Bucket Ride - Begins here...

Kiran is traveling from Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji international airport to Los Angeles international airport...

I could have done this FB check-in 15-20 times since last year and half. It indeed was busiest time for flying with multiple trips to Bengaluru, Kochi, Hyderabad, Delhi, Chennai, Abu Dhabi, Jakarta and even USA. I am once again at the airport for 39th flight (I counted!!).

Its said that, "If you want to have something that you never had, be prepared to do something that you never did". There can't be any other sentence that can describe what I am into right now.

The anxiety cannot be described in few words, the fear of unknown cannot be contained in few lines and excitement cannot be penned down even in few paragraphs now.

This is a teaser of time ahead and looking forward to an exciting, ecstatic euphoria that lies ahead. Last time I felt this was when Momo arrived...but this even bigger (Oh Momo, I will miss you).

I am all set to take "the" journey which I had been daydreaming for years. I am not known best as a planner, nor as the guy who can get things right the first time. This journey however requires commitment and planning. I have been quite secretly working on getting this kickstarted. This is not something that can be done time and again. There is no second chance, "this is 2016" and its now or never.

I am about to board a flight of imagination, dreams and madness. This flight changes everything: money, mind, experience and life will not be same where it is. I might come back broke, or might come back a new me.

There are just few things now between that sense of accomplishment or failure...however there will always be a comfort of trying that can overcome everything. These efforts and pains are needed to keep us alive, afterall, "Failing to try is failure and not the failure itself".

So I am going to take that first step to knock of some items from my bucket list.

I will be riding into the USA and Canada over next two months. Starting from west coast, i will be riding towards east and crossing into Mexican/Canadian border when possible. This is too big a country to see in this short time yet I will try to make most of the time available.

This once in a lifetime RIDE is named "Bucket Ride"!' It's a solo ride but there is truly no solo achievement in life. Everyone around you helps you shape your life in some way. Somewhat like the movie "Slumdog Millionaire". I will need lots of wishes and prayers to make this possible. Please do ☺

The ride updates/report will be available on
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/bucket.ride (warning: too many check-ins ahead)
Instagram - @globe_treader
Blogger - http://blog.kiranghag.com

Subscribe/like/follow the page as I follow my dream on this Bucket Ride!

Tips for Canada Tourist VISA (TRV) online application from Mumbai, India

I recently applied for Canada Tourist VISA. This is the first time I applied any VISA on my own so mostly relied on internet.

I applied to consulate directly and did not go through VFS or any agent. While the detailed procedure can be found on http://www.cic.gc.ca and other websites, I would like to mention some tips here which might help you.

Note that these steps were followed by me and they do not represent steps required by you. Each case is different and refer to the official website for current information. This is not legal information.

• Apply online on http://www.cic.gc.ca. This will save fees on agencies like VFS
• The process is smooth if you have USA B1/B2 VISA. The form will ask you if you have one. If you don't have, you may be asked for more documentation
• When you answer questionnaire to determine eligibility, you will be given a reference number. Save that
• Have your scanned copy of passport ready.
• Use lower resolution while scanning the passport, however the passport must be clearly readable on a computer screen. You can skip blank passport pages from scan
• If you have expired passports, scan them together
• Use PDF format to scan so that all pages are in one document. If the PDF file resolution is not supported, the website will reject your upload. In this case, use Microsoft Word DOC format. You can paste all scans in DOC file and upload it.
• You need a valid VISA photo as per specifications. Scan this with higher resolution.
• Create an account on CIC website. I chose "Continue to GCKey" sign on option.
• Use the reference number saved earlier and create new application for VISA request
• You need to download two forms in PDF format IMM5257E and IMM5707E. These files do not open well in browser. Save them to your computer and open with Acrobat Reader application.
• Save changes to the files and make sure you click on "Validate" button in file at the end. Without validation the file wont be uploaded
• I had trouble at uploading these files again. So used DOC format here too.
• Upload passport again for travel history
• Submit application and pay online. You don't need to submit any physical document or passport yet.
• Be prepared to wait! After this, there is no response from website except to let you know that VISA application has been accepted. There is no "helpful" helpline. A nested menu choice and voice prompt will merely redirect you to website.
• The website has a selection to find out what is current wait period. This is pretty accurate. When I applied, the expected wait time was 22 calendar days. However it soon increased to 31 days. I was notified about next step exactly on 30th calendar day!
• If there are no issues with the application, you would receive notification asking you to submit your passport.
• You don't need to obtain an appointment.
• VFS is their partner and you will be asked to go and submit your passport to nearest VFS collection center.
• You need to carry the intimation letter, passport and money. VFS is merely an collection center. VFS will collect passport and provide you a payment receipt.
• This receipt is important to collect your passport back.
• At VFS, you have choice between collecting passport yourself or have it delivered to your home. If your house is under Blue Dart delivery network, choose to be delivered at home.
• If you choose to pickup from VFS office, there could be delay in getting notified, going there and pickup. This can delay more if there is a weekend in between.
• Now again wait! The passport is sent to Bengaluru and you would be asked to wait for 5-7 "working" days to get it back.
• Even though the intimation letter says, "we have made a decision", no one would confirm that VISA is granted till it is stamped. All this while, the online account will tell you that interview or additional documentation may be required
• The VISA will be stamped and delivered to your house. In my case I submitted on Thursday and it got delivered on next Wednesday.
• The receipt has a tracking number which you can use to track your application on "VFS" website. However, this tracking is not fully in sync with your actual status. It might tell you that application has been accepted and passport submitted to embassy. In my case, the passport got delivered first and then updates started flowing my mail after 2 days of delivery!

