The Official Chennai Offline Meet(G2G) Thread

[aargee]

I've roads as pictured in the blog right out side my house.. they are digging up for laying sewer lines.. there is no road only

Wow...at 10000+ foot altitude with lack of O2...in Chennai

And also there is always a start. Every biker started somewhere

101% Yes

This is us in 2010. How many are wearing riding gear? Today we act as if we dont touch our bikes without a helmet. We all have to start somewhere

Cut the crap and whats your point? Does riding to Leh and Vendanthangal are the same? (I could not view the pic while at office)

+1; what are you trying to say YS? Yes, we didn't wear gears when we started, point is simple, WE DIDN'T KNOW!!! That is precisely the reason why we're at xBhp, advocating everyone to wear one & STILL...hanging around xBhp.

If you want to wear riding gears & ride, please do, otherwise, no issues; just that you'll learn things the same way we learnt. You can opt to choose to learn from the members here or your own way.

That said, I certainly agree riding to Leh does not mean achieving nirvana as being portrayed; its just another road, bad at most places, comparatively challenging. Anyone with good riding skills & preparation can do it.

All I ask is...pls...don't carry anymore OT...pls?

[Ananth]

Park your bike sriram.. you dont know to ride na? Dont generalise. There are idiots there and there are idiots here.

Well, You dont have to call names un-necessarily

The are idiots everywhere, Including this thread.

As for your other point, how can you prepare for leh in US/UK? You probably need a earth mover to make those kind of roads there. You can only prepare so much. Anyway you can read these guys ride report. Sport-Touring.Net - Indian Himalayans, 2 Royal Enfields, monsoon season: Maybe not the best idea...

A ride to Leh has become so "tamed" these days. Yet, The following is what i see as preparation for a ride to Leh for a guy in USA / UK :

1. Listing out the hard points out in the route
2. Taking necessary precautions in event of illness, Like AMS - To take Diamox or similar Medicine, etc
3. To know where to begin & where to stop.
4. To be able to believe in themselves that they can ride 18000+ feet
5. By doing Off-Road riding, Trail Riding, Etc
6. Taking part in BMW / KTM Adventure Riding Programmes
7. etc etc

FYI, Visit ADVrider - Powered by vBulletin to know how hardcore these guys are. Again, Don't generalize saying they cant prepare much.

I've roads as pictured in the blog right out side my house.. they are digging up for laying sewer lines.. there is no road only. If meghamalai going guys want to practice they are welcome.. it should be atleast 500m long, you can do over it 60times and you are READY !

You cant compare sea level soft off-roading with a higher altitude harder off roads.

This is us in 2010. How many are wearing riding gear? Today we act as if we dont touch our bikes without a helmet. We all have to start somewhere.

I see a helmet in every one's hands, and who ever is serious about riding, say Sunny / Praveen / Dinesh / Tarun are all with proper riding gear. I dont see any one without a Helmet / Shoes? Whats your point here?

[thegame0012]

The are idiots everywhere, Including this thread.

You are so true here Buddy . Its time for them to understand that its not their personal home page of social networking site where they can use it in their own way to humiliate them self or others . We are here to share our passion and help each other to pursue the same passion we share.

If any one has to say anything which is personal, its better to use PM option. Also, personal attacks are big NO NO though Sarcasm has to find correct words to land up in this thread .

[yellowspunk]

^The best example why everyone loves you here.

FYI.. I'm still learning how to ride safe.

EDIT: Cut the crap and whats your point? Does riding to Leh and Vendanthangal are the same? (I could not view the pic while at office)

There is always a start. You dont have to put down people, That is all am asking. Am cutting the crap.

Wow...at 10000+ foot altitude with lack of O2...in Chennai

There is always a start. Ananth did not grow up in the himalayas did he?

101% Yes


Thank you. thats all the point am trying to make.


+1; what are you trying to say YS? Yes, we didn't wear gears when we started, point is simple, WE DIDN'T KNOW!!! That is precisely the reason why we're at xBhp, advocating everyone to wear one & STILL...hanging around xBhp.

If you want to wear riding gears & ride, please do, otherwise, no issues; just that you'll learn things the same way we learnt. You can opt to choose to learn from the members here or your own way.

That said, I certainly agree riding to Leh does not mean achieving nirvana as being portrayed; its just another road, bad at most places, comparatively challenging. Anyone with good riding skills & preparation can do it.

All I ask is...pls...don't carry anymore OT...pls?

all am trying to say is we all had to start from somewhere. We started with helmets and now riding gear. Doesnt mean we dont know to ride.

