Here you are buddy. start posting more and more buddy..you know that more is never enough

the HID indicators on the avenger looks uber cool!

LOL yeah, it does...

great photographs

Nice photos by Bangaloor friends

awesome stuff....more...more...we want more!

My experience on Wayanad ISG2G

My Wayanad trip..... June 24-27, 2011

Wayanad District in the north-east of Kerala, India, was formed on November 1, 1980 as the 12th district by carving out areas from Kozhikode and Kannur districts. The Folk etymology of the word says it is a combination of Vayal (paddy field) and Naad (land), making it 'The Land of Paddy Fields'. There are many indigenous tribals in this area. It is set high on the majestic Western Ghats with altitudes ranging from 700 to 2100 m. (Source Wikipedia.com)

Guys, I know everyone of you guys enjoyed this ride and maybe looking forward for the next one. So I thought to give a write up of my view and my experience.

Missing Munnar ISG2G was kinda a sad thing for thing. Working as photojournalist is do enjoyable and at the same time its challenging also. I did signed up for Munnar ISG2G but atlast moment I had to back out due to sudden landing of assignment on head. Ohh God, I did felt so bad and promised myself that I will join the next ISG2G. When the discussions started for Wayanad ISG2G I thought I will be the first signing and present for the ride. Again, assignments came hard on my head which was not avoidable. Time of Legislative assembly elections, IPL, etccccc and others. I thought I will back out at last moment and miss this one also. Phew...... I asked my Editor in chief whether I can take a three days leave to go to Wayanad. He said will think about it at that time. Bling......... there is hope for me, but its like a 50-50 chance so not making any promise. Follwed the our Wayanad Thread without making any noise and hoped for best. In between, bought a new Pulsar 220s and waited for the ride. When days and hours went off, I started losing my hope in getting leave. Slowly backed out from thread with a heavy heart and later forgot about the ride. Wished all my best from heart to the riders those who are going to Wayanad.

On 22/06/2011, Lijo called me up and asked me whether I am coming for the ride since there is some slots are being open due to last minute drop outs. I replied I will let him know in 24hour time. I was not sure at that time also whther I an able to come or not. Went and asked my Editor in Chief to sanction my leave, need to go at any cost. Same answer, Will think about it. I was like damn this is not going to work and what I am doing here and went to my cabin and started thinking whether I should go or not. Found hard to resist Lijo's offer of hardcore biking at Thamaraserry Ghats and rain ride. Thinking all this and slowly I dozed off in front of my computer and went to deep sleep for couple of hours. During that sleep I dreamed that biker Noel is yelling at me for not going to ISG2G. At that moment I jumped from my cabin and went straight to my Editor and told I have to go at any cost. He dont want me to go like since there are only two photographers in my office. Atlast Editor agreed with me but had to sacrifice all off days in month July.

I dont know how to explain my excitement after all. Called up Lijo and Swaroop for the empty slot. They both were happy to see that I am also in ride. Called Jayan and Jayamohan Chettan also to share the same news. Next day I checked my bike at service centre and packed the bag with camera, dress etc... Suddenly I remembered that I didnt bought any armory jacket this time also. Bloody hell and what to do. Whether I go for ride without a armor jacket or not. Total made a big mess in my head. My hard earned savings were kept for jacket. Who cares that now, have faith in God. Just hop on and ride hard because the rest is taken care by him.

23-06-2011--- less than 24 hours for ride. That day was scorching sunlight and had to take photos of few events. But the ride kept on making me to go in full power. Finished the assignments and called for the day and went to Press Club to attend an important meeting. When I reached home, time was 11pm. Did a final inspection on bike, packed the bag, had dinner and went to bed to have some nap before the ride. But just had only 30mins lying down on bed which means no sleep.

24-06-2011 --- RING ...RING, where the hell is my mobile??
Jayamohan -- You awake??
Me -- yes chetta, but didnt had sleep so went to get ready for ride.
Jayamohan -- Ok buddy, meet you at starting point.
Me -- Copy that

Ohh God, I didnt had one min sleep also. How come I am going to ride this far? These thoughts gave me little nervous. So went to kitchen and dumped one full packet of glucose in a bowl and gulped the whole glucose water. Later with mom's permission and prayers took the bike and went to starting point in front of Motor plaza, Sreekariyam. There Jayan, Milan and Harish were waiting for us. And in few minutes so did came Jayamohan chettan also. From there we kicked off the ride. Lijo is already at Cochin one day ahead.

