re: Simon Gandolfi - An Octogenarian Motorcyclist's Indian Odyssey aboard the TVS Phoenix

I am not at all qualified to comment on this man's ability & achievements but respect with humility

re: Simon Gandolfi - An Octogenarian Motorcyclist's Indian Odyssey aboard the TVS Phoenix

holy mother of gawd!!!
helmets off to u in respect, sir!!!
may the force be w/ u!

as for the 'local old man' - thats quiet a write up!
pls keep this one rolling!

re: Simon Gandolfi - An Octogenarian Motorcyclist's Indian Odyssey aboard the TVS Phoenix

Oh. My. God!

Helmet, jacket, gloves, everything off to you, Sir!

Riding across several nations at 80 on a motorcycle, wonder if I'd even be able to sit on one by then.
This bravery of yours (bravery indeed), reminds me of a wonderful movie I'm sure everyone has atleast heard of -- The Bucketlist.
Your humour, your light-heartedness can well be read in your log. Please pen down the rest of your wonderful experience of Living Life @ 80.

re: Simon Gandolfi - An Octogenarian Motorcyclist's Indian Odyssey aboard the TVS Phoenix

Respect grandpa People like you unknowingly (most times) inspire guys like me to ride till the time I can hold my own

Wishing you many happy miles.

re: Simon Gandolfi - An Octogenarian Motorcyclist's Indian Odyssey aboard the TVS Phoenix

Awesome Sir !!! .. People like you give me such a boost in life . But what about the Stunner, I read some time back that the Stunner was your 125cc bike.

re: Simon Gandolfi - An Octogenarian Motorcyclist's Indian Odyssey aboard the TVS Phoenix

SALUTES!! Simon for your truly amazing passion and you OF for presenting it to us! Truly an admirable on-going story. Simon, may there be many, many more happy miles to come and OF many thanks again

Cheers & Ride Safe

re: Simon Gandolfi - An Octogenarian Motorcyclist's Indian Odyssey aboard the TVS Phoenix

Immense RESPECT . I only wish that I am able to maintain my passion till I reach the likes of your age. Thanks @Old Fox sir, for putting up an inspiring write-up.

re: Simon Gandolfi - An Octogenarian Motorcyclist's Indian Odyssey aboard the TVS Phoenix

Respect !!
Thats what ive thought of everytime. The idea of touring brings BMW 1200gs straight away into your mind. But the biggest thing with it is that a slight sensor niggle will cause you to ship it back home. No mechanic will touch it that too if something happens in a no mans land.

Whereas a 100/125/150cc air cooled carburetted naturally aspirated is easily mendable. Something breaks weld it...glue it. At worst put a new engine if you had to. It wont cost much. But will keep you running.

re: Simon Gandolfi - An Octogenarian Motorcyclist's Indian Odyssey aboard the TVS Phoenix

this is great.... great stuff....hats off to him.

re: Simon Gandolfi - An Octogenarian Motorcyclist's Indian Odyssey aboard the TVS Phoenix

This a reply to all - thank you for bothering to comment. My apologies for not answering you all individually and for not replying until now. I have suffered from upload difficulties. As from Monday I shall internet independent and WILL reply. A diary is at xBhp for uploading. Please be patient with me. I am too old to be computer savvy. Back home I have very small grandchildren who understand the TV and can sort out why my desktop hates me. Here I have been am on my own...Now Suzie of Blazing Trails is attempting to instruct me. I understand at least 10% of her instructions!
Ride safe....

re: Simon Gandolfi - An Octogenarian Motorcyclist's Indian Odyssey aboard the TVS Phoenix

Another installment comes in from Simon. This is in fact the full story of his travel through India in the past few weeks. I daresay few can manage to ride and enjoy doing so through western UP, the Bundelkhand region and Madhya Pradesh in the scorching mid-summer heat! Read on and admire this grandfather who is also your riding brother

re: Simon Gandolfi - An Octogenarian Motorcyclist's Indian Odyssey aboard the TVS Phoenix

[MENTION=15574]simongandolfi[/MENTION] - Dear Sir, my deepest respect for your achievements. It is so different to hear about our own country from a foreigner point of view. I hope everything was a positive experience & you did not face any 'totally' untoward situation. Going by your experience, I also realize that the TVS Pheonix is a potential & reliable 125cc class.
I wish you all the best & luck for conquering many more miles in the coming future and yea, do keep us posted, Sir. It is extremely inspiring & motivational to go through your biking journal entries.. Ride safe!!

re: Simon Gandolfi - An Octogenarian Motorcyclist's Indian Odyssey aboard the TVS Phoenix

We are nothing infront of you.... helmets off SIR... This is awesome stuff...

re: Simon Gandolfi - An Octogenarian Motorcyclist's Indian Odyssey aboard the TVS Phoenix

OK, so the Ancient Brit did it - the Rohtang Pass. In Manali, people say that I've set a record, the oldest old fool to ride to the top (and back!). How was it? Scary in places, seriously scary in others! I hate mud. I really hate deep mud. I hate and detest deep mud on the edge of a precipice. I had company and great encouragement, two local bikers on 500 cc Bullets. Had I been on a Bullet, I would have dropped it a couple of times. My legs would have given way. The Phoenix was a perfect ride and never faltered.
When riding, all your concentration is on the road. We are back in Manali now and editing a video of the climb. Watch the video and I see how close I had to ride to the edge and how far the drop is.
Rohtang is 4,000 meters.
My companions are suggesting now that we ride to Ladakh...5,600 meters on the road to Leh.
I ask if they believe that I can make it.
"We'll see," is their reply - not exactly encouraging nor a vote of confidence!

The pic of the handsome young man flat on his back was taken at the top of the pass.

""

My gratitude to you fellow bikers for showing interest in my irresponsible adventures. Just remember, IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO BE A TEENAGER!