Experiences on Two Wheels

Riding to the land where my Hero Rests in Peace.

2011-08-01T23:07:00.007+05:30

Was a complete dumbo at history during my school days. Interest into the subject was nil- be it memorizing dates of our great leaders or important events in history that shaped our present. I believe it would be a similar fate with most- heaps of text to be memorized just for the sake of scoring well and not to one’s interest. I wish school picnics should have been to a few places that would amplify interest to the pile of text we had to push into our heads.

Well times have changed- thanks to friends like Glen who convinced me that history wasn't just black and white as we thought in school. With renewed interest into the forgotten subject, I used to google around on anything that struck my mind- priority being the great warriors who graced our motherland and the one who stood out was Shri Baji Prabhu- an absolute Superman in my eyes. I can thousand times read an article on him and tears of pride would flood my eyes everytime. But the final nail in the coffin came after a shared album from Jayaram- a snapshot of the memorials of Shri Baji Prabhu and Fulaji. The photos filled me not only with eagerness to visit the place but impatience as well- felt like just leaving everything behind and ride away to Vishalgad with the same sense of urgency that Shri Shivaji Maharaj had escaped to the place.

Parimal and Glen shared a possibility of being on the trip- but the possibility remained a very bleak one which meant I would ride alone- but not till I had an unexpected turn-up for company on the trip. My colleague and newly found travel bug Shamika cited interest of being on the trip- which I took not more than an excited comment that'll douse out in a couple of days... I was wrong. Her eagerness scaled new orbits everyday- though it was more for the ride rather than the destination.

Finally the day arrives and as usual all things go wrong....boss sitting late, traffic jams refusing to clear up, had to change oil to find that the drain bolt was damaged, the speedo gear had gone kaput, the HID beam position refusing to stay in one position...damn! Poor Shamika self-testing her patience with a thought bubble over her head thinking 'now he'll come, now he'll come'. In the end with all the issues solved, I finally make to Belapur to pick her up......at midnight! It was a night ride anyways- but certaintly not a midnight start one. After all the tata and bye-bye's to others and pushing my snug-fit Vemar over the poor girl's head- we move out of Belapur at dot 12.30 with stops at Khopoli to adjust the helmet hurting her newly pierced ears which had already started bleeding and another at Pune to pull-up a sweater in the increasingly cold climate. Another halt before Khambatki for tea and later at Satara to answer nature's call punctuated our ride till Kolhapur by the time which the straight roads had already taken a toll on boredom pushing sleep into my eyes. Dozing off for a couple of seconds was enough to press the panic button to take an emergency halt to flush cold water onto my face and eyes.

The straight run continues and right diversion takes us to Kolhapur and riding through the tree hugged roads lands us at historical Panhala. Breakfast was an emergency since the last piece of eatable was consumed last before Khambatki. Batata wada, mirchi wada and misal were swallowed in a hurry to fuel us ahead for site seeing Panhala. Thankfully the vast area of Panhala could be explored from one corner to the other on the bike. Not taking much space here for description of the monuments visited...you can have a look in the ride album :)

Panhala is a vast area, and I didn’t have a clue as to where was what. But then went dropping in at locations where the roads would take us.

Most seen and done, now comes the monument of which I was so eager for a glimpse.... an embodiment of bravery, loyalty and sheer will-power....the great Shri Baji Prabhu Deshpande. Every hair on the body stood up, the arrogance on his face and the two mighty swords in his hands....you simply cannot get away unaffected. A million bows Shri Baji!!!

Went around seeing places- which I didn’t find much attractive, but considering they had their own importance once upon a time- it did entice some historical interest.

As in history once upon a time, we hopped onto our horse and galloped towards our next destination Vishalgad to fire the canon, passing through some scenic views.

And finally boom goes the canon ;) We’ve arrived at the base of Vishalgad, but instead of taking the bridge shortcut- we decide to take the stairs, well it wasn’t much- but for sake of experience.

Got a relatively cheap room for 200 bucks with a common bath and toilet. Wasn’t that bad and nice spicy egg curry with rice to conclude a royal dinner and an eventful day. Snorrrrrrrrrrre.

Next morning was a walk through the serene land of Vishalgad with thoughts flying around as to how it would have been in its glorious days. Took a couple of garlands, which seeing in my hand people were hinting me the way towards the temple. But then the garlands were not for the gods- but for my Hero and I finally spot his Samadhi from a distance bringing instant tears to my eyes.

Absolute goosebumps as I step in the yard of the samadhis….offered my respect with flowers and incense sticks to the samadhis of both Shri Baji Prabhu Deshpande and Shri Fulaji Deshpande. The tears that had taken a temporary pause in my eyes during the walk since I saw the samadhis from a distance, made their presence felt again. Memories of all the stories of valour and willpower of Shri Baji that I came across right from the text books of my school days till the Wikipedia of today- rolled down with tears from my eyes. A few more minutes of prayers and a goodbye kiss to my heroes.

Roamed around a bit more seeing places on the way before we packed up to head to our next destination, where the great Shri Baji laid down his life on duty…..Pavankhind.

This time we took the shortcut bridge on our onwards journey towards again passing some lovely scenery.

Finally we reach the place. Shamika was quick getting down the ladder into the gorge as opposed to me being outright scared of slipping and falling.

The experience of Pavankhind was something else….the air around was so cold and heavy as if I could feel the spirits of all those who sacrificed their life at this very place. For a minute I could feel a battle going on around me.....soldiers screaming, swords hitting against each other, bloodshed- I felt being part of the epic battle that took place nearly three and a half centuries ago. I wonder how people fought on that very night with heavy rains. The place is such it takes effort to even balance yourself on your feet and a huge army had come marching to capture the great Marathi Emperor.

Felt so good and blessed to have been to this historical place. But then the ticking watch hinted us to move on…..Pavankhind marked the end of the ride and it was time to fly back home.

Fog started to reduce the visibility and the heavy rains lashed thereafter. We stopped at a restaurant and had the best bhurji paav ever before scampering on hot heels back home. It took around 5.5 hours to reach Mumbai from Kolhapur with a single stop at Satara for refuel.

So that was it….a wonderful and unforgetful ride.

The memories HERE

Group ride to Karde Beach, Dapoli

2010-01-23T19:37:00.000+05:30

I have found out that there ain't no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.....Mark Twain

Had been to a short and relaxed ride in a group last Sat-Sun to Karde beach, Dapoli.

Some highlights of the trip:

*Bad luck struck at the start when Abhimany's LB 500 had a puncture- not one but both tyres flat. No 19" tube available, stretched up an 18"er. Lost more than an hour.

*Meeting up with everyone and Kantibhai- being his first ride he was on a safer and slower side, but then amazingly picked up to match the group's speed. Hats off!

*Sanket joining us on the move unawares- he wasnt confirmed for the ride.

*Kashedi Ghat...the ascend from Poladpur is awesome, descend has become a bit patchy.

*Group scattered on internal roads to join back again near Murud.

*Saniya Resort- though doesnt look like one- but a secluded and calm place. Worth recommending.

*Harnai fish auction- bought lotsa prawns and surmai.

*All the fish tastefully cooked to everyone's satisfaction.

*Amit Ved joining us in the night at Dapoli riding all alone through the narrow and scary roads.

*Crackers by Sanket and Kantibhai by a small bonfire- used petrol and whisky to keep it going.

*Squeezing up into two rooms- not that more rooms were not available, we decided to adjust. The lady was shocked to see such a turnout- I had only confirmed for 6 people and we were 11.

*Glen and Revel leaving early morning missing out on the unforgettable Dolphin watching.

*The wonderful and long boat ride and the Dolphins being so close all around us was the treat of the ride.

*Delicious poha for breakfast.

*A short ride on Karde beach.

*Breath-taking view of Anjarle beach and village from Harnai.

*Ride back through narrow but wonderful roads till Khed and a ridiculous lunch at Khed.

*Me somehow managing to ride back till Palaspe from Dapoli before my bike gave up at Palaspe.

*Being towed for 20 kms behind Abhimany's LB500 till Vashi to Revel's place.

An eventful ride and every minute was worth its value in the company of friends- I wish only if my bike would have held on.

HERE's the complete set of pics.

