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Chamundi Hills, Mysore (Flash back)
Chamundi Hills, Mysore (Flash back log. First ride after becoming an accidental bike-tourer)
It's been three years since I met and went on to develop a strong bond with my beast, which is still going strong.
In June 2011, I was not even aware of existence of a brotherhood called xBHP. I was, I still am, an amateur rider. I had a TVS Jive, as I found it next to impossible to learn to use clutch to engage and disengage gears. I bought Jive as I thought it's a cool deception as even though I am riding something similar to a gear-less scooter, I was looked as a bike rider. One fine afternoon I rode my Jive till Maddur, approximately 70 Kms from Bangalore. Just like that. No reason. I did not even know that people travel on their bikes. To me bikes were purely for racing and commuting, and I was and am not definitely made for racing. But, I liked what I did. I became a bike-tourer by accident. However, the clutch-less Jive was not exciting me anymore as I had tasted the joy of riding proper clutch-gear bikes on my younger brother's Yamaha FZ-S.
I decided to go for a proper bike and transform myself to a proper biker. I was not aware of many options available in the market. I looked at RE. RE classic was at it's peak. It still is! Honda CBR250 R was around the corner. But somehow, I do not know why, Avenger captured my attention and Avenger it was, after watching some of really well made ads of the beast. Did not think twice. Traded my Jive as part of deal to get Avenger. I jumped from a 110 cc to a 220 cc capacity. A big leap for a guy who hardly knew how to ride. I did not even know whether I could ride from show room to my home. But, I managed. I was told about engine break-in by the showroom mechanic. I wanted to get through that break-in period as soon as possible and that sowed the seed of riding the bike to Mysore and return, covering around 300 Kms in a day. It's been hardly a week since I bought the bike.
I was not aware of safety gear. Just put on a jacket and I ventured on my first ride, which was not documented till date. This was my first refreshing and leisurely one day ride on a motorcycle. For a guy who was riding a 110 cc bike as means of commuting between office and home and occasional errands to grocery shop or market, this was a big thing, or at least I felt so. I had to ensure that ride speed did not cross 50 kmph. And, that was to my liking too. Rode towards Mysore. Started at around 10 am. Enjoying the cool breeze of impending monsoon, my ride slowly progressed towards Mysore. First time I came across a fully ladened RE with a rider fully geared zip past me. I was like what was that! Then I saw that big bike was parked near a MacD. I went close and observed the bike and the luggage on it. Felt nice. I was still not introduced to the world of touring on bike. But the sight of a fully loaded bike and what it seemed to be up to made me feel nice.
Continued towards Mysore. Some kids by the road jumped with joy looking at my new bike and they were on their small bicycles and started to race me, as I was taking utmost care to slowly cross multiple speed breakers rolled on the road as a carpet. One small chap started shouting 'Dhoom bike'. I stopped by and took few snaps with them. My first steps in 'motography'. Had fun with those kids. My first steps in 'having fun with starngers'. Journey as a bike-tourer had begun.
Reached Mysore. Weather was nice. Found my way to Chamundi hills. Was it coincidence or was it a hint of things I would be glued to in coming future. I don't know. I saw three guys on their bikes and one of them was pretty big. I did not even know what make it was. They were clicking pictures. I asked them about pending distance to Mysore. And, also stealthily eyed the bike. It was Ninja. I was like wow. But, felt like I was not made for something advanced like that. Even without riding it. Really! I gotta be kidding myself! Anyways, reached Chamundi hills. Paid my humble offering and obeisance at Sri Chamundeshwari Devi temple. Visited couple of temples around. Walked around and enjoyed the cool afternoon. Clicked few snaps. Started my ride back home. On the way, stopped by near a vantage point and enjoyed the view of Mysore through a telescope which was manned by a friendly bloke. I have forgotten his name. But felt nice. The day was made to feel nice.
