Tweet
Day 7: Wanderer on the road - A true journey within ( Wrangler's True Wanderer 5.0 Finals' blog )
DAY 7: TIME FOR THE BIRD TO FLY BACK TO NEST
I woke up pretty early. Very fact that this was the last day of this memorable journey played on my mind. I did not want this journey to end. I wanted to go on and on. But all good things have to come to an end, I recalled a cliched thought. I got ready and went to see Pandava Caves along with Mohit. The name Pachmarhi derives name from these caves, Mohit said. As per the legend, Pandavas of Mahabharath stayed in these caves. But the structure and carvings indicate Buddhist art, Mohit pointed. These were huge caves and all of them were closed and locked in order to avoid misuse by public. So, I was disappointed that I could not enter caves. We roamed around and then reached the top from where we got a good view of the garden and far away hills.
The caves were ancient an d were coming off in some parts. I hope that these would be restored and maintained.
Beautiful view. It was not as hot.
Wanderer looks on for new roads to explore. What a fantastic journey it's been for last six days. I had to be ready for a long journey ahead.
A view from top. I will miss these views for quite some time. Took few pictures. Sat for some time just to enjoy the view. Mind was blank.
I bid good bye to the caves. Dropped Mohit near his room and I proceeded towards famous B falls. Mohit had confirmed that good amount of water was there. But it's not in its full glory which would happen only in monsoon.
'Ghost Rider'. I would have to be a Ghost rider today I thought.
I went to B Falls. Roads were narrow and gives one an off-road ride feeling a bit. I took the entry receipt at the museum before proceeding towards B falls. Motorcycles are permitted to o only till half way and from there either jeep or trek. Trek! I was excited. Later found that it was just a walk through woods. But it was a nice experience. Walking all alone with jeeps passing by occasionally.
Paths leading to B Falls.Finally reached the first point where some clean water refreshed the mind.
I sat here looking into reflections in the water. I had to go further down. Going down was easy. But, climbing back up would be a good work out after a long time.
Beautiful falls. I could only imagine how it may look in monsoon.
Unfortunately my tripod broke on the very first day of journey. I could not take many of my pictures. I had to rely on selfies and clicks by others. Here I requested for a local photographer to take a picture of mine. He happily obliged.
B Falls exclusively for you on your device screen. Enjoy!
He was the one with lot of energy there. He asked if he could keep the flag. I happily agreed. He had come from Satna in MP he said. He was also a wanderer. Just roaming around he said.
My friend gets creative and put the flag there, can you find the flag, and asks me to take the picture before he puts it into his bag.
I tested Wrangler's water repellent and it does work. Denims to be in when around the water.
Everybody was told that B falls would close early today. When asked for reason, they said when temperature drops in an area, wild animals come there. So, temperature was dropping around B falls and moreover it was a water body. I went back to my motorcycle. Had a small chat with Yadavji who guarded bikes. He was very pleased to know about my ride. He said that people in Pachmarhi are so good that even though other regions around were suffering for water, Pachmarhi had enough even in such hot summer due to B falls. I just requested him to try and work against spitting pan in this beautiful place as it spoils the clean look and moreover unhygienic. He nodded in agreement. In the mean time Mohit came there. Spoke to Mohit for some time and shared my plan of riding to Bangalore in next 24 hours. 1400 km in twenty four hours. Mohit could not believe that I could ride like that. He wished me luck and I reciprocated.
Mohit with his 'Desi Wrangler'. A very nice person. Happy to have met him.
An old church on way to my hotel. I checked out thanking all the staff. Very nice people. Meeting nice people makes these kind of journeys even more pleasant.
