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**Vykier** · 07-29-2014, 03:38 PM

Re: Ladakh 2014 - The Most happening ride of my life till the end

1. Should I hang my Gloves and quit riding motorcycle for long trips ? Yes / No

Nope. Not completely. Having an option to tour both on two and four wheels is best in my opinion.

2. Should I ride Solo or in Group ( If you say I continue riding)

Again, be open for both in my opinion... gives you a chance to ride with friends when you feel less confident and can choose to take off solo on rides you want to.

3. Should I go in for a higher CC bike in addition to my present Suzuki GS 150R ? Yes / No

Yes. But if you like the lightness that a 150cc bike possesses as opposed to the power that higher cc bikes deliver then you'd have to think. Otherwise, its a sane choice for a tourer to go for something that gives more latitude in terms of power, quickness, higher more relaxed cruise speed etc... do choose something ergonomically comfortable and well suited for your sitting style.

Cheers.

**ankit mishra** · 07-29-2014, 04:10 PM

Re: Ladakh 2014 - The Most happening ride of my life till the end

1. Should I hang my Gloves and quit riding motorcycle for long trips ? Yes / No

very humbly, the question is wrongly put up sir,
In a biking forum you ask it and i can guarantee nobody will come up with the answer YES.
Neither I believe that you should quit riding.

Question should be...
"Should i try long trips in a car or a SUV and nearby small trips on a bike.
As SUV or car will also give me the advantage of doing these occasionally with the family... my wife and daughter and keep me comparatively safer at the same time?"

(Please answer yourself)

2. Should I ride Solo or in Group ( If you say I continue riding)

Your Wish.
I myself tried riding in a group just to discover that i am a solo rider.

3. Should I go in for a higher CC bike in addition to my present Suzuki GS 150R ? Yes / No

Higher CC bike... hummm, can't say, but surely an upgrade over Suzuki GS150.

I believe for the kind of riding/touring you do following bikes would be adequate.
1. FZ or a Duke: they both give very nice control over any kind of terrain
2. Avenger or Harley Iron 883. Again for the same reason, very easy to control, street presence and easy on rider to cruise all day long.

(I won't recommend you anything from Royal Enfiled.)
I used a few bike names in my answer, just to exemplify what kind of machine will suit you.

And yes, Sir, your riding potential is much more than me.

when i left from Rohtang, i took a night halt at Mandi, and then next day i rode till Delhi.
hahaha

**animeher** · 07-29-2014, 04:13 PM

Re: Ladakh 2014 - The Most happening ride of my life till the end

I read your last post now, and it really shows that you took too much unneeded risk. A one night stay away from a family vs a lifetime away from them! I would strongly urge you to plan and halt every now and then. There is no glory in death or getting crippled by unwarranted dares and challenges.

Also, please get an HID fixed, the GS150 can easily handle a 35W HID and will turn the night into day. But then, I doubt whether an HID would save a crash that came after so much riding!

How did you try to pick up the bike? There is an excellent thread on xbhp itself that shows how to pick up a fallen bike properly, and it works very well. Do see that thread, and hope you never have to use that knowledge again.

I hope you are healing well. That was a really nasty crash that could have taken a lot worse direction. Congrats on the safe completion of the trip

**Hoodibaba** · 07-30-2014, 06:43 PM

Re: Ladakh 2014 - The Most happening ride of my life till the end

Thanks for replying to the query I had put up on previous page.

I am absorbing the replies with open heart BUT would like response from more readers who have been following my travelogue on the three questions put forward by me on page 9.

So please come up with your suggestions more and more.

Here is the video of this whole ride from start to finish which would give a quick review of this wonderful ride. Hope you will appreciate this final video as well.

I would thank all those who have overwhelmingly sent their comments and appreciated it throughout their virtual ride with me.

I have almost recovered from the accident and have joined my office from 7th of July, 2014.

Thanks all again for wishing me speedy recovery.

**max007** · 07-30-2014, 08:17 PM

Re: Ladakh 2014 - The Most happening ride of my life till the end

Originally posted by Hoodibaba View Post

Thanks for replying to the query I had put up on previous page.

I am absorbing the replies with open heart BUT would like response from more readers who have been following my travelogue on the three questions put forward by me on page 9.

