We saw huge wind mills. Only a good camera could capture the real size of it.


covered some worst patches all the way till Kota City


These roads slowed us down drastically. Terrible strategic mistake. Should have taken the Ratlam route. 100Kms more but super highway.


But sometimes we saw beautiful landscape as far as they eyes could reach.


We halted at Kota after a puncture in the city. A 3 inch nail caused 4 punctures on the rear tire. The sudden loss of air pressure caused the entire weight of the bike on the rear wheel which in turn caused wobbling after the puncture was sealed. We could not continue and had to find a bullent mechanic. So off to Royal Enfield at Kota who was very helpful and replaced the rear tube and fixed only 20% of wobbling. Took the opportunity to replace Engine oil as well.


While my Bull was being attended to, we had an hour long conversation with an Army hero who came to service a bull. After clicking a picture with his permission, he told me tales about how he did long rides on bullets for the army service. He was so encouraging and told us to complete the journey with pride. We gained so much confidence just talking to that humble friend.



That evening we took off towards Jaipur, This old fort after Bundi stand testimony of a great kingdom.


This ancient temple stand surrounded by water.


This fort just outside Jaipur stood majestic.


The Rajasthan sunset was so beautiful


My thoughts were endless, just riding with the sunset smashing my face.


And one more for your eyes


Riding all night we crossed Jaipur at around 3AM. With an hour rest at a Dhaba at midnight, this was the scene on the Jaipur ~ Delhi Highway.


And this one....


And they slept.....


After managing to wake 'em up, We stopped for Breakfast just few kilometers ahead.


Then we crashed one by one


I too said, what the hell, good night


The Dhaba wala made the best tea i remember drinking and after breakfast, we headed straight to Panipat. The only stop I can remember where I clicked a picture. by 5 PM we called off the ride.


The next morning we started with the intention to reach Manali. But I thank god we halted a Kullu, because I enjoyed it a lot.


I could see the mountains ahead of us - The first rush of excitement.


We rode all day. Halting seldom. Many times I slowed down to keep pace with Pruthvi on his platina. On Bad roads he always had the upper hand.


By midnight we reached Kullu and woke up the owner of a small guest house. Kind enough to give us a room for 500Rs. The scenery was so beautiful which we saw only in the morning.


Early morning to my horror I saw birds hijacked my bike. The warm engine and silence was the home for many birds and my bike became a potty hole. So dirty with bird droppings.


The balcony of our room.


The dinning and a small hut to the left was the kitchen.


Another view


We saw plums and ripe yummy plums everywhere.


With permission we plucked a lot.


But I wasnt aware of any plum or whatever.. while the Plum story was going on, I was.....


...well, sound asleep. No tide or man could wake me up.


Poli was busy plucking plums and when I woke up...


I got these. These are my favorite fruit and I dont remember being so happy. Fresh ripe plums straight from nature.


After having hot tea and breakfast from the cozy kitchen hut.


and thanking nature for a spectacular show,


We thanked god and plucked some more plums to eat


and headed off straight to find a local Mechanic.


I was feeling so good.


First thing I did was get the bull washed


and Poli was going with the flow of nature


But this Mechanic was only interested in selling me a Classic 500CC. He couldnt do anything about the rear tire wobbling. So we thanked for the wash and headed to Sarchu that night at 0200AM

Stay tuned my friends for the next episode

At 2 AM we left Kullu so to reach Manali Early morning. We had to pass Rothang La very early otherwise get stuck in the traffic jam. The weather gods were so good to us. It was not raining at all. Clear skies make it even better.





Just before Rothang. Memories of July 2007 started hitting me. This road you see, did not exist 5 years ago. It was mud road.


It was about 6AM when we started climbing Rothang. Traffic was already heavy and Military convoy trucks did not make it easy. We tanked up at the last pump before the Rothang La climb.


Before the climb we stopped for a break. We were already riding for 4 hours now. But the thrill was just mind blowing.


With Gumboots on and fully geared for the cold there was nothing to worry me other than the rain or a mechanical failure.


Ignition and climb.


Early in the morning rush to Rothang. As you can see all dotted white transport vehicles. And the sun wasnt even up.


Then the cute mountain goats


Pruthvi tailing


Amongst all the greenery we saw this new mountain fold rocks still growing. These rocks are being pushed up. Thats why Himalayas, the youngest folded mountains are still growing. I just could not stop reading every rock around me.


The first glimpse of sunrise and traffic was already heavy. Strategy was to overtake as much as white transport vehicles as possible after the tea break.


I told pruthvi to keep a distance from vehicles when overtaking


And for a tea break, my best friend the Bull resting - the majestic mountain speaks for itself with its beauty.


The sunrise was picking pace. We pushed off.


Our strategy at work


The proud Platina guy navigating through thick traffic at Rothang


The mountains were so beautiful that no words can explain, so I chose to have a Photo Feature rather than a fully blown out written blog.


As we looked up, thats the traffic we had to navigate through.


However each time we turned the other way, God smiled at us


As we climbed


Rothang La welcomes us


Surveying the mud


Poli got down and walked. I navigated the mud. All 4 wheelers halted as they could not continue. Locals helped us when my bull got stuck in the mud.


That narrow path we used to overtake and get to the front.


Rothang made me sweat and we halted just after passing


And celebrated


Over joyed


I thought she wanted to jump of the cliff, so I had to run and get Poli back


It was an excited the happiness that only experience could tell


My bull stood along us like a silent friend - I owe happy moment to my bull.


After this we had some beautiful roads. Early morning our spirits so high.


We stopped for a moment. Few days ago, we started from Hyderabad. never knew we would make it here. God be with us.


As we headed front


Pruthvi tailed


All Beauty


I never took Pruthvi out of my rear view mirror. Coming on a Platina, I had immense respect for him.


I owe Sudds a thumbs up for an awesome helmet.


We stopped at the first glimpse of solid Ice. New to Pruthvi.


Pictures speak of expressions


Needs no caption


Awe struck with beauty


Signed, Sealed, Delivered.


There was not a single soul around.


I forgot the name of this place, but this was the place we halted for breakfast, after which we would head towards Sarchu.


Ice conquering the road


Endless Beauty.


Just before breakfast halt.


A Wild pony or Horse?


Halted


Ordered breakfast, Maggie.


I was dead hungry.


But he wanted only Tea and Biscuit


After breakfast we headed to Sarchu, travelling through some of the most pathetic roads you could imagine. For some its easy. For me, a Thunderbird fully loaded with 2 weights was not an easy task. So read on as Part 2 to Sarchu will be published very soon.