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Final desitination
About the trip
25th July, 2009, 10:30 PM at Mumbai Central Railway station, came to drop a friend who was off to his native place. Helped friend to board his train and bid adieu. Rhythmic sound of engines is always pleasure to ear, especially the coal and diesel ones. (I don’t like the local trains, they don’t have that engine beat feelings). Standing at station, wondering what to do next, and what about Sunday. Tones of things ran through will standing still at station. Could not focus ,while I was pondering on this, the experience at worli sea face on 24th July, High Tide flashed and that made me think why not check out how it looks at a place where river meets sea (Estuary).
The closest Estuary that I knew was 350kms and this was basin of river Tapi/Tapti. Didn’t knew what to expect, but was sure that I am not going be there in 4 walls for next 24hrs. Hence without any preparations for trip, I started from there between 10:30 to 10:45Pm. My heart said, I can make it easily, but brain said Dude you are going into deep Mess, 350Kms on NH8/NH6 is going to be nightmare in night. But as all bikers, its heart that rules ahead. Start was awesome, first pointer was to reach NH8, I guess I was on NH8 by 11:30, meanwhile I did a tankfull. Rode next 300Kms nonstop with all the things that bikers whould never like. To start with rain god was right on top of me, to my front was the big truk/oil tankers/24wheelers etc, to my right side was Zooming Cars with lots brown color sprays, at back there where 100s of 4 to 24 wheelers who never missed an opportunity to honk at me. And to my left where the most privileged .25 to 1feet deep water logged pits, who where welcoming me with all the warm gesture.
The start at NH8 was good I could do 80+ with drizzles etc, but soon after Vapi the scenario changed, number of trucks on this route made me feel, as if we are on war and the army is making massive movement with never ending long line of trucks moving at their own sweet pace. Riding at 60+ with rain on this route is herculean task, glares of oncoming traffic, the closeness of vehicles and feeling of skidding if emergency brakes are applied.
Crossed Valsad and I started having feeling of tiredness and boredom, still rode till Navsari, here on I have to switch to SH6, passed though the city, I guess it was 3:30 -4:00. Thought of taking a small break here, but could not locate any place as entire city sleeping. Neither I wanted to waste time, because I wanted to catch up with early morning sunrise at Estuary and I knew, Surat is just odd 35 – 40Kms, and I can have a break there.
In next 30 mins I was at Surat, even a blind person can tell that its Surat once he enters the perimeter of city. The sound of thak, thak , khtak, khtak was all over the place, thanks to the powerlooms. Reached Udhana, took a 30mins break at road side tea stall. Wet and numb legs with rain gods still very happy with me and showering his blessings. Tea stall guy arranged some news papers and wood and other junk and lit a small bonfire. I thanked him and made myself warm, dried my wet clothes partially and now hand and foot was bit more responsive. When I saw my foot initially it was almost 2 tones fairer than original color and more pink than the American hogs/pigs. Meanwhile the rains stopped. I once again thanked the tea stall guy for the comforts and heat arrangement made. Took Udhana-Magdala Road (Airport connecting road). I think part of road was getting cemented, but overall it was good. Had those sound of powerlooms for a while but there after it was silent as some residential colonies where there. Saw some campuses of South Gujarat University and numerous unmarked bumps. Road ended at connection with NH6, took some direction help from local patrolling police who grilled me with basic questions but where cooperative as well as amazed to see me. I was worried as I didn’t carry any papers along with me.
Soon I reached at Hazira Bridge. The Toll Gate had a massive unmarked road bump. I thought I would land at the top of toll booth. Thankfully I managed myself from crashing early morning. No toll was collected for two wheelers. ( I guess they changed their mood after seeing me doing open air tricks on bike in front of them over the road bump.)
Small uphill climb and I had my first view of river Tapi, I was told by person at toll gate, that I am not allowed to park on bridge and I should not make any halt there. A big troller or ship hand collided with bridge in last high tide causing some damage to bridge. It was scary to hear. At first view river looked beautiful. On my left side I could see industrial setups on sides of the river and on right side I could see the city of Surat. Left side took my attention as I could see some big industry with big cranes, loaders etc with a port with 3-4 small ships and on the other end of bridge there was this very big flame torch chimney, I have seen similar ones on Oil Rigs, later I came to know that it was ONGC. A big section of bridge over 20- 30 meters was damaged on left side with no railings just some temporary barricade was built.
Crossed the bridge and I was at Hazira, It houses the industries as colonies. To name a few that I saw here on were
1. ONGC
2. Indian OIL
3. GAIL
4. Kribco
5. Reliance
6. L&T
7. ESSAR
8. NTPC
9. Gujarat Gas
10. Shell
And there were dozens of others which I could not remember. Each of this companies had there factories on one side of the road and there residential colonies on other side. These companies had land holdings of few kms each. I was amazed to such an industrialized area. All the companies where neighbor to each other, no barren land etc in between two companies, wall to wall.