Ferry trip to Elephanta Caves

2010-01-08T09:43:00.004+05:30

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness."- Mark Twain

Major part of my childhood was spent at Colaba and I always dreamt of ferrying all the way to Elephanta Caves. Somehow it never happened and the experience just remained a curiousity until this Saturday all thanks to fellow PUG Jayaram from Pune :)

Met up with Jayaram at the Gateway of India. Was carrying three kids alongwith me- Shamika and two other married ones- Bhau and his wife ;) Purchasing tickets from the MTDC counter was swift and in no time we boarded the ferry. Buggers charge 10 bucks more for the upper deck...anyways no big deal.

We leave the shores and distance ourselves away from the bustling city into the sea.

Spotting a few sea vessels in all shapes and sizes.

An amazing boat ride of around 1 hour takes us to the shores of Elephanta Island.

A shaky and noisy but fun-filled mini train equal to your walking pace takes us near the base of the hill (charges Rs.10 bucks).

From hereon it was travel back into time starting off with a few exhibits on display at the museum.

Figure of ardhanarisvara, a form of Lord Shiva with the combined energies of male and female.

Gangadhara Shiva

Andhakasura Vadha Murti (Siva killing the demon)

The gigantic dwarapaals

A sculpture of Lord Shiva as Nataraja

Marriage of Lord Shiva (Uma Mahesvara)

Mahesa-murti. A colossal bust of the three forms of Siva, the aghora, turbulent and fearsome; tatpurusha, benign and meditative and vamadeva, mild pleasing and lovable.

Explorations done and we headed back gliding over the sea back to base.

HERE are a few pics. Clicked from my mobile and somehow have not come that good, the phone needs some cleanup.

Sunday burst to Malshej

2009-12-05T09:01:00.004+05:30

We shall return home as better friends than we started our tour...........Stein Morten

Another Sunday hinting on a boring day that would pass away faster than I could think. To put the time to best use is of course riding in my lawbook- so here I go on a short bust with Alkesh and Sarang, and colleagues Swapnil and Nilesh.

We meet up at Thane and after having a small breakfast at Murbad proceed to our nearby destination in the hills called Malshej.

A few clicks for poses.

A few for the straights

...and a few for the curves

Some serene moments absorbing the warm sunlight in the cool mountain breeze.

To some off the road places leaning over the edges.

A refreshing dip for our bikes

To a refreshing lunch for ourselves at MTDC.

Great climate, lovely roads, beautiful scenery and the best part- great company of friends...made it worth a day's outing

A short collection of memories HERE

Sunny trek to Kalavantindurg

2009-10-23T19:00:00.001+05:30

Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So… get on your way.....Dr. Seuss

This one's was a casual trip and nothing much to write about. We started the trip from Panvel- the gang took the 10-seater rickshaw and I followed them on my bike. Reached the base, parked the bike at my colleague's house and we started our walk (calling it a trek would be an exaggeration). The walk was easy frequented by tree shades for short naps- specially for the rest of the gang who were not used to walk under the hot sun.

Lord Ganesh and Hanumaji carved on the rocks blessing us on the way.

Though the scenery was not breath-taking specially this time of the year where greenery is not much- found a cool place to hang my legs and look back at the path we waded ourselves till the point.
Fathoming the range of the mighty hills through our eyes.
We reached Bhau's (my colleague) place and tp'd around till sunset.

Had typical delicious village food for dinner. Chit chat or a couple of hours, then crawled under the blanket playing hide and seek with the shivering climate. We all slept out in the open with each and every star so clear to the eyes. Had never seen so many shooting stars in my life as I saw that night. The barking dogs were too irritating, but sleep finally managed to get the better of us.

Its day 2 and we skipped Prabalgad which is supposed to be an easy trek and chose to climb up Kalavantin Durg which comparatively was more thrilling.

Initial walk through the jungle is not all that cozy with loose stones and soil, but on the good side its blanketed by trees and you dont feel the heat.
Reached the Khind (pass) where Prabalgad and Kalavantin Durg meet and started the climb. Peeked into a small cave on the way.

It was early afternoon and holding onto the rocks was quite uncomfortable as they had turned hot under the sun- but the drops and being so close to the edge was thrilling.

Finally made it to the top and sat like a monkey doing nothing for hours together grasping views of the beauty mother nature has to offer. (was right there on top- this pic was clicked on my next trip when I was atop Prabalgad)

Few moments later, started the descend, reached the base...its delicious food again for lunch and we left this place for our homes.

I guess Prabalgad would be much more scenic in rains- though in the dry season it might not look that great, but its fun to be there, specially if you are staying overnight. Watching the sun go down sitting on the edges of the hills is a relaxation. On the other hand, Kalvantindurg would be a scare to trek when the heavens start pouring.

Anyways- too much said for such a small trip. HERE's the complete set of pics.

A day's trek to Rajgad- the KING of forts!

2009-10-17T22:55:00.000+05:30

Journeys, like artists, are born and not made. A thousand differing circumstances contribute to them, few of them willed or determined by the will --whatever we may think......Lawrence Durrell

Come Sunday and I was out on a one day trek to Rajgad Fort situated approx 45 kms from Pune. Saving on the efforts to type an epic on this mighty fort in my own words, wikipedia makes the job easier and you can read about Rajgad HERE.

Getting back to the trip, I was supposed to leave at 5 in the morning, got up late and finally rolled out at 9.30.

Reached the base village and started the trek at 1 in the noon and the sun was sapping every bit of energy. Was carrying Glucon-D and Electral dissolved solution to counter the fatigue. The way I was getting tired taking halts every 10 mins

The view getting better with altitude.

Once I got to the rocky sections- it was easier and with the shade of the mountain- it was a lot less tiring. I thought it would take me 4 hours to get on top- but in the the end I was there in 2 hours 15 mins.

Localites on their return.

Entrance to the Chor Darwaza was fun- though it was surprising.

An absolute cracker of a Fort and stands true to its name RAJGAD- the spread of the this mighty structure is simply mind-boggling.

So here started my site seeing starting off with the Padmavati Talao.

The Samadhi of Sayeebai- the first wife of Shri Shivaji Maharaj.

The Padmavati temple- its more of a place for an overnight halt.

The Sadar (meeting hall) and the Talghar (underground room).

One of the best and thrilling experiences was making my way down to the Gunjanwan Darwaza. The path was covered with tall grass and shrubs giving me a scare of a snake-bite, plus the stunning silence was too much for my liking- was thrilled to the core.

And here comes the best sight of the trek...the view from Chilkhati Buruj...felt like I was on the Great Wall of China.

The Mahadarwaza, Balle Killa and the view from the top were icing on the cake.

Rajgad Deepotsav organised by a trekker group from Pune.

As it usually happens I got late on departure- the Pune trekker group mentioned they too would be trekking down. Assured by their words I waited back to click their pics and that was the biggest mistake. Their descend was only till Padmavati Machi and not to the base village. Feeling disgusted I started hurrying and by the time I even reached the exit, the sun had gone down.

Got through the difficult sections as fast I could, but after that it was a nightmare- I could see nothing, absolutely nothing. Was walking purely on judgment- stones and pebbles under my feet meant I was on the right track- a grassy section and I knew I went off the way- had numerous falls and crashes on the way- my every 3rd or 4th step was a fall, never crashed so much on my bike in 6 years. Reached a small hut kind of a hotel on the way and asked a localite to help me reach the village- he was not at all ready to do so. Got frustrated and just carried on walking as I had till there, but this time I got tensed- I knew I had landed in trouble and stopped walking. The hotel was at least a saving grace- didnt want to land up where I could neither reach the village and nor the hotel. Returned back and luckily there was a group returning and best part equipped with a torch. Joined them and in 15 mins I was at the base village. Resolved never to trek without a torch.

My watch had stopped working in the crashing process so didnt have an idea as to what time I started riding back- reached home at 1.30 in the night- but not before coming across a couple of terrible accidents on the way.

My route and distance: Mira Road-Thane-Panvel-Khopoli-Lonavla-Pune-Nasrapur-Gunjavne and back: 486 kms.

Minus the injuries- it was one of the best treks I had. Memorable enough to go back to the mighty Rajgad, and this time I'll be basking in the warmth of the sunrise next morning.