It took almost 40 days for entire process after form submission. But without interview and biometric or any additional documentation the VISA was granted.

Lets see how the actual travel goes. All the best for your application!

Is India ready for big bikes?

India is land of commuters. Majority of Indians use and think of motorcycles as sole means of transportation. They are quick, economical and can carry two/three people easily around. Lack of big roads and growing population compliments the need of motorcycles than other means of transportation.

Laws have favoured Indian manufacturers by imposing near 100% duty on foreign imports. This was done to protect Indian manufacturers and to help them grow. Unfortunately, this growth got limited to financial growth only. After two stroke era died, for years, Indian industry kept manufacturing tiny 100cc scooters and motorcyles till date. Later the manufacturers created higher segment by introducting engines bigger than that.

While rest of the world considers 650cc as beginer's bike, 220cc is still a power packed sports motorcycle here. Ther is a wide choice for a buyer for bikes between 100-150cc and manufacturer's boast increases of single digit power as a *huge* gain over competitiors :)

Recent time has been quiet exciting for Indian biking enthusiasts. For those looking beyond Pulsars, Karizmas and Bullets, few good choices are available.

Well, if you have enough green papers, you can now legally buy following machines in India. Pricing of these are still un-affoardable for the masses.

• Honda Fireblade CBR1000RR
• Kawasaki Ninja 650R
• Hyosung GT650R
• Hyosung ST7
• Yamaha FZ1
• Yamaha YZF-R1
• Yamaha VMAX
• Yamaha MT-01
• Ducati 696
• Ducati 1100
• Ducati 1100S
• Ducati HM 1100
• Ducati HM 1100S
• Ducati GT 1000
• Ducati GT 1000 bicolor
• Ducati GT 1000 Touring
• Ducati Sport 1000S
• Ducati Fighter
• Ducati Fighter S
• Ducati 848
• Ducati 1198
• Ducati 1198 S
• Ducati 1098 R
• Ducati 1098 R TB
• BMW R 1200 GS
• BMW S 1000 RR
• Harley Davidson
• Suzuki Hayabusa
• Suzuki Intruder
• and more...

People who buy or import such motorcycles generally prefer to keep it as a second choice. Daily commute on these are impractical because of the road conditions/jams and higher maintainance costs. They end up being ridden for 100-200kms on weekend around city and as a mental satisfaction in the garage :)

 

Hyosung and Kawasaki (through BAL) have introduced the 650cc segment and there is a sure buyer for them. Those who have got fed up of saving for superbike, those who were about to retire from biking and move into cage, riches who simply can, and the serious riders would flock to buy these. No wonder, first batch of Kawasaki 650R was a quick success. Intial bookings got closed within weeks!

 

650cc segment is best of both worlds. You get a powerful commuter that has enough juice if you want to go out for a nice tour. Its neither as expensive as a superbike, and not common as a commuter bike. Limiting the discussion to this middle segment created by Bajaj and Hyosung, are they really ready for these kind of machines?

 

Service network: Bajaj may score more points here because of their existing service network. It would be good to know that an authorised dealer is in the town but they would not be able provide consumables and other parts if you need them. It can be arranged through the network but if you are on a trip then its almost end of it. Garware motoros are aware of this and they are trying establish the network. It would take a while and hopefully they do not get into deadlock of service network-sales. People would buy less since service network is small and Garware might not be able to expand due to low sales.

 

Trained Labour: Even if you are able to reach to the nearest point, will you have a trained guy to help you out (forget about repairs, just consider routine maintainance)? At such point, a remote help over phone and prayers are only way out :) I am not undermining the experience of the mechs but just the fact that all that experience was gathered on different set of machines and problems.

 

Service attitude: Like all other Indians, the service engineers do not understand difference between a commuter and a more serious rider. Manufacturers have created specialised service bays or service centers for *their premium* models. Their premium models differ by just few handful digits of power, rest is almost same as their entry level model. These end up as sales gimmicks and different plastic stickers.

Routine service comprise of basic wash, chain cleaning, lights/horn check and oil change.

 

I was never happy with attitude of Bajaj service center near me. In my personal experience with Bajaj auto service, the mechs have always disregarded my comments, observations and requests. Speak anything more and you are an oversmart customer!

Perhaps, this was the reason for rejecting oil change on a new bike before its first service interval.

Despite advising that battery is dead and needs replacement (and not recharging, as I had already done that), my bike was returned by mere recharging. It failed to crank on post-service pickup. It was lying for two days with them with expectation to sort it out completely.

