Monarchs of motorcycling - Royal Beasts

An Article published in the Hindu - March 28th, 2005 (with permission)

WHAT BRINGS them together is their twin passion - Love for the Royal Enfield bike and wanderlust. They call their club Royal Beasts, after the Enfield, which they say epitomises who they really are. According to them they are different for the very reason that they choose to ride the powerful Royal Enfield bike.

This unique Delhi-based motorcycling club is only three years old but has over 200 members. The members are from all walks of life and the age ranges from 18 years to 70.

Karthik, Rajiv, Raja & Amar

"We come together because of our common obsession for travel and the Royal Enfield bike but soon discover we have a lot of other things in common as well," says Imran, a member of the club.

The club does not have any administrative wing, office or address. It is as informal as clubs can get. The meetings are held every Sunday at a roadside dhaba near the Qutab Institutional Area where the members discuss their riding adventures and future expeditions over cups of chai-patti. From time to time the members go biking in small or big groups to different parts of the country.

The bike means many things to many people. For Rishi riding his Royal Enfield bike is nothing short of meditation. "No matter where I ride the bike, the experience is spiritual," he says.

For others like Waseem, the Royal Enfield symbolises strength and class and makes a powerful statement about the rider. "Royal Enfield is the most powerful bike on Indian roads and when it is on the road it signifies authority. This authority is reflected on the rider too," he says.

No commerce

The Royal Beasts members may adore the Royal Enfield bike but they would never like to promote it on a commercial basis. "Ours is an exclusive club of adventure. We don't want any kind of commerce to enter our club. It will ruin everything," says Kartik.

For this reason the club refuses any sponsorship for their cross-country bike expeditions.

"It is a very free and independent group, and we do our own thing. If sponsorship comes in, one has to listen to the dictates of the sponsors. That goes against the spirit of our club. We encourage our members to save money and expect them to be enthusiastic enough to spend their own money for the expeditions," says Kartik.

Therefore any Royal Enfield enthusiast who wants to join their club is thoroughly examined before being accepted as one of them. Tour operators are especially discouraged from joining the club. "It is not just love for the machine, the member should also share the passion for adventure and travel, says Mahima, 19, the only female member of the club.

She has her own Royal Enfield bike and rides it to her college everyday.

The club was founded three years ago by Kartik and his friends. "We saw that most people who rode the Royal Enfield were different, so we decided to contact them," he says.

Kartik and his friends would approach anyone riding the Royal Enfield bike and ask them if they would want to join their club. If the rider was not around they would stick a slip of paper to the bikes with their contact numbers.

"Gradually people started contacting us and our club was formed," says Kartik.

http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2005/03/28/stories/2005032801050400.htm

Enchanting Tamil Nadu – Yercaud & RTMC 9A



RTMC 9A - Hotel Shevaroys



When you finally think of Tamil Nadu – you must be feeling the heat n sweat by now, but that’s not true. And if you from North India – you will never ever think of driving here,,,nahhhh. Driving in TN is safe, perfect roads and you just need to check as to what time of the year you are riding ,,,,

Tucked away near Salem , lies a small hill station called as –Yercaud. (Poor man’s Ooty) I finally convinced my wife – that we are going to a hill station and to attend the mega fest – RTMC 9A.

Well, we started preparations pretty early – getting bike serviced and looking for the perfect opportunity to ride with fella riders – RTMCIans.

I had to change plans on the 09th morning as I had to give my 1st project synopsis presentation. Gosh – here goes the MBA once again. My wife cursed to hell – “we would be riding alone and not with the group”,,,

We left early for the NMIMS campus at 9 – gave the presentation and I was out on the highway by 10:30

RTMC 9A - Party Venue

09th October,2010 Yercaud, RTMC 9A
Route: Bangalore>Hosur>Krishnagiri>Dharmapuri>Salem>Yercaud

As I wanted to get rid of the busy chaotic traffic – I took the service lane so that I could get out of the city. From Hosur – the traffic reduced, wider roads n speeding a bit– now,,,as I was getting the taste of “Belting”.