HERE is the complete set of pics clicked through my mobile phone.

Cozy trek to Korigad/ Koraigad

2009-10-13T20:49:00.004+05:30

Visits always give pleasure; if not the arrival, the departure......Proverb

Another small outing to kill the boredom of a lazying holiday- this time to Koraigad Fort at Lonavla, had been there earlier too with my office colleagues. Ride on the lovely roads towards Amby Valley was fun.

Was a nice cool, cozy and relaxed outing- left late afternoon around 2 pm and reached the base village Pethshahapur at 4.

The most easiest trekkable fort you can find and it took just over 30 mins to reach on top including clicking breaks.

Explored the fort at a lazy pace without realising that the sun was already getting close to the horizon..rushed my way back and it took not more than 15 minutes to return to base- though exited through the wrong side and landed on the main road and was a boring walk back to my bike parked at the temple in the village. Enjoyed the ride back to Lonavla in dark through the twisties and stopped over at Rishabh, Khopoli for the regular dal tadka and shev bhaaji.

My route: Mira Road-Thane-Vashi-Panvel-Khopoli-Lonavla-Pethshahapur (base village) and back: approx 280 kms.

Extremely short trip and an easy trek- nothing much to narrate about, though I enjoyed it as I always do on all of my trips. The album should give you a complete narration HERE

Mini Trek to Kondhane Caves, Karjat

2009-10-10T21:25:00.001+05:30

I think that wherever your journey takes you, there are new gods waiting there, with divine patience -- and laughter....Susan M. Watkins

A boring Saturday afternoon at home doing nothing except exercising my fingers on the TV remote. Thought to head out somewhere, but no idea where. Decided mid-way to go to this unknown caves of Kondhane. These caves are on the western slope of Rajmachi plateau (on Karjat side) and were carved in the period around 200 BC.

Its an easy half an hour trek from Kondhane village passing through a nice blanket of trees- so no sunny exhaustion. The caves too are not huge and vastly spread as Karla or Kanheri, but such beautiful ancient architecture situated deep inside a forest is something amazing. I was slighly exhausted- but the first sight of the caves just sucked away all the tiredness.

On the return thought it wont be dark as early as 6.30- but it was. Lost my way and landed up at a farm of Emu birds with 4 huge and dreadful looking dogs coming running towards me. I always have a knife in my pocket whenever I go on treks- and I can repel one dog, but 4- no ways. A quick scamper backwards was a better option that time and a quick walk bought me to the right diversion. Came back to where my bike was parked- was already very dark then.

The moment I switched on the HID it was insects all over the spot light, the front of the bike and lot of them on my body too.

A short slippery and bumpy and near-crashing ride bought me back to Kondhane village. It was an easy ride all the way home.

Not much of a great ride- but it was worth the time and felt privileged of having explored a relatively uknown place and experiencing exotic examples of ancient architecture which still exist. Dont know when they might just disappear.

My route: Mira Road-Thane-Vashi-Panvel-Chowk-Karjat-Dahivli-Kandpe-Kondhane and back.

Didn't note down the distance but would be around 220-240 kms both ways.

The complete set of pics HERE

Solo Round Ride

2009-09-27T18:42:00.002+05:30

One main factor in the upward trend of animal life has been the power of wandering....Alfred North Whitehead.

Was a sheer mental torture to see the trio of Parimal, Alkesh and Dhananjay disappear to Chorla Ghat and me left behind with a hanging face at home. Mom had just freaked out of my ride plan of three days just having come out of viral fever. The itch was too much to bear and no ways could I stay back at home- at least a day away from this chaotic city. Finalised a round ride to Chiplun via NH17 taking Kumbharli Ghat and circling back to Mumbai via NH4. Called up the Chorla trio conveying my riding plan and catching up with them at Chiplun.

Late again to sleep the earlier night and plans of leaving at 5.30 got 4 hours late. Finally was out of the house and ripped all the way to my first halt for a casual click at the JNPT connector.

Was a long time since I road on NH17- except a few bumps here and there, it was still as good as you can find all year round. The cool climate and the pleasure of riding after long on this stretch simply refrained me from taking stops. With great persuasion to my ownself- stopped over for a scenic click just before Mahad.

A quick sprint all the way to the start of Kashedi Ghats. Our sweetheart this ghat is- the pics would tell you why.

Shifting body weight from one side of the saddle to the another, changing directions in quick motion...was fun all the way before my next stop at Parshuram Ghat, this time too just for a click.

Quarter to two and I finally catch up with the gang at Chiplun and no heading anywhere except Hotel Abhishek for lunch.

Souls satisfied with a nice heavy lunch and half the ride done on my part- we're on our way home. The roads from Chiplun till the start of Kumbharli Ghats were a treat to ride. Same goes for Kumbharli ghats- except a few minor bumpy patches- it was enjoyable all the way. The last patch till the top was a race-track, amazing stretch of tarmac. It was so good that I couldn't stop to take pics. But did manage to click a few on the way including the scenery.

Stopped over in between for a wash on a near-drying out waterfall.

Well this one was still prospering.

With the ascend being such a lovely experience, the descend towards Patan was equally horrible- thankfully it wasn't too lengthy. A ciggy break for Alkesh and Parimal once we got through with the bad patches.

To our bad luck- it started raining and we were slowed down by the slippery patch leading to Patan. A tea-break in between before we diverted towards Umbraj and on the run-way like NH4 rushing back home. From Pune to Khopoli was a mad ride and a complete torture for my P150 chasing Parimal's ZMA. A couple of fuel stops and a hearty dinner at Rishabh- Khopoli concluded a lovely ride.

This was my route and distance:

Mira Road-Thane-Panvel-Wadkhal-Mangaon-Mahad-Poladpur-Khed-Chiplun-Kumbharli Ghat-Patan-Umbraj-Satara-Pune and back: 729 kms.

Was another day well spent and thankfully got rid of the itch and the depression. Thanks to Alkesh, DJ and Pari for the wonderful company mid-way.

A few more PICS HERE

Half-day kalti to Pawana Lake

2009-09-21T22:25:00.001+05:30

Half the fun of the travel is the esthetic of lostness. - Ray Bradbury

A perfect example of a golden opportunity and grabbing it with both hands.

Was down with high fever on Sunday and seeing me still cough in office on Monday, boss granted me a half day leave. Well wasn't at all feeling down or feverish- though my expressions might have been that of a patient, decided to make best use of this half day and rode to Pawana lake- a few kms from Lonavla.

Clicked a very few pics- though not very sharp as clicked from my mobile with the battery dying out.

The lovely roads of Khandala, I get nostalgic about this place- this was the path I took on my first ride.

Cut between two:

Glimpses of the huge lake

A view such as this could sooth the most confused mind.

Couldn't help stopping every now and then to look back at the serene view left behind.

Was a very short trip, hence nothing much to narrate either- but in the end it was worth the time. Though not much, but a small extended album HERE

Driving/Riding directions: Mumbai-Vashi-Panvel-Khopoli-Khandala-Lonavla. Once you reach Lonavla take right from the main road with the board pointing to Amby Valley. Just keep going and take left from the statue of Shivaji Maharaj. Carry on through the crowded market till you hit a fork- take the right one and keep going till you come across a very narrow road which goes straight and a right turn, take the right and just keep riding till you hit Pawana.

Trek to Sudhagad

2009-08-22T21:22:00.004+05:30

I learn something every time I go into the mountains...... Michael Kennedy

Trying to make the best of the climate with rains still around and on a lookout for a good trek to a fort, came across Sudhagad aka Bhorapgad/ Bhoraicha Killa. Reviews of relatively being a well maintained fort and not being too far away from Mumbai, Sudhagad it was for the weekend with my colleague Nilesh joining me on the trip.

We both met up at Ghodbunder Naka and sped up eager to leave the city far behind and our first casual stop on the JNPT stretch- this place is too tempting to avoid a click. Wish whole of Mumbai had roads like these.

Nothing in our tummies, this was our second halt for breakfast at our regular 'Rishabh Hotel' near Khopoli.

Broke away from the old Mumbai-Pune highway from Khalapur towards Pali rolling over narrow but lovely roads.

