, so why not write it down…
Last time, it was Ra’JAAT’, who shown the RoadShakers’ spirit by taking the off-road while going to office… and this is another display of the same spirit…
Generally, we avoid it with utmost care, but still sometimes it happens…
CRASH!!!...
This time, it was not exactly crash, but Raya went off the road and stopped off the road with a wheelie…
Result, bent foot-pegs, brake lever with missing lock-pin and beautifully (yes, it was beautiful) twisted gear shifter…
We all pulled out the bike on the road, settled it back on the road, in the shade and took the stock of the damages, and then it happened…
S. Baljeet Singh took over to fix the things on his own, with little help from Manish’s hand-picked spares and the tool kit assembled from various guys…
He almost single handedly put everything back in the place…
Brake lever was set right, and then discovered that something more of it needs to be fixed. He put his imagination to work and set that also right… foot pegs can be straightened very well with the might of Chhotu and Astad (whose heel of a shoe gave way…)
But the perfection with which Baljeet put right the gear-shift lever was un-parallel… he made it almost as good as original…
I think, we all could just enjoy that half an hour break from ride by chit-chatting and friendly bantering only because Sardar-ji took whole responsibility of making Raya’s bike road-worthy again…
Hats off to you Baljeet… Hip hip hurray…
Monday, February 26, 2007
Monday, February 19, 2007
Bus sucks…
But then why I came to office by bus today… and even applied for bus pass for everyday? Good question…
There are few popular beliefs about this among my friends… viz. I succumbed to my new manager, who is very affectionate and protective towards me and wants me to be safe all the time… some thinks that as it’s the best way for me to get along with the gals in office… some even might think that petrol (at the reduced price) is not affordable to me… and etc etc… but none of these are true…
Actually I had noticed major change in my riding pattern… I usually do something around 110-120kmph everyday while going and coming back from office. My home to office distance is around 25kms, so I ride around 50kms for office. While other travel in city, gym etc takes some 10 more Kms… so after so much ride on the weekdays, my enthusiasm/passion for long ride on the weekend had gone down… and I am so used to these 3 digits speeds all the time everyday that they had stopped exciting me… as there is no other way to improve upon it (speeds), I decided to take a break from all this weekday rides…
With this, I m hoping to re-ignite the passion for weekend ride and experience the excitement of 3 digit speeds once again…
I know for most of my friends it’s pretty un-palatable to see me in the bus. But I think that they have to bear with me for some more time… hehehe….
There are few popular beliefs about this among my friends… viz. I succumbed to my new manager, who is very affectionate and protective towards me and wants me to be safe all the time… some thinks that as it’s the best way for me to get along with the gals in office… some even might think that petrol (at the reduced price) is not affordable to me… and etc etc… but none of these are true…
Actually I had noticed major change in my riding pattern… I usually do something around 110-120kmph everyday while going and coming back from office. My home to office distance is around 25kms, so I ride around 50kms for office. While other travel in city, gym etc takes some 10 more Kms… so after so much ride on the weekdays, my enthusiasm/passion for long ride on the weekend had gone down… and I am so used to these 3 digits speeds all the time everyday that they had stopped exciting me… as there is no other way to improve upon it (speeds), I decided to take a break from all this weekday rides…
With this, I m hoping to re-ignite the passion for weekend ride and experience the excitement of 3 digit speeds once again…
I know for most of my friends it’s pretty un-palatable to see me in the bus. But I think that they have to bear with me for some more time… hehehe….
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Pics...
Pics for Satara-Thoseghar ride can be seen at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/92559509@N00/390793611/in/set-72157594536769996/
adios..
RideHard and RideSafe
- doc
http://www.flickr.com/photos/92559509@N00/390793611/in/set-72157594536769996/
adios..
RideHard and RideSafe
- doc
Escapist ride out of the city
My all rides were getting cancelled due to workload and the some reason or the other. So after the Year ending ride of RoadShakers (http://www.royalenfield.com/app/IN/trip.asp?sID=15597) and immediate next day to Diveagar to celebrate New years were the last time I had been out on my babe. Whole January went dry and I could not manage to get out, so me and my babe were itching to set off.
