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Being relatively new to the world of touring, I was yet to test the capabilities of my backside to stay planted on a motorcycle seat for a long(ish) run. The only previous 150kms + run from my city Calcutta being the ride to Shantiniketan which was a winter ride totalling 350 odd kms, which although brilliant did take a serious toll on me due to the heavy backpack / clothing and complete lack of riding gear. So I waited and waited for four extremely long months before I was prepared mentally as well as gear wise to embark on my next road trip. And then it happened...............
The Maithon / Garpanchkot tour came out of a random ride discussion I was having with my biker buddy / ace photographer - Debarshi. After much debate on whether we should do this trip duing the extremely harsh summer we are experiencing this year, we decided to go ahead irrespective if whether it still burning or not on the last weekend on May. And so the planning commenced and our machines were prepped up for the run, with Debarshi on his CBR 250R and I on my FZ16. I also ordered the Viaterra Claw Mini saddle bag just before the trip to ensure I did not have another backpack nightmare and it proved to be absolutely vital to my ride condition considering the torrid heat wave and humidity which was running amok. Debarshi also picked up a pair of new gloves and knee protectors and we were all set for trip.
To try and minimise our exposure to the sad summer conditions, we left our respective places as soon as the first rays of light fell on our bikes
. Our route: The NH2 (Delhi Road) is a tourers' dream come true. Miles after miles of perfect tarmac interrupted only by the arrival of towns we had to cross: Durgapur and Asansol and that particular nightmarish checkpost (Chirkunda) just before you take a right turn for Maithon. We needed a few watering breaks apart from the breakfast halt in Durgapur to ensure we did not pass out or something from dehydration and finally arrived at Maithon around 10 am.
This place, famous for the colossal Dam and massive resultant lake, seems to have a weather system of its own. We were greeted by a pleasant windy (and sunny!) climate which soon transformed into the most insane dark cloud formation and lightning storm with gale force winds. And yes, it rained too!!
. I cannot possible describe in words how it all looked to here are some photos!
Yours truly, as shot by Debarshi...............
Debarshi also shot a video on his Garmin Virb action camera...
To be continued..............................
The Maithon / Garpanchkot tour came out of a random ride discussion I was having with my biker buddy / ace photographer - Debarshi. After much debate on whether we should do this trip duing the extremely harsh summer we are experiencing this year, we decided to go ahead irrespective if whether it still burning or not on the last weekend on May. And so the planning commenced and our machines were prepped up for the run, with Debarshi on his CBR 250R and I on my FZ16. I also ordered the Viaterra Claw Mini saddle bag just before the trip to ensure I did not have another backpack nightmare and it proved to be absolutely vital to my ride condition considering the torrid heat wave and humidity which was running amok. Debarshi also picked up a pair of new gloves and knee protectors and we were all set for trip.
To try and minimise our exposure to the sad summer conditions, we left our respective places as soon as the first rays of light fell on our bikes
. Our route: The NH2 (Delhi Road) is a tourers' dream come true. Miles after miles of perfect tarmac interrupted only by the arrival of towns we had to cross: Durgapur and Asansol and that particular nightmarish checkpost (Chirkunda) just before you take a right turn for Maithon. We needed a few watering breaks apart from the breakfast halt in Durgapur to ensure we did not pass out or something from dehydration and finally arrived at Maithon around 10 am. This place, famous for the colossal Dam and massive resultant lake, seems to have a weather system of its own. We were greeted by a pleasant windy (and sunny!) climate which soon transformed into the most insane dark cloud formation and lightning storm with gale force winds. And yes, it rained too!!
. I cannot possible describe in words how it all looked to here are some photos!Yours truly, as shot by Debarshi...............
Debarshi also shot a video on his Garmin Virb action camera...
To be continued..............................
. Hopefully a lot more miles will be munched and many more places will be seen / discovered. Already in planning mode for a ride to Benaras as soon as the weather improves. 
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