Well, You dont have to call names un-necessarily

The are idiots everywhere, Including this thread.

Yes.

A ride to Leh has become so "tamed" these days. Yet, The following is what i see as preparation for a ride to Leh for a guy in USA / UK :

1. Listing out the hard points out in the route
2. Taking necessary precautions in event of illness, Like AMS - To take Diamox or similar Medicine, etc
3. To know where to begin & where to stop.
4. To be able to believe in themselves that they can ride 18000+ feet
5. By doing Off-Road riding, Trail Riding, Etc
6. Taking part in BMW / KTM Adventure Riding Programmes
7. etc etc

FYI, Visit ADVrider - Powered by vBulletin to know how hardcore these guys are. Again, Don't generalize saying they cant prepare much.

How much did you prepare ananth? You started with rides here? went to kerala. Went to other places and then when confident went to leh. Thats all am saying. You/us all had to start somewhere.



You cant compare sea level soft off-roading with a higher altitude harder off roads.

Argh !! dude.. i dont understand why you are taking this all personally?! all am saying is we have to start somewhere. doesnt mean anyone is better or worse.


I see a helmet in every one's hands, and who ever is serious about riding, say Sunny / Praveen / Dinesh / Tarun are all with proper riding gear. I dont see any one without a Helmet / Shoes? Whats your point here?

Again, the point is we all had to start somewhere. Whether riding to different places or wearing gear or KNOWING how to ride. That is all am willing to say here.

Thanks for the audience !!! All am asking you guys is to not to put someone/anyone down. We all started from somewhere. Remember those days, when you did your first ride and needed help. Everyone at some point did not know to ride and we are all still learning. I still have no idea how to deal with high altitude or snow.. but there is a start.

[yellowspunk]

i never said "start" so many times in my life in one conversation lol

instead of senior/experienced riders mocking young/newbies.. they can support. That the whole point of this forum isnt it. I love this forum. When i first came here the seniors were so friendly, taught me alot of things. Experienced riders shared/still share their experiences. They taught how to deal with various situations and i learnt alot here. I just wish the same comradeship continues, you know. Now we rag the newbies saying get gear or no rides, riding gear is essential but they should realise it like we all did, instead of us imposing. We used to go to new places and learn various riding techniques but today it seems there is a divide, the guys who know and the guys who dont.

Anyway that is just my opinion. Nothing personal. I dont know why you guys "love" me so much.

[SriramEfunds]

I don't think any newbie had some many problems like you do. I wonder what's wrong. If you think seniors at your time of joining the forum were more friendly, please go ride along with them, who's stopping you? Good things and bad things does happen, it's upto an individual to choose from.
I've always insisted newbies to get riding gears not because I get some kick backs but for their goodness. Do you want them to feel the pain from the crash? There are many many members on this forum escaped from major injuries because of riding gears. I honestly feel, asking newbie to get riding gears is absolutely right and it is NOT ragging. We need to evolve from where we 'started'. We are all God's Children, but I just can't understand some!

All the best for your Meghamalai trip!

[aargee]

Avinash, Jafar, Divya Sharan, tdjbiking, deva_hunk, dpak89 INCLUDING PSR Ji have one thing in common...all of them joined after you did. Yet none of them have any frictions with anyone here & no one said senior riders are mocking & unsupportive.

If none of them has issues against the senior riders here & only one person has issues against them...then...where does the issue lies? Leave it to you to think

I just wish the same comradeship continues, you know. Now we rag the newbies saying get gear or no rides, riding gear is essential but they should realise it like we all did, instead of us imposing.

If this is your point, then...
- Don't you have a good shoes to wear?
- Reliable & quality helmet?
- Strong jacket

I don't remember anyone here insisted with A*, RJays, Joerocket or even Cramster. I too admit, on my first meetup & first few rides, I used a Jacket that my company provided, good shoes & no gloves. It took about 6 months for me to get Crapster gloves & 8-9 months to get JR jacket & 10-11 months to get JR riding pants; but then over 1.5 years, I got a second set of Jacket, knee guards & Revive. Ofcourse, God helped me financially & not all of them are so fortunate. But all I'm saying is...if you've the knowledge AND know its importance, then WHY NOT BUY THEM & make a start? After all, you're an xBhpian & not a regular commuter, are you?

Note - Ideally you should be insisting all of us wearing riding gears as you've joined this forum much earlier to us...DEC 2009

There are many many members on this forum escaped from major injuries because of riding gears

Absolutely; I wouldn't be typing this now if I were not wearing one

[Sunnyside_up!]