So please come up with your suggestions more and more.

Sir

1. you should ride

2.Group if the ride is this challenging .

3.Higher cc bikes ? Yes definitely but not too big so that you can handle.

Two more from my side

1. Please take enough rest even more than enough rest don't fix any time frame to reach a destination .

2. If you want and ok with cagers move to them in a challenging rides like this or else ride as much as possible and enjoy the ride .

**Kajalvk** · 07-30-2014, 09:10 PM

Re: Ladakh 2014 - The Most happening ride of my life till the end

It has been a wonderful writeup by you Sir. The questions that you asked really made me to think as the "Questions of My Future". Here is my take on the below points:-

1.Should I hang my Gloves and quit riding motorcycle for long trips ? Yes / No
My Take:- Not at All. If such a riding is like Oxygen to You, you should never Quit. Think of life without Oxygen. The best is you may have to change your Style as to avoid certain risks which are not in our direct control.
2. Should I ride Solo or in Group ( If you say I continue riding)
My Take:- This question is very interesting. During long rides, I understood the importance of smaller group / solo riding. I would suggest you go for a smaller group of max. 2-3 riders who are like minded.
3. Should I go in for a higher CC bike in addition to my present Suzuki GS 150R ? Yes / No
My Take:- You can go for Higher CC bike. Sice I rode with You, I am sure you are a very matured Rider. A Higher CC bike will definitely add more flavour to the Riding Instinct.

Best of Luck for your future rides. Hope to ride with you sometime soon :-)

**psychedelik** · 07-30-2014, 09:30 PM

Re: Ladakh 2014 - The Most happening ride of my life till the end

Sorry to be late sir...excellent t-log ,as always..

1.You should ride no matter what..you are an inspiration to us..

2. Its your decision,as [MENTION=59464]max007[/MENTION] said,you should consider riding in a group if the ride is challenging

3.Maybe you should upgrade to a bigger cc bike.that seem like a good idea

And thank you for a wonderful tripalogue ...keep on riding sir

**Hoodibaba** · 08-11-2014, 03:12 PM

Re: Ladakh 2014 - The Most happening ride of my life till the end

Originally posted by psychedelik View Post

Sorry to be late sir...excellent t-log ,as always..

1.You should ride no matter what..you are an inspiration to us..

2. Its your decision,as @max007 said,you should consider riding in a group if the ride is challenging

3.Maybe you should upgrade to a bigger cc bike.that seem like a good idea

And thank you for a wonderful tripalogue ...keep on riding sir

Originally posted by Kajalvk View Post

It has been a wonderful writeup by you Sir. The questions that you asked really made me to think as the "Questions of My Future". Here is my take on the below points:-

1.Should I hang my Gloves and quit riding motorcycle for long trips ? Yes / No
My Take:- Not at All. If such a riding is like Oxygen to You, you should never Quit. Think of life without Oxygen. The best is you may have to change your Style as to avoid certain risks which are not in our direct control.
2. Should I ride Solo or in Group ( If you say I continue riding)
My Take:- This question is very interesting. During long rides, I understood the importance of smaller group / solo riding. I would suggest you go for a smaller group of max. 2-3 riders who are like minded.
3. Should I go in for a higher CC bike in addition to my present Suzuki GS 150R ? Yes / No
My Take:- You can go for Higher CC bike. Sice I rode with You, I am sure you are a very matured Rider. A Higher CC bike will definitely add more flavour to the Riding Instinct.

Best of Luck for your future rides. Hope to ride with you sometime soon :-)

Originally posted by max007 View Post

Sir

1. you should ride

2.Group if the ride is this challenging .

3.Higher cc bikes ? Yes definitely but not too big so that you can handle.

Two more from my side

1. Please take enough rest even more than enough rest don't fix any time frame to reach a destination .

2. If you want and ok with cagers move to them in a challenging rides like this or else ride as much as possible and enjoy the ride .

Originally posted by animeher View Post

I read your last post now, and it really shows that you took too much unneeded risk. A one night stay away from a family vs a lifetime away from them! I would strongly urge you to plan and halt every now and then. There is no glory in death or getting crippled by unwarranted dares and challenges.