These were the same people with who I had a long conversation last night and got to know many things about Pachmarhi's places which I could not visit due to lack of time. They wished me good luck. I too wished them all the best. Couple of them were not present. Iasked others to convey my regards to them and moved on.Today's plan was to ride back to Bangalore via Chindhwada, Nagpur, Adilabad, Hyderabad, Kurnool and Ananthpur. A total of approximately 1400 Km in 24 hours or less. Possible. Very much. I have covered long distances in the past. But one should never be confident as every time is a first time and new. So, I was confident of cracking this safely and responsibly without causing any harm to other road users. No pushing the limit, I told myself. So, what is the secret for an endurance ride. Well, one has to spend lot of time on saddle and consistently. Many mistake endurance ride to riding fast for long hours. According to my experience, if one spends long time on the saddle with sane speed, then time and distance will be taken care of automatically. Please do not ride at high speeds for long time, unless you are on dedicated tracks. As being at high speeds on public roads for longer times strains mind first and then body resulting in fatigue which in turn affects focus. So, please ride a motorcycle for longer time at safe speed to cover good distance in reasonable time and take breaks whenever your body asks for it. I humbly repeat, never push the limits. As many sign boards say, Better late than never. Wish you all a very happy and safe riding. Time for me to hit the road. Mom and mittu, I am coming home
Temperature was shooting up constantly as I was riding down the hill. I reached Matkuli and from there started riding towards Chindwara. Roads were in excellent condition. I had to climb up and down few small ghat sections and most part of the ride was through secluded areas. I kept riding at constant speed. with occasional drink breaks. I could not enjoy much food on this ride due to extreme hot conditions. Tummy could be very susceptible to food when it's extremely hot. But I love fruits.
This is a fruit called Tendu. I was eating this for the first time ever. This was being sold by the road. Took a while for me to get used to the taste. Fruits and juices have been my saviors on this journey. I badly missed tender coconut though. But other drinks made up for it.
Beautiful roads helped me to keep up with schedule. I continued to ride. Occasionally thought about how whole ride had panned out. How this ride helped me to grow as a person, as a rider and as a traveler. I climbed up and down of many small hills and at times it was just straight road like an arrow. There was hardly any traffic. That did not make me complacent. I stuck to left side of the road. No overtaking. I allowed every vehicle to pass by and I was happy to stay behind and just execute my estimations.
This was one of the most common sights in Madhya Pradesh compared to any other state I had been to. From the time I entered MP till I exited I kept coming across hordes of cattle crossing the road slowly, now that's a good part. Because a cattle walking across the road slowly is harmless and predictable compared to cattle or dogs appearing from no were in front of the vehicle. Many a time I noticed that cattle would just be standing on the road. It would not budge. I am fine with this too. I am fine as long as there are no surprises. But, one has to be careful while tackling curves. You would not like to see a cow or a buffalo standing in the middle of the road as you exit a corner. So, be careful of this in MP.I have never had so much of cold drinks till date as much I had on this journey. At many places no fruit juices were available. So, I had to settle for water with electrolytes which would increase the craving for something of better taste after some time and invariably I had to surrender to aerated soft drinks.
Now this one says celebrating 110 years and strangely I have never tasted this. As the saying goes, there is a first time for everything. I reached NH 547. Now this is first for me again. I have ridden on single digit and double digit numbered NH. but triple digit numbered was first time.
I reached Nagpur by around 5.30 PM. Having ridden through such hot conditions, I relaxed for a while before I proceeded towards Hyderabad. To me while riding in the evening, no other sight relaxes and calms me more than the sun set.
I still had a long way to go and to my dismay the roads worsened between Nagpur and Adilabad. A single lane dusty road with good truck traffic laced with many diversions was not helping me. But these are the stretches where you need to bring forth the most important virtue called 'patience'. I patiently tailed trucks from safe distance. I also noticed that there was not a single good restaurant on this stretch. Or did I miss them in the dark. I finally reached Adilabad and my 'Tornado' crossed another milestone.