The ride
My plan was to reach Yercaud by 4ish so that I could enjoy the party and meet old freinds. Since I had donethis route quite often – stopped at the outskirts of Leyland factory (Sipcot)– had breakfast n tanked up. Till Krishnagiri – it was smooth.

Last time (a year back)- I rode on this route. The roads were dug up and highway was in a mess with loads of potholes and crazy traffic. When I finally crossed the Krishnagiri bridge – Wow – I could not believe it. The highway was superb – 4 lane, dividers with plants and superb mark up. It just seemed that I was travelling from point A to B – without even movin my handle bar. One straight road n you just lock,,, If you chose – you can sleep on the highway--but at your risk.

I did not even notice when Dharmapuri crossed by. By 2 – me and Shoma decided to take a break. We settled at a small Dhaba nearby for some Chai. Speaking to locals is always fun – but if you don’t understand the language – it’s much more fun. The Dhabha we stopped by – was fairly a new one. They had opened just after the new highway was done.

After a quick twenty minute break – we rode to Salem. When you are riding with your wife or kids – you always fear that you bike doesn’t screw up – flat tyre, engine problem, cable wires etc. Well, I was lucky here – all nuts n bolts were intact and the engine was running smooth.

Before reaching Salem – we had a glance of Periyar University and then headed towards the hills. We took a small chai break – tanked up and started for the Servarayan Hills. (Eastern Ghats)

Riding in the hills is always fun. This was a 36km uphill with 20 hairpin bends to follow pass. I kept at a normal pace as I was in no hurry to reach the venue. As we drove up gaining elevation, I could feel n sense the fresh air buzzing by my helmet. It was calm with lots of lush green vegetation. In far distance, you could see Salem town. Shoma (my wife) loves riding in the hills. After gaining at an altitude of 4970 ft - we were at the top – Yercaud. We settled for a few pics – quoting – we were here in Yercaud. And drove to the Venue – Hotel Shevaroys.

RTMC 9A Party

Buoy,,it was sight to see. 160 bikes parked. A sight to see at the venue. By the time I could greet everyone, someone just said “ek baar check in kar lo” baad mein mil lena. I guess he was true. Thanks to RTMC – as now – being part of the RTMC couple gang – we got lovely rooms – overlooking the Yercaud hills. Simply awesome.

There are host of events – arm wrestling, maid race n lemon n spoon race. We soon settled for evening snacks n pakoda’s. A break in between,,the party was yet to start at 7.

We were at the venue - an unbelievable sight. Everyone’s was partying. Had their stock tanked in bottles n cans. The usual Cake cutting ceremony n Bose Sir’s speech.

What caught everyone’s eye were the Kovai Thumpers – Coimbatore. All decked up in white Dhotis – lungi. There took over the dance floor and were dancing to glory. A sight not to be missed. Soon, others members joined and party was it’s peak. Some settled for the outside – a dual party in action. We spoke to some fellas from Kovai Thumpers – seemed a pretty new club. Heard their stories of an unusual place – Valparai. A mix of Ooty n Kodai – that’s’ where we heading for November for travel. As the night got colder, only a handful could be seen in the parking area. By 1ish – we called it a day.

10th October,2010 Yercaud sight seeing, back home
Route: Yercaud>Salem>Dharmpuri>Krishnagiri>Hosur>Bangalore

Breakfast was served at the lawns. As usual, many of the riders had left early. Mysore bulls had a long way to go. I was not in a hurry as I had ample time to do some sight seeing and head back home.

As I mentioned earlier, Yercaud was not a new place – so I we went to off-beat locations. A quick tour of the Yercaud lake, we headed for the Montford School. The prayers were going on so we could not get a tour of the school. But we managed to click some fotos. We went to Pagoda point and Fairholme Bungalow. Enroute pagoda point – there is a temple which not many people would have visited.

