The long version of my Himalayan Odyssey experience is published on the Royal Enfield website. The Blog was the short version of the write up.
I am still waiting for my memory cards to reach me. Apparently they've travelled to Europe and back. I haven't yet seen the pictures I took. As soon as I have the cards, I promise to put them online.
Kyle, you bastard, if you are reading this, send me the cards.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Himalayan Odyssey - The Time Of My Life
‘I am definitely doing this again’ – I promised myself, as I stood by the side of the road. I was looking at breathtaking view of magnificent mountains with snow capped peaks hidden in the clouds, lush green sides sloping down to a deep valley with a gushing river flowing through with a force that could move big boulders. Apart from the sound of the wild river the only other sound was a distant faint thumping of a motorcycle. I was riding with the Royal Enfield Himalayan Odyssey 2007 and had just crossed Rohtang pass on our way to Manali. This was the 12th day of the trip.
I had returned to India after an 8 year gap of not having ridden a motorcycle. I had heard about the Himalayan Odyssey from friends I’d made trying to get back into riding once I moved to Chennai. The riding scene in India has matured and grown a lot since then with almost every major city with a couple of very active motorcycle clubs. I was 22 then and 35 KGS lighter and now I wanted to see if I still had it in me. I had convinced my wife to let me participate by saying that this would be a once in a lifetime thing. Stupid me!
So, after a lot of arguments, discussions, pleading, dinners and jewelery, I got permission from the boss to participate in the Himalayan Odyssey 2008. My friend Arul Futnani, fellow (rather the only other) Fat Bastard and a farmer by profession had been pestering me from the day I had returned from last years ride to accompany him in 2008.
Fifty odd participants and media personnel from various automotive magazines get together for an experience they will never forget, for one reason or another. It takes about two weeks to cover about 2500 kilometers, from Delhi to Khardung-la Pass and back through the majestic, beautiful and humbling Himalayas with riders from all over the country - I counted 10 state number plates. The riders are accompanied by a logistics support staff; a luggage truck carrying everyone’s baggage and spare parts and tools; a service vehicle with mechanics/engineers from Royal Enfield; a vehicle with a doctor, his assistant and medical supplies and equipment and a media van. One news channel covers the ride one way to Khardung-la and another on the way back.
The 2500 kilometer ride was through Delhi – Chandigarh – Manali – (via Rohtang Pass) Keylong – (via Barlach la pass) Sarchu – (via Nakeela, Lachung la and Tanglang la passes) Rumtse – Leh - Khardung la – Leh – Debring (Sokhar Lake, More Plains) – Keylong – Kaza (Spiti Valley) – Kalpa – Rampur – Solan – Delhi.
A number of people have asked me why did I take part in the Odyssey, and why twice? I should have done the second time on my own with a smaller group of friends. It is more adventurous and fun. I disagree. I had the time of my life on both the trips. Both were two different experiences; both very soul satisfying. The scenery changes so often that no matter how many times you do it; each time will be a different experience. Maybe it's because the people on each ride are different and very diverse. Conversations in the evening are fun, ranging from typical guy talk about babes and bikes to careers and ambitions.
The Odyssey is not a competition. There are no losers, everyone is a winner. There are no points for reaching a destination first; no negative points for falling. The thrill is in participation. Maybe I am getting old, but I see absolutely no reason why I should not opt for comfort and leave the logistics to someone else. It leaves my mind free to enjoy the ride.
Everyone has their own terrain preferences, but most people tend to enjoy riding off the beaten path (or tarmac in this case). There are steep inclines, hairpin bends, long never ending curves, water crossing and remnants of recently cleared landslides. About 50% of the ride is over very rough terrain. One stretch was 80 kilometers of road that had never seen tarmac, almost half of it through a river bed. By the 9th or 10th day for most riders the definition of a good road being rough, gravel and sand changes to mirror finish smooth.
Everyone has their own reasons to doing the ride too. In talking to people in the last ride and this year, I've heard almost every reason I could think of and more. Some do it for the off-road riding experience, some for the thrill and bragging rights to have been to the highest motor-able road in the world (Khardung La at 18,380 feet above sea level), some people come in groups to enjoy time with their friends, few nature lovers and a few from a totally tourist perspective. I've heard one person say that he does not know exactly why he was on the ride, but he'd heard it was a great experience. The diversity of the riders is amazing too; ages range from 19 to 45, a few women riders, doctors, engineers, professionals, businessmen, IT professionals and this time even a farmer! It just goes to show that enthusiastic riders, even in India, are not limited to a gender, age, race, profession and region. The first time I did it as a test for myself and the second time because Royal Enfield just makes is easier by way of organizing everything. I wouldn't do a ride like the Himalayan Odyssey any other way.