In the same service, I had asked them to check fork noise thoroughly. It was present since last few services and every time they the bike with simple nut adjustment. The nut was tightened this time again and mech was pretty confident that it was solved. He had not taken the test ride and I had to return the bike to them for next two days to get it fixed.

 

Now the same set of deaf mechs are going to work on foreign models. Its quiet likely that they are going to do a lot of things, alone on their own for the next few months. Perhaps they attended a small workshop. Is that enough for trusting them for the job? If they are going to ignore what customer says, will that help?

 

Choice to the buyer: What is logic of giving just one color to choose from? It may work well for them as free moving advertising across the streets. But for a customer, its just a bullying when he is ready to shell out money. Hyosung was nice to offer three choices atleast. But I hate the green Ninja. You are not going to loose your brand if you offer other colors!

What about accessories? None in sight. You are just giving the bike for the price and nothing else. The buyer wont get simple thing as an OEM slider or a topcase. It would have to be imported personally and the service mech would refuse to fit it for warranty reasons :)

There was another fiasco about the test rides. Initially the site offered email ID for requesting test rides. That was taken away in two days. While the potential buyers would be very few, it could still be offerred to previous customers? or offerred on Dynos? I recently got an invitation for test ride of Bajaj Discover as a customer of Pulsar 220F. Was Bajaj expecting me to dump 220F and buy Discover?

 

On the other side, Indian Roads continue to dissatisfy. Some highways are exceptionally well. But even major city roads loose themselves during monsoons. Coming home with damaged/scratched underbelly is not great :p Sometimes, if the road is good, there are ocassional speed bumps like mountains. If used properly, they can be used to launch cars into air like in movies :) I have heard Hayabusa owners getting down and manually push it over the speed bump to avoid damage. Cant keep doing it every few meters happily :)

 

Dhoom and Roadie effect: Nothing painted bad image of riders than these two stupid things. Every faired bike is now known as dhoom bike and I was even asked - "Are you a roadie?". With help of this and due to accidents involving motorcycles, Riders have become evil.

There are few highways and bridges denied for motorcyclists - reason cited as "accidents happen due to motorcycles". Its the stupidest conclusion to draw accordin to me. If statistics are true, 100% accidents that occur on the restricted roads involve cars/trucks :) Cars in which the passangers do not use seat belts, or have bald tyres can enter the highway, and drive their heart out, yet a safety concious 1000cc rider cannot! Differentiating between the two is not mechanical but then why does it go in favour of car owners?

Another road was closed due to accidents that happened at night. At times it involved speeding cars that went out of control, at times it involved motorcyclists who raced on empty patches. Result: blanket ban on motorcycles. Couldnt it be done just for night? How long indians will continue to have stupid beliefs about road safety?
Road sense and Common sense: Getting a license is easier than getting a passport or landline connection. Generations have been driving/riding without basic road sense. Anyone who can twist the throttle or drive can get it and consider himself an experienced one sooner. But we never follow basic road sense of yielding the right of way, lane driving manners. Such things do not have place in Indian upbringing at all. There is a good bunch of youngsters who believe superbikes are only for speeding. Hopefully these do not lay their hands on them and end up crashing. Which would further damage image of riders :) I remember in early days of Pulsar, it was considered by many as bad motorcycle. Failure of using disk brakes properly was major cause for that. One Bajaj showroom supervisor considered Ninja as most accident prone since he had three of them at once for full repair. People need to understand the technology and respect it.

Having said this, the change is pleasent. The pricing is much appreciated and this is sure sign of things to come. Hopefully this changes the perceptions and market over time. There should be more from the competition to keep things level. Many out of us are definitely ready for the change. Its going to be a dream come true moment ahead to lay hands on the machines and weaving memories with them in the years to come.

 

Let the good times come soon :)

ठाणे पासपोर्ट कार्यालयाबद्दल काही ...

गेल्या आठवडयात माझा पासपोर्ट संपत आला होता. आता सरकारी वास्तूत जावं लागणार आणि मनस्ताप अटळ. माझा जीव इथेच खालीवर होऊ लागला.
माहिती गोळा करताना कळलं की आता online अर्ज भरून appointment घ्यावी लागते. मी पण अर्ज भरला. त्यात सूचना होत्या की ठरलेल्या वेळेत न पोहोचल्यास परत नवीन appointment घ्यावी लागेल ईती. क्षणभर वाटलं की व्वाह! पण पुढे सगळा भ्रमनिरास झाला. तुमचा देखील होऊ नये म्हणून हा प्रपंच...