One day we (Capt and me) were talking about Thoseghar and he ditched to go that place earlier than me on the weekday itself. He being free man can do it, so I was thinking like visiting that place again. Moreover, I was not able to eat mutton masala last time while we passed through Satara for Amboli (http://www.royalenfield.com/app/IN/trip.asp?sID=13653) due to Shravan, so that I can bite into that delicacy.
Hemanth, Aravindhan and Tejinder had shown interest, too. So the corum was complete, 4 bikes were more than sufficient for small ride like this. Finally Aravindhan and Tejinder also could not make it due to some task or the other and it boiled down to only 2 bikes and 3 riders, me (Bullet500), Hemanth (Electra 2004) and his wife.
We met at Chandni chauk around 8am against the decided time of 7am, but der aaye durust aaye. We discussed the route, he needed to top-up the oil so he did and we set off… the road was fantastic and being Sunday morning, with very less traffic on the road and pleasant weather. As its raining in north India and even some parts of Maharashtra, I was expecting some showers in the moutains where we were headed. So I was prepared with everything in the bag wrapped in polythene and raincoat tucked in the bag, just in case J.
The new road to by-pass Katraj is like a dream, and we were ripping continuously on 3 digit speeds. The tunnel on this route is so fantastic that I did over 115 in the tunnel and had some nice RoadShakers’ (patented) phatakas in it to clear the way J.
None of us smoke so we didn’t require any breaks J and so we were ripping our way very fast continuously in 3 digits speed towards Satara. Oddo was running frantically and mile-stones after mile-stones passed by, then it happened. The miraculous failure of ignition coil to provided us the break…
We were around 15-16kms away from Satara, and around half km away from Toll booth, my babe went dead. She just lost the spark it seemed. Just couldn’t figure it out, why? How? What? Then I saw it, some open coil, just below my seat…along with it was hanging Aluminium can with some oil in it… I realized that the Ignition coil has physically broken in two pieces… upper head jammed in the metal loop and lower can containing coils and oil hanging… Called Alex and he also told me that this something he is hearing first time. But he told me to go to Satara, buy new one and replace it, it should work.
So we got an idea, we thought we shall give some support and see if it work, I found empty frooty pack… after folding it, put it up as support and wallah she started as there was some oil left in the cannister…
So Satara was 15-16 kms away… ridden her till Satara again at 80-85kmph… and found mechanic and got it replaced and done… Alex (Pune mechanic, who maintains my babe) as well as Panda mistry (Satara mechanic), were surprised to hear and see this kind of failure. But its valuable lesson learnt.
Thinking like sending THANK YOU letter to Frooty and one THANKING notice to all who litter on highway… Best part is that jugaad worked really well and lot better than expected,got that broken coil back sothat everyone interested can take a look at that.
After reaching in the city, we had hearty breakfast at Rajatadri Restaurant in the main square of the city and then headed for Windmill farm and waterfalls. The patch leading us out of the town is in real bad shape, but as its under construction, there is a hope J. Once out of town, the winding ghat sections is fantastic and we rode for around 30kms to reach the Thoseghar waterfalls. On the way, we visited Windmill farm. It was awesome site, hidden from the sight till you reach the mountaintop. Once you reach there, suddenly you reach the flat table-land with hundreds of windmills standing on it. Some even at next table land almost a Kilometer away. There are over 2000 windmills in that windpower farm. It was irratic behaviour of windmill that scared us sometimes, as it used to start with whooshing sound as if some jet engine is headed right towards you and then slow-down and stop.
Around 5 kms later, we reached the waterfall site. The water has receded as compared to what we had seen in August on the way to Amboli. But due to that we could enter the water and enjoy its chill. It was fun and after sufficient time we decided to head back.
Around 1500 we decided to head back, and while enjoying chilled cold-drink we fed a puppy which took Srilatha’s (Hemanth’s wife) fancy. She decided to take it to Pune, but somehow lack of space in our luggage deterred her from that. So we fed it sumptuous lunch of bread, we took off. One small lassi-tea session in Satara at same hotel and we started flying towards Pune.