Barring a few bumpy patches with overflowing civilisation- most if the roads were lovely to ride till Pachapur.

Finally we made it to Thakurwadi the base village.

Kept our helmets at one of the homes of the friendly villagers.

Thankfully it wasn't sunny and it was a non-sapping comfortable hike.

The best facilitated ladder you can find on any fort- well at least to the ones I've been.

Caught glimpses of the giant wooden spider on the way- captured one on the cam.

Nilesh was quite quick on this feet, galloping over the rocks.

The mystic stairs leading to the entrance.

Was all foggy around, and raining as well- but fortunately we were above the rain clouds.

In a matter of minutes and to our good luck- everything cleared off. Thats the gorgeous sight of Takmak Tok.

We were carrying a map of the fort and it was easier finding the attractions on the way. A few resting moments at the lake.

Remnants of the Wada....wish I could go back in time to see all the bustle that went on in those days.

The Pant Sachiv Wada....great place for an overnight stay even in rains. Nice dry shelter.

That Daarukothaar (would have been blooming with arsenal in its day...now like a haunted grave)

The Bhorai-devi temple and the lotsa samadhis everywhere.

This was an amazing sight...the Mahadarwaja supposed to be the exact replica of the one at Raigad.

Next destination was Takmak Tok...Nilesh had a larger vertigo issue than me and stayed back. I just carried on to the edge as I could on trembling legs. But I can never forget the view from here in my life.

We were done with all the site-seeing and the watch ticking closer to 6, we had to hurry our way back- but still had time to explore the Chor Darwaza.

Stopped over at Pali for Lord Ganesh's Darshan, had some snacks and scampered back home.

Sudhagad is indeed beautiful and generally its the more challenging forts that offer a better view from top. But Sudhagad is an exception- its an easy trek and you can witness paradise on a very small effort. Just a small word of caution. If its raining too heavy- avoid going up or if you're up the fort, wait for the rains to clear. Had been here again after this trek and I realised how it feels to see death closing on you.

Here's the route:

Mumbai-Panvel-Khalapur-Mahad Ganpati-Pali Ganpati-Pachapur-Thakurwadi: Distance approx 160 kms.

Here's the COMPLETE ALBUM

Trek to Mahuli Fort

2009-08-15T18:28:00.017+05:30

Going to the mountains is going home...... George Leigh Mallory

Trackback to those days of childhood when on every Shirdi trip the ST Asiad used to stop at a hotel with a weird shaped but lovely chain of hills in the distance making me wonder if the pinnacles and the shapes of the peaks were natural or man-made- I always thought it was the latter without going into any logic whatsoever. With time and trips I fell in love with these hills- just for the way they were looked. My susu breaks in the backyard of the restaurant always used to end up extended with me staring at the hills into overtime. It’s been 20 years since and it’s recently that I came to know this thing of natural beauty was called Mahuli fort.

A few months back, Glen and I had decided to trek Mahuli - we didn’t even know the name then, it’s only on finalisation that we investigated as to what it’s called. I always kept this trek on buffer as I wanted to ensure that Glen comes along. Unfortunately with his nose flowing like Amazon since the rains arrived and I not ready to miss it this year- I decided to go alone. Asked Revel in case interested and he was on his toes right away. Dhananjay too joined in the list coming to know from Alkesh (my colleague) about the trek- but later dropped out for office commitments. Finalised it for Saturday as we could get a rest & recover day the next. A big thanks to Abhijit Avalaskar and Rohan Rao (had to regret big time of forgetting your advice to carry odomos) for their valuable tips.

Saturday is here and I ditch my super-slippery Woodlands for the newly and freely acquired Liberty Warrior Safety shoes- at least they gave better grip on wet surfaces. Met up with Revel at IRB Toll Naka with a surprise turnout Raj (looks a kid which he isn't). Without much delay we were pleasantly cruising on NH3 towards Aasangaon Railway Station. We crossed over the railway crossing reaching the station only to know that it was Atgaon and not Aasangaon. Someone punch me! I had been through the place so many times- but never bothered to read the name. We head back into right direction this time and pad ourselves up on the way as it started drizzling buckets.

A small breakfast and we land up at the Mahuli temple- parked the bikes, left the helmets at a shop and started the walk towards the pinnacled beauty.

Heard a gush in the bushes and found it was a lovely waterfall. A few clicks and we were on our way again.

Half an hour of walk and the path's a full stop- we try exploring all directions, but cannot find a way round. Thankfully we find a local who points that we took the wrong way, the diversion to the fort was way back. One hour was completely wasted walking for nothing- or at least for the waterfall. Blunder....we didnt follow the arrow marks on the way (my heartiest thanks to the trekkers who take the effort for the markings all the way up).

The sun came out and it got irritatingly humid- I was still comfortable though sweating like there's no tomorrow. The two Rs (Revel & Raj) finding it too tiring and were taking frequent breaks. There was no breeze either, but the sight of the pinnacles was charging me up- why wouldn't it be, the 20 year old love affair had just been revived.

In between sections were too vertical and squeezing all the calf muscles- my body felt like a furnace and I prayed just for a small drizzle that would cool everything around. Never had my prayers been answered so soon - a short quick shower from the skies charged up the batteries. The R brothers were too slow to keep up- so I used to hurry and wait for them ahead. The ritual carried on till we reached half way and from thereon we three were together. The pinnacles- my love, were forcing us at regular intervals to stop and stare at them.

A small stop again for a quench and some biscuits and a short break again to the duo for a respite to their backs.

Thanks to the people who took the efforts to get the ladder there.

A few steps more and we come across a water cistern (not potable though), get rid of our shoes in a hurry and in no time are our feet having a massage- suprisingly it gave the same feeling that a warm massage does. We all jumped up when someone around said he saw a snake inside- though there was nothing as such.

Bidding good-bye to the massage parlour we carried on our way towards the Mahadarwaja- shattered near-almost, but still standing proud.

Surprising you have to come through the fort for the entrance. Walked slowly towards to see the way coming from the side..all I could see was a drop ahead, though couldn’t see clearly- didnt venture far, way slippery to my liking. I guess this would be an abandoned path or too risky rather to come up through.

The caves near the Mahadarwaja could serve well for an overnight halt- but the way picnickers had littered the area, you'd be better staying away from this place- only if the sense of cleanliness and respect for the place came to them.

The two carved objects near the entrance, couldn't make out though what they resembled- maybe a sign to keep bad luck at bay.

Pulled out the travel reference booklet from the bag to check the attractions on the fort, but the book sounded too confusing. Asked a localite group who asked us to follow them on their way to Kalyan Darwaja and with most of the attractions falling on the way. They were too brisk for our pace and we had to run to catch up with them of not being left out in the high bushed path.

Clicked whatever ruins I came across on the way. This might have been an entrance to something.

This was a part of the temple, which I was so eager to see- just slabs of rocks remaining.

Saw this lying off the path- confused whether it was an anchor sign, a sword- certainly looks different to the regional architecture of those times.

The Sabhagruha (Hall)- the walls seem coated with cement.

The lake....calm and to some extent scary.

We reach the end of the plateau with the other guys descending to make their way up to the other. Revel wasn't ready for the climb, Raj couldn’t make it- I was eager but knowing that it would take an hour, abandoned the plan. Was already 5 then.

We started the tiring walk backwards- these people had made us hike for nearly 40 minutes and it had to be repeated all over.

We're back from where we started, took a cool face wash and walked around to get a few shots of the hills.

Ventured to the other side of the hill for a shot of me.

Started our descend around 6 pm with Revel's knee in bad pain. He was limping on the descends, but bravado took a lot lesser breaks compared to the one he took while going up. Maybe it was the fear of being lost in the dark that was pushing him. Not to mention the safety shoes I was wearing turned out to be painfully uncomfortable with my toes hitting the hard tip on every jerk. The local group who'd gone to Kalyan Darwaja overtook us mid-way. Stopped over at the stream to freshen up (poor Revel fell here again) and walked all the way till the temple. Took one last shot of the beauty in dark...looks so mystic doesn't it?

Found new company on the way - see him smiling in the background.... he should be- after all we emptied our packet of biscuits to his treat.

Was a lovely trek- felt like I found my missing love after years. But this trek won't subdue the affection I have for these hills- I'll be staring at it the same way I used to 20 years back.