On my way to Bangalore, I stopped at a road side tea shop. Answered curious questions of by standers and fellow tea-sippers. I enjoyed the attention my beast was getting. I relished the stares my beast was getting. Rode on. Was stopped by police and went through a casual documents check. Later a guy on a super bike zipped past me at an insane speed. I was wondering what if a dog suddenly appears in front of him from nowhere! Could he avoid! What if...anyways I rode on. I was ecstatic by the time I ambled through Bangalore traffic and reached home. I shared my experience with my brother. The wanderer in me was born with this short ride to Mysore and is surviving through this corporate mess and trying to infuse oxygen by taking short rides. Efforts are on to ensure that rider and the ride continue to enjoy this wandering phase for some more time to come. Hopefully, it's gonna be a long-longer-longest phase.
PS: I am searching for pics that I took during this ride, as I type this log. Whenever I find, I would post.
Pics found:
Last edited by experimentalhead; 06-25-2014, 12:30 AM.Comment
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[flash back log] bangalore-mysore- madikeri- mangalore- surathkal-hassan- bangalore
[FLASH BACK LOG]FOOLHARDY RIDE - BANGALORE-MYSORE- MADIKERI- MANGALORE- SURATHKAL-HASSAN-BANGALORE [FLASH BACK LOG]
I still remember, my first insane and poorly planned long ride, vividly, like a batsman remembers every run of his first century. No pics in this log. But, composition may compensate. May, not will!
Before that some random rambling:
Actual ride log begins after few paragraphs of this rambling.
Now that my rides are mostly restricted to daily shuttle between office and home, barring couple of rides in last two weeks, which have kept the wanderer in me alive, I am putting my idle time to good use, by just blurting out about couple of my rides which set the wheels rolling in this mesmerizing world infested with explorers on wheels and feet.
In my previous log, I rambled about my first ride to Mysore after getting my beast. It was more about me entering this world of riding ending with my first long ride experience. I was getting used to my beast. A relationship had begun and we were trying to adapt to each other's strengths and weaknesses which involved a minor crash in the process. My love only multiplied everyday towards my beast. Every opportunity to ride would bring out the child like enthusiasm in me.
They say ignorance is bliss. I belong to the blissed lot. Less I know about intricacies of motorcycles, more fearless is mind & heart, and lesser doubts on beast's capabilities.
I cared least about a motorcycle's innards. It looked beautiful to me and it just rolled munching miles and that's what mattered to me. However, this has changed over time. Gradually, to my dislike I was thrusted into the world of motorcycle mechanics and dynamics. Who pushed me into this? I, me, myself. Also, my beast after having had a run of close to 39K Kms in three years, also showing signs of ageing. But like a veteran raring to enter a battle-field, it even to date does not take an extra second to come to life and hit the roads. Does not matter which kind! That's what makes me love my beast more and more. Obsessed we are with each other.
Occasionally doubts have crept in about reliability of my beast. What if it gives up in the middle of nowhere. But, what can I do. I neither have knowledge of DIY nor I can sit back assuming things which may or may not happen. That's just me. All I have with me is ability to ride, push, pray and hunger for miles.
I am not called as a fickle-minded by my nearest and dearest ones just like that. What's my subject line and see where I have digressed to. But one thing I am sure about is I am not fickle minded when it comes to riding. Now back to what I set to do. That is, to remind the poor reader, 24 hours of insanity covering around 750 Kms.
Two months after I had my beast, I decided to go for a long ride. I still was not part of this brotherhood. However I had read few travel blogs on many a forum. I always wanted to be a bus driver. Reason: It would allow me to drive and go places and munch miles. I began to fulfill my childhood fantasy. Only that I decided to ride instead of driving. I just could not resist myself from venturing into a long ride. No experience. Just an ignorant bloke who thought he could do what others have been doing.