Temple Ride


In Yercaud - somewhere

I had done this small tourist route with friends last visited in Yercaud. Here, the climb was extremely high with thick vegetation of Coffee n Oranges. It took us almost 25 minutes to the Hill Top. Wow, what a view. The Eastern Ghats looked spectacular. We found a few families who had from Salem to spend their Sundays. Fortunately, this place was not discovered, neither on the Tourist map. Good. Some relaxing n photo shoot, we soon headed for Yercaud Town. 

Ride back home

By 11, we were all geared up and bid adios to Yercaud. I was once on the highway alone belting back home. I only spotted a few riders en route – were mostly the organizing committee members n late lateefs. Riding was as usual, except those dragonfly’s that created a nuisance. There were like Kamikaze’s hitting my visor and had to clean – at quite a few intervals. We stopped before Krishnagiri toll – some chai n snacks and zoomed for Nice road.

Once we were at Nice Road – it felt like – we were home. We reached by 4 pm – relaxed in the evening and sipping tea to Glory, recalling the wonderful memories we had spent in our trip to “Enchanting Tamil Nadu”.

The traveler sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see

Facts

Rider : Rajiv (Jispa)

Pillion : Shoma (Wife)

Bullet : Royal Enfield – Electra 2002 (Dilli da number)

Kms : 560

Petrol : Don’t ever think – you’r not a rider then,,,

Photos : http://picasaweb.google.co.in/kkrajiv/RTMC9AYercaud?feat=directlink

Temple Ride - Yercaud



Monsoon Magik at Shivanasamudra

The Plan:

One evening - out of the blue, i received in my Office mail (from Rony Saab) - "Yaar, Kahin Chalo. Mera Dum guth Raha hain Bangalore Main." As one followed the other, a chain of mails started floating around as to where to ride. Woof-i am totally out of places for short rides and anything that i would be thinking of - would be a repitition. Manish(another Jaali) popped to ride to a waterfall and taking advantage of the Monsoons. A short ride on Sunday with a good shower in the falls would be fun. So, our plan was to have a short ride to Shivanasamudra and hit back to base. I dont trust these 2 Jaalis - as they never carry a route map and a ride plan. So, i decided to do a small search on the place and route. Here's what i got about this place,,,

Shivanasamudra

Shivanasamudrais probably the largest waterfall in the Karnataka after Jog Falls. The place is also credited for hosting the first hydroelectric project in India. Here, Kaveri splits into two, falls into a valley in two separate places called Gaganachukki and Bharachukki and re-unites downstream. A good lot of water falls down from both the waterfalls. Gaganachukki especially is a steep fall where water gushes down with great velocity. It is quite risky to climb down and reach waters because of un-predictable depth and slippery rocks.

The Ride:

We met up at 6am at Oracle GFIC-near Shoppers Stop-Mantri-Banerghatta Road. I soon found an old RTMCian - Rocky and Pallavi heading towards Mysore for a 1 day ride.Manish was lil bit hungry by the time Rony and Pooja came. Without wasting time - the 3 Jaali's left for the highway. Once we passed Kanakpura, i could see Rony just zooming by on his Green Vintage bullet.Then followed Manish on an older version,,,. We were so engrossed to ride on that we did not even stop for Tea. By 8ish, we settled for Breakfast. Wow, the idli's and vada's were awesome with loads of spice. It was a superb morning amidst clear skies n fresh air sippin coffee. Once again, we hit the road crossing Galibore Fishing camp. I rode on this route when i was new to Bangalore (in 2004) and the roads were pathetic but now - it was a bliss riding.As the roads came wider with no traffic et all -we could here the dub,dub,,dub,,,getinn louder. By 9 we were at Shivanasamudra. Here, you could see the Monsoon Magik. I could hear the roar of the Waterfall. It was a spectacular view and worth the ride to get here. Mast Jagah hain-a true Rony comment. Without wasting much time - we wanted to get the real flavor of the guzzing fresh water--unpacked the riding kit and headed straight down to the waterfall.It was a perfect Sunny Day to laze around the Waterfall- above all, more spice to it-was less crowd.We got to the smaller waterfall and jumped in the water.