In case anyone planning to trek this wonderful place, it would be my humble request to please exercise cleanliness- you may carry all the waste back to base in your bag. There’s no one to clean up there except the trekkers who are kind enough to do all the cleaning. Let us not pass on this unnecessary responsibility on to them.

Well HERE are some beautiful memories of the trek, hope you find Mahuli as lovely as we did. On the jolly part- I never looked so horrible as I've looked on this trek...damn I look so scary- like some c-grade south Indian movie villain ;)

Direction info: Nearest railway station is Aasangaon. If traveling by road from Mumbai, when nearing Aasangaon you find a signboard reading MANAS MANDIR on the left, get off the highway and carry on with the road till it ends near Mahuli Temple. This diversion is approximately 55 kms after IRB Toll Naka. There is a small shop near the temple where you can buy biscuits and stuff. Light breakfast (wada, tea etc) can be availed at a small snack stall at the Mahuli village entrance. Carry sufficient water as there is no source on the way. The cistern at the entrance doesn’t hold potable water. There might be other cisterns too, which I didn’t come across. The lake water too doesn’t hold potable water. The trek is easy, but time consuming. Hence in summers two litres of water dissolved with Glucon-D and Electral (to prevent cramps) is advisable per person.

Trek to Jivdhan Fort and Naneghat

2009-08-13T02:07:00.022+05:30

Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing............Helen Keller

With another weekend coming up and Rajmachi ripples having calmed down, rains still around, greenery beckoning and my trek resolution standing strong- was about time to get lost again. This time my trekmeter needle stood still at Jivdhangad (Jivdhangad sounds better than Jivdhan fort- thanks to Vaibhav Gokhale for mentioning this in one of his mails). Sought information from Glen who had already trekked Jivdhangad, valley crossed and rappled down Khada Parshi (wow amazing!). Still in a confusion about Naneghat and Jivdhangad- are they one or different? Heap scrolling of relevant webpages cleared the doubt, took a few printouts and pushed them in my purse. A war cry inside "Jivdhangad mi aaloch!" (Jivdhangad here I come).

Was up early, had a bath (didnt feel like having- had to anyways sweat out later). Thought of having breakfast later on the way, which never happened. Was a terrible ride on the slippery stretch from Mira Road to Thane packed with truckers. Come NH3 and it was a better ride barring the broken and bumpy Kalyan patch. Stopped over to click the beautiful roads towards Murbad.

Stopped over at Murbad to up the ration (biscuits and water). Rolling wheels on the blacktop rolled over a green carpeted landscape...beautiful!

You can trek up Naneghat from this place, but keeping the bike here is not worth the risk.

Climate at Malshej was amazing....clicked a few pics. My HID was doing its job well of alerting the oncoming traffic of my presence...not to mention they were all staring at my lights ;)

Crossed Junnar and took for Ghatghar passing Shivneri fort. Piled up a few memories on the way- the Manikdoh dam, lovely green landscapes, even the bad roads.

46 kms later, am at Ghatghar. On enquiry with a local girl for the way up the fort, I was told that the path is confusing since plants would have grown over the path and going alone is not advisable. She called up her brother Vithal to be my guide. I dumped the unnecessary stuff in their house carrying only the things I would need. In excitement I forgot to eat- was carrying biscuits anyways. Got a lovely place to park my bike.

From two wheels to two legs, very soon we're at the base of the mightly hill blanketed by a thick cloud cover trying to keep suspense of whats to follow.

Earlier it was quite an easy walk, maybe some years back I would have called it a tough one to walk.

Ahead it started getting slippery and uneasy to hold ground. We didnt hurry and carried on steadily.

Not stopping much except for a 2 minute break for a drink and Vithal slipping over the rocks, we were at the stairs in quick time. What an amazing sight it was.. you can only see the stretch of stairs till one point and after that its all fog. Looked like the stairs were the end of this world and heaven started thereon.

Through with the stairs, Vithal showing his fearlessness crawled from the edge to a small opening to get me a snap. The small outlet was a huge cave inside that was used to store ammunition in those historical days. Wow!

Was foggy and in the excitement about this cave, I failed to notice what was ahead. I look up in shock and ask Vithal "What is this?" He grins and says "We have to climb this patch and its easy. Just slip your legs into those slots and dig your fingers into those holes on the sides". Never saw and did anything like this before. A couple of steps up and I felt it was quite easy until you dont lose grip.

The patch was through without much fuss. A bigger shock in the waiting, a 90 degree vertical patch which shook the daylights out of me. I told Vithal to go ahead and I follow. It wasn't easy for him either- could see him stretch to the max to get his feet in the right places. He's up and now its my turn, initially I get through and then I realise I simply cannot stretch my feet into the next slot- nowhere near. The more I tried to stretch, the more my left leg started to lose grip. I realised its not in my ability to stretch so far- I turned my head to look down- would be a 100 feet drop on the rocks, everything went into mute mode- as if the world stood still. Surprisingly the height didnt scare me. The only thought that came to mind was "Deepak you fall and you're gone forever". "Hell! Am not going to fall- no way, whatever it takes", I said to myself. I was all helpless- hanging off the rock thinking what to do. Tried stretching once more- failed again, couldn't even go down. I could hear faintly hear Vithal calling me out- although he was screaming 'come up come up, stretch stretch!' I told him 'shut up and hold on'. It would have been 15 minutes easily with me in the same position not having moved an inch. The place where Vithal was standing was a vertical slope, hence even he couldnt stretch out his hand. Something struck, I told him I'll throw my belt up and you pull me. Hanging off on the grip of the three fingers of my left hand- removed my belt, wrapped up one end of it in my hand and threw it up. Vithal caught the other end and started pulling slowly- was just hoping that the belt doesnt snap or he doesnt lose grip. One, two, three....gave a big leap jerk to my left leg, and somehow managed to reach the edge of the slot with my right leg, pushed it until it was right in there. Got the balance right and reached my hand to the next grip and pulled over in a hurry.....phew! Sat down for 2 mins to come back to my normal self.

Another 5 mins of trek takes us into the fort. A click to celebrate the ocassion....the expression says nothing about what happened below :) Took an hour and 45 mins to reach the fort from base.

We carried on our way to the granaries. Never came across so strong winds in my life- have a look at Vithal's pic trying to balance himself against the wind.

Reached the granary and was amazed the way this structure was built thousands of feet up. Contrasting to the outside, it was absolutely dry and warm inside and there were just chambers after chambers. Torch was helpful, but didnt venture too far inside- the bats circling over my head didnt like the intrusion.

Came out and was another shaky and windy walk till the Goddess Jivabai temple, unfortunately which was damaged by the Moghuls. Khada Parsi was on the way to the descend, to my regret couldn't spot anything due to fog.

Water cisterns along the way.

Crawled out of the Kalyan Darwaza.

Vithal spoke about a difficult stretch of descend lying ahead. I wished it wasnt as worse as the earlier and fortunately it wasnt.

My shoes were making matters worse and removed and threw them below in disgust and started bare feet. Pressed my hands on one side of the wall and legs on the other and slowly crawled down. Asked Vithal if anything more is left- as usual with his grin he said NO. There were stairs ahead, but they looked scary, but at least some ground to hold to. I found it to be too slippery and sat down dragging myself step by step.

Wasnt easy mind you, coz some sections of the steps were too narrow and slippery.

But finally we're through with the slippery part of the stretch. Thanked god to have seen me through with the tougher sections- kissed the mountain and said you're something :) The relieved feeling in mind gave way to hunger- then I realised that I hadnt eaten anything. Pulled out the biscuits and we sat down to eat. Took rest for some time, trying to recollect what all we trekked through. Started off again.

Was already 7 by the time we reached the base of the fort and started walking towards Naneghat which was 4 kms away. Caught a few crabs on the way ;)

Was pretty dark by now and I decided to stay back. Roamed around for some time at Naneghat and started walking towards the village which was again 3-4 kms away. My torch was throwing light like an HID. A couple of snakes hiding in the bushes, for fun we started walking towards one of them- seemed the snake wasnt interested in a hello and disappeared in his burrow ;)

Reached the village changed up to the clothes offered by Vithal's dad. A trouser that was too small for me without a zip and the t-shirt double my size. They complemented each other well- the t-shirt hid the zipper portion ;) Called up mom conveying that I wont be coming tonight. Dinner was being readied- sat down for some much required food. I dont remember how many bhaakris I had, but there was a heap and I finished half of it. The "thecha" (made of chilly, garlic and onions) was amazing. A small portion of varan-bhaat (dal-rice) concluded my royal dinner.