• Appointment वगैरे घाला चूलीत. तुम्ही कधीही फॉर्म भरून जाउ शकता. तुम्हाला दिलेल्या appointment चं कोणालाही काहीही सोयरसुतक नाही तिकडे
• प्रत्येक पुराव्याच्या दोन नकला काढा. मूळ प्रती सोबत ठेवा. आणि प्रत्येक नकलेवर तुमची सही करा. पासपोर्टवर VISA असल्यास त्या पानांची पण नक्कल जोडा. Online checklist मध्ये हे सगळं वाचल्याचं मला आठवत नाही.
• गेल्यावर तुम्हाला token घेण्याच्या रांगेत उभं रहावं लागेल. आदल्या दिवशी सुट्टी असल्यास रांग मोठी असेल.
• सरकारी कामासाठी लागलेली रांग. दलालांसाठी वेगळी दुपारची वेळ आहे. तरी रांगेत शिरणार्‍यांसाटी, त्यावरील भांडणांसाठी तयार रहा. एक आजीबाई अगदी अजिजीने सांगू लागली की ती रांगेत होती पण धक्का लागून दुसर्‍या रांगेत गेली. मग ती token घेउन सरळ "त्या" दुसर्‍या रांगेत गेली व हेच बोलू लागली!! इतर काही बायका जवळील मुलांना घेऊन सिग्नल वरील भिकार्‍यांप्रमाणे हावभाव करुन रांगेत घुसू देण्यासाठी विनवण्या करत होत्या. (सिग्नल वरील भिकार्‍यांप्रमाणेच त्या यशस्वी पण होत होत्या :)
• token देणारा तुमचा अर्ज पाहील. महत्वाच्या प्रश्नांची उत्तरे आहेत की नाही एवढं चाळेल आणि तुम्हाला एक शिक्का आणि त्यावर क्रमांक लिहून देईल. हेच ते token.
• आता तुम्हाला दुसरी रांग लावावी लागेल. ही रांग आहे "फाइल बनानेकी". इथे तुमच्या अर्जाला एका कागदी कव्हरमध्ये लावले जाईल आणि धाग्याची गाठ मारली जाईल. (सरकारी दस्तऎवज बांधून ठेवण्यासाठी काही अभिनव पद्धती वापरल्या जातात. त्यापैकी ही एक)
• आत्ता तुम्ही आतल्या खिडकीवर जायला मोकळे. Token ची वाट पहा आणि सांगितलेल्या खिडकीवर जा. तुमचा अर्ज परिपूर्ण असल्यास तुम्हाला पैसे भरण्याची सूचना करण्यात येईल. नसल्यास तुम्हाला आल्यापावली परत पाठवण्यात येईल.
• VISA असल्यास पासपोर्टवर तो रद्द केल्याचा शिक्का मारुन तुम्हाला परत करण्यात येईल. हे न विसरता करा. तसेच तुमच्या अर्जावर VISA असल्याचा एक शिक्का मारण्यात येईल.
•  तुमच्या online अर्जाचा खरा उपयोग इथे होतो. ती माहीती इथला कारकून retrieve करेल आणि काही दुरुस्ती असल्यास करेल. नोंदी झाल्याकी पैसे घेउन पावती देण्यात येईल.

पावती हातात पडली की मोहीम फत्ते समजा (आजपुरतीतरी)!

Mayawati - true representative of Indian Democracy

Why should we object maya's maya?

She represents number of people who voted her. It would be a joke to assume they did not know her.If there are more number of people against her, they have their right of voting which they did not use properly. If they did not have single good choice, its their failure to create one. Apart from them, she also represents the money thirsty politicians and their attitude of "sab chalata hai as long as you have money!"

She truly represents Indian democracy!

In support of "Aman ki Asha"

We are two countries separated by artificial borders. Identical human races dressed in different cloths of religion live in both. Terrorism and religious fanaticism has affected both for years, more visibly on the other side. The countries were a traveler's heaven once upon a time. Training camps and terror has made it living hell. Economy is suffering too as a result and this is fueling the descend.

All this because of extreme beliefs and mis-interpretation of religion (or rather a flexible interpretation for the selfish and inhuman motives)? It must stop.

There are people in both countries who just want to get up peacefully, go to work, earn for the day, buy stuff, come home, eat and sleep, without worrying that a bullet or bomb explosion would not kill their dreams.

All the best wishes for the "Aman ki Asha" idea/project. Let the dreams come true!

Slumdogs and Millionaires...

Just returned home after watching "Slumdog Millionaire". Seemed like a long day. Feels as if it started two days ago - two days ago when I had to leave home at 7am in morning for work.

It was a nice sunrise on a Saturday morning. Hardly thought that such beautiful sunrise could be seen around my house. The sky was very clear and colorful. I took a quick halt at Mulund on EE highway to capture the sunrise using mobile camera, and headed towards office.

Work in office started at 9am. It went on till late in evening. Luckily it was happening as per plan and there were no surprises, many thanks to another 14 hours spent at desk a day ago!

Returned home at 10pm. There was a small dinner party arranged in the society for us so attended it. Nice food was there and I liked the simple Jeera rice and Daal ;)

Thought there would be a good night ahead with peaceful sleep but it wasnt meant to be. I think I dreamt about getting call from office and it happened so. I was woken up at 3am for an urgent issue. Had no option but to use the GPRS connection to connect and try to resolve. There was no quick fix so took 5 hours to resolve it. By the time it was over, my sleep was gone :( Work started again in noon and didnt finish up untill 6pm on Sunday evening :( :( :( Thankfully the weekend work plan was successful.

Anyway, Its pre-republic day weekend and everywhere people talked about being patriotic. There are few LCD screens put in office lobby to air product commercials and some useless stuff. They aired videos in which they asked what the republic day meant to few stars and celebreties. There were usual answers about feeling patriotic and doing something about country and usual polished answers.