Standing on the side of the road during the last Odyssey, resolving to come back again, I was thinking, almost sad that I may never feel this way again. It was fantastic feeling of freedom, satisfaction and euphoria. You will never feel the same way again, no matter how many times you participate in the Odyssey because every time will feel different, same but different. Different because the people are different, a year has passed and your life has gone through some changes. Last year I did not know anyone on the Odyssey and this year I was with friends. Each year I had the time of my life.
Another Odyssey next year? I don't know. I am not saying I will, but I also not promising that I will not!
I had returned to India after an 8 year gap of not having ridden a motorcycle. I had heard about the Himalayan Odyssey from friends I’d made trying to get back into riding once I moved to Chennai. The riding scene in India has matured and grown a lot since then with almost every major city with a couple of very active motorcycle clubs. I was 22 then and 35 KGS lighter and now I wanted to see if I still had it in me. I had convinced my wife to let me participate by saying that this would be a once in a lifetime thing. Stupid me!
So, after a lot of arguments, discussions, pleading, dinners and jewelery, I got permission from the boss to participate in the Himalayan Odyssey 2008. My friend Arul Futnani, fellow (rather the only other) Fat Bastard and a farmer by profession had been pestering me from the day I had returned from last years ride to accompany him in 2008.
Fifty odd participants and media personnel from various automotive magazines get together for an experience they will never forget, for one reason or another. It takes about two weeks to cover about 2500 kilometers, from Delhi to Khardung-la Pass and back through the majestic, beautiful and humbling Himalayas with riders from all over the country - I counted 10 state number plates. The riders are accompanied by a logistics support staff; a luggage truck carrying everyone’s baggage and spare parts and tools; a service vehicle with mechanics/engineers from Royal Enfield; a vehicle with a doctor, his assistant and medical supplies and equipment and a media van. One news channel covers the ride one way to Khardung-la and another on the way back.
The 2500 kilometer ride was through Delhi – Chandigarh – Manali – (via Rohtang Pass) Keylong – (via Barlach la pass) Sarchu – (via Nakeela, Lachung la and Tanglang la passes) Rumtse – Leh - Khardung la – Leh – Debring (Sokhar Lake, More Plains) – Keylong – Kaza (Spiti Valley) – Kalpa – Rampur – Solan – Delhi.
A number of people have asked me why did I take part in the Odyssey, and why twice? I should have done the second time on my own with a smaller group of friends. It is more adventurous and fun. I disagree. I had the time of my life on both the trips. Both were two different experiences; both very soul satisfying. The scenery changes so often that no matter how many times you do it; each time will be a different experience. Maybe it's because the people on each ride are different and very diverse. Conversations in the evening are fun, ranging from typical guy talk about babes and bikes to careers and ambitions.
The Odyssey is not a competition. There are no losers, everyone is a winner. There are no points for reaching a destination first; no negative points for falling. The thrill is in participation. Maybe I am getting old, but I see absolutely no reason why I should not opt for comfort and leave the logistics to someone else. It leaves my mind free to enjoy the ride.
Everyone has their own terrain preferences, but most people tend to enjoy riding off the beaten path (or tarmac in this case). There are steep inclines, hairpin bends, long never ending curves, water crossing and remnants of recently cleared landslides. About 50% of the ride is over very rough terrain. One stretch was 80 kilometers of road that had never seen tarmac, almost half of it through a river bed. By the 9th or 10th day for most riders the definition of a good road being rough, gravel and sand changes to mirror finish smooth.
Everyone has their own reasons to doing the ride too. In talking to people in the last ride and this year, I've heard almost every reason I could think of and more. Some do it for the off-road riding experience, some for the thrill and bragging rights to have been to the highest motor-able road in the world (Khardung La at 18,380 feet above sea level), some people come in groups to enjoy time with their friends, few nature lovers and a few from a totally tourist perspective. I've heard one person say that he does not know exactly why he was on the ride, but he'd heard it was a great experience. The diversity of the riders is amazing too; ages range from 19 to 45, a few women riders, doctors, engineers, professionals, businessmen, IT professionals and this time even a farmer! It just goes to show that enthusiastic riders, even in India, are not limited to a gender, age, race, profession and region. The first time I did it as a test for myself and the second time because Royal Enfield just makes is easier by way of organizing everything. I wouldn't do a ride like the Himalayan Odyssey any other way.