Also, please get an HID fixed, the GS150 can easily handle a 35W HID and will turn the night into day. But then, I doubt whether an HID would save a crash that came after so much riding!

How did you try to pick up the bike? There is an excellent thread on xbhp itself that shows how to pick up a fallen bike properly, and it works very well. Do see that thread, and hope you never have to use that knowledge again.

I hope you are healing well. That was a really nasty crash that could have taken a lot worse direction. Congrats on the safe completion of the trip

Originally posted by ankit mishra View Post

1. Should I hang my Gloves and quit riding motorcycle for long trips ? Yes / No

very humbly, the question is wrongly put up sir,
In a biking forum you ask it and i can guarantee nobody will come up with the answer YES.
Neither I believe that you should quit riding.

Question should be...
"Should i try long trips in a car or a SUV and nearby small trips on a bike.
As SUV or car will also give me the advantage of doing these occasionally with the family... my wife and daughter and keep me comparatively safer at the same time?"

(Please answer yourself)

2. Should I ride Solo or in Group ( If you say I continue riding)

Your Wish.
I myself tried riding in a group just to discover that i am a solo rider.

3. Should I go in for a higher CC bike in addition to my present Suzuki GS 150R ? Yes / No

Higher CC bike... hummm, can't say, but surely an upgrade over Suzuki GS150.

I believe for the kind of riding/touring you do following bikes would be adequate.
1. FZ or a Duke: they both give very nice control over any kind of terrain
2. Avenger or Harley Iron 883. Again for the same reason, very easy to control, street presence and easy on rider to cruise all day long.

(I won't recommend you anything from Royal Enfiled.)
I used a few bike names in my answer, just to exemplify what kind of machine will suit you.

And yes, Sir, your riding potential is much more than me.

when i left from Rohtang, i took a night halt at Mandi, and then next day i rode till Delhi.
hahaha

Originally posted by Vykier View Post

1. Should I hang my Gloves and quit riding motorcycle for long trips ? Yes / No

Nope. Not completely. Having an option to tour both on two and four wheels is best in my opinion.

2. Should I ride Solo or in Group ( If you say I continue riding)

Again, be open for both in my opinion... gives you a chance to ride with friends when you feel less confident and can choose to take off solo on rides you want to.

3. Should I go in for a higher CC bike in addition to my present Suzuki GS 150R ? Yes / No

Yes. But if you like the lightness that a 150cc bike possesses as opposed to the power that higher cc bikes deliver then you'd have to think. Otherwise, its a sane choice for a tourer to go for something that gives more latitude in terms of power, quickness, higher more relaxed cruise speed etc... do choose something ergonomically comfortable and well suited for your sitting style.

Cheers.

Originally posted by ankit mishra View Post

hats off to your courage sir,

but i would suggest you to have planned night breaks,

Try moving to cars they are equally fun...

Originally posted by animeher View Post

Hoodibaba Sir, deep respect for your amazing adventure

I am somewhat relating to you, as my first bike was Hoodibaba (Caliber115 in the signature green colour), and current steed is GS150R (first batch prior to your steed).

1. Should I hang my Gloves and quit riding motorcycle for long trips ? Yes / No

No. The way you had completed this treacherous journey, I don't doubt your ability. However, please make sure to take safer trips for a while!

2. Should I ride Solo or in Group ( If you say I continue riding)

What's the use of a group if you can't connect with them? What's the use of solo if you always miss people around? Depends totally on you.

3. Should I go in for a higher CC bike in addition to my present Suzuki GS 150R ? Yes / No

In addition? No. Keeping 2 bikes in garage is an involving job. In lieu of current bike? Yes. I think you can try for Inazuma (the logical upgrade from GS150R) or ZMA/ZMR if budget is about 1L. I think CBR250/Duke will not be comfortable position for you. More power will mean more flexibility to go farther distance with lesser stress. If you can, surely upgrade. It will increase the fun quotient.

Originally posted by rx100.7050 View Post

1. I don't think you should hang up your boots.
2. Again your personal opinion. You can try for solo or group rides.
3. Higher CC bikes do have their advantages and disadvantages. The biggest disadvantage being they would be heavier. God forbids but in case of a fall, it would be difficult for you to lift the vehicle on your own.