Sachin Tendulkar was on TV with another patriotic tv commercial...

While I was out in the evening, an old couple came to me and asked for some food and money. They were illiterate villegers. They wore typical Maharashtrian outfit and one small girl accompanied them. This is a way to beg money by saying they are lost in the city and need food etc etc.

I tried to shoo them away by trying to ignore them in usual Mumbai way. But they didnt budge, I was waiting on bike so coudnt move too. They persisted. The couple was old and folding hands in front of me. It was surely an emotional trap to get something from me. The girl was just jumping around in typical skirt blouse and trying to peep though a shop door.

The couple was asking for some money to buy food for the girl - 2 vada paavs as they said. I couldnt tolerate the pestering by those elders and gave them 25 rupees. They were elated.

While I walked through the market later, I saw one man selling soft suger candy. They carry a small wodden pole and put multicoloured suger candy blob on it. They would make a suger lolipop of different shape and present it on small stick to lick. Would not cost more than 5 rupees. I remember eating such thing once or twice in my childhood and it tasted nice for sure.

Just next to him, a guy was selling small Indian flags and badges for 26th of January celebration. This is a twice in the year sale...whole shop would cost rupees 500 or less :)

I quickly remembered the boatman I met in Nanital. He would get 40 rupees for every ride he did in the lake. No ride no money! Thats all he would do throughout the year.

I had movie tickets in my pocket and they costed 5oo bucks. and ordered a small popcorn bucket at the show that costed 55 bucks. Would normally be available for 5 bucks around my house!!!

National Anthem was played before the movie began. This was sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosale. I knew I was in a vulnerable state when their hi-fidelty voice filled up the theatre. These two ladies symbolise a lot for me - amazing voice, great career to look back in life and supreme respect earned out of it. Above that, they were a family and together even after so many years.

The quick incidents about the beggers, sellers and the riches flashed in my mind while the anthem was played and i was emotional. The girl jumping around the street was still in front of my eyes and I had water in my eyes.

The movie was nice. It showed how a poor guy becomes a millionaire through a tv game show. The story unfolds different times of his life as the tv show progreses. In the process he finds love of his life. Or rather in the process of finding love, he becomes a millionaire. Not sure if its to be called a love story or a thriller or just another emotional trap to bring people to theatre and make money. But it was good.

I had read some critisism about the movie because its made by non-indians and shows dark areas of Indian life. It shows people amputated to make beggers, rich trying to prevent poor from becoming rich, people selling their body for earning and so on..It could tarnish India's international image etc etc BS.
Wonder how the critics could say so, despite this lifestyle of the many characters is experienced by millions in the country as we celebrate 60th Republic day today.

Its 4am now and I am sleepy. The random thought chain in mind will take a temporary halt. This republic day would mean a day to rest after a busy weekend and blogging like this. I am feeling patriotic but might not do anything that can change or influence a good life in this country. Recession is looming but happy that there is a predictable and better life to live in this country than most others can get around the world. Makes feel proud about it. but i think thats it about today, like many of the Indians who are neither slumdogs nor millionaires.

At the end, the movie summerises in a sentence, how the slum boy becomes a millionaire in the film. A simple way to answer why there are slumdogs and millionaires interspread around...Why we cant know, set or change their destiny....

Because its written!

BN there, Dandeli that!

2nd October 2008 0350hrs
I got down the building and reached my bike. It was standing there in its usual calm composure. I was prepared for a long ride that I decided to join all of a sudden. Required stuff was packed in my backpack and cramster tankbag. I was little nervous but cool early morning air was soothing me a bit.

2nd October 2008 0355hrs
I tied the backpack as pillion and rested "turtle" on the tank and unmounted bike. It was a sense of Deja vu. I was good to go.A quick flick of accelarator and gentle push to ignite the engine, the Pulsar woke up with its typical startup noise. I still remember the first time I saw n heard a pulsar starting up and it still feels exciting!

2nd October 2008 0401hrs
The blood had rushed up the engine and the beast was ready to go. I noted the Odo and reset the tripmeter. Odo read 21183 and tripmeter 000.0.Couldnt wait any longer and I started my journey...
It was dark and the road was empty. Thanks to that and newly made Thane Belapur stretch, I was zipping past the milestones.
First throttle down was after 45 mins at Panvel toll plaza on old NH4. This was pretty quick. usually it takes atleast an hour. Now began the curvy ride till Khopoli. They have done a pretty good job to revamp old Mumbai-Pune highway. The road it divided and two lanes a side. I could keep constant 90+ and lean at the corners without much hassles. I had recently upgraded my headlamp using Avenger coil and bulb. It was keeping the road well lit.

