Abhishek B

Rarely does it happen that a plan discussed among 12 to 15 people turns into reality. But whenever it does, people involved learn and grow in most of the cases. The G2G on 7th March proved to be one of he same fateful days when a planning for group ride was done and it did turn into reality..... nine xBhpians rode to McLeodganj from New Delhi & Panipat.

A casual discussion about dharamshala,while sipping tea, took serious colors when a ride got proposed.... I joined in and took the last sip from my cup. I've been riding solo all though Jan & Feb, so idea of a group ride was recieved positively by my obsolete brain sensors. Not going in details of conversations and conference calls on following days, we had decent number of confirmed riders by thursday evening which, as per plan, was the night the ride was to start.

Our departure time extended by good two hrs. Its normal in a group ride I guess and punctual people then enjoy waiting in middle of highway for others to come. Our destination wasn't very far and the route is pretty much known to everyone, but for the purpose of writing something which is not boring as my log generally turns out to be, here it goes:

Route from Delhi:

Delhi - Ambala - Ropar - Kiratpur Sahib - Una - Dharamshala - McLeodganj

Route while coming back:

McLeodganj – Mubarikpur – Hoshiarpur – Ropar – Ambala – Delhi


I would not go explaining about our formation ride, breaks for snacks, description of roads, etc. This time it has to be more about the place and its beauty.
This was my first trip to McLeodganj and I was mesmerised by the beauty of this place. It surpasses Shimla, Mussorie, Nainital, etc. in my opinion and is perfect getaway for people who love calm places with very less crowd, me being one of them.

For the unintiated, Mcleodganj, is a suburb of Dharamshala in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Situated on the Dhauladhar Range, it is known as "Little Lhasa" or "Dhasa" (short form of Dharamshala, used mainly by Tibetans") due to its large population of Tibetan refugees.

The most important Buddhist site in the town is Tsuglagkhang or Tsuglag Khang, the Dalai Lama's temple. This temple is an experience in its own where monks (pardon me if the word used is incorrect) can be seen debating about their learnings, meditating while others make their best effort to disturb them. Teachings of Lord Buddha, called Kagyur, in their original form and comments on these by later Indian masters, called Tangyur, are kept in this temple.

Another place worth visit is St. John's Church in Forsythganj, two kms from McLeodganj. It’s a quaint construction amidst dense greenery, very silent and extremely beautiful. Habitual of chaotic noises of Delhi, I found it extremely attractive. I wish places like these don’t get mugged up in galloping leaps of mankind and become a picnic spot.

The thing which catches your attention instantly is the cleanliness of the town. I don’t remember seeing even a strand of waste lying on road or thrown at unappropriate location. I’ve been to many hill stations before but never noticed such things. All have turned into mini metros or are making an attempt in this direction. McLeodganj is a tad different place. It offers everything in original and successfully attempts to give a varied image of hill station.

All in all, this trip has given me immense satisfaction in terms of biking as well as on mental front. Not only did I enjoy riding with fellow bikers, whose company made the trip so cherishable, but also the serenity of the place. McLeodganj has scripted its image permanently in my heart. I’m sure of doing this place again very soon with more time in hand to explore and hike.

I apologise to all riders in the group for I skipped mentioning about our ride in particular, but I expect everyone to chip in with his experience and pics.


Some pics from my side:

Break at Ambala


At McLeodganj



Bikes posing


Bhagsunag


Enroute Gaggal


At Kangra


Words worth thought


Mighty Mountain




Don't know what are they called?


Temple in McLeodganj


St. John's Church


Church through trees


Sidewall of Church


Ready to Leave


Photo Break


Up on the hill


Yours Truly

__________________


LIFE IS SHORT !!! GO HARD