From the bridge it was another 20 Odd Kms journey to reach the Estuary, the sangam of Tapi River into Sea. Now I realized why I saw those big trucks, oil tankers, and steel rolls, they all came from here. For few kms I rode parallel to river and then I reached the end of the road. On left I had river tapi, in front I see Arabian Sea. It looked like river started from here and sea made the water flow upwards, with waves flowing into the river.
Parked my bike, took my mobile out and took few photos. Walked on the bank of river for few meters, relaxed my body and enjoyed the early morning sea side walk. I was glad to be here, there was no one there at that time, baring few industrial security guards.
Since it was not a regular tourist spot, hence no commercialization, that means no tea stalls, chips, samosas etc. I saw a small tin shade at a distance. Took my bike, parked it there, and made myself comfortable on ground. I was still wet inside, but was way too tired and I didn’t knew when I fell asleep.
When I woke up, I realized that it was 1:00PM Thirsty & Hungry, eyes gazed in all the directions there was nothing for kms where I could eat something or drink. Jumped upon my stallion and rode it as fast I could. After 25Kms I found City Plus Multiplex, decent place with ample parking. I was looking worst then a drainage sweeper. Rushed to washroom, tried my best to look human. Could not manage more than just proper combed hairs and washed face and hands. Looked out for fast food counters and restaurants, found one “Blue Chillies” or something, had a tummy full meal took almost 30 mins to serve, in mean while I ate up 3 plates of salad and what not.
It was almost 3 pm, felt lazy, but have to return back. Loaded myself up on to bike, found difficult to seat on bike due to overloaded belly. Went for a quick pee to make some space
. Climbed the pilot seat and took off for next 350kms ride via same boring route, rain god spared me for most of the time, even there were less trucks . Avg speed now was above 70kmps generally. Stopped for few fillup and leak out breaks and reached back home safe and sound. Awesome 700+ kms in less than 24hrs on busiest highway I have ever seen. With a life time memory of a visit to Estuary and the most sweet 4-5hrs of sleep that I enjoyed with mother nature.
Guys, since it was not a planned trip so I didn’t carry any camera, further the rain god didn’t allowed me to capture anything, I took few quick shots with my 3year old mobile camera (2MP)
and bad light in early morning didn’t do much of justice to images.
Look below and in to the thread for pictures. I hope you would enjoy it. Drop a line to let me know your views.
Thanks
Viny
Final desitination
About the trip
25th July, 2009, 10:30 PM at Mumbai Central Railway station, came to drop a friend who was off to his native place. Helped friend to board his train and bid adieu. Rhythmic sound of engines is always pleasure to ear, especially the coal and diesel ones. (I don’t like the local trains, they don’t have that engine beat feelings). Standing at station, wondering what to do next, and what about Sunday. Tones of things ran through will standing still at station. Could not focus ,while I was pondering on this, the experience at worli sea face on 24th July, High Tide flashed and that made me think why not check out how it looks at a place where river meets sea (Estuary).
The closest Estuary that I knew was 350kms and this was basin of river Tapi/Tapti. Didn’t knew what to expect, but was sure that I am not going be there in 4 walls for next 24hrs. Hence without any preparations for trip, I started from there between 10:30 to 10:45Pm. My heart said, I can make it easily, but brain said Dude you are going into deep Mess, 350Kms on NH8/NH6 is going to be nightmare in night. But as all bikers, its heart that rules ahead. Start was awesome, first pointer was to reach NH8, I guess I was on NH8 by 11:30, meanwhile I did a tankfull. Rode next 300Kms nonstop with all the things that bikers whould never like. To start with rain god was right on top of me, to my front was the big truk/oil tankers/24wheelers etc, to my right side was Zooming Cars with lots brown color sprays, at back there where 100s of 4 to 24 wheelers who never missed an opportunity to honk at me. And to my left where the most privileged .25 to 1feet deep water logged pits, who where welcoming me with all the warm gesture.
The start at NH8 was good I could do 80+ with drizzles etc, but soon after Vapi the scenario changed, number of trucks on this route made me feel, as if we are on war and the army is making massive movement with never ending long line of trucks moving at their own sweet pace. Riding at 60+ with rain on this route is herculean task, glares of oncoming traffic, the closeness of vehicles and feeling of skidding if emergency brakes are applied.
Crossed Valsad and I started having feeling of tiredness and boredom, still rode till Navsari, here on I have to switch to SH6, passed though the city, I guess it was 3:30 -4:00. Thought of taking a small break here, but could not locate any place as entire city sleeping. Neither I wanted to waste time, because I wanted to catch up with early morning sunrise at Estuary and I knew, Surat is just odd 35 – 40Kms, and I can have a break there.
