lovemax

After looking at the response from all the people it prompted me to write this small write up about driving in Hills especially on the terrains of Himalayas.

Guys Before I start writing all the expressions in this writeup are solely based on my personal experience and not intimidated by any one.

[u]Precautions</u>

-&gt; Always have a good Idea about the roads you are planning to go on.

-&gt; Try collecting information about the weather from the different media other then television or weather news. As climate is never same on the mountains, It can be raining on one side and after u take a turn its all Dry and hot.

-&gt; Make sure to check the conditions of your wheels, I suggest you to make sure that if you have old wheels - try replacing them instead of loosing the pleasure of your trip.

-&gt; Be good with small technical adjustments on your bike in case of any breakdowns, so you know what exactly you need. You will never get good mechanics on certain terrains and none on some.

-&gt; Try carrying a extra spark plug(Advisable), And if you are in a group even carrying a air pump will not be a bad idea.

-&gt; Carry less but useful clothes such as double sided Pants - but i suggest you to wear a jeans in all conditions. Take a raincoat and keep it handy. Always drive wearing a wind-cheater. Try wearing some sharp colors as you can be easily traced out if you get away from your group.

-&gt; And yes, protection I mean, helmet and driving gear. Always have your helmet on dont try to look on locals and start copying them. Wear good gloves which can protect you from sun, rain and cold weather. If you are enthu rider and willing to shed off more money try purchasing protections for your legs too. Wear Anklets while driving and no easy sport shoes - get some hard weather shoes as they will be your first link between you, your bike and roads.

-&gt; Last but not the least Medical kits. Guys I advise you all to keep this small powder in your bike for anytime use. -Its called Cipladine, costs around 25-30Rs. Keep pair of bandages and Yes, Iodex spray for sprains and muscle pulls which is quite normal in places like hills.

[u]Tips</u>

-&gt; Plan your Itineary before you start your Journey, I suggest everyone to do it very morning before starting the journey as you know what sort of weather as well as terrain you are going on.

-&gt; Guys Dont be Shy in case of any accident, always find yourself at best health before you take the roads again.

-&gt; On mountains I advise the riders to drive without pillion as it is more easier for you to control and get adapt to the road. Moreover you are free to take your own decisions in any case of mishappenings.

-&gt; On my personal experiences, any small fall from bike is not something big it happens to the best as its not only about control its also about nature and roads. I have fallen almost atleast once on most of my trips on hills. But remember - never try to challenge anyone, be on your comfort limit.

-&gt; Never, Never Exert yourself on hills. You can do 100kms extra on hills but make sure you are not racing aginst time- I did tried it once though i was successful in doing it only as I knew the roads. But guys driving in night and doing speeds well over 60-70 on hills needs experience, patience and cool head.

[u]Pleasure</u>

-&gt; Guys, the best part about driving on the hills is to enjoy the beauty at its best.

-&gt; Learn to respect the nature, by making sure you are not doing something which can disappoint locals. E.g - If you see a apple orchard try not to jump in it and try plucking it by yourself.
Try asking the owner for one or two apples and see for yourself they will never stop you and give you equal response for your request.

-&gt; Always have your camera ready while on hills as you will encounter most unexpected species of birds and animals. I captured some yellow sparrows and blue flamingo's on my SLR. Always carry your camera in camera bags and keep it handy for use.

-&gt; Never ask a Localite any strange question straightaway as they always never like strangers so first get introduced to each other. Thats da way to get most out of the trip by mixing with localites dont feel shy about asking thier cultures and rituals as they will be most amazing and different from ours.

I guess I have mentioned the best I can afford to - in least possible words expressing the most useful and straight forward words.

Happy Driving [^] Drive Safe [^]

P.S:- Anyhelp regarding roads and trips in himachal, feel free to ask me. I would love to do the needful.

And Thanks Techno for bringing this Idea on this special write up to help all our XBHPians Fellas.

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nikhilsc

very nice! one addition which can be made to the first aid kit is "sutureless stiches". it's basically a liquid, which you put on deep cuts rather than stiching them up the conventional way. very useful. will find out the exact name and post it.

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pranay

good writeup again, lovemax!
speaking from experience, driving around the hills is such a different experience! Its not about monotonous speeding like the big highways......you always have to be alert and driving seems such a pleasure that way. Cuz then u get to admire nature along the way!

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lovemax

Pranay - ThanX
Nikhil - I feel the powder name I mentioned is as good as what you are talking about.
I have used it numerous times so Its same I feel.
anways try and do update the name of this stitch.

Hey Pranay - I am hopefully coming to nepal soon on my bike. So catchyea there Dude.

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pranay

yeah...that'd be great bro...

be sure to tell me when you do come.

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lovemax

Sure Pranay! Its just a matter of checking some financial resources and I am off to Nepal.
But which way do you suggest to come from India\Delhi ?? If you have any preference about roads or depending on any1 else's experience who might have driven from road to Nepal.

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nikhilsc

is that powder you use similar to neosporin?

the liquid thing i'm talking about is very very expensive. comes in syringies of 1cc each. will check up post the details.

__________________
\"Faster, Faster, Until The Thrill Of Speed Overcomes The Fear Of Death\"-Dr. Hunter S. Thompson

\"The Laws Of Physics Want Their Virginity Back\"-Kawasaki Ninja

lovemax

Well thatz why i referred this powder and only doctors know this powder and dont tell the name to patients. I had to finally steal it to find which is the powder he used on my wounds all the time.
And previously it was known as "Wokadine" and now comes by a name of "Cipladine".

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ehud

That's a good list! But I think you forgot an important item. The all essential "cummerbund" or "kidney belt". Don't go in for the one you get in shops - makes u look as though you've got a slip disc! Instead you can take a long section of cotton cloth and wrap it around your lower back and waist firmly and then wear a jacket over it.
This really works! You can kiss those nagging back and butt pains goodbye!

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lovemax

Ehud Sounds too Awkward never heard of one being used by a normal healthy rider.
Whats the fun if there is all with no pain and all gain ??
Suggest me about it EHUD ?

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