We negotiated with the local fellas-a Coracle wallah-to a better place near the Waterfall. Wow-when we reached- it was a perfect place to get a close look at the Waterfall and a superb view of the lake. I wouldnt have got a better view than this. Soma and Pooja were out of the coracle to jump in the waterfall.For those-45 minutesin water/waterfall- it looked as if - it was a private place with loads of singing n dancing. It was a treat to the Natural Spa.The 3 jaali's were ready even to pose-whats call'd - the Photo Shoot. Were we tryin to imitate the actual Raavan-he,,he,he. Dont even bother to look at the pics - you would laugh. As more visitors poured in, we were ready to leave to the main Island and head back. Me and Soma were ready to taste some local delicacy-fish n chips.Nah- the chips were missin this time-only river fish.As didi was preparing the barbecue-my mouth started to get the taste of the juicy n spicy fish.We had to trek uphil 15 mnts to get to the top. We settled for a good-Nariyal Paani. Had a wee trouble getin the bikes out of the parking lot,

En route-we spotted a deviation to an old bridge. A superb view of mountains,river and road. Out were our jazzy cameras for 2nd photo shoot en ishthyle. All five us had a good round of photos. We settled for a while to get the fresh air once again and back to our riding gear to hit back to base.On our way back-Manish's air filter gave a lil problem.So, we stopped for a chai cum mech break. We also spotted our Bhai loge- the RD wallahs who were on a 1 day ride,,some 35 bikers. By 3ish, we were once again in traffic and could hear the loud blaring pressure horns. Oh no,,back to the city.

Well, it was worth a short ride covering 280 kms but worth a visit to the falls. We were the highway succers letting loose for a while on and enjoying Sundays far from the city.

Pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/kkrajiv/MonsoonMagikAtShivanasamudra

Riders

Rajiv (Jispa) & Soma(pillion),

Rony & Pooja

Manish

Facts

Distance: 128 Kms from Bangalore

Highway:As good as you think

Enroute Halebid,Belur to Rappa

Living in Bangalore for more than 7 years – I always managed to take out time to travel on weekends and holidays. In fact – I have covered most the weekend getaways around Bangalore.I ran out of travelling places for weekendsnear Bangalore.Ady,Harsh and others-the RTMC gang had just posted a few pictures to the RTMC mailing list - about their trip to Rappa and camping near the Dam.Ady- an ace photographer -his pictures of the Old Church and the Shettyhalli Dam left me mesmerizing. Also, the camps they had pitched near the Dam was a perfect place for the weekend. I often wondered-how did i miss this trip. Even RTMC had made a weekend trip to Rappa. As my exams were getting over - i had just one weekend - to break free. Cause-i would have to repeat the same old long lectures on Saturdays. Route plan. Our plan to visit only Rappa and relax there. But-with loads of heritage sites near Rappa - it was a perfect opportunity. Rappa is just 16 kms. from Hasan -and near Hasan - are the Karnataka heritage.