Guys,

I've been reading the last few posts with a little disappointment and I'm going to ask for a little patience and tolerance from all sides. I know there are many more experienced bikers here than me but I think I can say that I can claim some "seniority" here in a larger vista called LIFE from sheer virtue of the number of years I've walked the earth more than many of you - so I appeal to all you younger bucks out there to hear me out for a bit!

This community and others like it are about TWO things. The first is about everything on two wheels and the second and more important in my opinion is about CAMARADERIE . It is a place where like-minded guys crazy about their bikes can get to meet up and SHARE - experiences, knowledge, ideas and opinions.

In other words it is a MEETING PLACE for all of us.

Common sense tells us that we can only share if we respect each other and only if we can co-exist. This means like in every other community we need to develop social skills that allow us all to interact with each other civilly and with decorum, manners and etiquette at all times.

Now without referring to anyone in particular, I would like to state a few things which I hope will be taken in the right spirit.

@ Less Experienced Members - Newbies

1. We insist on riding gear because it's the sensible thing to do - riding in a group means looking out for each other. If you aren't geared-up and take a dive, you're going to get hurt and spoil it for the rest of us who will be taking care of you. In this light, it's obvious that it makes better sense to be prepared and protected.

2. It is true that many of the seniors started riding without gear initially due to lack of awareness and availability. Both are excuses that are no longer valid. Period. Just because something happened in a particular way in the past is no reason to continue being stupid.

3. it is also true that all seniors started somewhere. The point you have to note is that they have paid their dues and earned their right of passage by sheer dint of having "been there - done that". And that in my old fashioned book is itself reason and credit to them to wear their seniority with pride. Every social community has a hierarchy and this setup will always have a pecking order with juniors and seniors. If you can accept it in every other situation in life, why not this one? Remember that seniors were once also juniors, who looked to THEIR seniors for advice and guidance. Going up the ranks in any community or society requires both accomplishments and social skills. Becoming an accomplished rider but being a community pariah will mean you have failed to progress in this community. The same would apply in any other situation in life. So LEARN THE SKILLS !

4. Many responsible seniors do conduct rides for newbies to initiate them into the community. It's your duty to show up and earn your spurs. There's no point in whining and wanting to get "in" with the group if you don't even show up! If you're still considered unfit for harder rides even after these rides, look in the mirror and ask yourself "why" ? The answer probably lies in the point above - you're wanting in the social skills to be part of a community. If that be the case, you obviously have work to do!

@ Seniors

1. If we keep hearing complaints - that means there is something wrong, which as I'm sure you will all agree is something none of us want. Can this be looked into?

2. Can we arrange moderately difficult rides for younger and less experienced riders - guided by a few of the seniors? I am aware of the earnest efforts made by some of you already in this regard. My request is that you please do not give up in the efforts. Many of our most seasoned and veteran biker buddies are the result of these "newbie" rides!

@ ALL

Please refrain from personal comments on the forum as it vitiates the atmosphere. Those who would like to "duke" it out are welcome to come to my place for some beers and/or refreshments and I volunteer to referee ! Those who would like to watch are also invited!

Thank you all for your patience and I urge everyone to give a thought to what I had to say.

Cheers!

[whizzkid_ram]

Guys, I think many people are interested to join Meghamalai ride but here in our commune there is a divide of only riders with experience are opted. It seems like they are personally contacted. I wonder how many riders have 4x4 experience except few. I guess even some riders who made to meghamalai first from our chennai gang may not had prior extensive offroading experience! A good experienced rider shall lead and guide the riders who are interested instead of picking only experienced ones! Thats the spirit of Biking Brotherhood! Newbies need a boon from the seniors. What is the point in experienced riders alone riding and newbies being idle and omitted. When they vl learn? None of us rode on Leh right from the birth! Everybody are in learning stage. It would be a learning curve for the newbies if they ride with us and it would be a stepping stone for them! If our commune acts this way how come the people will be inspired to ride to Leh? Its my personal opinion albeit & no offense to none!

Ananth, Reconsider the list of riders if possible as there are many fascinated riders to join!

Cheers!

[Ananth]

There is always a start. Ananth did not grow up in the himalayas did he?

How much did you prepare ananth? You started with rides here? went to kerala. Went to other places and then when confident went to leh. Thats all am saying. You/us all had to start somewhere.

Nope, I never Grew up in the Himalayas. I learn to ride on the GQ, Learnt what is handling on the twisties of Kerala, Learnt the importance of "Breaking" after i went off the cliff at DoddaBetta, Felt how painful it would be when you crash at 2 AM in the morning in the middle of nowhere and a bike triple the weight on my foot.. The bike screwing up with a broken Gear Lever in a remote village in Karnataka with the Village calling for a Bandh for god knows what reason, Faced how hard times could be when you see the wires connecting the battery and the bike burn under the thighs, Learnt what is Off Roading in Kodachadri, and eventually learnt how to be focused on the ride and to come back in one piece on the High Hills of Himalayas.