While coming back, we reached Highway on 1705hrs and I was home at 6:20pm… 110-112kms in 1 hr and 20 minutes flat… Scorching speeds we did while coming back… continuously over 100kmph…. Given complex to all the cars… except one Camry…she was fast…but obviously I won due to traffic … But on open road, she would had beaten me easily … While going, only a Skoda beat me/us… but that was open road and we just cannt do 150+ kmph… we got her in Khambatki ghat… but again afterwards she sped off…
While coming back…one Scorpio tried to give some competition while I was overtaking it… and started racing against me… we were at around 110kmph… slight slope came and I just opened complete throttle to sped off at 120kmph… and they kept on rubbing their palms… but later for Hemanth I have to wait and Scorpio got stuck in long queue of toll…
Riders:
Hemanth and Srilatha – Electra 350
doc (me) – Bullet 500
Vital Stats:
Total distance covered: 280kms
Started at 0815hrs and reached home 1820hrs.
Second Ignition coil failure for me
Thinking seriously to keep one spare for rides now on
If any help needed in Satara about bullet, call Panda mistry on +91 9822 740 610. His garage is near the Bangalore highway fly-over. True blue bullet fan himself, he do not believe in even touching other bikes.
One day we (Capt and me) were talking about Thoseghar and he ditched to go that place earlier than me on the weekday itself. He being free man can do it, so I was thinking like visiting that place again. Moreover, I was not able to eat mutton masala last time while we passed through Satara for Amboli (http://www.royalenfield.com/app/IN/trip.asp?sID=13653) due to Shravan, so that I can bite into that delicacy.
Hemanth, Aravindhan and Tejinder had shown interest, too. So the corum was complete, 4 bikes were more than sufficient for small ride like this. Finally Aravindhan and Tejinder also could not make it due to some task or the other and it boiled down to only 2 bikes and 3 riders, me (Bullet500), Hemanth (Electra 2004) and his wife.
We met at Chandni chauk around 8am against the decided time of 7am, but der aaye durust aaye. We discussed the route, he needed to top-up the oil so he did and we set off… the road was fantastic and being Sunday morning, with very less traffic on the road and pleasant weather. As its raining in north India and even some parts of Maharashtra, I was expecting some showers in the moutains where we were headed. So I was prepared with everything in the bag wrapped in polythene and raincoat tucked in the bag, just in case J.
The new road to by-pass Katraj is like a dream, and we were ripping continuously on 3 digit speeds. The tunnel on this route is so fantastic that I did over 115 in the tunnel and had some nice RoadShakers’ (patented) phatakas in it to clear the way J.
None of us smoke so we didn’t require any breaks J and so we were ripping our way very fast continuously in 3 digits speed towards Satara. Oddo was running frantically and mile-stones after mile-stones passed by, then it happened. The miraculous failure of ignition coil to provided us the break…
We were around 15-16kms away from Satara, and around half km away from Toll booth, my babe went dead. She just lost the spark it seemed. Just couldn’t figure it out, why? How? What? Then I saw it, some open coil, just below my seat…along with it was hanging Aluminium can with some oil in it… I realized that the Ignition coil has physically broken in two pieces… upper head jammed in the metal loop and lower can containing coils and oil hanging… Called Alex and he also told me that this something he is hearing first time. But he told me to go to Satara, buy new one and replace it, it should work.
So we got an idea, we thought we shall give some support and see if it work, I found empty frooty pack… after folding it, put it up as support and wallah she started as there was some oil left in the cannister…
So Satara was 15-16 kms away… ridden her till Satara again at 80-85kmph… and found mechanic and got it replaced and done… Alex (Pune mechanic, who maintains my babe) as well as Panda mistry (Satara mechanic), were surprised to hear and see this kind of failure. But its valuable lesson learnt.
Thinking like sending THANK YOU letter to Frooty and one THANKING notice to all who litter on highway… Best part is that jugaad worked really well and lot better than expected,got that broken coil back sothat everyone interested can take a look at that.