We faced one wonderful climate, with no rain and less traffic. Suddenly rain caused to shower down hard when we were about to reach Cherthala. At first we waited at shelter for few mins, but no use. Jayan said that if we wait like this, we will be reaching Cochin afternoon only. So come on lets go and give some beatings to rain. Yes and we did it. Covered the bag with water proof cover and off we rode off on rain.

Milan, Jayan and myself were together as Jayamohan chettan & Harish went ahead. We three had some hot tea at Cherthala and warmed up for the next dash. So we were doing pretty good on road by keeping 60-80kph. When we were about to reach Cochin, I did took a wrong turn which I thought that road leads to Edapally. Then only I realised after going few kms far inside, that I am lost. Called up Lijo and asked for help to guide me to the right track. Somehow with help of people and road signs I reached Edapally fuel station where the others were waiting for me. That was a huge relief for me and went straight running like a boy who lost his way home. Met other guys there, Srijith, Gokul, Vishnu, Rajesh, Anand, Ranjith, Swaroop, Titus, Praveen Chettan, Navin etc.... From there we took of in 5 mins.

We kept on riding on riding good for a couple of hours. Rain came now and then like a shy girlfriend. Wet road, hot engines, cold air, soaky socks and shoes, and also have mention about fate of innerwear also that these are part of monsoon ride. Like Gokul mentioned in his log, hunger was the main villain at that time. Sleepy eyes and grumbling like tsunami mode stomachs told that we didnt fueled for our-self even though we fueled for our bikes. We did stopped for a break some where at Aanavizhungee. Funny name huh.... We pulled our smokes to escape from the cold air which we were facing for a long time. Suddenly one guy cried FOOD !!! All the riders started bikes and went to the nearby fast food. I am sure that hotel owner was Donald Trump for that day. The guys in kitchen were making parottas and dosas like they are competing for guiness book record. Had a decent breakfast and started off to our destination.

People at road were looking at us in stunned way, I think they never seen this much group of bikers. Breakfast gave us some energy back to ride more, but later I found myself in bad shape. Sleepless ride is causing me much trouble for me and in between rain also did same effect for me. Cold icy rain water... grrr..... Shivering and cold started to act on me in well effect. Somehow managed to stay awake till lunch break at Calicut. There was Sreejith and Vineeth waiting for us to reach. After having a simple meal of rice and couple of smokes, I felt like a Superman for the being. But again fatigue started to act fast on me later before the ghats. Holy God, even slept while doing 80kph for couple of seconds. What the hell is happening now? But at that moment Swaroop came to my side asked why you are doing slow and backing a lot. I didnt told him I am sleepy that moment, but told my eyes are burning like hell and want some ice cold water. He made sure I get some cold water and wash my face. You must try this technique once. Pour ice cold water on your eyes and there goes your sleep for couple of hours. (please dont try at home, school, office etc..) After that started to climb the famous Thamarasherry Churam. Pappugee, you are great. I dont know how many times I chanted the word Thamarasherry Churam. The loose rocks, hardcore hair pin curves, slippery road, bad drivers and monster trucks are always there to face you. Rain also happened to join the opposite team to give hardtime. At top of the ghat, there waited our guys for the last man to join. Anand and myself was always the last ones to reach the point. (Anand, I like to ride with you always. Your ride style is also same like mine. So next time also I will be your pillion or wingman)

The heavy rain and cold air started to act on my jaws and on fingers also. Even wearing gloves also no use to escape from that rain. My whole concern was on my camera and other camera equipment whether it get drenched or not. Luckily not that happened to me. Placed lots of towels and plastic covers in the bag just in case the camera bag failed to stop the incoming. So around 7pm reached the destination. Hotel Regency. Thank God for keeping me safe. Attacked Srijith for a smoke which saved me from shivering little bit. Dumped all damp dress and bag in the room and got ready to sleep. Dinner Served yelled our dear Swaroop. Dived into the buffet like a wild elephant in sugar cane plantation. Warm porota and chicken made my stomach happy. My big smile returned to my face which was lost a time ago. Went to meet others and started sharing stories. I want to sleep somehow and here comes Lijo and Praveen with a big medicine. Come on lets go... Wooowwwwww.... So smooth effect. Never tasted that much sweet and yummy. Here comes the sleep fairy and pulling back to sleep. Called for the day and went to room. Warned Anand, Harish etcc that I snore like a machine gun firing. Who cares?? He he he.....

The rest two days stuff are there in progress. Will do post later.

My Wayanad trip..... June 24-27, 2011 Continuation....

