Hello everyone. This is my first writing effort of my first interstate trip on my first bike in 15 years. With so many firsts it could be that I completely goof up but that's alright. I am writing because of a strange feeling emanating from within me and I want to quell it by thinking or talking about something good.

I travelled from Noida to Dehradun day before yesterday on my almost a month old X Diavel S. It was an incredible experience to say the least. But it has ultimately led me to making a painful promise to my wife.

Anyways, I have lived in Dehradun most of my childhood and schooling days. I used to cycle to school which was about 12 kms from my home. My Hero Ranger was quite a radical model at that time. Then after a while we purchased a kinetic Honda which almost became mine for no particular reasons. I enjoyed riding it but I also had so many falls and accident on it. I was rewarded with the legendary RX100 by my father due to good showing in my 12th std exams. I absolutely loved it till the time I saw one RD350 shoot past me. So after about 6 months on the RX I traded it with a 1984 RD High Torque. Took it to Pune on a train and used it with great pain for about 3 years. The lack of genuine spares and good mechanics made it difficult to run but it stayed with me till the end of my studies in Pune. It was quite heavy on the pocket and since it was being funded by my father I had a lot of guilt associated throughout its ownership.

I started sailing as a marine engineer soon after this and in my absence my father got rid of that bike. I had other plans for it but didn't get any chance to fulfill those.

Anyways after that I travelled a lot around the world and in India too but never on two wheels. I wondered if the feeling had died out in me.

But that was until about 6 months ago. I saw the Ducati and it made me so so restless. I just wanted to be on it and travel the world. After much failed efforts in explaining to my wife how I am feeling I took the plunge a few days back.
Here are some pics from that day.









After a couple of Sunday rides with the local Ducati club (see pics)






I started mulling the idea of taking the bike to Dehradun. I will be sailing soon and didn't want to leave the bike in my apartment complex in Noida. My wife agreed then disagreed and then re agreed only to disagree again. So amidst all this confusion I set off on the trip day before yesterday.
I planned to leave a day earlier so that I could spend a week at home with my folks but I had to delay it to get the first service done on the bike. Ducati recommends oil change etc after first 1000kms and I had done 800kms before leaving for Doon so got it done before leaving.
Anyways, the ride made me fall in love with the devil more than ever. It is truly an incredible machine.



NH24. Not the best start to a journey but the starting point for me.


Namastey Midway. Exactly the mid point between Noida Dehradun.




Entering the forest area outside Dehradun.

Yesterday took a short trip to mussoorie.




See the amazing colors blending together.


Beautiful isn't it?


People always gather around beautiful things.


Shiv Mandir. A popular landmark on the way.


The beast got free from the Zoo.


Shugan farms. I got married here 6 years back.

Well so at the end of this wifey made me promise that I won't be riding the bike on highways again!!!! Without her absolute consent.
I have 3 months to work my way out of this. Going sailing for next 3 months. You all are free to comment on this post and also suggest ways I can wiggle.out of this promise.
Safe riding to all.