Roads were smooth from here. I stopped for a good dinner at a dhabha. After filling my tummy amidst stares of many truckers, thanks to my motorcycle and my attire, I rode towards Hyderabad. I was told that motorcyclists cannot use the bypass or outer ring road (ORR). I had no option but to cut through city. Thankfully I was doing this when there was no traffic at all. After couple of confused directions by locals, I reached NH 7. As I exited Hyderabad I started feeling sleepy. I told myself loudly ' NO pushing the limit. Time for power nap. Bike by the road'. I slept for some ten to fifteen minutes before I woke up due to a loud conversation between a truck driver and cleaner. I washed my face. Had dates my mom had packed for me. This box lasted almost entire journey. Then I lubed the bike chain to make my self completely active. Once I felt that I was good to go, I started my 'Benelli aka Tornado'
As I got crossed Kurnool, I started feeling sleepy again. I immediately parked the bike and slept in this bus stop. I had a good sleep for close to half an hour. Then this gentleman woke me up. I got up and freshened up. Finished rest of the dates. Replenished myself with water. I was lucky that it was a cloudy day and sun had taken an unplanned leave.
Roads are in excellent condition. As I crossed Ananthpur, countdown began. I had a feeling of letting go something very close to my heart. Stopped for some fruits to replenish energy. Then it was straight dash to Bengaluru.
So, it was an event less smooth ride. In less than twenty four hours I covered close to 1400 Km. I was very happy at my endurance level. I was happy to have completed the route plan within stipulated time.
SUMMARY OF MY RIDE
Before I sign off I would like to thank every one for their support from the time I submitted my blog as a participant till now when I am submitting my final blog. I never excepted this kind of support. The concern shown, when I was riding across different states, was overwhelming. I take my helmet off and sincerely thank you all again from bottom of my heart. Without your wishes and support this would not have been possible.Traveling on a motorcycle is my passion. I would like to be consumed by all kinds of landscapes and traveling experiences. I ride without expectations. To me everything I come across is an experience and fills me with joy and other emotions. I do not go in search of a particular kind of experience. Only experience I expect when I travel on my motorcycle is the joy of riding.True wanderer has been a great platform to showcase my passion and express myself through my journey. I hope I have lived up to the spirit of true wandering and did justice, in last seven days, to what we motorcycle travelers love to do. This journey has been a unique experience and I have wandered farther into deep avenues within myself.I have composed this blog with a simple intention of taking you along with me on a journey of a true wanderer. I hope you enjoyed the journey. Thanks for reading through my blog. Ride safe. Keep traveling. Keep exploring inside and outside. Please pray for rains and good for farmers, backbone of any civilization.
DAY 7: TIME FOR THE BIRD TO FLY BACK TO NEST
I woke up pretty early. Very fact that this was the last day of this memorable journey played on my mind. I did not want this journey to end. I wanted to go on and on. But all good things have to come to an end, I recalled a cliched thought. I got ready and went to see Pandava Caves along with Mohit. The name Pachmarhi derives name from these caves, Mohit said. As per the legend, Pandavas of Mahabharath stayed in these caves. But the structure and carvings indicate Buddhist art, Mohit pointed. These were huge caves and all of them were closed and locked in order to avoid misuse by public. So, I was disappointed that I could not enter caves. We roamed around and then reached the top from where we got a good view of the garden and far away hills.
The caves were ancient an d were coming off in some parts. I hope that these would be restored and maintained.
Beautiful view. It was not as hot.
Wanderer looks on for new roads to explore. What a fantastic journey it's been for last six days. I had to be ready for a long journey ahead.
A view from top. I will miss these views for quite some time. Took few pictures. Sat for some time just to enjoy the view. Mind was blank.
I bid good bye to the caves. Dropped Mohit near his room and I proceeded towards famous B falls. Mohit had confirmed that good amount of water was there. But it's not in its full glory which would happen only in monsoon.
'Ghost Rider'. I would have to be a Ghost rider today I thought.
I went to B Falls. Roads were narrow and gives one an off-road ride feeling a bit. I took the entry receipt at the museum before proceeding towards B falls. Motorcycles are permitted to o only till half way and from there either jeep or trek. Trek! I was excited. Later found that it was just a walk through woods. But it was a nice experience. Walking all alone with jeeps passing by occasionally.
Paths leading to B Falls.Finally reached the first point where some clean water refreshed the mind.
I sat here looking into reflections in the water. I had to go further down. Going down was easy. But, climbing back up would be a good work out after a long time.
Beautiful falls. I could only imagine how it may look in monsoon.