Standing on the side of the road during the last Odyssey, resolving to come back again, I was thinking, almost sad that I may never feel this way again. It was fantastic feeling of freedom, satisfaction and euphoria. You will never feel the same way again, no matter how many times you participate in the Odyssey because every time will feel different, same but different. Different because the people are different, a year has passed and your life has gone through some changes. Last year I did not know anyone on the Odyssey and this year I was with friends. Each year I had the time of my life.
Another Odyssey next year? I don't know. I am not saying I will, but I also not promising that I will not!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
The Best Show On TV
I was up very late last night watching the most interesting show on TV. The no-confidence motion drama in the parliament and the aftermath. It was better than any sitcom and it was live! It was funny and sad to watch the leadership of this country make such a mockery of the country while the whole world watched. I choose to laugh at it rather than feeling sorry for ourselves. We elect these jokers, pay taxes to to support them: we've bought the ticket so might as well enjoy the show. They are paid to entertain us everyday and are doing an awesome job.
It is also sad to see educated and distinguished leaders like Manmohan Singh being made fun of by illiterate morons who we've somehow made our leaders. He may not be the best politician, but I have great respect for him since his days as Finance Minister. The biggest disappointment was the behavior of L.K. Advani as the opposition leader. Why not try and topple the government over something that affects the common man - double digit inflation figures. Something (maybe common sense) tells me that the common man is affected by the increase in cost of living, the indicator is inflation levels; not by our strategic nuclear agreement with the US which may somehow limit our nuclear capabilities. I know, I know - it affects the common man indirectly; its a long term strategy etc etc. Explain that to the next person you meet who takes the bus to work. He is thinking about today and tomorrow, not 10 years from now.
I've never voted; somehow being an adult citizen of India is not enough to be eligible for a voting card. I can get all the credit cards I want, SIM cards, driving licenses, pay taxes, but there is always something missing. But even if I had a voting card I still would not vote; I have no confidence in any politician or party. I do not want to be responsible for voting any of these idiots to power. I've given up on it - for now.
What I have not given up is the faith that things will change. I am doing what I think is right. I serve my country by being here, by being a part of it. I am proud of my friends; businessmen, farmers, doctors, engineers and professionals, who choose to be here. I am extremely proud of my friends in the army. I am also proud of my friends who are abroad, working hard and successful - representing India in their respective fields. I see a lot of good people and potential leadership around me.
Of course, this morning after the political drama was over the news channels went back to their regular news programming and keeping the masses updated on the most important current events that affect our country - What color panties was Katrina Kaif wearing on her birthday and will Sachin Tendulkar break Brian Lara's record of most runs in test cricket. It is their moral duty to keep us informed and without this up-to-date information our kids may not grow up right.
I've mentioned earlier that I don't have any political views. I couldn't care less for any political party. I know I should - after all this is my country and I do have a sense of ownership. I am patriotic. I moved back to India after living abroad (not gulf) for 8 years. I could not accept giving up my Indian citizenship for any amount of money or whatever fabulous career options. Many times I have defended India, our culture, tradition and our way of life wherever I've heard misinformed or misguided people talk about it. How does one defend or justify this drama? Well, all I can say is sit back and enjoy the show.
Dude, pass the popcorn!
It is also sad to see educated and distinguished leaders like Manmohan Singh being made fun of by illiterate morons who we've somehow made our leaders. He may not be the best politician, but I have great respect for him since his days as Finance Minister. The biggest disappointment was the behavior of L.K. Advani as the opposition leader. Why not try and topple the government over something that affects the common man - double digit inflation figures. Something (maybe common sense) tells me that the common man is affected by the increase in cost of living, the indicator is inflation levels; not by our strategic nuclear agreement with the US which may somehow limit our nuclear capabilities. I know, I know - it affects the common man indirectly; its a long term strategy etc etc. Explain that to the next person you meet who takes the bus to work. He is thinking about today and tomorrow, not 10 years from now.
I've never voted; somehow being an adult citizen of India is not enough to be eligible for a voting card. I can get all the credit cards I want, SIM cards, driving licenses, pay taxes, but there is always something missing. But even if I had a voting card I still would not vote; I have no confidence in any politician or party. I do not want to be responsible for voting any of these idiots to power. I've given up on it - for now.
What I have not given up is the faith that things will change. I am doing what I think is right. I serve my country by being here, by being a part of it. I am proud of my friends; businessmen, farmers, doctors, engineers and professionals, who choose to be here. I am extremely proud of my friends in the army. I am also proud of my friends who are abroad, working hard and successful - representing India in their respective fields. I see a lot of good people and potential leadership around me.