In next 30 mins I was at Surat, even a blind person can tell that its Surat once he enters the perimeter of city. The sound of thak, thak , khtak, khtak was all over the place, thanks to the powerlooms. Reached Udhana, took a 30mins break at road side tea stall. Wet and numb legs with rain gods still very happy with me and showering his blessings. Tea stall guy arranged some news papers and wood and other junk and lit a small bonfire. I thanked him and made myself warm, dried my wet clothes partially and now hand and foot was bit more responsive. When I saw my foot initially it was almost 2 tones fairer than original color and more pink than the American hogs/pigs. Meanwhile the rains stopped. I once again thanked the tea stall guy for the comforts and heat arrangement made. Took Udhana-Magdala Road (Airport connecting road). I think part of road was getting cemented, but overall it was good. Had those sound of powerlooms for a while but there after it was silent as some residential colonies where there. Saw some campuses of South Gujarat University and numerous unmarked bumps. Road ended at connection with NH6, took some direction help from local patrolling police who grilled me with basic questions but where cooperative as well as amazed to see me. I was worried as I didn’t carry any papers along with me.
Soon I reached at Hazira Bridge. The Toll Gate had a massive unmarked road bump. I thought I would land at the top of toll booth. Thankfully I managed myself from crashing early morning. No toll was collected for two wheelers. ( I guess they changed their mood after seeing me doing open air tricks on bike in front of them over the road bump.)
Small uphill climb and I had my first view of river Tapi, I was told by person at toll gate, that I am not allowed to park on bridge and I should not make any halt there. A big troller or ship hand collided with bridge in last high tide causing some damage to bridge. It was scary to hear. At first view river looked beautiful. On my left side I could see industrial setups on sides of the river and on right side I could see the city of Surat. Left side took my attention as I could see some big industry with big cranes, loaders etc with a port with 3-4 small ships and on the other end of bridge there was this very big flame torch chimney, I have seen similar ones on Oil Rigs, later I came to know that it was ONGC. A big section of bridge over 20- 30 meters was damaged on left side with no railings just some temporary barricade was built.
Crossed the bridge and I was at Hazira, It houses the industries as colonies. To name a few that I saw here on were
1. ONGC
2. Indian OIL
3. GAIL
4. Kribco
5. Reliance
6. L&T
7. ESSAR
8. NTPC
9. Gujarat Gas
10. Shell
And there were dozens of others which I could not remember. Each of this companies had there factories on one side of the road and there residential colonies on other side. These companies had land holdings of few kms each. I was amazed to such an industrialized area. All the companies where neighbor to each other, no barren land etc in between two companies, wall to wall.
From the bridge it was another 20 Odd Kms journey to reach the Estuary, the sangam of Tapi River into Sea. Now I realized why I saw those big trucks, oil tankers, and steel rolls, they all came from here. For few kms I rode parallel to river and then I reached the end of the road. On left I had river tapi, in front I see Arabian Sea. It looked like river started from here and sea made the water flow upwards, with waves flowing into the river.
Parked my bike, took my mobile out and took few photos. Walked on the bank of river for few meters, relaxed my body and enjoyed the early morning sea side walk. I was glad to be here, there was no one there at that time, baring few industrial security guards.
Since it was not a regular tourist spot, hence no commercialization, that means no tea stalls, chips, samosas etc. I saw a small tin shade at a distance. Took my bike, parked it there, and made myself comfortable on ground. I was still wet inside, but was way too tired and I didn’t knew when I fell asleep.
When I woke up, I realized that it was 1:00PM Thirsty & Hungry, eyes gazed in all the directions there was nothing for kms where I could eat something or drink. Jumped upon my stallion and rode it as fast I could. After 25Kms I found City Plus Multiplex, decent place with ample parking. I was looking worst then a drainage sweeper. Rushed to washroom, tried my best to look human. Could not manage more than just proper combed hairs and washed face and hands. Looked out for fast food counters and restaurants, found one “Blue Chillies” or something, had a tummy full meal took almost 30 mins to serve, in mean while I ate up 3 plates of salad and what not.
It was almost 3 pm, felt lazy, but have to return back. Loaded myself up on to bike, found difficult to seat on bike due to overloaded belly. Went for a quick pee to make some space
. Climbed the pilot seat and took off for next 350kms ride via same boring route, rain god spared me for most of the time, even there were less trucks . Avg speed now was above 70kmps generally. Stopped for few fillup and leak out breaks and reached back home safe and sound. Awesome 700+ kms in less than 24hrs on busiest highway I have ever seen. With a life time memory of a visit to Estuary and the most sweet 4-5hrs of sleep that I enjoyed with mother nature.Guys, since it was not a planned trip so I didn’t carry any camera, further the rain god didn’t allowed me to capture anything, I took few quick shots with my 3year old mobile camera (2MP)
and bad light in early morning didn’t do much of justice to images. Look below and in to the thread for pictures. I hope you would enjoy it. Drop a line to let me know your views.
Thanks
Viny
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