Sir, I would strongly suggest that you need to take proper breaks. You rode almost non-stop from Rohtang to Delhi-NCR without taking a proper 8-10 hours break!!! I would have not dared to do such a long distance travel !! Hope you understood my point. You just got too fatigued during your return journey. Ankit is right, night break is very important.

THANKS ALL FOR THESE ENCOURAGING WORDS.

As most of the respondents have desired that I should continue riding, off course I WILL. But as I am still experiencing a lot of pain in my neck, it might take me few more months before I can decide on this issue. (I am still required to wear the neck collar 24 hours a day).

As for solo or group ride, and the point mentioned by many i.e. challenging situations/ride, I might differ with a majority of responses, as I have been through these challenging situations many a times and have come out safely and successfully. Even the most critical situation mentioned in this travelogue i.e. crossing Tanglalang La, I although confess that that was a mistake to cross it at night that too when it was snowing heavily. But, I must confess that only when one comes across such critical phases, his level of endurance maches his ability to get over that phase. Yes I do agree that it is better if you are in a like minded group of 2 or 3 riders. It is certainly an advantage over solo ride.

As for higher cc bike, I would certainly like to keep my present bike Suzuki GS 150R for long rides and may acquire a higher cc bike, if I decide to continue my rides.

(Frankly, as on date I am not considering to continue my rides keeping in view the aggravated pain I feel while commuting to office daily on my bike)

Once again Thanks again for following this travelogue.

**AmoghDox** · 08-11-2014, 04:49 PM

Re: Ladakh 2014 - The Most happening ride of my life till the end

Originally posted by Hoodibaba View Post

THANKS ALL FOR THESE ENCOURAGING WORDS.

Once again Thanks again for following this travelogue.

Excellent travelogue sir, I almost glued to this thread it took several hours for me to realize that I was in the office

I hope to see you soon with your next adventure road trip, helmet off sir!

**chaosaddict** · 08-12-2014, 01:48 PM

Re: Ladakh 2014 - The Most happening ride of my life till the end

Okay,,, I knew of this wonderful & talked about log of yours but thought of going through once everything's updated.
At the outset, my respect and salute to your fearless and inspiring endeavor to attain the difficult, Sir!

The narration was extremely gripping, and so was the sequential photography. The story composition is comprised of fascinating facets pertaining to triumph defeat, ice age, brush with death, tent, sleepless riding, upside down truck/lorry, water crossings and many more. Your adventurous trip has triggered the reaction of touring virus in many - more so because of your age.

This tiredness is temporary and very soon you'll find it hard to control your urges for touring once the silent times become monotonous. However, I would suggest you to upgrade to a higher displacement with proper touring comfort.

All the best Sir, & thank you for sharing this wonderful story of yours with us.

**Jonny** · 08-13-2014, 01:07 AM

Re: Ladakh 2014 - The Most happening ride of my life till the end

Dear Sir its a pleasure to see you biking!Aaah the passion you pump in is beyond comprehension!If I had a riding partner like you I could have covered entire INDIA on Bike.I am very impressed indeed true passion.I am going there on the 3rd Sep14, I like the deal you caught with these guys with the Tent!I am kind of a budget rider would you mind sharing a bit details so that it can be helpful for me to house myself there?Any numbers or address or name will be appreciated.Thank you and best wishes.

**rajpal** · 08-18-2014, 07:47 AM

Re: Ladakh 2014 - The Most happening ride of my life till the end

1. Should I hang my Gloves and quit riding motorcycle for long trips ? No
No need to do that. Just have more rest stops along way. As they say slow and steady....

2. Should I ride Solo or in Group ( If you say I continue riding)
Depending on the mood. Maybe a bit of both as they both have their own positives & negatives.

3. Should I go in for a higher CC bike in addition to my present Suzuki GS 150R ? Yes / No
Hard to answer this. Maybe an Enfield Bullet or something but it doesn't matter what you ride..as long you as ride!

Glad that you got home safe and sound but if it was me, I would have stopped somewhere along the way before making that last 200 kms home.

But...an awesome travelogue Sir! Keep it up!

**RSM2852** · 08-19-2014, 02:40 PM

Re: Ladakh 2014 - The Most happening ride of my life till the end

Awesome log sir. #salute to the still young biker within you.