Belur/Halebidu.
Route:Bangalore>Neelamangala>Kunigal>Yediyur>Chanarayanpatna>Hasan. Thursday night-we spent packing till midnight. Friday morning - i was with all gear heading towards office to Marathalli. I had a few onlookers gazint at me in Bellundur Junction - gear and saddle bags.I did not spend much time at work as i was rather thinking of gettin out on the highway. I left office at sharp 3pm. Picked up my wife from HSBC-Sarjapur Road and headed for Hebbal. Riding till Neelamangala via Hebbal & outer ring road - was crazy. I was sweating as if i had been in a hot furnace-wearing the Cramster riding jacket - god>the heat was awful. Tanked up near Neelamangala(they have a new Macdonalds on this route) and chased for the highway. We were cruising at 95/100 as i had to rush to reach Halebidu. I had a booking at one of the hotels. Since we left mid-day -we wanted to cover a good distance so that we could spend a good time at Rappa. By 6'ish-we got stuck midway-rains,rains, rains. We stopped for about 45 mnts. sipping Tea n coffee. Adding spice to this-the roads were bad at some stretch. Now-my tone towards the throttle was soft and calm. With ease and alarmed driving-Me n Shoma were doing a night drive. I followed a Maruti Van-a taxi walla -who was much fast and he seemed - to know the highway roads much better. We did not stop in between - as it seemed so eery to drive in comple te darkness. it was just "us" and the Maruti van. I just prayed to Gods - that my bike "The Blue" not give any goof ups. It was 9pm by now-we covered a good distance and Hasan was just not far (1 hr drive). We cancelled our trip for night stay at Halebidu. Stopped for a good chai break n pakoras. Once on the highway - we met our old freinds - the Maruti Van wallas. I should really thank them - as i managed to escape some potholes. By 9:45pm - we were in Hasan. Made a few calls for a decent hotel to check in. 2 shots of rum with spicy chicken masala & dal fry-we dozed off. Next morning - we woke up by 8 - only to realize - it was less of driving and more of sight seeing.
Route:Hasan>Halebid>Belur>Hasan>Rappa.

Halebid -We left our saddle bags at the hotel for city tour of Halebid and Belur. Finding our way out of the city-we stopped near a engineering college dhaba for Idli's n Vadas. The taste here was much better with loads of spice added to the breakfast. Further, the drive was amazing. Less traffic with more of cows and goats heading to the fields for grazing. Amidst fresh air, we spotted a few lakes and wind mills. Within an hour - we the incredible city of Halebid - the city of ruins. We were 1st few tourists to enter the temple early morning. I am not going to give much gyan about Halebid - but do read some interesting facts. We visited Hoysaleswara and Shantaleshwara Temples. The garden was simply amazing and neat.We left soon after a good photo shoot. Had Naariyal Paani. I got into a small discussion with Shoma about Rural Marketing - Idea's plan of expansion in the south & the Big Brands in South. Check out the photo - which Brand do you think is popular Idea or Royal Enfield. Belur After a quick 8 kms ride to Belur - we checked in to visit the Chennakesava Temple. One of the finest architectures from "The Hoysalas", it had loads of history and intricate sculptures within the temple. We were done doing sight seeing by 11 and wanted to leave for Rappa. Vijay(the owner at Rappa) - was not keen to invite us. A few days back, the place had a huge short circuit midnight and most of his valuables had burnt down. So ideally, we had nothing to stay n see. If Rappa was not worth it-i had a plans to visit Chickmaglur. We left for Hasan soon. The highway from Belur to Hasan was kickass. With amazing roads and lovely foliage of trees shadowing the highway-it added more adrenalin to my speed.It's an hours drive from Belur to Hasan - which i managed to do it in just 40 mins. "Dont mistake me- of trying to conquer some record stuff-it's just driving you would love to do in a some beautiful stretch." Wooff. A few formalities at the Hotel and we were on the Hasan-Sakleshpur highway once again for Rappa. We followed the directions given by Vijay recevied by SMS. As we approached Rappa - the landscape was lush green. Small houses with few people. Before reaching the bridge - to our left - we found a very old Church. I stopped at the bridge to get view of this amazing landscape. In the far distance - you could spot the "Old Church". Since it was summer - the water was less, so one could enjoy motorcycling in the river bed.A few snaps and moved further towards Rappa. Rappa Rappa rocks. We were welcomed by the Shunti,Shadow,Milo and Brownie.(they are not dogs but Vijay’s family).They were all over me in excitement - one of them even jumped on my fuel tank. The place looked perfect for a weekend. We wanted to stay here and not go to Chickmaglur. Vijay was at his best - his experiences on sailing to the Red Sea &his antique collection. Lunch was pretty heavy - felt like taking a small nap. We left in the evening for the 'Old Church" - a photo shoot rather. An 8kms ride was worth visiting the place. As we approached closer to the church - it looked more beautiful with the amazing backdrop. I couldn't resist myself - but took a dozen photos of the church. Soma loved being here and she settled to sit for a while. I was more busy taking photos of "The Blue" with the Church. The Church is submerged in monsoons - making it difficult for few tourists to have a look. We were the only one's there. It was absolute silence with the echo of the buzzing wind wooing the ruins.I dont know much of history to this but it was worth visiting. A few drizzles made me click some more photos,,one of them is below... We soon left for Rappa for the evening. We sat with Vijay to listen to some adventurous journeys sipping the hot coffee served. As the lights faded- we checked in some cool tents he had made on the machan. We loved this - as it reminded me of the stay we had on new years at Wayanad. Soon - a bonfire was arranged with a table for some daroo session. After a small bottle of drinking-we had to leave for the machan as it started raining. Vijay's friend - Anand & Pami had come in their Bolero for a visit.

