Extremely true OldFox sir..!! The 'tuning' is the thing which has to be given more importance above the other materialistic preparations on a lifetime vital ride like this, right on the preparation stage.. Problems & misconceptions are bound to happen, but could be treated just as an obstacle or those badroads on the altitude of himalayas which has just to be overcome with hard times. We dont criticize the bad patch or the landslides or the water-crossing.. Rather we take it up as a 'fun' factor & ensure to pass it with utter safety & consciousness. Its the same way the conflicts has to be healed.
Wonderfully described the heartly talks sir..!!
Well said..!!

very very true whatever you have penned down..... the attitude and riding style of the fellow rider should be the first thing to consider when you plan a ride together....

Its not about Altitude.. Its about Attitude.. that matters..!!

What a write! What a text! And what an observation! I did meet quite a few "groups". Though I did not delve in the chemistry of these groups. But I am sure that there is a lot of truth in what you say.

Well OF Sir, Thanks for writing on this & I would've not understood this better, had I not been part of TSG2G. What you're penning down is more than true & I've realized. I'm unfortunate to read the theory after my experience, but I'm glad I'm learning.

The above is something vital that I understood, watched, learned & realized during the trip through sweeping, leading & being a part of the group.

One point that I can never understand is how does one manage the multiple priorities. I'm sure I never did this good; infact I should've pushed the group at some point, be it pleasant or not, I'm sure I did push due to circumstances. What should one do when there're multiple priorities? Should we lay down the rules of the game before starting like you said...
How does that work? I'm sure this is not an office environment where we've performance measurement & improvement programs as I'm under the impression that, its the comfort, discipline & like minds that makes one as part of the group. Appreciate if you can touch base on these points.

Brilliantly written ! no matter how busy I am , I always read what ever you write

so true

Very well written by one of the Most respected person/rider/mentor of Xbhp.

Some people call others arrogant when they say that they prefer to ride with some selected fews, not understanding that when you are out on a Tour and spending from your pocket rather than earning, it is supposed to be fun, adventure and experience worthy enough to cherish, rather then traumatizing oneself for another few years.

I will be very prudent in saying that despite the fact that Imran (B2L) who is a wonderful friend and an equally wonderful rider,somehow I dont find myself on the same page with his riding. I am the ones who stops way too frequently, often for Tea or for a smoke where in Imran is addicted to none. I hence, would not like to spoil his fun of riding by tagging along.

Ride, if you must, but ride with people who are compatible. Dont think that its just the engine capacities that should be considered while asking for compatibilities. The real mental compatibility too has to be understood and taken in account.

I once rode with an Old time friend from Delhi to Ludhiana when he was on a Platina and I was on my Karizma. A lot of us would think that both of these bikes are of no match, if we talk about speed, stability, brakes, ease, but believe me, I reached Ludhiana in the same time as I would have, if I were riding solo. For the simple reason being that we stopped when we both wanted to, smoked alongside and reached Ludhiana safe and sound and in one piece with no shattered ego or friendship, but only with a better understanding of each other and with a much respect to Bajaj Platina.

So, a simple request to all my mates, dont feel offended when someone refuses to ride along with you. Its just that he might value the bond more than riding along. Think about it.

all cheers

dcs


P.S: Imran, I wish I could ride along with you, but still have to curb my addiction for Tea and smoke.

P.S II: Old Fox, are you a mind reader, I was thinking of the same for some time.

P.S III: Imran- How I wish I could match to your riding. Alas, I can not

This is a 'one of a kind' artical i must say.

"Himalayas have extracted their pound of flesh from each traveler..."
Adding to that What we are extracting from Himalayas?

We need to understand that boosting bike rides to himalayas may boost us in many ways but it'll not boost or help our Himalayas.


"Don’t demean the effort and commitment that goes into going there and coming back in one piece."

Pls raise above the level of personal achivements........do 'something' to save Himalayas.....and it'll save us.