Sleep started getting into the eyes and was cut-off from this world within moments.

Early morning Vithal and myself went to Naneghat again to click some pics.

Surprising in the early days people had to pay money to pass after climbing up nearly 2000 feet.

Large cave for people for camping- unfortunately in enjoyment they lose their sense of cleanliness.

The container used to collect tax for using this route. I wasn't an exception- I dropped in my share of tax, a 5 rupee coin :)

Came across these two cute little kids on the way, couldnt help clicking them.

Vithal went on his job, till the time I got ready.

Started for home with Vithal- had to drop him at Junnar. Enjoyed the cruise through the village roads encountering a Dhaman (rat-snake) on the way crossing the road and seconds away from being crushed under my wheels- his agility saved him though. Mid-way realised that I left my cell phone behind. Rode back again and took a short cut to Junnar, which was half the distance but double the torture. Came across lovely scenery and Shivneri fort along the way.

23 kms and an hour later, reached Junnar. Paid him 300 bucks for his services (not much of an amount, he almost saved my life).

Carried on, stopping and clicking wherever I felt like- it was my world all the way.

Stopped over at a tea stall near Ganeshkhind ghat. Fresh batata-wadas, hot gingered tea, GNR playing on my N95 and the lovely scenery made the breakfast even more tasty.

Reached Malshej where the fog had grown more dense. Lovely waterfalls and hills in the distance.

Dropped in at Parimal's place on the way, showed him the pics and moments later was in the comfort of my very own HOME SWEET HOME.

Was an amazing trek and I succeeded in killing the fear within me- the fear of heights living inside me for years has now transformed into love...damn! I want to go sky-jumping ;) I recollect the Mountain Dew TVC "Dar ke aage jeet hai". Well how true that is! Jivdhangad is thrilling, but best to be avoided in rains- specially from the village side, if still you have the keeda to do it in monsoons, dont forget to at least carry a strong rope and a torch and most important better gripping shoes will help.

My route: Mira Road-Thane-Kalyan-Murbad-Malshej-Junnar-Ghatghar-Jivdhan and back: 425 kms.

The album of the trek HERE

Slush splash to Rajmachi

2009-08-02T16:59:00.006+05:30

“If adventure does not wait on the doorstep, climb out through the window”...........Loesje

A solo outing for an earlier aborted event transformed into an amazing group ride. Arjun, Glen, Parimal, Revel, Khaleel, Amit Patil (suprise turnout) and myself started towards Rajmachi for a different kind of ride, never done by us till date- at least in a group.

The first halt at Rishabh's for breakfast. Being a Sunday and early morning departure- empty tanks were obvious.

Warming up the tyre profile on the edges, twisting through the Khandala section and short high speed sprints on the expressway takes us to Lonavla exit and finally to the Rajmachi split from Summer Hill Hotel entrance.

Ocassionally halt for Glen and Revel who were clicking most of the photographs at the tail and at the same time enjoying the lovely view all around.

End of the tarmac and its about time to rattle plastic on our bikes, whipping up the cream on the road and go around splashing like kids.

A halt on the way before we get going again for some serious fun.

Mr. Dharve's balancing time is up and he goes for a nice splash in the slush. A compiled moving frames of the adventure.

Everyone at crawling pace, at their attentive best to counter every twist in the tail with the rear tyre going for ice-skating.

Mosquitoes were a big issue, open up the visor and they are all over your face. Was in no mood for blood donation, but in the process lost balanced and CRASSSHHHHED! Nothing serious, just a block of mud on the RVM.

Now starts the fun.....the pics say it all, don't they?

With tonnes of slush and mud loaded on the bikes in the process- we were facilitated by the streams to shed a few of it.

Just when we used to think, that its over- we had another monster to get over.

Pushing each and every machine till the top...this had to happen.

Coming across glimpses of paradise on the way.

And finally reaching the base of Rajmachi fort. Looks small, but its hell lot bigger.

All drenched, whats better than a hot cup of tea.

No one was spared....everyone was part of the crash course..some were captured on lens and some were not.

Amit's bike went into hibernation and refused to start. Swapped his and mine battery and thankfully it worked or else would have been a nightmare going back (look how dead Khaleel is).

Accoustics and visual treat offered by a horde of 4x4s..the Gypsies look lovely dont they?

It was going to be a similar stressful ride on the way back, but comparatively subdued owing to lesser ascends this time.

Three pairs of shoes were destroyed during this venture. I was lucky to borrow and extra pair lying in Amit's bag. Parimal's oversized Woodlands couldn't survive the torture. Poor guy had to face all the torture and bought a pair of floaters from Lonavla to ride back home. Revel somehow managed with his torn pair.

Dropped into a malvani restaurant at Lonavla and ate like demons, though the food was nothing great to talk about.

Was an amazing ride, something we never tried before. Bikes took some battering and luckily didnt break down on any front. The only regret being of not having trekked Rajmachi, but come winters- I'll be there on top. It will just for the trek then not the ride- the hangover is not going to go away so soon, not at least for another 2 years. Maybe then we'll be heading for another chocolate treat.

Three cheers to everyone who were part of it- at one point of time fatigued to the core, but all smiles after the trip.

The route (for info, if anyone's interested): Mumbai-Panvel-Khopoli-Khandala. Take the Lonavla exit from the expressway. Ride on till you see a sign board of Summer Hill hotel and a small descend. Carry on with the road till you hit the fork. Take left and continue- there are no diversions to confuse. Later deep into the forest, you'll come across a fork with a board reading "RASHTRIYA VANIKARAN KAARYAKRAM" (written in Marathi). Take left and enjoy the journey till Rajmachi. Like us if you are taking a motorcycle- its no way that you can make it all alone in rains, absolutely no chance. You need at least 2 guys to push the bike up. Might sound funny, but taking a strong rope would be helpful- pulling the bike up with a rope would be much easier than pushing the bike up the hill on slippery surface. Apart from all the tiredness and fatigue, its an adventure worth to be done at least once.

The memories HERE

Off-roading to Rajmachi

2009-07-27T20:18:00.000+05:30

If the path be beautiful, let us not ask where it leads...... Anatole France

This was a completely new experience, yes and an exciting one- though by the standards of many people would be just a bumping walk over a rough road. Well it goes like this- Arjun and me had planned to trek the easy though scenic fort of Koraigad in Lonavla. With Arjun backing off at the last moment, I dumped Koraigad plans and shifted attention to Mahuli fort near Aasangaon which would have been a more tougher trek. This too didnt work either as I was lost snoring away at Sanket's place till noon. Going home and lazing out was a more convenient and sensible idea- but I WANTED TO GO SOMEWHERE. With less time on hand, the easy trekkable Koraigad fort would fit the bill. Fuelled up and blazed away towards Lonavla.

Stopped over on JNPT- love clicking this stretch. I wish roads in the city were like this....smooth- both in surface and traffic.

Had nothing for breakfast, hence thought to stopover at Rishabh's for some snacks but gave up coz of time and stopped on the ghats straightaway for some clicks.

Touched Lonavla and could sense Jayaram's (from BN) advice going true (he'd suggested to avoid Lonavla completely on weekends), though still hopeful of reaching Koraigad and starting my trek. Could only cross a few 100 metres in an hours time at start of the Amby stretch – am still hopeful that traffic will clear. A struggle-wriggle for another half an hour bringing a full stop to the plans- it was a complete standstill, actually there was no place for people to even walk.

Disappointed took a U-turn resolving never to return to Lonavla (at least in the rains). The patience test still wasn't through- it took another hour to come back to the main road via the railway crossing. What now? Varandha came to mind, but would have been very late to return (gave up). Then thought Sudhagad at Pali ..fine will go there I said. Suddenly Rajmachi struck my mind- I remembered Ishtibhai talking about it some years back (funny isnt it)- asked for directions and was able to locate the small downhill road near the "Summer Hill" signboard.