09th May.2010 (Running,Kayaking,biking in the mud and back to base)

Rappa>Chanpatna.>Yediyur>Kunigal>Magadi Road>Nice road>Bangalore

We were woken by the Vijays galis - "dont you wanna see the sunrise". Brownie-managed to sneak in our tent in the wee hours. Brownie looked so adorable. Soma's words - "yeh kahan se aaya". Well, I could not move Brownie from the tent. Got ready asap and all set for the adventure. Since I had my Sunfeast Marathon coming up next weekend, I thought to flex my muscles a bit. Taking advantage of the Island – which was dry – we took a big round of the Island – some sort of dirt biking. It was a pleasure riding on this patch – it seemed – we owned this Island. Me and Soma did run for 45 minutes around the Island. Some of the Fisherman stared at us – must be thinking -some crazy people in our vicinity. As the clock was ticking for us to head back to Bangalore – we met the local fisherman to check out his catch and headed straight back to the Tent. We had our second program waiting for us – Kayaking. Soma was excited as this was something new for her. Well, I had managed to do this some years back in The Ganges in Rishikesh. I wanted to venture more on swimming the entire stretch to the Dam – but Vijay was pessimistic on this move. I saw Ginger been thrown in the water times – so that she could swim well. I swam for a couple minutes but did not want to go deep in the waters. We soon got out of the water and got ready to leave back home. Vijay was very keen to show some of his antique stuff. So, on the way back, we stopped at a small village – at his friend’s house- Manjunath. The house was clean and well made. The bell was 150 years old and priceless – you would need a crane to lift that bell. Huge,huge,huge. The lady treated us with desi Roti’s and butter. After quick chat over tea, we left for Bangalore. The Ride back home from Rappa to Bangalore was great. In,fact – it was the same route but found it to be quite with loads of trees shadowing the highway. When we took the deviation before entering Bangalore – via Magadi Road – I could not stop – but kept on belting. Magadi Road was awesome and I truly enjoyed when one of the signposts said – “Be gentle on my curves”. We reached home by 4 pm. We relaxed for the evening for Chai n biscuits and discussed some of the best moments we had on this trip.

Rappa Rocks !!!!

http://picasaweb.google.com/kkrajiv/EnrouteHalebidBelurToRappa

Jaago Re-Coffee Ride

Jaago Re-Coffee Ride

(Bangalore-Mysore Highway)
Bangalore summers are one of the worst seasons to venture out on motorcycles.As i had been juggling work with weekend MBA - i almost lost the thought of Bike riding on weekends.

Thanks to Shakti(Biscuit) - where the idea germinated of having a Coffee ride in the evening.The whole idea was to do a potluck at my place - a light dinner and ride on the Mysore highway midnight for coffee at Cafe Coffee day. (near Maddur)
A chain of mails floating here n there to chalk out the final plans.

For me - it was more important to ride as i have not done since past 1 1/2 years - my last long trip was the Rider Mania in Ooty.

Well, the best part was, after a long gap, most of my friends were joining me and all of them married.

I guess,everyone got married in the last 7/8 months.

