First Time – Out!

Nope that’s not what you assume. I have done more than 30,000 kilometers solo rides on my Bullet. This was the first time-out I took, after relocating to Bangalore in July 2006, I have been riding my Bullet back and forth Chennai – Bangalore – Chennai, something that has become like waking up in the morning. I came back to Bangalore after a long break in Chennai. Of course it was not exactly a holiday, I was down and out with Chicken Pox for nearly twenty five days. Since I was shuttling between Bangalore and Chennai quite often, I did not take time – out, for any pleasure rides during the past few months. I am not sure, was it the Chicken Pox of staying at home for nearly twenty days, I was craving for a long ride alone!

The whole of the week I was discussing with Tommy about several destinations around Bangalore. Mysore, Nandi Hills, BR Hills, Thalai Cauvery and lots more were on the cards. Tommy has a Bajaj Pulsar and wanted to ride along. As the weekend approached Tommy had other commitments to carry out. He was planning to buy a car and this weekend he wanted to dedicate to scout around for a good deal for his new car, so I thought I would make it alone. Friday came and so did the weekend, on Saturday I woke up and found myself a bit sour and lazy, I stayed home all day watching TV, washing my cloths, cleaning up the house etc.,.

Sunday was perfect! I woke up early and it was a beautiful day with bright sunshine and I got my Bullet out and cleaned him up. As I was taking my bath I realized that I haven’t thought about my destination. I was not worried about that, I had ridden to blind destinations several times, that add to the thrill when riding alone – when you are not prepared for what you will bump into it gets more exhilarating. After the bath I got myself clad with my riding gear. Nothing much of a gear you would call that – weather worn out jeans, my heavy Woodland boots – which had saved my foot at least a couple of times, riding jacket, gloves, skull cap and most important of all my helmet.

I started off from my place straight to a food joint and had my breakfast. I was then going to wards a fuel station to top – up the fuel; I saw a road sign showing straight ahead to Mysore. I though Mysore would be good destination, I have heard that the Bangalore – Mysore road is beautiful and to be spot on that road did satisfy me with is beautiful curves. From the fuel station I started riding towards the Mysore Road and within a few minutes I could feel I was leaving the city behind and after passing the Bangalore University I opened the throttle a little bit and maintained my speed at 80 km/hr. To make things much brighter Mr. Kumaraswamy the Chief Minister of Karnataka was traveling to on that road that day and there were police all along the road to watch out for jay walkers and direct reckless drivers.

I rode for nearly 140 Kilometers without any incident, passed Srirangapattnam – got a glimpse of the Great Fort of Tippu Sultan and I was on the outskirts of Mysore I saw a road sign – Take Left Turn for Ooty. I did not have any second thoughts, just turned on the indicator and turned Left! I guess this particular road was built to keep the passing traffic out of Mysore, after going around the city I could sense that the road was leading to the other end of Mysore now I realized I should have right through Mysore.

The best part of the day’s ride was after passing Mysore. I started to go towards Ooty and realized I would be crossing the Bandipur on the way and that made me even more energized. The riding was becoming more intense with bad road, scary pot holes and blind curves. I was cruising steadily at 60 km/hr and I have done nearly 35 Kilometers form Mysore, I started feeling thirsty and stopped near a tender coconut vendor. I had four coconuts before my thirst could be quenched and thought about a break. I took off my gloves and jacket, turned on my mobile and was shocked to find that it was already 02:00 PM; I started form home at 10:00 AM. I had done 180 odd kilometers in four hours. Now I realized that it will not be able to go all the way either to Ooty or Bandipur as I would be late to reach home and since I had to work on Monday I decided against to go further and made a U turn. But I decided Ooty would be the destination on my next lone ride!

The return journey was without incident except for my Bullet getting unusually hot. I stopped at a fuel station to after crossing Srirangapattnam and found that the engine oil was leaking from the front pivot used to drain oil. I was shocked when I found the engine oil level was at its bare minimum. I topped up the oil and started the ride back to Bangalore and I could feel the engine was thumping much better. I had to break hard and bring my ride to a stand still when an old mad came right in front of me and hindered, I did not try to avoid him as I was not sure which direction he would move! Other than that the entire ride was an utter pleasure! I was home by 05:30 PM safe and sound and thanking my Bull for the bringing me safe!

Ride Well My Friends!