I slowed down a little as I reached Bhor ghat. Crossing Bhor ghat is pure fun. Entire atomosphere was filled with engine roar and it was amazing to climb it in pitch dark morning :)
First tea break was at the "Tapari" on the Khandala ghat. The guy there was sleepy and not interested to serve tea. Perhaps he didnt want to leave the counter or stretch his hand. I was reluctant to get off as the bags made it little tricky to do so. One group had stopped there to have tea and one of the guy was kind enough to extend arm and pass on the cup!
As I reached Lonavala station, the road near it was still perfect. Its more than 2 years since I am riding there and its immaculate. Perhaps its made by a non-corrupt constructor! And seems he was not given any contract thereafter :) :)
After passing Kamshet, I realised that I was riding on reserve for a while. Suddenly there was a panic moment because all pumps looked fast asleep. I had betted on the Lonavala HP pump but it was shut. I quickly started looking for pump. For few pumps, I had to take long U in vain. Blood temperature started rushing through body with each passing meter. And luckily I found one. Tank was half full and I again started chasing the fellows.
This ride was arranged by a group called Bikenomads. I joined their newsgroup a while ago and kept sniffing the threads till today. It was a sudden decision to join the ride because the weekend at work turned out to be free. This was my first long (200km+) ride and that too with a professional group. 8 people were expected to start from Pune at 6am. Two mumbikers had already joined them a day ago. more were expected to start from Banglore and Hyderabad and converge at the destination - Dandeli - 650kms away from Mumbai!
Old highway ended quickly and I took right to reach Wakad. All of a sudden, I hit a foggy patch and everything was white around :) it was great...though little scary because visibility was ultra low. I just hoped that it doesnt rain. The foggy patch got over in few meters and I reached the Meeting point for Pune folks. I was late by an hour, though they were not supposed to wait for me. I kept on riding and looking for the bunch across the road...
Somewhere after Satara, I thought of giving up and taking a bite. I stopped at a small shack. The guys were ultra lazy and outright irritating. Misal paav was good though. I had to leave without tea as the couterboys started fighting over who will bring the cup for me!
Oh yes, incidently, I saw a big crab near the place...must have missed the road from a river nearby.
Just after I left this place...I saw a biker and big BN sticker grabbed the attention. It was the group I was looking for...I waived down to him to stop. He though I am asking directions and I asked him..."Hey, are you going to Dandeli! Lets go, I am coming too". First that guy did not understand whats happening :) He was Seon. He recognised me after I told my name and I was soon riding with the Group!!!
It was good feeling to be a part of the flock and we soon hit Maharashtra border. Highway after border gets real wide an smoother. All so far, I was wishing to ride Mumbai Pune Expressway and now no more feel like doing that :) This is way ahead that small patch.
Once again it happened that I was riding on reserve. In the excitement of meeting them, I forgot to tank up again :-s and finally, all the fuel drained. This time I was left behind too....Somewhere I had read that you can use Choke and then start again to utilise last half a litre of fuel in Pulsar. I tried that and it worked...and luckily, I spotted a bunk within just few meters :) and was back on track.
We ripped real hard after this and I could hold constant 115+ on Speedo. The high speed made me miss the Belgaum exit and I speeded past everyone somehow. Vibhu called up and told me to come back. This highway has left exits only and I felt like losing exists on US interstates :)
It took me a while to catch up the guys again and had to roam around on the Belgaum roads till then. Everyone was standing near a hotel and as they spot me, all shouted together :) I was glad to be found again :)

2nd October 2008 ~1500hrs
We parked at Ramdev hotel in Belgaum and hijacked one table exclusively for our bags and gear. Food was good and we had a light lunch. We now had to take smaller NH4A towards Khanapur. We were riding through the city now and everyone was watching 11 riders riding together with all the luggage and gear. It was fun to watch them amazed as we rode.
Road was small but not bad. We reached Khanapur with a small halt taken due to wee bit of drizzles...It didnt continue for long and we reached Londa via Khanapur. We came at Panji- Londa diversion and took a tea break.
After this, the road a piece of cake. Amazing tar and exciting curves. It was sheer thrill to ride the stretch by just leaning. I dont remember a moment where I could ride straight up. It was crazy. Maybe it was made by the Lonavala guy :)
We somehow missed the entrance to our destination and overshot it by few kilometers. But the camp guy came over and we were soon at the spot - Dandeli Jungle camp. Tripmeter read 571kms!!!!!!!!
Riders from Banglore had reached before us and we were welcomed by them. Hyderabad fellows were awaited. We had received a SMS from them while they were approx 200kms away from the place.

We refreshed ourselves and met over the camp fire. Almost everyone was tired but we had a small session. I was formally introduced to the group then. Dinner followed that and everyone jumped on the plates. The food was served warm and chicken curry was great! Vegens had less options though and most were pissed off ;)
I hit bed soon after that. Hyderabad riders were delayed because of bad roads and they were brought it to the reort by some of us somewhere near midnight.

3rd October 2008
Had quiet a good sleep amidst bugs walking all over the body. Somnath and I woke up quiet early and then we decided to take a small walk till main road. A dirt road connected resort to the main road and it made a good walkway.
After returning, we had a small session of macro photos and breakfast.