**zestbiker** · 08-19-2014, 03:55 PM

Re: Ladakh 2014 - The Most happening ride of my life till the end

gr8 t-log Hoodibaba-respect for your will power to carry home with all that pain.
Pray the injuries are completely healed and you're fighting n riding fit again

**sushan_udupi** · 08-20-2014, 02:46 PM

Re: Ladakh 2014 - The Most happening ride of my life till the end

[QUOTE=Hoodibaba;1080634]

Early morning Malvinder checks his mobile. A message had been received from Thiyagrajan one of the team members from Manali. They had reached Manali at 12.00 night , delayed due to heavy traffic jam at Ranny Nalla. At last Malvinder and myself feel a lot relieved.

^th. We get through the Jam with lot of effort and that too because we are riding on two wheelers. But a lot of time has been wasted. The team members who were waiting for us at Manali have moved ahead. Now only Bipin Singh, who had decided to accompany Malvinder to Amritsar would be waiting for us at Mandi.

We decide to skip Manali and preferred the Nagar route via New Manali to save some time as this route has much lesser traffic and that proves to be a good decision. As we reach Mandi, find Bipin waiting for us. Malvinder and Bipin turn over the bridge towards Amritsar route and I again a solo move ahead towards Bilaspur. By mid afternoon cross Swarghat and now I am descending the mountains. By evening reach Kiratpur and turn towards Banur. Now it is getting dark and am not feeling comfortable with the high beams of incoming traffic from the opposite side. So time to slow down a bit and now I have to be more careful. It is now around 9.00 p.m. and it is completely dark on the highway. Shambhu Border is not too far.

As my watch struck 10.30 pm, I reach Shambhu Border leaving Punjab behind me and entered into Haryana. Need to take rest but there is no place worth to sit and relax. Light is too dim. I find a small shop selling cold drinks. Sit down on the wooden bench and try to relax for half an hour sipping cold drink. Already getting late and though tired and exhausted still had to cover 200+ kms. So got back on my bike and take left turn and enter Haryana. The street lights are better illuminated on this stretch. Soon got over the fly over and turn right towards Delhi.

Now I am almost on my home stretch. There is heavy traffic on NH 1 but I need not worry I have been on this road in similar situation a number of times already this year alone. I synchronize my speed with the other vehicles moving at high speed. I avoid the most outer (left) lane to avoid any chance of hitting any animal or a tractor trolley or in the worst circumstances a human in this late hour of night. That is why I prefer to drive either in High Speed Lane or the second innermost lane because I can comfortably ride at 80 to 90 kms the usual speed of other vehicles in this lane. Although the SUVs zoom past me from any side but I am not bothered.

I have just crossed the Toll Plaza at Karnal. But still around 160 kms to cover. My next stop over may be after crossing the last Toll Plaza near Sonipat. And I have crossed over Sonipat as well. Time to take some rest. Stop at road side shop. Time is around 1 a.m. Order hot Tea, may be this would be the last time before I get Home.
Start my final journey to be with my lovely daughter and wife after so many days. Now am riding in the innermost lane as some times had to weave through big trailers a number of times in the second and third lane. There are spots where the light is too dim, not unusual.

A big vehicle is moving at high speed on my left lane leaving too little space for me. You might have noticed small openings left on the central verge/dividers of high way to cross the vehicles on the other side. Suddenly I see one such opening and then a big stone right in my line of drive. I hit the stone right in the centre and feel a strong thud in my neck. Thereafter may be I lost control over the grip of the handle. I came back into senses within seconds and find myself lying near the central verge/pavement. The bike is lying right in the middle of the road just in front of an SUV. I recollect my senses and move towards the bike. I find my limbs are intact. I raised hands to stop the fast moving vehicles for help. Although it is too risky at that late hour of night but may be the almighty Lord Vishnu who has saved me from this almost fatal accident is still on my side. The incoming vehicles though slow down but no one comes to help me lift the bike. I do not have much time so make few attempts to lift the bike and at last succeed. The bike is in order and moving. The wheels are working fine. It is a big surprise. Somehow I push the bike to the left most corner of the road. First major risk of being hit by a fast moving vehicle is now over.

