Everyone says that change is a constant. Things never stagnate and those that do are doomed to wither and perish. That is something we embody in our personal lives as well. We all live by our routines and follow them religiously for the most part. While we move forward in some way, we stagnate in others. That is where the call of the open road comes into play. And to be honest, there is nothing quite like it. That is one of the primary reasons I started riding.
Then again, it is not as easy for everyone. One can’t just pack their bags and head out because there are other factors at play including the obvious commerce around it. That is why I would like to thank xBhp and CEAT for enabling me to heed my urge to just get out. Through their CEAT xPlorer programme, all I had to do was chart out a plan, share it with them, and if selected, I would be ready to go. Fortunately, I was and that is how this roadtrip of mine commenced.
The destination I selected was Rishikesh. When it comes to quick getaways from Delhi, Rishikesh is one of the obvious choices. It is beautiful, serene, and a spiritual experience that is mostly unmatched. Combine that with my steed, the Royal Enfield Himalayan and the experience was set to transcend ordinary travel.
My ride started with a quick visit to the CEAT Shoppe. I needed a new set of tyres for my Himalayan and from all that I had heard, CEAT Gripp XL Plus seemed like the logical choice. I had heard these tyres are awesome on the tarmac but more than that, they are ready for some rough stuff as well if you are so inclined. Predictably, I was not disappointed but more on that later.
I got the tyres installed, packed my bags and thumbed the starter with the image of chilling on the riverside firmly engraved in my mind. And just like that, off I went!
The Ride Begins
We started our journey from Delhi in the early hours of the morning. I did not want my ride to start with unsightly traffic snarls and wasted time. As expected, the traffic was scarce and the sailing was smooth. I have liked the Himalayan for its comfortable ergonomics and peppy engine.
More than that though, I was enjoying the highway performance of the Gripp XL Plus tyres–planted, confidence-inspiring and thoroughly capable of munching miles at a decent pace. It was not just smooth tarmac either. Even on less-than-ideal roads, these tyres take everything in their stride and perform flawlessly. This armed me with even more confidence for this getaway of mine.
First Stop: Breakfast Delight
After enjoying around 100 km of mostly smooth sailing, I decided that it was time for breakfast. When it comes to food, I always prefer roadside dhabas more than fancy restaurants or eateries. There is something about these places that just goes well with the feeling of a roadtrip.
Moreover, nothing can top the feeling of piping hot paranthas and chai when it comes to breakfast. Add to that the rustic ambience of these dhabas and you start to appreciate the little things in life. In that sense, even short getaways and roadtrips can teach you all about life. Something you appreciate in the daily grind.
After that, it was time to ride on.
Coffee Break: Fuel for the Soul
After covering another significant chunk from the distance to the destination, I decided that it was for some fuel. My Himalayan had enough but I was running a little low. The solution–coffee. It was a quick break that also gave me some time to think about how well the CEAT Gripp XL Plus tyres had done so far.
Whether it was tight manoeuvres in traffic or spurts of acceleration for overtakes, the tyres never lost their composure. With braking as well, the story was the same… unwavering grip. After refuelling my soul, I was back on my merry way.
The story of the road was shifting a little. Open stretches started to give way to some mild traffic and occasional patches of dusty roads. With my saddle time on the Himalayan and faith in the tyres, I was ready for all of it.
The Haridwar Break: A Culinary Pit Stop
By the time I reached Haridwar, it was well past noon. Though I had a nice breakfast and coffee afterwards, the pangs of hunger started again. The Himalayan also needed a quick refuel so I decided to get that over with first. After getting the motorcycle refuelled, I found a quaint restaurant with the sight of Ganga flowing on the side. A hearty lunch with the sight of the holy river flowing by was rejuvenating. After that, it was time to get going because the real adventure was about to come to the fore!
The Off-Road Adventure Begins
The stretch from Haridwar to Rishikesh brought me closer to the real thrill. The roads narrowed, and patches of off-road terrain began to appear. Here, the Himalayan’s true capabilities came to light. Its high ground clearance made navigating rocky paths and uneven tracks a breeze. Its capability was complemented by the amazing grip offered by the CEAT Gripp XL Plus tyres. Whether it was gravel or loose dirt, the tyres provided exceptional grip.
Moreover, we also chanced upon a water crossing. Here I got acquainted with the amazing wet grip on offer. The way it channels away the water from under the contact patch was very impressive. Even when splashing through streams and shallow river crossings, the bike maintained its composure, giving me the confidence to push further.
Reaching the Camp: A Riverside Retreat
Arriving in Rishikesh as the sun began to set, we were greeted by the tranquil beauty of our camping resort. Nestled near a gentle river stream, the campsite was the perfect place to unwind after the day’s adventures. The sound of flowing water and the cool breeze created a soothing ambience, a stark contrast to the rugged journey earlier.
The camp offered cosy tents equipped with all the necessary amenities. After parking the Himalayan, we spent the evening by a bonfire, sharing stories of our ride and enjoying delicious local cuisine. The experience of staying so close to nature, combined with the thrill of the ride, was truly unmatched.
Reflections on the Ride
This trip was a testament to the capabilities of the Royal Enfield Himalayan and the CEAT Grip XL Plus tyres. The bike’s handling, power, and comfort, paired with the tyres’ exceptional grip and stability, made even the toughest terrains feel conquerable. Whether it was the smooth highways, dusty trails, or splashing through water. When I am ready for another adventure, I know the tyres I will get for my Himalayan!
Tyre Review: CEAT Gripp XL Plus
Undoubtedly, my experience with the CEAT Gripp XL tyres was one of the highlights for me. Now that I have told you about the roadtrip, I am going to talk about the specifics in this regard. First of all, the compound in use enables faultless touring capabilities. The strong carcass and the harder compound make sure the wear remains minimal. Moreover, the tread pattern is meant for grip in offroading and tremendous wet grip and yet, it has been designed in a way that there is maximum contact even on the tarmac. This ensures stability under acceleration and braking. Off the tarmac, the blocks grip the loose surface well and CEAT Gripp XL tyres have the offroading acumen that is unmatched in the class. I had no problems navigating the trails we found in Rishikesh. Finally, the wet grip had me impressed the most. Even with a fair bit of water, I did not aquaplane. Thanks to the tread design that channels away the water from underneath the contact patch, you have optimum grip even in wet conditions. For these reasons and then some, I can wholeheartedly recommend CEAT Gripp XL Plus tyres for the Himalayan and adventure rides like these. For my rides in the future, these tyres are going to be my go-to choice.
