So here I go with the narration of my experiences of my little solo ride...

It was a lovely afternoon, just the right amount of sun, just the right amount of cloudiness. The bike had a full tank of petrol. I was just back from college and just done with my lunch. I was of course planning to undertake a good long ride since ages. But couldn't really find the time to do it. Now I had an opportunity and decided to seize it. Planned a solo ride to the Biligiri Ranganathaswamy hills (a.k.a B R Hills), 100 kms from my hometown Mysore. Had absolutely nothing with me except my wallet, mobile phone and helmet for company. No riding gear coz I still am just 18 years old (I mean where can I find the *bling* to get myself good riding gear?!). So set out with just one knowledge - The fabulous NH 212 would lead me to my destination.



The road gave me the sort of pleasure I used to get when I was 7 years old and beheld a football & an open playground! Isn't the road drooly?! I wasn't in that much of a hurry so I limited myself to just 120 km/h, taking breaks every half an hour. In those breaks, managed some more photos...



There was this huge lake and there were water sports. Wanted to try it out for a fee but thought this is better enjoyed with friends! So I trotted on...


Then came my next unexpected stop. Took a deviation from the NH and found the road flanked by miles and miles of eye-soothing-green paddy fields on either side. And each farmer's land was marked by very small white rooms just big enough to fit farming equipment in them. What a sight that was! They looked like lego blocks! And there stood my beautiful blue NS posing with my helmet like a supermodel . What's even better was the villagers passing by would take long looks at my bike. An old man even asked for a drop and I felt the need to help him so I helped him get from T Narsipura road to the bustling yelandur bus stand. 60% of my one way journey was done!

As I neared the hills, they looked beautiful from about 10 kms away from the foot of the hill. Tried capturing the captivating view but my 2 MP phone camera couldn't focus it. Continued the journey, reached the checkpoint at the hills, paid the entrance fee (10 bucks). The guard at the checkpoint warned me of elephants and leopards. As I continued, I found the road to be completely different. The road was flanked by high trees on either side. It was just wide enough for a car to pass through at once. As I kept getting higher and higher, I noticed the view getting better and better! Wanted to take more pics but I was thoroughly enjoying the twisties so I told myself "ah chuck it, I wanna ride!" After about 20 kms uphill riding, reached the apex and the trip1 showed 95.5 kms. The view was breathtaking from up there. This was one view from up there...



Two more pics I later managed to recover from my phone.




While up there, tried experimenting with self shots..this one came out pretty good I guess..


Clicked a pic and my phone said BATTERY LOW. Kept my phone in and enjoyed the silence for an hour more. In this one hour of almost complete silence, I felt most happy being away from the clogged city streets, the noise, the pollution, exam tension, boring day-long college lectures and the monotonous daily routine we follow like pre-programmed robots.

More people began taking looks at my bike when I was about to leave. One even popped out his camera to take pics. Was surprised to find a lady asking me some intelligent questions about the NS. Looks like she was a rider too .

Time flew like anything and decided it was time I headed back. Then came the beginning of a major mistake. Here's my original quoted text..

Wanted to take more pics but noticed my phone was dead. Cursed myself for making an abrupt decision and not charging the phone much earlier. I didn't wanna waste any more time so I decided to head back. I had these things in mind:

1. To get everything repaired, I had to rush to the Mysore svc.
2. It was already 5:10 (vehicle clock) and the svc closes at around 6.
3. I'm battered and I need first aid.
4. Haven't made thorough checks on the bike.
5. No contact with the rest of the world for a while.
6. If my parents came to know of my fall, especially my mom, no more NS for me!

I was expecting something to go kaput but guess what? NOTHING! NO problems! No change in engine oil level, coolant level, no damages to radiator or engine! That was more than enough. Took a few cranks to start and when it did, the engine sounded just as happy as ever! Made my way out of the hills, threw away the broken and danging left indicator and rvms (coz they'd be a pain during triple digit speeds) and ripped the hell out of my bike on the highway (due to the time constraint). Managed a speedo indicated 141 km/h and reached Mysore by 6 PM sharp. The bajaj svc was most kind. The service executive administered first aid (dettol and tincture), advised me to get my clothes cleaned. Here is a pic of my bruise taken later.


Total bruises: Scratches on my left arm, waist and left knee, and a small scratch on my right eyelid (the visor of the helmet snapped and did that to me)

The mechanics had already left and the manager told me to return early the next day. Went home, put on the vehicle cover, ran to the shower and concealed everything. Told my dad about this and he said, it's alright son, mistakes happen, ride safe.

Took the vehicle to the SVC the next day, got the parts replaced and the 2nd free service done at 3731 kms. The SVC did a good job. Of all the mud and dirt accumulated on the bike, found this one scratch on the tank:



The life saving helmet, all scratched up:


The total cost involved was Rs. 1043/- inclusive of all taxes. But the whole thing could have gotten much worse owing to the situation I was in. Overall, the experience was excellent and more so because I learnt something new - the importance of engine braking. I thank xbhp and it's members for all the valuable information which I could put to use.

Cheers,
Ride safe,
Ride solo.