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#21 (permalink) |
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Inferno
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Chapter 16: Reincarnated!
The morning was just fine, the clock struck 5.30 am and it was time to wake up and savor the taste of the mesmerizing coastal route! Gearing up took no time and in a short while, we were warming up the rides. Bhaucha Dhakka was the next destination, just a couple of kilometers away. Evry passing second seemed like an eternity, maybe we were too excited to reach the land of beaches. Today would be a shot but a crisp day as we would be riding along the west coast of India. The plan was to ferry the bike till Rewas, a small town just before Alibaug and then carry forward the journey of a lifetime. It took us a while before we could smell freshly caught seafood and there it was, a crowd of boats and ferries. All this while the sun was still not up and it was still dark. Mumbai surely wakes up pretty early! The scene at the jetty was truly enchanting, it was like going through a stupor. I felt I was in a completely different world all together! Ladies sitting with their fish baskets comprising of almost every kind of fish that one could think off. The ferry would leave in another hour and a half, till then, we can soak up the beautiful setting. It surely was one of the best experiences of my life. Savored a couple of mouthwatering vadapav, which was truly a treat to the taste buds and the grumbling stomach too! Post pre-breakfast, I checked down the timings for the ferry and purchased two tickets for Rewas. The gates were thrown open to let the bikes kiss the platform, it seemed no less than a royal treatment. Finally it was a moment of truth for both of us when we got to know as to how would they transfer the bike from the platform to the ferry! A narrow wooden plank raised my brow. However, their confidence relieved me, although they did charge me way above what was expected. Anyhow, the bikes were tied to the railings and then we floated away! Lack of sleep was making my eyes bulky and I just couldn’t keep them open. Moreover, the sea sickness was taking its toll and I was feeling a bit nauseate. It was a sound one and a half hour sleep on the ferry. Vaibhav pacified his inner shutterbug, meanwhile. Soon Vaibhav woke me up as we were about to reach.The ferry was finding it hard to secure a parking space while the sailor was uttering all sorts of Marathi abuse. Eventually the bikes were unloaded, this marked the beginning of an action-packed journey. Chapter 17 : The awe struck, yet again! As soon as we exited the jetty, a single land us with a e, narrow road greeted us with a beautiful smile. This also meant that we would hardly have anyone enroute that could guide us through the correct route. Vivek had had planned that he would be riding us till Ratnagiri, a city on the Mumbai-Goa route, hence making me relaxed enough that I did not plan the route between Mumbai and Ganpatipule which was the tentative stop for the day. After a crisp photo session, we headed forward only to stop after a short while as we came across whet we were lingering for since the ride had begun. A smooth road with sea on one side and hills on the other! Heading forward we came across some of the most beautiful roads that we’ve ever seen. A narrow road snaking through dense forest with occasional sounds from the petrol driven machines, I was left spellbound. Savored a delicious dose of tantalizing paranthas and dal. Moved forward and the majestic roads continued. After a dose of an awesome breakfast, beautiful roads and a scenic treat, we were still craving for more. it was only until the Kihim Beach welcomed us with its open waters and its sun-kissed sand. Sparkling waters and palm lined coastline was simply irresistible. We, however, were lazy enough so as not to remove the riding hear and get clicked! However, after some time, we both started feeling uncomfortable and mutually decided to hop on to NH17 as every other person had different view about the destination and the way. After much hassles, we were finally raiding the beautiful roads of NH17. With a perception of one of the best highways in India, I was left pretty depressed frequent potholes. However, we had no other option than to ride on the same road. It was when we took a break that Vaibhav anted to rest a bit and I wanted to carry on. I was now on my own and I could see a storm building up towards the way I was heading. And man it was a heavy one. I was wondering if I got stuck in it, I would be screwed big time. Anyhow, I did have some confidence as I was carrying a plastic cover with me, which would cover the bag just fine…so, headed forward. While crossing Chiplun, I wanted to confirm the way to Ganpatipule, so asked a policemen about the same… I was heading in the right direction. Also asked him if its going to rain, “It would be there around Kolhapur, certainly not on the way to Goa”. Happy and content I was! But, as I headed forward, black clouds were hovering over my head and soon it started raining. I stopped immediately and covered the bag, kept the gloves inside and started riding. Unlike the Glory Quest ride, I was prepared this time. The light rain gave way to a heavy downpour in seconds and pretty soon it was just rain and me. I could hardly see in front, still kept the