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I would like to dedicate this blog to all motorcycle wanderers who travel and explore on two wheels. I thank almighty for bestowing upon me this life with opportunities to live my passion. I cannot express my feelings towards my family's support and tolerance towards my 'so-called-madness'. I know very well how my mother, wife, brother and sister-in-law feel when I am riding in a strange land, all alone. Their concern over my safety makes me ride more responsibly every time I venture on a ride. A special thanks to my wife who supports my rides with equal passion and listens to my riding stories with rapt attention. I thank my friends and well wishers who continue to encourage and inspire me with their knowledge and wanderings. Last but never the least, I thank Wrangler for providing this platform to all the wanderers to express themselves. The True Wanderer platform brings with it 'A Recognition for my passion'. That's my first win. A wanderer is rewarded with an all expense paid ride and given quality apparels. That's my second win. Icing on the cake, title winner takes home 'A Triumph'. I thank xBhp for building a brilliant community, over more than a decade, for motorcycling enthusiasts, which is no less than an eternal fountain of knowledge and experience, and also for supporting this platform. I thank Triumph and other partners for supporting this initiative. I think I should stick to ritual of informing you that this is going to be a detailed account of my journey with many images. I will put in my best efforts to keep you hooked to my blog. Please pick up your favorite snacks and enjoy
On 27th April, I was talking to one of my colleagues about a case. My phone started ringing and I could not pick the call immediately. It kept ringing and I answered it just in nick of time. A friendly voice from the other side asked, 'Am I speaking to Raghavendra?' I said, 'Yes, you are'. The friendly voice continued 'Hi, This is Ashish from xBhp (Suddenly my mind is filled with so many thoughts upon hearing xBhp?! ) I am pleased to inform you that your blog has been selected as one of the probables for final 10 and we will announce the final result in a day or two'. What a surprise! I was not expecting this at all! I thanked him for delivering such an exciting news. I shared the same with my family. We decided to hold the celebrations till final list was announced. I normally try to maintain equanimity. However, this time it was little difficult as I kept going to true wanderer website to check if final list was announced. Finally, on 29th, most awaited list was released. I was a a 'TRUE WANDERER 5.0 FINALIST'
The result brought with it many memories. I went into retrospection. How it all began? What made me a True wanderer Finalist? It's been an unbelievable personal journey. Flashback! PLEASE DO NOT MIND!
A road accident when I was in my teens took two wheels out of my life. I was a pillion in the incident. I was lucky to survive even though with some major injuries. Time passed by and I landed in Bangalore to get settled in life. Traveling by bus and auto rickshaws who would not come where you want to go, got on to my nerves and in my early thirties, I decided to get a two wheeler. I did not know how to ride a motorcycle with a gear. My best friend, Venu, tried his best to teach me the art of releasing the clutch. To me it was the most difficult thing to learn. Myriad attempts! I simply could not get the bike moving in first gear! Exasperated, I decided to settle for clutch-less two wheeler. At that time TVS launched 'Jive', a clutch-less motorcycle. So, that's my first motorcycle. I used it only to commute. 'SO, HOW THIS MOTORCYCLE TRAVELING OR WANDERING STARTED?' Well, I vividly remember, on one boring Sunday afternoon, I took my motorcycle out and wanted to take it out of city limits for the first time. I rode to a coffee day in a small town called Maddur. I loved the feeling of wind in the face on an open road. It gave me satisfaction that I had not experienced before. There was a different kind of joy while I was sipping the coffee. I thought I should do this again. In the mean time, my younger brother got his first motorcycle 'A Yamaha FZ'. He had achieved what I failed to - 'Art of releasing the clutch'. He would ride to some weekend destinations and tell me about his experience and I would be enthralled. My brother took the onus of teaching me to release the clutch. We would ride in the night and he would allow me to stall his new bike umpteen times. Perseverance paid. I was able to release the clutch and move the motorcycle successfully in first gear. This was different kind of pleasure. Release the clutch to move the motorcycle and engage the clutch to shift up and down. My heart yearned for a proper motorcycle. I upgraded to Avenger 220. I still have it. I could never let go this friend of mine. With Avenger I honed my skills of motorcycling. I fell, I rose. It took my abuse with no fuss. I took it to terrains it was not meant for. Not once it broke down. During last five years, I got into a new kind of relationship with motorcycles. A motorcycle is no longer 'just-a-machine' to me. My motorcycles are my friends who can go anywhere, anytime. Unconditional. I have a bond with them. We are destined to wander together.