Another left from the fork took me to the start of the adventurous road to Rajmachi. Pushed the bike into the muddy field for some fun with crazy wheelspins.

A few kilometres of roll passing some drunkards dancing with their vehicles by the side, a small right curve takes me right into heaven. Streams rolling down the hills, clouds covering the peaks like a newly wed shy bride hiding her face.

The start of paradise marked the end of tarmac.

This was such a beautiful sight- I couldnt resist taking the bike on the green carpet and clicking the mighty hills in the background (my mobilephone cam doesnt do justice to the beauty).

The twin ends of the hilly range covered with clouds.

This section was lovely- a narrow slippery road with a gorge on the left.

Nothing great, had to stop to let one horde of Gypsies pass by- snap'd once they were all clear.

Not many stretches in a straight line- this was one of the few.

A chill pill to my steed.

Few snapshots of waterfall on the way.

Preparing the little girl for rappling down the fall....even with the safety gear on, I feel the little one has guts- I'll get a cardiac arrest midway. BTW this camp was organised by The Explorers Group (click to go to their website).

The forest roads look exciting- dont they?

I wasnt alone- this LandCruiser came from nowhere- but anyways, my Pulsar was more brisk on its feet than this mighty 4x4 ;)

This stretch came as a shock...but quite encouraging to just go on and on.

This board is a landmark, remember to take left from this fork- the right one would land you nowhere.

Well, realised how nuts feel in a bowl of chocolate sauce.

Muck to dirty you- streams to wash it off.

Out of the stream, and no way could the bike get over the mossy rocks. Pushed the bike up this section in first gear playing with the clutch and front brakes.

Unfortuantely this marked the end of the ride- saw the LandCruiser too return mid-way. With 4 kms more to go and already 6.30 in the evening- he suggested I head back. Getting stuck in a place like this in dark is plain suicide- and in case a puncture- only god can save you!

Came across lovely fog on the way- the blur image spoiled the beauty.

Gave lift to a local who was pillion on another bike which got a puncture. Maybe he was a bad luck sign- no sooner did he get off my bike and I hit the expressway- my rear tyre gave up :(

Pushed the bike 8 kms till Khopoli- kept it running in first gear which eased off the efforts. There wasn't a grain of food in my stomach except a few sips of sweet water from the streams- was dead hungry by now. Till the tyre was fixed- I dragged myself to a snack outlet and had a plate of potato wada and masala tea. Was all recharged for ride back home- stopped over at Revel's place, showed him the pics on the larger screen. Reached home- had a hot bath and swallowed dinner like a demon.

On the bed with a small regret of not having made it till Rajmachi- but an adventurous experience it was. I should thank for the traffic jam at Lonavla, else I dont know if I ever would have rode to Rajmachi. And as far as the regret goes- its just a week's time before I'll be heading again, this time it'll be all the way to the top.

Enjoy a few pics HERE

Please excuse for not so good quality, clicked from a phone cam- plus with the rains and fog, quite of mist forming on the lens. Better pics would be up when I'll be back at Rajmachi a week later.

Trekking the fort of Kohoj

2009-07-23T00:17:00.007+05:30

It's the journey toward doing these harder climbs that really gives value to the whole activity of climbing..... Alex Lowe

After a very long time went out somewhere- 2 months to be precise, not including the frequent Saturday night outings to Lonavla, Karnala, Charoti etc with friends. Sweltering summer heat on the highways and added financial constraints curtailed any possibilities to ride out far- hence for the time being lying in the crunch decided to explore nearby surroundings, especially till the lovely monsoons are here. Resolved to trek as many forts and some off-beat places to my maximum ability. The rain gods very pleased with the western belt of Maharashtra have been generously leaving the heavenly tap open, washing off the slushy roads, waking up the greenery all around transforming even the most ordinary barren landscapes into green carpets.

Kick start to the season began with a trek with Arjun to the supposed 800 year old fort of Kohoj situated off Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway (NH8) on the Manor-Wada Road. The fort can be easily recognised from very far owing to the two adjoining peaks which resemble two people standing on top. Around 3200 feet high and the difficulty is classified as "MEDIUM" by professional trekkers, whereas the tallest peak in Maharashtra "Kalsubai' is classified as "SIMPLE"- hence by standards of a person like me who hasn't trekked much and with tummy on a daily bulge- it wasn't going to be a cakewalk (though I realised that later). After our last trek failure in April 2007- thanks to a few guys who were dehydrating faster than a dosa on a griddle, I wanted to be on the top of this- whatever it takes.

We were already running behind schedule as Vinod and Salil joined it at the last moment. Via Western Express Highway onto NH8 taking right from Manor Naka to Waghote village our base camp, it was already 2.15 in the afternoon. Parked our bikes outside a villager’s house and got our feet moving at 2.30. People on the way were surprised as to the timing of our trek. It was a lovely experience of passing through the muddy walls in between the paddy fields.

Stopped over at the lake for a click- actually a reservoir for field irrigation with the mighty Kohoj looking down upon it in the background.

15 minutes of walk brings us to the base of the fort. Hey this is an easy trek, we should be up there quite soon I thought. A gross under-estimation that- no sooner we were through with the easier sections, our calf muscles were put to the task. Though it was a bit vertically challenging- the path was still visible and we're on our way up. Salil was sweating like a wet sponge on the squeeze- we needed a breather too and stopped for a recharge.

Passing through thick tree cover was fun- a jungle trek this.

Occasionally looking back at the places left behind on the way.

Knowing that we are already late, we upped the ante and got quicker on our feet. That was too much for Salil who finally decided to give up the trek. Though he tried his best later, but we were too quick from him to catch up. This was the last time I saw him.

A group of seriously sweating trekkers passed by carrying ropes and trekking equipment, leaving me wondering if the trek was that difficult. One of them suggested that we abandon the trek as it would be a risky task. I nodded my head to his suggestion, but in my mind I was like "Why the hell did you go then if it was for the risk?" We carried on at a relative brisk pace and one rocky corner of the top was visible. I was excited of having almost made it before one gentleman making his way down said "40% of what you trekked till here still to go". He was kind enough to suggest pointers as there was no path up there. Vinod was in a full mood to abandon the trek, but not Arjun and me. Arjun suggested we keep trekking till 5, if we cannot make it anywhere near, we return. We continued and faced the toughest part of the trek- no visible path, thick tree cover, slippery rocks, fallen trees which we had to crawl through- tiring but seriously exciting with repeated reminders on phone from Salil that he wants the camera asap.

Here comes the second retirement- Vinod couldn't carry further and with his ailing knees jangling like a tail of a rattlesnake, we had to bid tata to him as well. We two carried on at the same pace for another half an hour and finally..finally finally finally....we are on the top. "Congrats Arjunbhau I say, but where is the fort?" There it is, still half an hour's of trek remaining. Arjun was in a full mood to camp overnight- we had the required eatables in our bags to take care of a night's meal and raincoats that would keep us safe from the deadly junglee mosquitoes. That was the extreme and last resort in case we weren't able to make our way back. Also handing back Salil's camera was an added pressure to return back.

It was 5.30 and returning just from the table top sighting only the Lord Shiva temple would have been a waste of the entire effort.

We carry on and meet up with a group making their way down the fort. Request them to wait for us as we were sure of losing our way in dark.

Water cisterns- lots of them on the way up.

A last small slippery crawl and there we were, on the highest point of Kohoj- all the stiffness and pain suddenly disappeared or rather we forgot about it.

That's a hypocritic smiling thumbs up...I was all scared ;)

We had cuppa noodles, sugar, tea bags, cups in the bags- but guess what, not even a single matchstick :P Arjun didn't want to let the effort carrying the stuff go waste- he pulled out a cup, poured cold water, dipped the tea bag and some sugar and had his share of cold tea at this point. If not for the cuppa noodles, at least the tea- his wish was fulfilled. One of the advantages of this place is full cell network coverage- even at this topmost point got a call from Glen asking our whereabouts. We hurried our way down to catch up with the other gang, who had already disappeared.

Arjun poses for a couple of pics, in the meanwhile I tank up the bottles from the streams.