After reaching in the city, we had hearty breakfast at Rajatadri Restaurant in the main square of the city and then headed for Windmill farm and waterfalls. The patch leading us out of the town is in real bad shape, but as its under construction, there is a hope J. Once out of town, the winding ghat sections is fantastic and we rode for around 30kms to reach the Thoseghar waterfalls. On the way, we visited Windmill farm. It was awesome site, hidden from the sight till you reach the mountaintop. Once you reach there, suddenly you reach the flat table-land with hundreds of windmills standing on it. Some even at next table land almost a Kilometer away. There are over 2000 windmills in that windpower farm. It was irratic behaviour of windmill that scared us sometimes, as it used to start with whooshing sound as if some jet engine is headed right towards you and then slow-down and stop.
Around 5 kms later, we reached the waterfall site. The water has receded as compared to what we had seen in August on the way to Amboli. But due to that we could enter the water and enjoy its chill. It was fun and after sufficient time we decided to head back.
Around 1500 we decided to head back, and while enjoying chilled cold-drink we fed a puppy which took Srilatha’s (Hemanth’s wife) fancy. She decided to take it to Pune, but somehow lack of space in our luggage deterred her from that. So we fed it sumptuous lunch of bread, we took off. One small lassi-tea session in Satara at same hotel and we started flying towards Pune.
While coming back, we reached Highway on 1705hrs and I was home at 6:20pm… 110-112kms in 1 hr and 20 minutes flat… Scorching speeds we did while coming back… continuously over 100kmph…. Given complex to all the cars… except one Camry…she was fast…but obviously I won due to traffic … But on open road, she would had beaten me easily … While going, only a Skoda beat me/us… but that was open road and we just cannt do 150+ kmph… we got her in Khambatki ghat… but again afterwards she sped off…
While coming back…one Scorpio tried to give some competition while I was overtaking it… and started racing against me… we were at around 110kmph… slight slope came and I just opened complete throttle to sped off at 120kmph… and they kept on rubbing their palms… but later for Hemanth I have to wait and Scorpio got stuck in long queue of toll…
Riders:
Hemanth and Srilatha – Electra 350
doc (me) – Bullet 500
Vital Stats:
Total distance covered: 280kms
Started at 0815hrs and reached home 1820hrs.
Second Ignition coil failure for me
Thinking seriously to keep one spare for rides now on
If any help needed in Satara about bullet, call Panda mistry on +91 9822 740 610. His garage is near the Bangalore highway fly-over. True blue bullet fan himself, he do not believe in even touching other bikes.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
RoadShakers' year ending ride of 2006
As I remember, the first RoadShakers' ride of the year 2006 was to Lavasa, and as we planned the year ending ride also has to be the same. Thanks to the insight of Param, our dear rider pal, who on the first ride had said, "Let's do at least one night out here, guys!". So we decided to do that but without him. He had to cancel out his plans. Rohan came all the way from Bangalore and was going to work as crowd-puller. You can see the count and understand the popularity of this guy! Simply celebrity.
Start Point: 1545 hrs at Bu Bhandari on the 30 dec.
Start from there at 1600hrs (RST - Roadshakers Stretchable Time).
Destination: Lavasa Lake City. (Temghar Dam)
Route details: BU Bhandari - Chandini Chowk - Manas Resort - Bunni-da-Dhanba - Pirangut Village - Temghar Dam. (Base camp) - Lavasa.
I was looking forward to the end of the year ride for a long time, as I wanted to end my riding year with a bang which I did the wrong way. Many of the young guys were riding with RoadShakers first time and we were expecting healthy count. 1600hrs 30th Dec 06 - The launch pad After the preparation and packing, I reached the meeting point at 4pm with Anant to find a dozen bikes already waiting. With a few tips from Navin on how to strap my baggage on (the bag just refused to stay in one place when I tried). I, like everyone, got down to rationing up the bare necessities, mainly smokes and snacks. Then the wait began for the rest of the guys to show up. This gave other new riders to get fuel and helmets for their pillion (helmets are a strict requirement for the rides with Roadshakers). Soon nearly all riders had arrived except Baljeet (Chhotu, bas naam hi 'Chhotu' hai) and Sanket (Sanket had his College till 4 in the evening, and Baljeet agreed to ride along with him). To get a move on, the group was told to collect food for the barbeque and rendezvous at Chandini Chowk.