I still remember, my first insane and poorly planned ride, vividly, like a batsman remembers every run of his first century.Took a day off from office. I had full three days at my disposal. I just decided to land in Gokarna and ride back. I just filled a wildcraft back pack with clothes, and lot of stuff which I do not recollect. One can only imagine how poor my travelling skills were. Thursday night. Filled fuel tank to brim. Went to bed. I just could not sleep. I had borrowed riding gear that is knee guards, arm guards and gloves from a senior at office who had ridden to Leh. Just could not sleep. Woke up at the start of alarm at 4 am. No one at home, got ready and went down. Tied the backpack to the pillion seat. I could only laugh at the way it was hanging on to the bike. I started the bike. It was not coming to life. After couple of attempts I smelt petrol. And when I looked down, my Rs 1000 worth petrol had drained completely forming a bloody pool. I got down to find that my beast had become a victim of petrol theft in an unguarded apartment premises. What actually shattered my heart was what they had done to the petrol pipe. It was slit right near the fuel valve. I was shattered at the way things have turned out. I never thought something like this could happen. No idea of what to do, came back home. Could not do anything. Called mom and informed of what had happened. By 7.30 am I heard some noise in the parking lot. Other victims of petrol theft had gathered discussing about what had happened. They sympathized with me having missed on my road trip. However, my kind neighbor put his magic hands at work and gave an ad hoc fix which would ensure that bike would reach the near by garage or service center. I thanked him and around 9.30 am started towards service center. Got the bike fixed by 10 am. A lot of attention from passersby was making me uneasy as i was not used to such ' who is this alien!' stares. Thanks to my attire!
I was supposed to start at 4.30 am and should have been in the midst of western ghats by 10.30 am. But, here I was standing by the road looking at crazy traffic of Bangalore as my mind was struggling to budge and get on with ride. Floating in Dilemma, I was unable to decide on what to do next. 'Abort the ride' screamed my mind. This was an inauspicious start. Do not know what awaits it said. I thought if I take a step back, that would be the abortion of my wandering brainchild. I took a deep breath and decide to consume miles in small morsels. I decided to ride at least till Mysore and then see how my ride pans out. Departed from Bangalore at around 10.45 am towards Mysore.
I decided to enjoy my ride, regardless of how short it's going to be. But, the backpack sitting on the pillion set was making me nervous. It was poorly tangled. So poorly that once it slipped to the right and then to the left. More than the rode, I was focusing on backpack. Got down, retied the backpack. This time poorer. That's what happens to half-knowledge. Trying to use backpack as a saddle bag. Paid the price. I heard a loud thud. Turned to find my backpack lying on the road. Thankfully, there were no other road users to whom it could have been harmful. Checked backpack and found that it was injured at some places. Cursed my foolishness and resumed ride. Now backpack was sitting on the pillion seat slung over my shoulders, hugging my back acting as a cushion. Reached Mysore.
I did not know what to do next. I was not an explorer then. All I wanted to do was just keep riding. It was 1 pm. Decided to ride towards Madikeri and then decide what to do. State highway was in great condition. Weather had changed from sunny to overcast. Cool breeze was a great relief. Then, it started to drizzle. I was now getting into groove. I had forgotten about what had happened earlier. I was enjoying the ride and not thinking about anything. Drizzle turned to rain. Thought of stopping the ride and taking shelter did not even cross my mind. I kept riding. Rain had taken shape of heavy shower. I was drenched. Winding rounds amidst greenery was so soothing to eyes, mind and heart. My beast was not complaining and just rolled on.
Reached Madikeri by 3.30 pm. I was soaked. Feeling hungry, stopped at the first hotel I sighted. I was still not comfortable with stares. I do not blame them. Anyone would be surprised to see a guy soaked from head to toe, weirdly dressed with armor around knees and elbows. Food was pathetic would be an understatement. Did not waste much time. I had decided that I would continue to ride towards Mangalore. A milestone showed Mangalore was just approx. 140 Kms. Time was 4.30 pm. I thought 2 hours later I would be in Mangalore as I assumed roads to be smooth as they were till now. Took few pics after exiting madikeri.
After about ten kilometers, I saw that road renovation was undergoing, which reduced my speed. It was drizzling. I thought this stretch would pass. But, it did not end and became worse. For next 80 Kms, it was off-roading experience. Passed through many villages and accumulated many more stares. I could not wait to see proper roads. Finally I reached Highway and continued towards Mangalore. Time was 6.45 pm and had 50 more Kms to reach Mangalore. That should tell how bad road condition was. My beast had to survive through extremely tough conditions.
Roads were good. But, now challenge was high beams. I had never ridden on an NH with heavy traffic, in the night times, till date. I was getting impatient as my plan of reaching Mangalore by 6.30 or 7 pm had gone for a toss. I was unable to see the road ahead. Just followed the tail lamps of vehicles ahead. Reached Mangalore by 8.15 pm. I was wet and I was used to it by now. I informed my family about my whereabouts. Now, I had to decide whether to halt or ride further. I was addicted to riding. Resumed my ride towards Udupi. Time was 8.45 pm.