Of course, this morning after the political drama was over the news channels went back to their regular news programming and keeping the masses updated on the most important current events that affect our country - What color panties was Katrina Kaif wearing on her birthday and will Sachin Tendulkar break Brian Lara's record of most runs in test cricket. It is their moral duty to keep us informed and without this up-to-date information our kids may not grow up right.
I've mentioned earlier that I don't have any political views. I couldn't care less for any political party. I know I should - after all this is my country and I do have a sense of ownership. I am patriotic. I moved back to India after living abroad (not gulf) for 8 years. I could not accept giving up my Indian citizenship for any amount of money or whatever fabulous career options. Many times I have defended India, our culture, tradition and our way of life wherever I've heard misinformed or misguided people talk about it. How does one defend or justify this drama? Well, all I can say is sit back and enjoy the show.
Dude, pass the popcorn!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Being Average
After having read many many blogs; personal and professional, I'm thinking why not write one? So three weeks after signing up with this blog site, I still have no clue what to write about.
I am not a technical/professional subject matter expert. I spend more time at work than I want to, so a professional blog is out of the question. I have a lot of friends who are motorcycle enthusiasts and they write about the rides. But these are more like ride logs. Another one will not make the biking community a better place. I don't have strong religious/communal or political views or opinions. So what would I write about? A friend suggested write about 'Facts of Life'. If I knew the facts of life, I'd be making tons of money writing books and delivering seminars on the subject. And yeah, I would wirte a blog about it too.
First a little bit about me now, more in the future posts. You couldn't be more average than me. I live in India and work in IT, middle age, middle management, married for 8 years, overweight; constantly trying to lose weight and give up smoking and drinking. You wouldn't notice me in a crowd. I've reduced that a lot though (not the weight - the smoking and drinking), not because I have strong will power, it just takes longer to recover from a hangover. Also, like most married men, I have no pride or ego, so there are certain (acually a lot) things I am not allowed to do.
My entire professional life is documented on LinkedIn.
But how I got to be this average guy has been an extraordinary journey. I can't talk about all of that here. Some things are best forgotten or not told. I believe that in an average man's life there is a lot of adventure, at least for that person. I say 'average man' because there are no average women - if you don't believe me, tell a woman you know that she is average and wait to see what happens.
The first thing that must have come to your mind (you are one of the three people, counting myself, who may read this blog) is why "Fat Bastards"? Well, let's leave that for a future entry. That is an interesting story which I will spend some time on.
So I'll write about whatever is exciting to me. It may also serve a reason to look for excitement and adventure in everyday events. I won't literally write everyday - I'm too lazy to do that. So a little bit about the past, the present and what I expect in the future.
Boy, this is going to be one average blog!
I am not a technical/professional subject matter expert. I spend more time at work than I want to, so a professional blog is out of the question. I have a lot of friends who are motorcycle enthusiasts and they write about the rides. But these are more like ride logs. Another one will not make the biking community a better place. I don't have strong religious/communal or political views or opinions. So what would I write about? A friend suggested write about 'Facts of Life'. If I knew the facts of life, I'd be making tons of money writing books and delivering seminars on the subject. And yeah, I would wirte a blog about it too.
First a little bit about me now, more in the future posts. You couldn't be more average than me. I live in India and work in IT, middle age, middle management, married for 8 years, overweight; constantly trying to lose weight and give up smoking and drinking. You wouldn't notice me in a crowd. I've reduced that a lot though (not the weight - the smoking and drinking), not because I have strong will power, it just takes longer to recover from a hangover. Also, like most married men, I have no pride or ego, so there are certain (acually a lot) things I am not allowed to do.
My entire professional life is documented on LinkedIn.
But how I got to be this average guy has been an extraordinary journey. I can't talk about all of that here. Some things are best forgotten or not told. I believe that in an average man's life there is a lot of adventure, at least for that person. I say 'average man' because there are no average women - if you don't believe me, tell a woman you know that she is average and wait to see what happens.
The first thing that must have come to your mind (you are one of the three people, counting myself, who may read this blog) is why "Fat Bastards"? Well, let's leave that for a future entry. That is an interesting story which I will spend some time on.
So I'll write about whatever is exciting to me. It may also serve a reason to look for excitement and adventure in everyday events. I won't literally write everyday - I'm too lazy to do that. So a little bit about the past, the present and what I expect in the future.
Boy, this is going to be one average blog!
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