1830 hrs 30 Dec '06 - Chandni Chauk
The ride We had all the requisites for a trip. BBQ, booze and most importantly a good count of riders. After a quick discussion of the route - Pirangut Village - Temghar Dam (base camp), Lavasa lake city; it finally began. The reason the club is called Roadshakers was as clear as rain. The sound of roaring REs in the air was nostalgic. Rohan was leading the group and Kunal and me (doc) were sweeping. For some time we were on straight roads and everyone was riding responsibly, in other words gliding over the highway. After about 20 minutes I noticed that many riders like Navin, Anant and Baljeet were slowing down. At first I had no idea what was going on, then I saw the first strip of ghats approaching. Suddenly everyone started to pickup speed and voila! We were off, like a snake we were traversing the ghats. It was a feeling like no other. You feel alive. We kept increasing speed no matter whether we were going down hill or up. The night was lit by the sparks of the scraping of the footrests against the tarmac; best fireworks I had ever seen in my life. There were a couple of halts in between for smokes, ss regrouping so that no one was left behind; and it was good that they did that. I was pushing my bike hard to keep up. After some time (very soon according to me, I could have ridden for hours more) we reached Temghar Dam, our camping location. We were supposed to camp near the lake; and to get there we had to go through a broken down road, that is if you can call it a road. It was nice off-roading experience in the pitch dark night except for the head-lights. Finally after 10 minutes of bone-crunching ride, we were finally there.
2100 hrs 30 Dec '06 - BBQ time!
After reaching the spot the group realized that we were too close to the lake and there wasn't much area for camping. So few of the off-road enthusiasts volunteered to look for a better spot near by. Kunal saw a spot and tried to take his lightning there, but got stuck in mud adjacent to the lake. But he managed to get out with his 22bhp + 1 bmp (basic man power, thanks to many volunteers). A spot was decided which was on a bit of high ground. After parking our bikes it was time for the BBQ. While master chef Eklavya prepped up to set up for the BBQ with the help from Soumic, others ventured to collect wood for the fire. Baljeet and Kunal chopped down a dead tree trunk with there 'Kukris', others forged in the woods for smaller pieces. Soon enough there was a roaring fire on which Eklavya cooked up the best BBQ chicken I ever had, while Soumic handled the veg department with help from Ram. Food, booze and a bonfire are the only requirements for a good time, and what a time we had! New theories, old trips and riding tips were the main conversation along with rib cracking humor by many (Kunal takes the cake here, hands down). Around 2am Amit and Sanjeev showed up (they were unable to start earlier, but hats off for riding in the dead of the night to meet up with the group). After talking for some more time everyone began settling down for a goodnight sleep. It was comfortable and not too windy in the night. The silence was only broken by some wise crack by someone followed by loads of laughter.
0600 hrs 31 Dec '06 - Wakey wakey!
We all had an early morning due to the dew which had settled down, and I mean it when I say it was cold. Praise the lord that some of the guys had already started a fire. We all crowded by the fire when we stopped to see the breathe-taking scenic view; lake, mountains and fellow members sleeping in really hilarious positions. A quick photo session and it was down to cleaning the place and packing our bedding. Before breakfast we decide to have a go at Lavasa's famous hairpin bends. Soon enough we were back at the base of Temghar Dam after a high adrenaline ride. It was chow time and the local shop owner was surprised to see 25 people clad in strange looking gear, with voracious appetites (we believe in traveling tank topped up, be it petrol or food).
1000 hrs 31 Dec '06 - Back to square one It was time to head back to civilization.
Anant's bike suffered a broken rear suspension so Sahil volunteered to help him out by accommodating his pillion. After a full stomach everyone decided to ride easy, but that New Year resolution didn't last as the ghats approached. I realized what we had missed riding in the night. The sight was what every rider dreams of. We reached Chandini Chowk in practically no time. After a small good bye, everyone parted their ways to head home and sleep; after all it was New Year's eve and you need to be in good condition to party all night! Year ending ride of Roadshakers turned out into a memory that would always be etched in my heart. Looking forward to more memorable rides in the New Year.