I would like to correct myself here. I called roads earlier as Pathetic. I was so wrong. Because the stretch between Mangalore and Surathkal NIT was worse than Pathetic. There were no pits. There were valleys. I am not exaggerating. Add to it some reckless driving by bus drivers. First time I was seeing a road in such inexplicable condition. I saw few factories emitting poisonous gas with a repulsive odor. However, like every bad thing should come to an end, the stretch ended too. I passed by NIT, one of the famous engineering colleges. Famous for meritocracy. I saw many students carrying luggage and waiting for bus. Many of them were having gala time. Their laughs showed that they were relieved. Of course from exams! Crossed NIT and reached a petrol station. Time was 10 pm.
I answered their curious and enthusiastic queries with equal enthusiasm. They enquired about plan. I told them that I am not having any intention to stop. Destination was Gokarna, as it was approx. 240 Kms and should be covered in another 6 hours in worst case scenario. Man proposes, God disposes. I was told that road near Bhatkal was blocked due to landslide because of heavy rainfall. I asked if there is any other route. I was told there is an interior route but not recommended for night riding, especially in the rains. I did not want to halt anywhere. I just wanted to ride. I thanked them for information. They wished me luck. I turned back towards Mangalore. Decided to head to Hassan and then decide about further ride. Time was 10.20 pm.
Reached Mangalore. But took a wrong diversion and reached an empty road which nowhere looked like NH. Saw two guys. Only when I went closer I realized that they were drunk to brim and were blabbering. I still enquired about road towards highway leading to Bangalore. One of the, tall and well built, held on to backrest and insisted that he would be my pillion till Bangalore. I told him that I cannot allow that. He was asking why he could not be my pillion. I did not answer. But twisted the throttle. His grip was strong, but not strong enough. I heard him blabber loudly as I disappeared in the dark. Figured my way back to highway and got the correct direction towards Bangalore. Time was 11 pm.
There was hardly any traffic. Few Volvo buses zipped by. I entered ghats section. It was dark all around. Rain started again. I could hear sound made by insects. Suddenly, I realized, I was all alone. It was eerie feeling. First time I felt that I committed a mistake. What an irony. Entire trip was filled with mistakes. I realized now. Prayed for company. Prayer answered and heard and saw a truck slowly approaching from behind. Waited for the truck to overtake. It was moving at around 40 Kmph. I just followed it.Roads were in extremely bad condition. Rain had not helped the situation. Many trucks had given up. What surprised me was the ease with which KSRTC Volvo buses moved over such bad roads, displaying their built and reliability. I was getting used to surprised stares. Received many from those in cars, jeeps and trucks. Their expression said it all, ‘what the hell was I doing there!’ At one point, I tried to avoid loose gravel and ended up in a small ditch. I was asked if I was fine by a guy in a car. I said I was fine. Pushed the bike out of ditch and resumed. Time was around 12.45 am.
I was hungry. But there was no place to stop. It was still raining. I decided that I would eat only after reaching Sakleshpur. I was, by now, used to riding in the rain at a reasonable speed. Reached Sakleshpur by 2 am. As I entered the sleeping town, I pumped my fist in air as if I had won a MotoGP race. I parked by a road side and devoured biscuits and gulped juice. I was re-energized. Madness is like gravity. All it needs is a little push. Time was 2.20 am. I resumed my ride.Rain had subsided. Road was good. Reached Hassan by 3.10 am. I decided to head back to Bangalore. I had earlier thought of riding to my hometown. But, decided against it fearing a tongue-lash from mom. I was riding towards Bangalore. Even though I felt no tiredness, incident before ride, non-stop riding, incessant rain, bad roads, poorly planned food and drink breaks took toll on my body. Around 5 am, stopped to have a cup of tea to revitalize.