engine running and the machine rolling, slowly and steadily. I seemed as if someone up there was wanted me to experience something that I would never do. I could literally see the rain dancing the dance of death in front of my eyes, yea it was that spooky! It rained for about an hour and by that time I had crossed the black clouds and it was just overcast in the sky. I was nearing Ganpatipule. Called up Vaibhav to confirm his whereabouts and got to know that he’s waiting for the rain to stop. Also, we discussed about the the Ganpatipule thing. We would have to take a detour and ride some 30 odd km to from the main highway to reach the place. This would also mean that we would have to come back covering those 30 km again the next morning to catch the highway. Hence, we decided to stay in Ratnagiri. I moved on taking some short breaks, the windcheater had done a wonderful job in keeping me dry and it took me just a while to get parched up. After a short and a scenic ride, I stopped at Ratnagiri Bypass for Vaibhav to catch up. While I thought it would be foolish to sit around and while away the time, I started asking for hotel accommodations in and around the city. Meanwhile it got dark and Vaibhav also caught up. We both decided to go inside the city, take a night halt and head towards Goa the next morning. Took a lodge for Rs 400 and it was worth the value for money. Had a pathetic and an overpriced Chinese dinner and went off to sleep. Some pics from the ride
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Live the journey, destination is just a halt! |
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#22 (permalink) |
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Inferno
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Chapter 18: Goalicious!
Today is going to be a big day as a dream long cherished would be coming true. A dream that was long dreamt would finally be lived. We would be reaching Goa today. The excitement and tiring and wet journey from the last day had an amazing affect on us two. The tiring journey blessed us with a good night sleep and the excitement woke us up just in time. The distance for today was just around 250 kilometers and that too on one of the most scenic routes of India. So it was not at all possible for us to decide as to when we would be heading to the Land of Beer and Beaches, Goa. Slowly exited the city soaking up its grandiose setting which we missed as we got late the last evening. Eventually we skipped on to NH17 and then it was a ride to be experienced! Smooth roads, mind boggling scenery and the rain yesterday made the ride even more wonderful. Soon it was time to grab something to pacify the foodie which hid somewhere in the abdomen and would wake up every morning, afternoon and evening! Pulled over to a decent looking restaurant and ordered, the “regulars”. Although the definition of “regulars” would change starting today, however, as of yet, they would only mean Vadapav, which I’m simply in love with! Since Vaibhav removed all his riding gear, he would take some time to carry forward. Hence, I decided to leave and wait for him midway to catch up. However, he was riding at his own sweet pace, so I moved forward and allowed him to enjoy a short solo ride amidst this beautiful setting. Even I lived every moment of this ride. Being the last ride of my bachelorhood, I was pretty excited for the same and Goa is one destination that I can spend an entire life at. Moreover, it’s a bike trip. Truly a dream come true. Vaibhav was still behind while I came across this beautiful patch of land. Small elevation of land that was dug for some purpose. An offroad path leading to the same seemed really exciting. Climbed up the stretch in no time. The torque of this machine is impressive enough. Clicked a couple of pics While I was planning to head back, the owner of the land came up and initiated a friendly chat with me. All this while I got to know many things about the land prices, dry fruits, people, culture and all. And suddenly I saw a person zooming on his 220 with a white helmet on. This is none other than Vaibhav. Maybe he just could not take it anymore and wanted to reach Goa as soon as possible. Goa is another 50 km from this place. Riding forward, I saw Vaibhav waiting for me. We two stopped there for a while and called up the concerned person who was to take care of the accommodation thing in Goa. Moving forward, we were finally in Goa and the next four days would be pure masti…! Some pics from the ride!
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Live the journey, destination is just a halt! |
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#24 (permalink) |
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Nomadic Biker
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Aamchi Mumbai
Posts: 216
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__________________
Ganpatipule Ride --> http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/tourer/2...tml#post799135 Midnite ride to Tiger pt and Aamby --> http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/tourer/2...by-valley.html Yeva... Konkan Aaploch Asaa --> http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/tourer/2...ploch-asa.html Catch me on FB --> http://www.facebook.com/aambekar Bikes don't leak oil, they mark their territory... |
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