This is great - absolutely true and important.
As Nik Mentioned I too never miss to read anything you write.

Thats a fantastic writeup sir,it was badly needed

Small trips before long trips for compatibility.Preferably 2-3 day trips to know the person accompanying you better.

Its the other guys ride too.He has spent as much time/money in it and planned for it.It is his vacation too.Respect him.If you cant do that, the problem is more likely with "you" than with "him".

Someone who is good rider and wont ride below 90 on highways,can ride at 20 kmph in mountains and on non-valley sides of road if he is acrophobic(seen that)Every person has his/her strengths and weak points.

At times you do 1000+kms per day ride and at times struggle to cover 100 kms maybe less by end of day.Its part of touring.Never extrapolate time and distance and keep your plans rigid.

If you are hellbent on discipline and riding fast participate in rally not a group ride.Dont push the other rider out of his comfort zone.

TRPs apart,bashing others in your triplog on public forum seriously show your low maturity levels.

If you were riding on long tour(say leh)with someone who is non compatible,its "your fault" that you cant tolerate him/her/rest of group and "you" are to blame.Getting a GPS,bunch of maps doesnt make you a good planner if you have missed the 'key' component of 'compatible wingmen'.

Howsoever he/rest of gang maybe,when you are riding as a group,"Leave no man behind"

Brilliant OF sir! Hats off to you for your thoughts.
Your words speaks of your chararcter!

This post seems aimed solely at me so taking pains to explain something.

1. Small trips before long trips is an absolute requirement. The person who is riding with you has to join at least one. If he refuses to do so to preserve his bike's condition (in spite of requests by many other senior members), how can I do it?

2. The plans were never rigid. Plans are to give us an idea of what we wish to achieve on the day. eg. (a) We stopped 60 km before pathankot which was our scheduled stop due to rains. (b) we spent one extra day in srinagar waiting for other group to reach (c) we cut our ride short in Drass due to rains and cold.

3. I am not hellbent on discipline. What gave you this idea?

4. I did not ride fast on the whole tour. I was riding a FZ which had the lowest power and in addition, it was a borrowed bike. So I had to take maximum care of the bike. If you call riding at 80 kmph on Delhi Chandigad Highway, then, yes I am guilty.

5. I never pushed anyone out of his comfort zone. I never forced anyone to ride at speed at which the rider was uncomfortable.

1. Can you please point out the bashing others part in my triplog? If pulling someone's leg lightly is called bashing and it is offensive to all, I will delete my complete thread. Please let me know. I don't need to your opinion about my maturity level.

You did not mention about the parts where I had made fun about myself also. Or is self bashing permitted on public forum and shows high maturity level?

2. What gave you an idea that i was not able to tolerate the rider with me? We rode back together, I took pains at every water junction to walk ahead of the whole group to identify proper crossing, I even went to his house in Delhi to stay on the last day.

3. I completely agree that getting a GPS,bunch of maps doesnt make anyone a good planner. What gave you an idea that I thought myself as a good planner? Can you please point out where I have written it? Also if you take pains to read the Leh Teerth thread from end to end, you will find out the truth.

4. When you say, leave no man behind, do you mean to imply that I left someone behind? Where and when? You can directly ask my riding partners and get your confirmation.

People bashing may be fun but there needs to be some truth in what you say. If you take trouble to read linked post in my thread - http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/tourer/1...tml#post453825 , you will find out that Oldfox had pointed out this thread to me and I had replied politely to him since I agree with most of the issues raised by him. Just bashing someone for the sake of bashing without knowing all the facts is immature behaviour.

Also if you feel that is me bashing you, I am willing to delete this post.

^^

Vishwas no offence meant to you.Plz dont take it personally.

I myself have faced such things and had started out this thread on a different forum few years back

tour member's attitude talk - India Travel Forum, BCMTouring

Didnt want to post link to other forums over here.Whatever I posted was the gist of the 'that' discussion.Hope you get the point.

Yup. I understand. No offense meant or taken.