That day we went to see Syntheri Rocks. This is a big granite rock next to the Dandeli river. One the way, Somnath was stung by small hairy caterpiller which was thankfully more itchy than toxic. He was quiet fine once Doctor Harshad applied soap lotion :)

In the evening we drove to Dandeli city for a Crocodile Trek. The guide claimed that there are usually 30-40 crocs to be seen. but we just saw half a crock (just saw legs).
Campfire that night vitnessed a good amount of discussion about Bikenomads and their further plans. Once food was redied, everyone dispersed :) We were burning more than usual callories during day. The resort fellow must be worried about our food intake...Glad that he didnt charge us extra for food though it was included in the costs ;)
Just before the campfire, few of us took the bikes out for a small ride. We rode up to the city and came back. While returning, it became darker and all we could see in the RVM was a chain of lights moving in unison! Watching that was so amazing, no one stopped to shoot it :)

4th October 2008
Jungle safari was scheduled to start at 4am in the morning. Considering the experience with crock trek and early morning departure, I chose to stay in bed. Which turned out to be a good decision. The safari was just the ride in the woods and not much of wildlife could be spotted by those who went.
Another group was ready for white water rafting. Their scheduled departure was delayed because the rafting water levels were planned to rise in the noon.
Remaining people were planning to ride up till Karwar (or Goa if Harshad's efforts had turned into success). Change of timing for Rafters changed this plan. We spent noon watching some funny videos on Harshad's laptop.

In the evening, some, including me, went to the city and tanked up. Vibhu and Harshad went out to hunt a place for our bike shoot. Both groups departed from resort at same time and incidently both returned too at once :)
It was dark yet rafters had not returned. So the campfire was lit and audience started small session with Rafting group was late so we couldnt do our bike shoot. We then decided to shoot in front of resort. The group photo was success because of Harshad's camera, Vinay's tripod, Amod's batteries and my flash...and everyone's enthusiasm for it :)

5th October 2008 0400hrs
We got up early as decided and started to pack for the return journey. Lights went out and we had to pack the stuff using mobile light. As soon as finished packing, lights came!!!

5th October 2008 0530hrs
We started to ride back finally. The road was dark and leaning on the curves were more exciting. It was very foggy again and wet by drizzles. Took us almost 2.5 hours to reach Belgaum. Hyderabad folks spilt of here.
We again stacked up at Ramdev and fueled ourselves. Soon we were on the highway and ripping. We chose to stay at 100 for this stretch. Hormuzd, somnath and I zipped ahead and kept together till the rest of the ride.

On passing Kolhapur, we came to know that Abhishek met with accident. It was scary but we decided to keep moving as we had covered much distance than rest. My bums had started getting numb by now. But back was well supported by the sack. We kept moving and taking breaks to ease of blood in the bottoms and reached Pune by 1.30pm

5th October 2008 1330hrs
We had some snacks at Varje and Somnath left us here. Hormuzd and I started for Mumbai. While Hormuzd was refueling, I noted that my speedo cable had gone kaput after 440kms of ride :( :(
I kept following Hormuzd now. As we reached Neeta point in Lonavala, a stupid Zen Estillo coming in opposite direction turned left all of a sudden and stopped in the middle of the road. We had to brake hard to avoid collision. We confronted the bald uncle and sheepishly smiled to say "Sorry, I am new to this area!"
We again reached Lonavala and I couldnt control riding hard on the Lonavala road. I zipped past Hormuzd only to stop on the Amrutanjan Bridge. He couldnt understand what suddenly took me :) But after that we again kept with each other till Kalamboli. We departed near RAIT and I soon reached Three hand junction in Thane.

5th October 2008 1630hrs
While I was waiting at the signal, there was little smoke and smell under the seat. I looked down and aparently, one plastic bag was stuck to the silencer pipe and smoking up. But also the engine was covered with oil. I decided not to go home but went to my mechanic who usually packs up early on Sunday.So first I went to the studio and submitted the films to be developed. Was very eager to see the prints.Chiku the mechanic checked the bike and thankfully it was just loose air pump that caused little oil to leak. It was fixed in jiffy and oil was changed.

5th October 2008 1715hrs
I finally reached home and back to the grind :) We had covered the distance in less than 12 hours as opposed to 14 while going. It was almost a 1300kms journey to Dandeli n back!!!
All in all, it was a great trip. Had lots of fun and covered lots of distance. Only thing that irritated were the countless number of people who would use their hands to signal that I am riding with the lights on. People would just go crazy to do that, kids, elders all did that while they walked up on road, travelled in rikshaw and what not.. :) :) :) Hope they do the same to people without road-sense. Riding in
the group was a difference experience, especially on the Khanapur-Dandeli road during day as well as early in the morning. Looking forward to more such trips....