Couple of big lessons I learnt was to never to overdo anything, and not to push my limit and luck. I was not at all sleepy. At least that’s what I thought. When I opened my eyes, I saw that I was not on road anymore. I had got deflected on to the muddy road next to tarmac. I was unable to control my beast as it was vibrating violently. Before I realized, I hit a pile of tires stacked by the road and I fell down along with my beast. My beast made a loud rumble before going silent. I did not know how to react at this unexpected turn. Couple of guys from the puncture shop rushed to me. By then I was up and was trying to get my beast up. A family sitting in the car had horrified looks at seeing what had happened. I was asked to relax. My attire was dirty and muddy. I said I was fine and found not a single scratch. I was now worried about my beast. Only the crash guard was bent which was set right immediately. Apart from that not a scratch and came to life with just one press of start button. I was offered tea. I politely refused as I was embarrassed. I thanked them and left the scene immediately. The whole ride had taken a toll on me which led to the mishap as I had closed my eyes for probably couple of seconds. Time was 5.45 am.
After riding for some time, stopped to recompose myself. I cursed myself. I hurled abusive words at myself. I thought what if…I didn’t even want to think about it. I resumed my ride. Every cell in my body was awake. Now it was a beautiful four lane road and sun had begun his art work in the sky. I tried to forget what had happened. I rode with utmost caution while crossing intersections as I saw villages were waking up to life. I reached Bangalore by 7.45 am. I had stopped caring about stares. I was rather enjoying them. Informed family about my arrival. Thanked god as I returned in one piece and hit the sack.
I am definitely not proud about this ride in particular. I was foolish to push my limits without realizing consequences. I learnt my lessons and ensured that all future rides to be well planned and no-stress rides.
I went on to complete saddle sore. But everything was considered in detail right from weather to breaks, and was well executed.
However, now a days I am enjoying leisurely rides, which have been documented in this thread. No more foolhardiness.
PS: I carried camera. But took only few pics near Madikeri. I will upload them as soon as I get them. Non-stop ride and incessant rains ensured no photography session.
This is a misfit in this thread. But did not want to open a new thread as it's futile. It's just a recollection
Found the pics:
Last edited by experimentalhead; 03-25-2017, 01:57 PM.Comment
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Route maps for Mysore first ride and Fool hardy ride
Found the pics of last two rides mentioned in the thread.
Pics updated for 'Mysore ride' and 'Fool hardy ride'.
Route maps:
Mysore Ride:
Foolhardy ride:
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Re: Route maps for Mysore first ride and Fool hardy ride
Amazing ones these are! thanks a lot for sharing! Almost explored all from the list, but never kept a track as beautifully as you did. Do share more and keep burning the rubber!
Cheers and Ride safe
I Ride to Forget the World, and Sometimes I Ride to Forget Who I AM.Comment
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Re: Route maps for Mysore first ride and Fool hardy ride
Beautiful documentation of the trips.. .
Still catching up with the list !! !Comment
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Re: Route maps for Mysore first ride and Fool hardy ride
Thanks a lot [MENTION=61921]SuvraGanguly[/MENTION]Originally posted by SuvraGanguly View PostAmazing ones these are! thanks a lot for sharing! Almost explored all from the list, but never kept a track as beautifully as you did. Do share more and keep burning the rubber!
Cheers and Ride safe
@shashank ashwin Thanks a lot. I too have a lot to catch up withOriginally posted by shashank ashwin View Post
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Re: Route maps for Mysore first ride and Fool hardy ride
Unplanned short rides are best(may be because i never experienced a long ride). Just get into to your gear and ride. Nice collection you got there. Good narration and pics.
Try out Yelagiri hills(150 KMS from Bangalore) Good peaceful place far from commercialization unlike Nandi hills. Fell free to ride into any road you find on the hill all will hit a dead end or connect back to main road.Never leave traces of your presence..Comment
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Re: Route maps for Mysore first ride and Fool hardy ride
[MENTION=66447]pramodahanya[/MENTION] ThanksOriginally posted by pramodahanya View Post Have many places on my wish list. Due to certain unavoidable commitments, unable to do any rides. Yes, Yelagiri is on list too You are right. Short and unplanned rides are the best
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Devarayanadurga | goravanahalli | theetha dam
DEVARAYANADURGA | GORAVANAHALLI | THEETHA DAM
It's been quite some time since I was accompanied by a friend on a ride. Most of my rides have been solo acts. We have been planning something for quite sometime. But, nothing materialized. However, finally we decided on the spur of the moment to go for a ride. Two Raghus decided to go for a ride. One Raghu on Apache and the other one on Avenger. We decided to ride to Devarayanadurga. Raghu, on Apache, also suggested to extend the ride and cover Goravanahalli and Theetha dam, which are just 22 K ms (one way) from Devarayanadurga.