I started to wander to many places. Initially it was just to enjoy motorcycling which continues to be the primary reason to ride even today. Gradually it branched out to explore and see different kinds of places. Which then expanded to keenly observe local life style, culture, food, and surrounding landscape. I did not limit my journey to one particular type of landscape. From mountains to barren lands; Sea to waterfalls; Densely populated to least populated; cities and villages. There is no limit for a wanderer. I can be absorbed by anything just like I can absorb anything
I believe in evolution. One has to develop gradually. Benelli TNT 300 entered my family. So, I had moved From 110 cc to 220 cc to 300 cc. A good increase in horse power and torque to ensure that my wanderings are more exciting. My journeys have become more exciting as I wander into far away lands much faster and smoother. But, I would like to add that what matters is the rider and the best motorcycle is the one you have right now regardless of power, torque, CC etc. It's been a journey from 'Don't-know-how-to-ride-a-motorcycle' to 'wandering-in-unknown-lands'. Wandering on my motorcycle made me realize that I have the courage to travel alone. I learnt how to strike conversation with absolute strangers. I tasted different varieties of food. I still fear when I wander alone in woods and jungles. But that fear is what it takes to keep me on my toes - alive and alert. I was introduced to xBhp by my brother. I started learning so much about motorcycles and traveling. Introvert by nature, I started coming out of my shell and began to express myself through my blogs and threads. I started following True Wanderer contest. I was fascinated by the blogs of previous editions' participants and finalists. These blogs took me on a journey every time I went through them. I gave couple of shots. But, I knew very well that I was miles behind from the required standard.
My wife and my brother are my two biggest critics. But their constructive criticism has only helped me to improve in all spheres of life. My wife insisted that I should submit a blog in 2015 True Wanderer Rider diaries contest. I was reluctant. She succeeded in persuading me. I submitted a blog and to my sheer surprise I was chosen as a winner in one of the weeks. I could not believe. My wife always believed in the outcome. This year when True wanderer contest was announced, I was eager to read the blogs. I was excited as my next one to two months' time-pass is taken care of. I can read so much and see so many images. However, my wife had different plans. She started chasing me again to compose a blog. I was as usual reluctant. She again used her effective convincing skills and I started composing the blog. I would immerse myself going through others' blogs instead of composing mine as reading others' experiences gave me immense joy and took me far away lands which I had not yet explored. After a severe tongue lashing from my wife, I would get back to composing my blog. This went on for some time
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After a couple of reminders from Team Wrangler, I finally submitted my blog. I do not have thousands of friends in my personal life and on social media. But, I thought I should promote it among my friends, well wishers and acquaintances. So, I started promoting my blog on social media. To be honest I had never expected 120 votes. It was a big deal for me that 120 are supporting my blog. I felt like a 'TRUE WANDERER' when many told me that they went through my lengthy blog and found it very interesting and appreciated my journeys.
So, that's my journey to where I am today - in the final list of true wanderers. My wife proved herself correct yet again when my blog appeared in final list. I seriously do not know how her instincts and reasoning work. But she was the only one who knew this outcome and believed in this.
I was informed that final ride will begin on 11th May. I thought 12 days are more than sufficient to be ready for the ride. But time flew by as I was juggling between office work and ride preparations. I finished few formalities related to the final ride. Everything was happening in a jiffy. In no time I was staring at the eve of flag off day. Preparations went on till last minute. Checking and rechecking. Normally, I do not prepare so much for a ride. I also do not plan much on the route. Because my plans keep changing as I take many diversions and detours. But, I had a strange feeling building up in me as the flag off day approached. Anxiety was taking over my excitement. This was not good, I thought. I calmed myself down with the help of my wife and mother. I decided to wander and take things as they come instead of planning so much.
Preparations began in the right earnest with my 'TORNADO' undergoing the required service. It's been a reliable mate in all my long hauls for last one year including covering 4100 Km in four and a half days during 'Rann of Kutch' ride.
Vouchers and goodies arrive. In the beginning of April, my wife was forcing me to revamp the wardrobe on the occasion of festival of 'Ugadi' and my birthday. My last couple of years' savings were invested on my Benelli and travels. So, I jokingly told her that you have made me submit the blog, and feel that I will be in final list. If that happens then Wrangler will take care of my wardrobe too! And, that came true. My mother always says 'Speak good. Good will happen!' I think this is one of those instances. It's time to go shopping.
We visited Wrangler store located on Bangalore's Indiranagar 100 feet road. The big hoarding outside the store.
A beautiful and well maintained store with lot of options to try.
We had a great time! Normally, I start yawning, which ticks my wife off, upon entering a shopping mall. But, this time it was different. I do not know when was the last time I was so excited to shop. I normally do not try too many clothes. But this was special. My wife kept teasing me throughout.
Wrangler staff were very patient and helpful. They ensured that I felt special. Thank you Team Wrangler for making this the best shopping experience for me till date.
Listening to 'THE BOSS'. I am just kidding Mittu.
I would need this a lot during my journey.
Both Chief and Home ministers were happy with the Wrangler store experienceSo, what did I pick: Three Wrangler Denims: A Sun Shield, A Silver Shield and A Water Repellent. Five Wrangler Tees which included two Sun shields and Two silver shields. These will be put to grueling test in the coming week.