Unfortunately my tripod broke on the very first day of journey. I could not take many of my pictures. I had to rely on selfies and clicks by others. Here I requested for a local photographer to take a picture of mine. He happily obliged.
B Falls exclusively for you on your device screen. Enjoy!
He was the one with lot of energy there. He asked if he could keep the flag. I happily agreed. He had come from Satna in MP he said. He was also a wanderer. Just roaming around he said.
My friend gets creative and put the flag there, can you find the flag, and asks me to take the picture before he puts it into his bag.
I tested Wrangler's water repellent and it does work. Denims to be in when around the water.
Everybody was told that B falls would close early today. When asked for reason, they said when temperature drops in an area, wild animals come there. So, temperature was dropping around B falls and moreover it was a water body. I went back to my motorcycle. Had a small chat with Yadavji who guarded bikes. He was very pleased to know about my ride. He said that people in Pachmarhi are so good that even though other regions around were suffering for water, Pachmarhi had enough even in such hot summer due to B falls. I just requested him to try and work against spitting pan in this beautiful place as it spoils the clean look and moreover unhygienic. He nodded in agreement. In the mean time Mohit came there. Spoke to Mohit for some time and shared my plan of riding to Bangalore in next 24 hours. 1400 km in twenty four hours. Mohit could not believe that I could ride like that. He wished me luck and I reciprocated.
Mohit with his 'Desi Wrangler'. A very nice person. Happy to have met him.
An old church on way to my hotel. I checked out thanking all the staff. Very nice people. Meeting nice people makes these kind of journeys even more pleasant.
These were the same people with who I had a long conversation last night and got to know many things about Pachmarhi's places which I could not visit due to lack of time. They wished me good luck. I too wished them all the best. Couple of them were not present. Iasked others to convey my regards to them and moved on.Today's plan was to ride back to Bangalore via Chindhwada, Nagpur, Adilabad, Hyderabad, Kurnool and Ananthpur. A total of approximately 1400 Km in 24 hours or less. Possible. Very much. I have covered long distances in the past. But one should never be confident as every time is a first time and new. So, I was confident of cracking this safely and responsibly without causing any harm to other road users. No pushing the limit, I told myself. So, what is the secret for an endurance ride. Well, one has to spend lot of time on saddle and consistently. Many mistake endurance ride to riding fast for long hours. According to my experience, if one spends long time on the saddle with sane speed, then time and distance will be taken care of automatically. Please do not ride at high speeds for long time, unless you are on dedicated tracks. As being at high speeds on public roads for longer times strains mind first and then body resulting in fatigue which in turn affects focus. So, please ride a motorcycle for longer time at safe speed to cover good distance in reasonable time and take breaks whenever your body asks for it. I humbly repeat, never push the limits. As many sign boards say, Better late than never. Wish you all a very happy and safe riding. Time for me to hit the road. Mom and mittu, I am coming home
Temperature was shooting up constantly as I was riding down the hill. I reached Matkuli and from there started riding towards Chindwara. Roads were in excellent condition. I had to climb up and down few small ghat sections and most part of the ride was through secluded areas. I kept riding at constant speed. with occasional drink breaks. I could not enjoy much food on this ride due to extreme hot conditions. Tummy could be very susceptible to food when it's extremely hot. But I love fruits.
This is a fruit called Tendu. I was eating this for the first time ever. This was being sold by the road. Took a while for me to get used to the taste. Fruits and juices have been my saviors on this journey. I badly missed tender coconut though. But other drinks made up for it.
Beautiful roads helped me to keep up with schedule. I continued to ride. Occasionally thought about how whole ride had panned out. How this ride helped me to grow as a person, as a rider and as a traveler. I climbed up and down of many small hills and at times it was just straight road like an arrow. There was hardly any traffic. That did not make me complacent. I stuck to left side of the road. No overtaking. I allowed every vehicle to pass by and I was happy to stay behind and just execute my estimations.