Day 2

Weightless flight in weightless world..... Yes I was dreaming at that during my sleep. Misty clouds, fresh air........ Lol I was enjoying the view a lot. What the hell I am doing here??? Where is this place??? Woke up suddenly from that deep sleep with heavy heart beating in my chest. You guys want to know what thought went inside my head at that moment. Bloody hell I am late for office and I will be getting lot of firings from there. Rushed to toilet and suddenly felt like one big hammer banged on head. At that moment I realised that I am at Wayanad ISG2G... Hell yeah I am at Wayanad... No office and no assignments for the day. Hip Hip Huraay....

Before doing something, I went outside to see who all are awake. There goes Neil and others for ride at that early moment. I wondered how come these guys got guts to face the rain and cold air? I am always lazy whenever there is rain. There comes Gokul. He got up early, brushed, took bath and ready for breakfast. Freshness was radiating from his face where I didnt even brushed my teeth. Yuck... Anand and Harish also woke up from deep sleep. Anand and myself started morning hunt for smoke. Raided Lijo and took a few Kings for ourselves. Hehehe. One guy was complaining a lot about smoking. Sreejith ( I wonder). He said he was total tortured by smokers. Hehehehe. Sorry buddy for this bad habit. Joined down at restuarant to have a tea, which gave me big time grumble in stomach. Saved myself by running to answer the nature's call and later brushed teeth, combed the hair etc... Again came down to restaurant to join others for breakfast which as heavenly, Dosas, bread and jam etcc were served to fuel our engine. Soon after the breakfast, there came the rest of Bangalore and Coimbatore guys, (Forgot some names also but wont forget the faces...)

After loiteting around the hotel for few time, some came with plans to ride to Banasura Dam. There goes again on road and more to conquer... Anand offered me pillion ride which I accepted with a big happy mind, because I will be able to take pics from back. Got suited for the ride but hated the soggy shoes & socks.That really gave me creepy feel. Luckily no smell came out from shoes. I lighttend the back from extra cloths and dress by dumpping on bed. Checked the camera, memory cards etcc. I felt myself like Arnold Schwarzenegger in movie Commando. Took some photos of the whole group before heading to Banasura Dam.

Anand was my rider for today. He got nice ride style which is safe and smooth. I did liked the way he rides his Avenger through all those curvy roads and steep roads like a sports bike style. Riding with him is fun and cool. Buddy you rocks... On way to Banasura Dam we got chased some big Donald Duck typos. Quack Quack the sound they made. I thought to catch some and take to hotel. They will surely will make some good curry and soup out of it. The beginning of ride was good, with dry roads. But that effect lasted for few moments, and there came heavy rain to give shower bath (was lazy to take shower in morning because of cold). Rain got drenched my mobile and Anand's wallet also which we stuffed in to the bag for safety. We were moving quiet good, but later found that we are left alone in unknown route. In between all these, low fuel also started to question our brains. We moved forward in hope of finding others somehow. The people were happy to see us and they showed the way where all others went off. Thanks to all those good hearted people. Come on Noel, did they tried to fool us by showing wrong route asked Anand. What the hell?? With little doubt asked one more fellow and he also told the same route where others went. Phew........

Atlast we found the rest of the gang near to the dam. From there Anand & myself went to fuel the bike and Neil also came with us for fuel. Joined back with gang, had a hot tea which helped to recover from little numbness. Then we reached Banasura dam where it was almost closing time. Luckily we got in and started walking. During the walk, we encountred to see some bulls grazing peacefully, but at sudden they started looked violent at me. I wondered why these fellows are looking at me like this? I didnt steal their lunch. Holy Jesus, at that moment I noticed that I wearing bright red color jacket. Ohh dear.... I wont forget that minute in my life.. Escape from there is like escape from hell. The next encounter was a steep steps. I said myself I can do it but at top of the steps I was panting like a steam engine. Should I call those steps Don Steps???

The rain was falling without taking any break, which made us little worried to take out camera. I was fedup with the rain. Atlast I pulled out my camera and started to take some snaps and whole camera got wet in few minutes. That caused me to put the camera back in bag. I really still feel upset for not able to take photos at Wayanad. If I go next time, I want photos and will go in good time. Who all are willing to come with me??

From Banasura Dam we went to have out lunch at Woodlands restaurant... Woo Chappathi and chicken curry (but that did gave me little upset mode stomach) There we took a few pics of gang and made a messy floor at the restaurant. hehehe.... After having the lunch, we went to Pookut Lake, where we spend a few minutes and taking some pics. Srijith was running behind a H@#NY monkey taking snaps. I am sure he got a good frame of that monkey. Spend a few time there before heading off back home.