I stretch my legs on the ground and have a feel of the limbs. I am feeling excruciating pain in my neck and right shoulder. But looks no major injury or fracture on my body. I escaped major injury only because of special accessories which I normally use during ride like, riding pant, jacket, gloves plus the helmet which saved me. After getting into my senses I inspect the bike closely. I had very remote chance of finding it worthy of driving after such a big hit but to my utter surprise it starts on first attempt through self start. The headlight is also intact, the handle bar is intact though has moved to extreme forward position due to the impact of the hit. The only problem is that the bike is in 6^th gear and gear shift is jam. The RVMs have broken but the clutch lever and break leaver are intact. I mentioned earlier I am firm believer of Lord Vishnu. My Suzuki GS 150 R can start in any gear. The company may have never thought of this eventuality but today this engineering marvel/technology has saved my life.

I start my bike with great efforts and it starts moving slowly. I gain some speed although. By the time, I start feeling too much pain in my neck. But I have to move on, time is crucial. I am all alone, need medical attention immediately. Lord Vishnu is there all along. I support my chin/neck with my left hand and ride on. I spot lights on the other side. Stop on my side. It is Sukhdev Dhaba. Hope some biker would spot me who might be coming from long ride as well. Two bikers did cross over but may be they could not gauge the exigency. I felt the urge to relieve myself. May be this will ease some pressure. Somehow I managed. This may look a small matter but in those conditions it is a major difficult task in those riding pants.

Time being the crucial factor to get help at home as the pain is getting unbearable I move on. Another sign board Delhi 33 kms. But now at the border there is too much traffic and I cannot move at very slow speed due to gear problem. Somehow squeeze through the slow moving traffic and got an opening. The road is now brightly lit. I look for the PCR van. May be I will get help. But, they are not there. Slowly reached the Mukarba Chowk and took the left turn on the outer ring road. Distance still to be covered 26 kms. I am inching closer to my family. There is major construction work going on all along the Outer Ring Road till Wazirabad Bridge. At one intersection I am struck behind a truck whose driver is looking for passengers to earn some money. The few minutes delay has stopped my bike and I cannot cross over the truck. By God grace it does not last for long. I can move again. There are too many speed breakers not to mention too much traffic coupled with traffic lights still working. Lord Vishnu comes to my aid. I almost got Green lights and as for speed breakers, find lots of them damaged. So crossed them without much difficulty.

Crossed Majnu Ka Teela Gurudwara and reached Chandgi Ram Akhara red light. Knew there is a side lane to bypass red light. Got over the bridge to Shahdara. Distance to be covered 11.5 kms. I am getting too much exhausted. The pain in right hand is getting unbearable. I cannot hold the firm grip on the handle. I feel that I can collapse any moment. Already I have to support my chin with left hand. But, I have covered 70 kms and driven for over 200 minutes. I cannot quit. I have to do it.

But, stop on road side pavement. Sit there for some moments. It is just 11 kms now. Help and hope everything depends if I make it quickly. It is already over around 4 hours since I am going through ordeal. I recollect my energy and called my inner heart Move Dinesh Move. Move Hoodibaba ! I get up. Take position on seat somehow. Start the bike and slowly gain speed. Now I am moving again. I can almost sense hope, I am almost Home. There are number of flyovers till Dilshad Garden which I have to ascend and cross over. If the bike stops at the foot of any bridge it would be difficult to start in 6^th gear at slow speed and cross over. There is traffic at every point but Lord Vishnu is with me. Now, I turn to right at Dilshad Garden round about and move over another fly over. Cross the Surya Nagar traffic light it is in yellow mode. Now I have to take left turn at next crossing. It is around 4.30 a.m now. After taking the left turn, my bike stops at a speed breaker. They are three in a row. Home is just around the corner just few hundred feet away. There it is. I have entered Ramprasth. The bike does not make trouble to start but have to make effort to cross the speed breakers in 6^th gear at slow speed with little push with the feet. Pick up some speed
and
I am right there in front of my Home.

My ever reliable Bike
(with minor breakdown)

The handle bar had moved foward too much

I WILL BE BACK ON THE HIGHWAY SOON.

Looking forward to your valued comments

take a bow sir.. you are the inspiration...

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Ladakh 2014 - The Most happening ride of my life till the end

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