This was one of the most common sights in Madhya Pradesh compared to any other state I had been to. From the time I entered MP till I exited I kept coming across hordes of cattle crossing the road slowly, now that's a good part. Because a cattle walking across the road slowly is harmless and predictable compared to cattle or dogs appearing from no were in front of the vehicle. Many a time I noticed that cattle would just be standing on the road. It would not budge. I am fine with this too. I am fine as long as there are no surprises. But, one has to be careful while tackling curves. You would not like to see a cow or a buffalo standing in the middle of the road as you exit a corner. So, be careful of this in MP.I have never had so much of cold drinks till date as much I had on this journey. At many places no fruit juices were available. So, I had to settle for water with electrolytes which would increase the craving for something of better taste after some time and invariably I had to surrender to aerated soft drinks.
Now this one says celebrating 110 years and strangely I have never tasted this. As the saying goes, there is a first time for everything. I reached NH 547. Now this is first for me again. I have ridden on single digit and double digit numbered NH. but triple digit numbered was first time.
I reached Nagpur by around 5.30 PM. Having ridden through such hot conditions, I relaxed for a while before I proceeded towards Hyderabad. To me while riding in the evening, no other sight relaxes and calms me more than the sun set.
I still had a long way to go and to my dismay the roads worsened between Nagpur and Adilabad. A single lane dusty road with good truck traffic laced with many diversions was not helping me. But these are the stretches where you need to bring forth the most important virtue called 'patience'. I patiently tailed trucks from safe distance. I also noticed that there was not a single good restaurant on this stretch. Or did I miss them in the dark. I finally reached Adilabad and my 'Tornado' crossed another milestone.
Roads were smooth from here. I stopped for a good dinner at a dhabha. After filling my tummy amidst stares of many truckers, thanks to my motorcycle and my attire, I rode towards Hyderabad. I was told that motorcyclists cannot use the bypass or outer ring road (ORR). I had no option but to cut through city. Thankfully I was doing this when there was no traffic at all. After couple of confused directions by locals, I reached NH 7. As I exited Hyderabad I started feeling sleepy. I told myself loudly ' NO pushing the limit. Time for power nap. Bike by the road'. I slept for some ten to fifteen minutes before I woke up due to a loud conversation between a truck driver and cleaner. I washed my face. Had dates my mom had packed for me. This box lasted almost entire journey. Then I lubed the bike chain to make my self completely active. Once I felt that I was good to go, I started my 'Benelli aka Tornado'
As I got crossed Kurnool, I started feeling sleepy again. I immediately parked the bike and slept in this bus stop. I had a good sleep for close to half an hour. Then this gentleman woke me up. I got up and freshened up. Finished rest of the dates. Replenished myself with water. I was lucky that it was a cloudy day and sun had taken an unplanned leave.
Roads are in excellent condition. As I crossed Ananthpur, countdown began. I had a feeling of letting go something very close to my heart. Stopped for some fruits to replenish energy. Then it was straight dash to Bengaluru.
So, it was an event less smooth ride. In less than twenty four hours I covered close to 1400 Km. I was very happy at my endurance level. I was happy to have completed the route plan within stipulated time.
SUMMARY OF MY RIDE
Before I sign off I would like to thank every one for their support from the time I submitted my blog as a participant till now when I am submitting my final blog. I never excepted this kind of support. The concern shown, when I was riding across different states, was overwhelming. I take my helmet off and sincerely thank you all again from bottom of my heart. Without your wishes and support this would not have been possible.Traveling on a motorcycle is my passion. I would like to be consumed by all kinds of landscapes and traveling experiences. I ride without expectations. To me everything I come across is an experience and fills me with joy and other emotions. I do not go in search of a particular kind of experience. Only experience I expect when I travel on my motorcycle is the joy of riding.True wanderer has been a great platform to showcase my passion and express myself through my journey. I hope I have lived up to the spirit of true wandering and did justice, in last seven days, to what we motorcycle travelers love to do. This journey has been a unique experience and I have wandered farther into deep avenues within myself.I have composed this blog with a simple intention of taking you along with me on a journey of a true wanderer. I hope you enjoyed the journey. Thanks for reading through my blog. Ride safe. Keep traveling. Keep exploring inside and outside. Please pray for rains and good for farmers, backbone of any civilization.
Comment