Riders:
1. Rohan + Ram TB 350
2. Eklavya Campus 350
3. Navin Electra 350
4. Manish + 1 CITI Bike 500
5. Soumic Prasad TB 350
6. Baljeet 'Chhotu' A 350
7. Amar Ochani TB 350
8. Kunal Agashe Lightning 535
9. Sanket Shinde Electra 5 S
10. Mohit Tanwar ES 500
11. Anant + 1 TB 350
12. Vicky Dhoot Citybike 500
13. Koshish Lightening 535
14. Sanjeev Electra 350
15. Amit Nangre Scoprio
16. Amit Kamte Std 350
17. Abhishek Electra 350
18. Nikku 350 Std
19. Manu +1 Machismo A 350
20. Sahil Kulkarni Std 350
21. Vickey +1 TB 350
22. Santosh TB 350
23. Doc (that's me Prasad Bhangale) ES 500
People we missed on this ride (they are worth a mention) are Aseem Sidhu, Paramjit Singh, KD, Capt. Krish and Vivek.
For photos, please visit the following sites:
http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h287/werewolflegs/Lavasa/ - By Sahil Kulkarni, Anant and Angad. http://in.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/santosh_kb2/album?.dir=/8070scd&.src=ph&.tok=phuNQEGBHo7ZF.84
- By Santosh Kondhare. Wish you all very happy and great riding year ahead. Keep munching the miles! Adios guys and keep thumping...
- doc
Start Point: 1545 hrs at Bu Bhandari on the 30 dec.
Start from there at 1600hrs (RST - Roadshakers Stretchable Time).
Destination: Lavasa Lake City. (Temghar Dam)
Route details: BU Bhandari - Chandini Chowk - Manas Resort - Bunni-da-Dhanba - Pirangut Village - Temghar Dam. (Base camp) - Lavasa.
I was looking forward to the end of the year ride for a long time, as I wanted to end my riding year with a bang which I did the wrong way. Many of the young guys were riding with RoadShakers first time and we were expecting healthy count. 1600hrs 30th Dec 06 - The launch pad After the preparation and packing, I reached the meeting point at 4pm with Anant to find a dozen bikes already waiting. With a few tips from Navin on how to strap my baggage on (the bag just refused to stay in one place when I tried). I, like everyone, got down to rationing up the bare necessities, mainly smokes and snacks. Then the wait began for the rest of the guys to show up. This gave other new riders to get fuel and helmets for their pillion (helmets are a strict requirement for the rides with Roadshakers). Soon nearly all riders had arrived except Baljeet (Chhotu, bas naam hi 'Chhotu' hai) and Sanket (Sanket had his College till 4 in the evening, and Baljeet agreed to ride along with him). To get a move on, the group was told to collect food for the barbeque and rendezvous at Chandini Chowk.
1830 hrs 30 Dec '06 - Chandni Chauk
The ride We had all the requisites for a trip. BBQ, booze and most importantly a good count of riders. After a quick discussion of the route - Pirangut Village - Temghar Dam (base camp), Lavasa lake city; it finally began. The reason the club is called Roadshakers was as clear as rain. The sound of roaring REs in the air was nostalgic. Rohan was leading the group and Kunal and me (doc) were sweeping. For some time we were on straight roads and everyone was riding responsibly, in other words gliding over the highway. After about 20 minutes I noticed that many riders like Navin, Anant and Baljeet were slowing down. At first I had no idea what was going on, then I saw the first strip of ghats approaching. Suddenly everyone started to pickup speed and voila! We were off, like a snake we were traversing the ghats. It was a feeling like no other. You feel alive. We kept increasing speed no matter whether we were going down hill or up. The night was lit by the sparks of the scraping of the footrests against the tarmac; best fireworks I had ever seen in my life. There were a couple of halts in between for smokes, ss regrouping so that no one was left behind; and it was good that they did that. I was pushing my bike hard to keep up. After some time (very soon according to me, I could have ridden for hours more) we reached Temghar Dam, our camping location. We were supposed to camp near the lake; and to get there we had to go through a broken down road, that is if you can call it a road. It was nice off-roading experience in the pitch dark night except for the head-lights. Finally after 10 minutes of bone-crunching ride, we were finally there.