Everybody was asking me one big question:"WHERE AM I RIDING TO AND WHY?" I was very clear about one thing - I should not be riding to same places which I had already ridden to and explored. So, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat were ruled out. Goa, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh were in reach. This is supposed to be a 'Ride of a life time'. I should justify the opportunity and utilize it completely. Moreover, I could be excited only when I ride in a hitherto unexplored path and region by myself. The route should justify my themes: Travel, People and Food. My friends suggested few routes which were good but not exciting as I had already covered those routes. I, after contemplation, decided to ride to Madhya Pradesh through Goa and Maharashtra and return via Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. So, ACTION WILL HAPPEN IN MADHYA PRADESH. I was advised against this route by many for reasons like: It's very hot; There is nothing much to capture in images; nothing great to eat, too much distance to cover etc. But I was convinced as per my guiding principles: At least 75% of the route should be new to me. Climatic conditions should not be a barrier for a wanderer. Sweltering hot, Rains, cold should not matter. Wanderer should not be restricted to one type of landscape. I do not know what landscapes in MP have to offer. I refrained from much of search on the internet as that would kill the wander-with-wonder part. Distance has never been a concern as I knew I was being reasonable according to my abilities. So, let's see what I experience and return with.Next question was with the title: 'WHAT'S UP WITH TITLE OF THIS BLOG?'. When few of my friends questioned me on this, I thought it's good to mention a bit about it: My blog title, as you already know, is ' WANDERER ON THE ROAD - A TRUE JOURNEY WITHIN'. Even though I wander on the road on my motorcycle, the true journey happens within. When one travels with right intentions, two journeys take place simultaneously: internally and externally. What happens internally is more profound and less superficial. As they say It's about journey, not the destination. And, there is no destination within oneself. Only journey. The more one wanders, more long the internal journey will be. Every wandering opens a new avenue within oneself. When I travel, it's not merely about munching miles and taking pictures. It's also about learning about myself, about people, their thinking, my thinking, my strengths, my weaknesses, my abilities, my fears, attempts to conquering my fears. Too philosophical and profound? I too think it is. But it's not as serious. So, let's move on
DAY 1:LIMELIGHT AND DROP OUT OF SIGHT
I could not sleep properly due to excitement. After taking my mother's and almighty's blessing, I headed to the flag off event. Event was scheduled at Indiranagar's Wrangler store at 3 PM. I reached the venue along with my mother and wife at 1.45 PM. While riding to the venue, motorcycle's horn stopped working. I thanked my 'Tornado' for letting me know about the glitch before ride started and decided to take care of it after flag off. Another finalist Nishanth was also scheduled to be flagged off from the same venue at same time. I got to meet many people. Gradually crowd started increasing making me nervous. When I was told that both print and electronic media will interview us, I was little more anxious about how all this would unfold. But, I decided to put forth a cool and casual face not revealing the nervousness. It was a new experience for my family and I. Many congratulated and wished me well. Had a nice talk with Nishanth and his friends. Many questioned me about my motorcycle and the route I am taking. I patiently answered all the queries and was hoping to get out of the limelight and disappear.
Can't wait to start the ride. Ready to roll.
With Wrangler staff
With mom and wife
Friends joined me making this a memorable event
Facing the media for the first time. Interviewer asked many questions ranging from 'passion of traveling on motorcycles' to 'True wanderer contest' to 'safety on the road'. Both Nishanth and I ensured that we answered all the questions with maturity and only thing that played in my mind was promoting safe and responsible motorcycle touring
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Nishanth's expression
I look so animated.
Ready for flag off
My dream ride finally flagged off
Got a new friend in Nishanth
Biker brotherhood. We wished each other a safe ride.
Off I go
I headed straight to the Benelli service center. My bike was attended to immediately. However it took sometime for the horn to get fixed. I was relieved that this glitch happened not in the middle of the ride. Once bike was ready, next tough part was to beat the peak hour traffic. It was already 6 PM and traffic mounted. I was getting impatient as it took longer to get out of the city and hit the open road.
Our soldiers returning from training. It was a long signal. I happily answered their queries about motorcycle and what I was up to. I told them that because of their sacrifices we enjoy our lives and indulge in passion. They wished me best of luck. Adrenaline started pumping. Jai Hind
Thanks to my friend Gnan who had taken the picture of this odometer reading and later WhatsApping me.I had to cut through Electronic city traffic, take the NICE road and then beat the Nelamangala toll traffic before hitting NH 4. Once I reached NH, I stopped and relaxed. I spent some time reflecting on the day, going through pictures and blog. My dinner was the dates given by mom which lasted for the entire journey. Then I started my ride towards Belgaum. Boring straight NH road. I do not know how many times I have ridden or driven on this road. But considering the time I had at my disposal for this ride and route plan, I had no option but to reach Goa through NH 4. I just wanted to get out of this road so that I could get on to more exciting stretches. I just rode with occasional small breaks. Thus, I disappeared into the dark from the lime light.
Am I asking for too much for few hundred rupees! I freshened up and went exploring this not-so-popular beach.
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