Anand and I started to feel weary and tired. The pillion ride on Avenger is really bumpy and asscracking. I became the mixed crushed omellete there due jumping a lot of bad bumps and potholes. So we took time to reach the hotel back and we were the last one to reach. I thought Swaroop will be standing somewhere on a mat like Amazing Race and will say you are the last team and your are out from the race, hehehehe

Had a 5min under fan to get the fatigue out and dived into bathroom had a hot shower.... Whooo... That was some crazy stuff. This time joined with Gokul, Harish and Navin for dinner. Gokul challenged me on food race where I understimated him. I thought I can defeat him with ease but two chappathis itself made crumbled. I took time to finish my second chappthi and lost to Gokul... After dinner went straight to room for sleep. AXN was showing Angelina Jolie's Tomb Raider... At moment Swaroop called to come down for group introduction (interogration). There we came to know other and what they do. That was fun filled moments and took group photo using Vineeth's ZMA as stand... Thanks Vineeth. Went to bed after these fun and some went to get big medicine. I called for day and went to sleep hard. Before that said good bye to Gokul who said he will be leaving early in morning.

Day 3 the finale.......

I was flying in first class in some jumbo jet, and lot of air hosts where there. Before I can woo anyone, my plane shook went to crash. Why??? I was dreaming and that Harish woke me up with a big shake. I thought I will lay my hands on him, but dream is dream... hehehe.... Saw Jayamohan chettan walking restless and asking when we can leave. Went to wake Lijo and others but no effect. Too lazy to move and at last started to pack the bags for the return ride. Vishnu and Rajesh left early morning. Around 11am we started back home. Said good bye to others and started heading home. Unfortunate struck again in form of puncture on Titus's bike. Waited for him and all is well. Started to get down Thamaraserry Churam with Titus, Praveen and Anand. The rest went ahead of us four. Wet road always gives me creeps, but dry road is not. Happened to get some dry road till bypass, where I leaded for a long time. Enjoyed the dry road run for long time. So did others too.

Had lunch at same hotel where we had lunch on day one. Luckily no sleep till yet caught me. Again I lost myself somewhere inside road along with Jayan, Harish, Anand and Milan. Anand came to help with Google maps and leaded way back to right track. Phew thank God again.... There our gang waits for us to reach. Pulled over the bikes and raided the opposite bakery for RED BULL engery drink.

The fast movers went fast and again I left alone. This time Praveen chettan, Harish and Titus were the back loggers. Somewhere Praveen chettan missed a turn which made us to run in front of Vimala College and a church. Ups and down, left and right, doing zig-zag and we made to Mannuthy, Thrissur. That junction does hold little nostalgiaic memories of mine. There found 6 lane bypass road connecting to Ernakulam. WOWOW the ride on that road felt like I am riding at Dubai. Touched the speedo almost at 142kph where i joined with Praveen chettan to see that num in my speedometer. At Ernakulam we had our small dinner which is required as fuel for us. Unluckily Harish's RX got into trouble with broken chain. That caused him to halt at Eranakulam while we rest of Trivandrum guys started off back home (Jayamohan chettan, Lijo, Jayan and Milan) Later the ride found really scary for me. We turned from Alleppey to take MC road, which was 4 times torture for me. The last jump at a pothole made my future really blind. My eyes were lit like a Xmas tree. So many red, blue and green light were lit in my eyes.. Milan took turn from Changanaserry where the rest four went ahead to reach destinaton. Again wet road, which is making a lot of creeps under my skin. Started chanting Hail Mary prayer to keeo us four safe. That really helped me lot and roads were getting dry for us to reach home. Even my speed on bike also went up to 90kph. Lijo said goodnight at Vembayam and went home. Jayan at Kesavadasapuram and Jayamohan chettan at Prasanth nagar. Phew atlast home sweet home.

Crashed on all stuffs and had a nice warm bath in my own kingdom was the ulimate refreshing. Messaged all other riders that I reached home and crashed on my comfy bed like a big giant. There goes me again in dreamworld of infinity. I would like to ride again with all my xBhp brothers again and again and again without saying no. So say together, Lets ride ! ! !

@Noel: [The last jump at a pothole made my future really blind. My eyes were lit like a Xmas tree. So many red, blue and green light were lit in my eyes] love the way you explain the things. Very good write up noel

very detailed log cheta...sorry about your balls though!

hello guys.................was our monsoon ride a dream..... ......i feel very bad dat again we've for another long year for de monsoons 2 visit us again...........

Cool trip log bro . Really loved reading it.

am back home!that means the pics are coming soon!