Potluck

I was busy attending my MBA classes so i left the Potluck part to Soma.Infact all the ladies had pitched in for the menu for Potluck. I remember discussing with Rony - how i started dreaming about the ride. Infact - in the classes.
Most of the riders arrived at the venue by 9 PM in Gottigere.After a quick chit chat, the dishes were displayed at the table.We did not even budge to have our eyes moved off the yummy food. i thought to convey everyone to have a light meal before anyone doses of at night on the Mysore highway,,,but no one did.
A heavy and sumptous dinner - we relaxed a bit and started to get ready for the Jaago Re ride.

Jaago Re ride

I was pretty suffed as i found it difficult to wear my cramster touring jacket. The 5 bikes left at 10 for the Jaago re ride.Well, i think it was a Jaago Re - all of stuffed and trying to hit bed while we were heading for the highway.Gottigere has a quick route to Mysore - thanks to the NICE highway which is well connected on the outskirts.
We rode at ease on the NICE road as there was less traffic. Riding in a small gang was worth the expereince. NICE road was all decked up as the dividersand road signs all shinning in the darkness.As we hit the main Mysore highway - we found loads n loads of heavy vehicles crossing by. I wonder - how it would have been in the day

- such a mad rush.After riding for 35 kms, we stopped for a while for some rest. We all enjoyed the photo shoot in the darkness - not of them came perfect.Biscuit knew the Coffee place so he was now taking the lead. We skipped the 1st Cafe Coffee day heading to Mysore - as this was quite visited by night owls. We rode to the second Coffee shop. I will never forget entering the Coffee shop- we entered with a bang with the dug,,dug,,echo at the backdrop.Some had their jaws falling off - as they were shocked to see us riding in the night. Well, it looked liked one shot film - we caught attention. It was pretty humid outside - so well settled inside. We stayed for quite a while as we caught up with some jokes. Bhoopi and Rony were in there full ishthyle withtheir advertising spoofs.Thanks to Cafe Coffee day - for maintaining suck a lovely place. Good ambience, nice parking space with a superb courtyard. It's worth a visit for a saturday night.
We were on the highway once again heading back home. Me and Bhoopi race a bit. Some of our pillions - dozed off for a bit. So we had to stop for a chai break.We were on the NICE corridor once again at 1ish. Rony's green vintage sexy bike started to give problems on the uphill. We stopped for while for the engine to coooff. Luckily, nothing major happened - as rode back home.
It was almost 2 before we reached home.

Jaago re coffee ride was worth the experience. Above all, we rode after a long time.

Info.
1. Jispa n Soma - The blue (Electra)
2. Biscuit n Tanu - Whimsy Devil (Tunderbird)
3. Bhoopi n Shreya - Machismo
4. Rony n Pooja - Vintage green Bullet
5. Ankur n Pandey - maddi's bullet

This will always be remembered the Beasters celebrate our anniversary. ( they rode to Sariska)

Link:http://picasaweb.google.co.in/kkrajiv/JaagoReCoffeeRideOnMysoreHighway?feat=directlink

In Varkala

13th Feb.2010 (Varkala –Edava & Kappil beach, Enjengo Fort)

After spending half a day in Varkala – just lazing around the beach gulping beer and sea fish,,, I always wanted to rent a bike as I did in Pallolem and Munnar.
I saw a most of the tourists (firangs) on a Activa, Scooty Pep or a Splendor,,, but being a die hard Bulletwala – riding those chotus would not be fun.

How we got the Bike on rent,,,
By now – you would be wondering why rent a bullet if I have one “the blue” dilli wala number. Well, I am on vacation and had not mood to ride down south in this short 3 day vacation.

Me and Soma enquired almost every agent in Varkala – Papanism Cliff for a bullet – but all were on rent. Dejected, we had our hopes getting the last moment. After supper, we headed to our guest house. On conversation with the owner back home – I spoke for my love on bike riding and visiting new places. One of the owner’s friend -Sunil, was an ardent Bullet lover. Well- I had to tell all that fancy story travelling here n there-Spiti n Hampi,,,I managed to persuade him and got the bike for rent for Rs.400 a day.