2100 hrs 30 Dec '06 - BBQ time!
After reaching the spot the group realized that we were too close to the lake and there wasn't much area for camping. So few of the off-road enthusiasts volunteered to look for a better spot near by. Kunal saw a spot and tried to take his lightning there, but got stuck in mud adjacent to the lake. But he managed to get out with his 22bhp + 1 bmp (basic man power, thanks to many volunteers). A spot was decided which was on a bit of high ground. After parking our bikes it was time for the BBQ. While master chef Eklavya prepped up to set up for the BBQ with the help from Soumic, others ventured to collect wood for the fire. Baljeet and Kunal chopped down a dead tree trunk with there 'Kukris', others forged in the woods for smaller pieces. Soon enough there was a roaring fire on which Eklavya cooked up the best BBQ chicken I ever had, while Soumic handled the veg department with help from Ram. Food, booze and a bonfire are the only requirements for a good time, and what a time we had! New theories, old trips and riding tips were the main conversation along with rib cracking humor by many (Kunal takes the cake here, hands down). Around 2am Amit and Sanjeev showed up (they were unable to start earlier, but hats off for riding in the dead of the night to meet up with the group). After talking for some more time everyone began settling down for a goodnight sleep. It was comfortable and not too windy in the night. The silence was only broken by some wise crack by someone followed by loads of laughter.
0600 hrs 31 Dec '06 - Wakey wakey!
We all had an early morning due to the dew which had settled down, and I mean it when I say it was cold. Praise the lord that some of the guys had already started a fire. We all crowded by the fire when we stopped to see the breathe-taking scenic view; lake, mountains and fellow members sleeping in really hilarious positions. A quick photo session and it was down to cleaning the place and packing our bedding. Before breakfast we decide to have a go at Lavasa's famous hairpin bends. Soon enough we were back at the base of Temghar Dam after a high adrenaline ride. It was chow time and the local shop owner was surprised to see 25 people clad in strange looking gear, with voracious appetites (we believe in traveling tank topped up, be it petrol or food).
1000 hrs 31 Dec '06 - Back to square one It was time to head back to civilization.
Anant's bike suffered a broken rear suspension so Sahil volunteered to help him out by accommodating his pillion. After a full stomach everyone decided to ride easy, but that New Year resolution didn't last as the ghats approached. I realized what we had missed riding in the night. The sight was what every rider dreams of. We reached Chandini Chowk in practically no time. After a small good bye, everyone parted their ways to head home and sleep; after all it was New Year's eve and you need to be in good condition to party all night! Year ending ride of Roadshakers turned out into a memory that would always be etched in my heart. Looking forward to more memorable rides in the New Year.
Riders:
1. Rohan + Ram TB 350
2. Eklavya Campus 350
3. Navin Electra 350
4. Manish + 1 CITI Bike 500
5. Soumic Prasad TB 350
6. Baljeet 'Chhotu' A 350
7. Amar Ochani TB 350
8. Kunal Agashe Lightning 535
9. Sanket Shinde Electra 5 S
10. Mohit Tanwar ES 500
11. Anant + 1 TB 350
12. Vicky Dhoot Citybike 500
13. Koshish Lightening 535
14. Sanjeev Electra 350
15. Amit Nangre Scoprio
16. Amit Kamte Std 350
17. Abhishek Electra 350
18. Nikku 350 Std
19. Manu +1 Machismo A 350
20. Sahil Kulkarni Std 350
21. Vickey +1 TB 350
22. Santosh TB 350
23. Doc (that's me Prasad Bhangale) ES 500
People we missed on this ride (they are worth a mention) are Aseem Sidhu, Paramjit Singh, KD, Capt. Krish and Vivek.
For photos, please visit the following sites:
http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h287/werewolflegs/Lavasa/ - By Sahil Kulkarni, Anant and Angad. http://in.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/santosh_kb2/album?.dir=/8070scd&.src=ph&.tok=phuNQEGBHo7ZF.84
- By Santosh Kondhare. Wish you all very happy and great riding year ahead. Keep munching the miles! Adios guys and keep thumping...
- doc
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