Weather: Bangalore's, in fact most of Karnataka's, weather is back at its best. Overcast, chill and slight drizzle. Chances of heavy rain in the afternoon. Sun in mood to play hide and seek.
Ride started at 5.10 am. After, really long time, my ride started at that time. Raghu-on-Apache joined me on the way around 5.50 am.
Entire ride, our speeds hovered in the range of 50 kmph to 80 Kmph. I can even count the number of times I touched 80 Kmph. All in all its been a lazy ride and sane one.
Till Dabaspet, where we have to take a diversion to continue towards Devarayanadurga, roads are four-lane and are boringly good. After the diversion, roads are quite confusing and fickle. For sometime they are good and suddenly change to pathetic. My friend told that road repair work was on about two months ago and by now it should be complete.He is so innocent to repose his trust in our system. Actually I did not understand whether they were making roads or breaking the existing ones. All in all roads are in pretty bad shape. Add to it raging bulls like KSRTC buses. You cross 50 Kmph at your own peril.
Reached Devarayanadurga at 8 am. Around 90 kms from my home. Yes our ride was so slow. Temple was not yet open. We resumed our ride to Goravanahalli, famous for goddess Maha Lakshmi temple and just half a kilo meter away is the Theetha dam, which is in pathetic condition. Only good thing about the dam is, it feeds it's filthy water to lot of ducks. Ducks are the good things about this dam. Then we were back at Devarayandurga. Road to Devarayanadurga is in better condition and winds through some good curves. There are two Lord Narasimha's temples. One at the foot of the hill and the other atop. We paid our obeisances at Goddess Lakshmi's and Lord Narasimha's temples. Enjoyed the ride. Amazing weather. We stopped many a time to click.
It started raining heavily after entering Bangalore. It's been so long since I rode in rain. Was completely drenched from head to toe by the time I reached home.
Now time to check out few pics:
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Re: One day rides
:thumbup:
Sent from my GT-I8262 using xBhp Connect mobile appComment
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Re: One day rides
Thanks [MENTION=66419]manjuadiga[/MENTION]Originally posted by manjuadiga View Post:thumbup:
Sent from my GT-I8262 using xBhp Connect mobile app
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Route map: Devarayanadurga - Goravanahalli - Theetha Dam
Route map: Devarayanadurga - Goravanahalli - Theetha Dam
Last edited by experimentalhead; 07-28-2014, 03:57 PM.Comment
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Re: Refreshing and leisurely one day motorcycle rides
One day rides, till now (inlcudes both Avenger and Benelli rides)
1. RANGANATHITTU
2. NANDI HILLS
3. MUTHATHI & GAGANA CHUKKI (SHIVANASAMUDRAM)
4. MANCHANABELE & MARKONAHALLI RESERVOIRS (AWESOME SUNSET VIEW)
5. KOKKARE BELLUR
6. SHRAVANABELAGOLA
7. SOMANATHPUR
8. KANVA RESERVOIR
9. BIG BANYAN TREE/ DODDA AALADA MARA
10. MAIDENAHALLI, JAYAMANGALI BLACKBUCK RESERVE
11. CHAMUNDI HILLS, MYSORE
12. DEVARAYANADURGA - GORAVANAHALLI - THEETHA DAM
13. YELAGIRI
14. VANI VILAS SAGAR (MARI KANIVE)
15. SUVARNAVATHI RESERVOIR
16. MELUKOTE
17. LEPAKSHI
18. SHETTIHALLI CHURCH
19. HOGENAKKAL FALLS
20. HORSLEY HILLS
21. AVALABETTA
22. THATTEKERE LAKE
23. MANDHARAGIRI (BASADI BETTA)
24. ANTARAGANGE
Many more to come in near future.Last edited by experimentalhead; 12-06-2015, 07:08 PM.Comment
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Re: One day rides
Awesome !!
Awaiting :-)
Have slowly started covering one by one ;-)RIDE SANE , RIDE SAFE...Comment
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