Its not just about how you ride, Its all about the experience and how you tackle situations on the road and with your fellow members in the ride.

Yes, We all start somewhere, Is any one stopping any to not ride?

1. Were you not called for previous rides before?
2. Were you not part of Pulicat Lake ride?
3. Were you not part of Mypadu Ride?
4. Were you not informed of rides that are bound to happen or Happened before?
5. Didn't you know of the earlier Kuttralam Ride?
6. Were you not called for the earlier xBhp Tri State GTGs? etc etc

Argh !! dude.. i dont understand why you are taking this all personally?! all am saying is we have to start somewhere. doesnt mean anyone is better or worse.

I have not taken it personal, I'm just replying to your posts.

lol

You dont have to "LOL" at the end of every line.

4. Many responsible seniors do conduct rides for newbies to initiate them into the community. It's your duty to show up and earn your spurs. There's no point in whining and wanting to get "in" with the group if you don't even show up! If you're still considered unfit for harder rides even after these rides, look in the mirror and ask yourself "why" ? The answer probably lies in the point above - you're wanting in the social skills to be part of a community. If that be the case, you obviously have work to do!

True, I'm Sure Sriram has taken the pain to Organize so many Pre Rides before every Bigger Ride.

And its not like we all are "Avoiding" any one here. Every one is publicly informed of rides (Except for personal trips).

2. Can we arrange moderately difficult rides for younger and less experienced riders - guided by a few of the seniors? I am aware of the earnest efforts made by some of you already in this regard. My request is that you please do not give up in the efforts. Many of our most seasoned and veteran biker buddies are the result of these "newbie" rides!

We keep doing that dont we? Even our last horrible ride to Mypadu had a good share of Chennai xBhp

Those who would like to "duke" it out are welcome to come to my place for some beers and/or refreshments and I volunteer to referee ! Those who would like to watch are also invited!

Now this calls for a weekend meet

[Ananth]

Ananth, Reconsider the list of riders if possible as there are many fascinated riders to join!

Cheers!

Can i know who all are that fascinated Riders?

Yes, We all can go back sometime once the rain subsides. But It is still raining cats & Dogs in the Idukki / Theni District. SO, I do not want to take the "RISK" of riding with newer members for "THIS RIDE ALONE".

[whizzkid_ram]

Can i know who all are that fascinated Riders?

Don't wanna pinpoint names publicly but they awaited your mail to be in the part of meghamalai ride it seems but disappointed as there is no headsup from you!

[Ananth]

Don't wanna pinpoint names publicly but they awaited your mail to be in the part of meghamalai ride it seems but disappointed as there is no headsup from you!

You can PM Me

[whizzkid_ram]

You can PM Me

If thats gonna bring the transfiguration in the riders list, I could PM you right away! Atleast you could consider few!

[SriramEfunds]

Oh God! What's happening here? Even after multiple posts, I fail to understand who's having problem here?, 'complain'? I would like to remind that this is not an organization to go and complain about. Silly!
There are meet happening during weekends on and off basis, do all of them turn up? No, but at the same time it is understood. I ride to break free from the Mon-Fri office life. I'm here because of good company, friendly gestures, respect each other etc. and not if someone shows his attitude! I don't have time for them.

I'm all here for just little over two years and past two years with rider's support have had opportunity to organize some rides, posting details in this forum. As you aware there are always challenges involved. It is very easy for anyone to give an excuse not to be part of the ride. Sometimes it is not even communicated. There is something apart from newbie seniors which gels them, is how they carry themselves. I've not run past such situations where a newbie is crying to his mom like situation. Funny!

@Ram:- For your gyan; Here no one is forcing to be part of rides and there are many who goes out on their own. For Eg. Avinash, newbie, keeps touring regularly.

Also kindly note that we are not in a school where you expect something to happen as per rules and regulations. Here it works purely how you interact, gel and being sportive in the group.

Ride Organizer got every right to decide who wants to be part of this ride and not. He's is not working for Xbhp or gets paid by the members. If anyone wants to be part of the ride, one must earn it (Bornville).
Why do you want to portrait that seniors where stopping them from riding to Meghamalai? It's not a private property!

If thats gonna bring the transfiguration in the riders list, I could PM you right away! Atleast you could consider few!

Under the table dealing-a?