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When 19 IT pros come together for a ride, nothing but sheer excitement was expected. Weeks of planning went into the trip. 7 bikes and 2 cars started at 6am from our homes on the big day. The first group met at Vashi McDonalds. In fact, one driver was so excited, he drove straight to Panvel. We catched up later with him.
Our first halt was at Panvel, where we took chai and vadas at Ketki Refreshments. After the breakfast, the cars split from the bikes. Cars went via the expressway, while the bikers went through the old route. No doubt the cars reached early, but the bikers had the most fun.
We almost had the road to ourselves, as most vehicles took the expressway. We were cruising from Panvel to Khopoli. All of us were enjoying the unspoilt countryside, occasionally driving side-by-side to share a joke or two.
After about an hour and half of riding, we decided to stop again at Khopoli. Soft drinks followed. The restaurant seemed to be designed by Ramsay brothers. From here, it was a 14 km climb to Lonavla. The ghats were better than before. We were able to negotiate the curves without any major problems, stopping occasionally to soak in the atmosphere, and taking a peek at the breathtaking views down the valley. Half an hour later, we were past the Khyber Pass and Khandala tunnel and into Lonavla. The cars were waiting at Fariyas. Everyone checked into the friends bungalow at 10.30am.
After being refreshed, we went for lunch. Veg. folks went for unlimited Gujrati thalis and the non-veg guys had their meals at a different place.
In the afternoon, all of us left for Amby Valley & Bhushi Dam. Situated at a height of 2951 ft., it offers one of the highest motorable roads in the western ghats. The drive up there was about 25km. There was mist and fierce winds. One could toss a coin 20ft into the air without much effort. At some places, the water seeping from the ground was actually flowing upwards due the the force exerted from below. Photo sessions followed. But the thirst for heights was far from quenched. We went for a 8kms drive upwards to Sahara City. The drive on the way down was pretty cold, and almost everyone shivered. No doubt, the road is called Jal-Vayu Marg. There was plenty of both. We had chai and vadas again to catch some heat.
We returned home, and the guys sat down for a round table conference. Bottles were uncorked. Jokes were shared, and 'Rounds of Applauses' followed. The fun went on till quite late in the night.
It was Sunday morning now, and we had some hot Bhurji and tea served with bread and butter. People went shopping for Chikkis and Fudges. Rain Gods were happy and we had rains in the morning. Football was played with gusto on wet grass.
Lunch was served, and bikers decided to leave early. The descent was even better than the ascent. We passed Tiger Valley. Engines were switched off, and we rolled for a couple of kms. All of us met again at Panvel, and everyone dispersed from there.
All-in-all it was a fun-filled weekend getaway. Things went as per plan, probably better. There was lot of team-work.
Looking forward to many such trips.
Our first halt was at Panvel, where we took chai and vadas at Ketki Refreshments. After the breakfast, the cars split from the bikes. Cars went via the expressway, while the bikers went through the old route. No doubt the cars reached early, but the bikers had the most fun.
We almost had the road to ourselves, as most vehicles took the expressway. We were cruising from Panvel to Khopoli. All of us were enjoying the unspoilt countryside, occasionally driving side-by-side to share a joke or two.
After about an hour and half of riding, we decided to stop again at Khopoli. Soft drinks followed. The restaurant seemed to be designed by Ramsay brothers. From here, it was a 14 km climb to Lonavla. The ghats were better than before. We were able to negotiate the curves without any major problems, stopping occasionally to soak in the atmosphere, and taking a peek at the breathtaking views down the valley. Half an hour later, we were past the Khyber Pass and Khandala tunnel and into Lonavla. The cars were waiting at Fariyas. Everyone checked into the friends bungalow at 10.30am.
After being refreshed, we went for lunch. Veg. folks went for unlimited Gujrati thalis and the non-veg guys had their meals at a different place.
In the afternoon, all of us left for Amby Valley & Bhushi Dam. Situated at a height of 2951 ft., it offers one of the highest motorable roads in the western ghats. The drive up there was about 25km. There was mist and fierce winds. One could toss a coin 20ft into the air without much effort. At some places, the water seeping from the ground was actually flowing upwards due the the force exerted from below. Photo sessions followed. But the thirst for heights was far from quenched. We went for a 8kms drive upwards to Sahara City. The drive on the way down was pretty cold, and almost everyone shivered. No doubt, the road is called Jal-Vayu Marg. There was plenty of both. We had chai and vadas again to catch some heat.
We returned home, and the guys sat down for a round table conference. Bottles were uncorked. Jokes were shared, and 'Rounds of Applauses' followed. The fun went on till quite late in the night.
It was Sunday morning now, and we had some hot Bhurji and tea served with bread and butter. People went shopping for Chikkis and Fudges. Rain Gods were happy and we had rains in the morning. Football was played with gusto on wet grass.
Lunch was served, and bikers decided to leave early. The descent was even better than the ascent. We passed Tiger Valley. Engines were switched off, and we rolled for a couple of kms. All of us met again at Panvel, and everyone dispersed from there.
All-in-all it was a fun-filled weekend getaway. Things went as per plan, probably better. There was lot of team-work.
Looking forward to many such trips.
J/k buddy...
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