Trip Summary
Route: Thane-Pune-Satara-Kolhapur-Belgaum-Khanapur-Londa-Ramnagar-Dandeli and back
Distance: 670kms one way
Time to cover: 12 hours (average)
Bike: Bajaj Pulsar 180cc, Fear the black edition
Riders: 3 from Mumbai, 8 from Pune, 2 from Banglore, 3 from Hyderabad
Group: Bikenomads (http://www.bikenomads.com/)
Road condition: Smooth and divided tarway till pune. Expressway till Kolhapur. Extra wide and smoother concrete till belgaum. Undivided two laned tarway till Khanapur. A great curvy whitish tarway till Londa. bumpy tar till Dandeli.
Petrol pumps: Lots of bunks along the route till Belgaum. Most of them are shut at night tough. After Belgaum, very less pumps till Dandeli. In dandeli city, there are few pumps
Service: Kolhapur - Belgaum - Dandeli stretch is much away from city hence mechanics might not be available at regular intervals.
Food options: Plenty of food options along the route, except Belgaum-Dandeli stretch
Prefferred time:October-February
Stay: Dandeli offers small cottages and tree houses to stay. We booked online through http://www.dandeli.com
Food: Great if you are non-vegen

Links to Pictures
http://www.flickr.com/photos/globe_treader/sets/72157607790817371 - Me
http://flickr.com/photos/harshadsharma/sets/72157607819253820 - Harshad
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vibhurishi/sets/72157607799304733 - Vibhu
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vinaydeep/sets/72157607832560161 - Vinay

http://picasaweb.google.co.in/kalingaputra/DandeliAnnualRide
https://www.photoshop.com/user/cyanvj - Seon
http://picasaweb.google.co.in/kalingaputra/DandeliAnnualRide - Kalingaputra
http://www.flickr.com/photos/70183471@N00/sets/72157607783891513 - Jayram
http://picasaweb.google.com/amod.gokhale/BNAnnualTrip - Amod
http://www.bikenomads.com/?p=142 - Post on BN website
http://maps.mapmyindia.com/?from=thane&to=dandeli&via=&type=best&q=dir - Route directions

"Ever wondered how a day's news fits in 12 pages of a newspaper and 24 hours of a channel everyday?"

We go for a movie, spend couple of hundred rupees and then critisize the technical things about it. dont we know that there are millions of people who cannot earn a hundred rupees even for days. even if you think that the movie was bad, imagine what the people behind making it think. will they ever make a movie if they know its going to be bad? do we care what the director/producer/staff had in mind while making it? there might be atleast one person who might be making the movie with a big vision of something or a passion, he just fails short while realising it or fails to find a mass appeal in it...and we tend to ignore that (not that we shouldnt always)...

while i was in pune, i used to eat at a small snacks bar that served paavbhaji, bhelpuri and stuff like that. for me it was not great food but it was rather food that is available nearby. once I saw a man (agend around 30-35), eating paavbhaji there with his wife and two small kids. he answered a phone while doing that and i heard him telling this to the person on call - "aaj 4 saal saal ke baad first time family ko hotel me leke aaya hai!". His idea of hotelling was different than many who are reading this...what would you do and where would you go if you want to go out and eat somewhere?

i read somewhere - "ever wondered how a day's news fits in 12 pages of a newspaper and 24 hours of a channel everyday?"

It's a known and bitter fact of today's human life. everyone makes a circle to encompass their belief, relations, assets, selfishness and decides to walk around with it. Anything that does not fit inside that, is non-existent or invisible. I am no exception to that.

Ideally there are a lot of things that need to happen or to be taken into account, but that doesnt happen ideally...and if it starts to happen, it wouldnt be a real nice life...

Choices are few and not always simple

- Spread your circles, include more in and just do nothing but feel sad like this

- Break away your circle and try to be the change

- Just keep walking and ignoring things outside it

(as commented on - http://feelingsandviewpoint.blogspot.com/2008/08/blog-post.html)

Happy Birthday India!

My country turns 60 today. After a long fight by uncountable freedom fighters, the country became independent on 15th August 1948.

60! That's a lot of a life for a human, isn't it? For a country its not a small span either.

Where do we stand now? Are we really independent? Like a 60 year old person, who has been through difficult times, Have the 60 years made any wiser?

India is independent, but the people are not. There is a long way to go for the people. Ignorance still rules their mind. Corruption is doing its best to slow down the growth. People and their desires have taken over their own happiness. Democracy is the foundation for the success we have so far achieved but now politics has become a profit career.

Tomorrow when I would wake up, every TV channel will have dedicated Independent Day special program. Most will air special commercial promos showing inocent children singing song and holding tri-color. Newspapers will cover special articles and editorials. Every traffic signal will will see homeless kids selling miniature flags. Some would utilise the public holiday to take a break from routine and enjoy the day at a travel destination near city. But next day, everything will be different, rather will be back to routine after the hangover is over.

Today we have worldwide recognition as a growing economy. Indians are everywhere. They are being employed in the developed nations. Indian entrepreneurs are thinking big and are part of "whose' who" of the world. Life is comparatively peaceful. We have most of the new technology available. Our currency is getting better. Kids can go to school, men and women can walk road without fear in most part of the country.

Its like a glass of water, half empty or half full, the way we look at it. The generation that actually participated in the freedom fight, is slowly going behind the curtain of time. But the spirit of independence and recognition of efforts behind that is not yet dead.

The country is not a 60 year veteran. Its a teenager. We are still growing up. And hence its worth celebrating the day, with the hope that the kid will be a nice and fine as it turns into an experienced wise man. Its worth wishing that we would be truly independent, soon.

Happy Birthday India!