Riding along the Arabian Coast
After a quick swim in Papanasam beach (Varkala) , few checks on the bike and headed straight for the petrol bunk in Varkala. Had some amazing crunchy Poori’s n vada in local restaurant and headed for the new journey.
Well, as passerby’s stated – its one place where you get to see the Arabian Sea and the backwaters. A similar landscape what I had spotted while backpacking to Go-Karna. (Konkan route) I did not waste a single minute getting there as the day was getn warmer,,,,Wow – I just can’t tell what a feeling it was while we arrived at Kappil beach.

As we crossed the bridge – we turned to a straight rode – to me left was the mighty blue Arabian sea and to my right was the greeny Kappil backwaters. Me and Soma just thought for a moment – are we here or is it a dream. I could here the gush of waves hitting the Kappil beach shores. Out was a camera - managed to click loads of photos in all directions. We went further ahead – along the beach on bike to get some good pics. En route back to Varkala – we visited the private harbour – a new houseboat at anchor.

As it got humid – we stopped at a local chai shop at 1 for Nimbu Pani. Some tips from the locals – Edava beach was worth a visit. Kappil Beach to Edava beach is a mere 3 kms by road .

Edava Beach
We ventured deep in the villages to figure out Edava,,,few wrong turns – but we managed to locate. We spotted an Ayurvedic Spa near the beach – I spotted a well paved track along the sea shore,,after a break at the nearby refreshment area, we headed on our journey.

Biking along that 3 kms sea shore route was unbelievable. A bit scary - as I have a cliff to my left with the Arabian Sea. With the Standard 350 on 1st gear, we rode along the lonesome paved track to get some of the best glimpses of my riding times,,,yes – it reminded me of the blue-turquoise lake of Pangong Tso,,,it was an absolute blue out there with the rhyming of the waves,,,a few bright colored boats could be spotted along the beach. Me and Soma just loved sitting in the shade and enjoyed the view. I guess – the rented bike helped us visiting these places – of all the days I stayed in Varkala – I heard only a few visiting these places.

Varkala, Enjengo Fort & Golden Island
We were exhausted by 3ish – and wanted to hit back to Papanasam beach (Varkala). Enroute – we wanted to stop midway to have the local stuff – sea fish. Cudo’s to the friendly people – that we got a very good restaurant midway. Well – lunch time was over – so we had to request them for a meal. The cook gave us various options on fish – and so we choose. We had a good meal and headed for Enjengo fort.

Enjengo Fort
Enjengo Fort is one of the prime watch towers in the Chennai region. You will have to clim 225 steps to get a good view of the top. Well – once we reached, it was worth a sight. It seems God had enough time to make this place better – lush green landscape with loads of Coconut trees overlooking the Arabian sea.
A few tips from a localite – we headed for Golden Island to check out on the sunset.

Golden Island
Well, if you are in God’s Own Country – not all places will be perfect as it may seem. As the name sounds – there was nothing Golden,,, Yes- but an island in the backwaters. We travelled quite a distance to get there,,,we stopped on the main bridge to have a glance of the Golden Island. A perfect evening to spend with Soma – as we got to see an amazing sunset. What I liked – was most people were chit chatting on the bridge – and getting loads of masala of what happened during their day.

After Sunset, we left for the Varkala beach.

Me and Soma really enjoyed this short trip. Thanks to Sunil for giving his bike on rent.
I believe sometimes – the brand of owning a Bullet really helps you sometime.

Statistics.
Total Distance : 120 Kms
Places Visited : Varkala ( Papanism Cliff & Beach , Edava & Kappil Beach, Enjengo Fort and Varkala Town.
Bike Rent & Petrol : Rs600.00
Approx Temp: 33*C
Humidity: 85%
Happy Viewing: http://picasaweb.google.co.in/kkrajiv/InVarkala?feat=directlink