We catch hold of the guys from a distance who surprisingly were getting down at crawling pace. As we near the spot, we realise why. The slippery section, who's got the guts to blaze away. Also one guy from their group escaped a bid on his life slipping over the rocks and luckily came out with injuries. Poor guy was still walking- well he didn’t have any option either.

Me getting stuck at a point.

That was the only difficult trek of the section, rest was a tiring but comparatively convenient trek. BTW we were descending to the other side of the fort to Nane village which was 9 kms away from Waghote where Vinod and Salil were awaiting us. No way could we have made our way back via the track we came up.

Heartiest thanks to Patilsaheb, who guided us safely down the fort- without him it would have been a difficult task reaching base.

With another odd 2 hours of walking, slipping and stumbling on our tired feet, we make it to Nane village in dark.

The group was kind enough to drop us till the Manor Wada Road. Further after a lot of failed requests for lift till Waghote- hopped onto a trailer which dropped us for a reunion with the retired guys. Got onto our bikes and road to Hotel Sarovar for hot Aloo Parathas, Paneer Rolls and refreshing masala tea. After a terrible bumpy ride on NH8 till Ghodbunder, we split for our homes.

A tiring trek it was, but thrilling and exciting as well. Never had a trek like this before- even Ratangad was relatively much easier. Being dead scared of heights myself- thankfully I did manage to kill some of it on this trek. I'll be a lesser jolted cat on my next trek. Thanks to Arjun, Vinod and Salil for the company.

Snapshots of the memories HERE

Another stroll in the Park called Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary.

2009-05-24T20:50:00.006+05:30

For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go"......Robert Louis Stevenson

Supposed to be a Sunday outing with office colleagues to some resort in Shahapur, which I wasn't too keen on- plus a few issues needed sorting out at home. Dropped out of the resort plans, but took all of them along via Tansa for a jungle ride-through treat. Also to kill some time as the planned departure time was way to early in the morning for the resort to open up the gates. Couldn't enjoy the stretch thoroughly as rest of the company was more eager to end up at their destination. Dropped them at the resort and couldn't resist taking a detour on the return journey. To see and experience the place at my own sweet pace rather than being stitched to someone else's schedule. My N95 in the pocket was more than handy to catch the clicks.

Riding over the railway crossing at Atgaon, am into the initial villages that lead into Tansa.

Unlike our last earthquake ride (given the bad surface), this time it was a smooth and evened out ride. Couldn't resist stopping every now and then to click the roads.

There was this cottage like structure on stilts which I had seen on the way towards and had decided to see while coming back. Located a bit off the road at an elevation, it was HAUNTED every inch including the entrance that looked even more scary.

I made my way up and looking around from the top, as I turned back the windows started squeaking and banging mildly. To admit I was really scared, but not for long as I realised that the whole cottage was shaking with my weight and so were the windows.

Had a short thrilling ride through the winding roads.

Clicked a few pics at the lake.

Exiting the sanctuary, the heat started building up and the view of the Mahuli Fort and its pinnacles kept capturing my attention and forcing me to decide to trek up there during monsoons.

It was another Sunday well spent. Not much, but HERE is the complete set of the pics.

Rediscovering heritage in my backyard

2009-05-13T21:15:00.016+05:30

“To be on a quest is nothing more or less than to become an asker of questions.” - Sam Keen

A last moment change of plans from a friend diverted me to re-discovering a treasure in my own ignored backyard. To confess, I was ashamed of not having visited this place before. Am sure if it was a thousand kilometres away, I would have finished exploring it already. Hence all the credit goes to my friend for giving me TAANG at the last moment ;)

I feel it would be better if I could give a count and details about these invaluable monuments first (all courtesy of the Archaeological Survey of India) and my experiences later.

Kanheri the Kanhasela, Krishnagiri, Kanhagiri of ancient inscriptions, is located north of Mumbai, was a major Buddhist centre. The caves are excavated in volcanic breccia, the hills rising at places to 1550’ above mean sea level. Kanheri is credited with the largest number of cave excavations in a single hill.

It is generally believed that Buddhism first arrived in Aparantha (Western India) at Sopara which is very close to Kanheri. The caves were excavated as early as mid 3rd century B.C. and were in occupation right up to 11th century A.D.

The excavations at Kanheri are of the following types: (i) chaityagrhas, the place of worship of the Buddhist community, (ii) viharas or monasteries, they consist of single and multiple celled where the Buddhist monks resided, (iii) podhis or water cisterns, which were excavated ingeniously to trap the rain water and store them for use during summer periods and (iv) rock-cut benches and seats.

The most prominent among the excavations at Kanheri is the Cave 3, which is a chaityagriha which was excavated during the period of Yajna Satakarni (c. 172-201 A.D.) This chaityagrha is one of the largest in India second only to the one at Karle, district Pune.

Cave 1 is an unfinished chaityagrha, originally planned to have a double-storeyed verandah and a porch, apart from the pillared hall. The cave is dated to 5th – 6th centuries A.D. as the pillars with compressed cushion or amalaka top appears generally during this period.

Cave No. 2 with a small Stupa inside.

Cave 11 which is also known as ‘Darbar Hall’ consists of a huge hall with a front verandah. The hall has shrine on its back wall and cells on two sides. The floor of the hall two low stone benches resembling Cave 5 of Ellora.

The sculptural art here can be seen in Caves like 2, 3, 41, 67, 89, 90, etc. The image of Buddha is generally shown either standing or in seated posture. The latter in some cases are flanked by Bodhisattvas and in rare cases with their consorts.

The Buddhist establishment at Kanheri has an interesting evidence in the form of small structural stupas built on the floor of some of the caves.

Rock cut stairs leading to the Viharas.

Spartan Plinth Beds (me in the closet)

All the above info is sourced from Archaeological Survey of India's website.

Wish I could have shared some more info on this place. But I resolve to be a more learned man on these amazing structures when I make my next trip here.

Made new friends with Shivram (Right) and his friend from Rajasthan.

After coming out of premises of these lovely monuments still in aghast of the amount of manpower that would have gone in making them, I took a small ride around the National Park to re-ignite my school memories.

Trying to get hold of the munk's attention who by now have become vary and unfazed by flock of visitors..or maybe somehow stardom has made way into their minds ;)

Or chasing the mini train along the tracks etc.

Or just simply stopping to hear the birds from the thick tree cover.

Rode out of the park and straight onto the Western Express Highway. Keeping in mind the delightful moments that I went through- it was some kind of a funny day. Lot of vehicles were simply stopping right in the middle of the road. I used to honk and get around them and speed away. Again its a repeat of events....somethings wrong with Mumbai traffic today I thought. Getting through the in-between gaps and riding away from the stalled traffic, it struck that I was jumping red signals. Oh Hell! Thankfully no cops around, or I would have been lighter by a few bucks. I was still lost in the thoughts of those caves and the cool climate of the national park. Well on the positive note that shows that I really had a good time :)

The complete set of pics HERE

Lucky Trip to Goa

2009-04-25T17:22:00.003+05:30

“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity”...... Seneca

"Win a cool bike ride with Rajeev Khandelwal and a free trip to Goa, all at once". Easier said than done- I thought. But then it had something I couldn't restrain..... "A BIKE". To win, one had to share his memorable riding experience- that was easy for me since I had quite a few. Closing time for the contest was 2 in the afternoon and it was already 12.30. "Lets do it" I said and replied back with a few links from my riding blog. Forgot about it totally as I assumed it to be one of those contests with mysterious results. A few hours later I get a mail from rediff.com saying that am the lucky winner and asked my contact number, but am unfazed. Next day there's a call saying "I am the lucky winner". I did get a pinch- but still thought otherwise. A few hours later, again a call asking whether to courier the air tickets or email. "AY CARAMBA" I've won it huh!" "Email them please" I say and in 5 mins the tickets arrive.

An 5 a.m. Kingfisher flight takes off from Mumbai and above the clouds I could see a beautiful blade of sunlight on the horizon where it was all dark down under.

I click a few pics and a landing video at the Goa Airport.

6.15 a.m. at Goa and a white Swift DZire arrives for my pickup from the airport.

In an hours time am at Cabo-da-rama fort in conversation with Rajeev. "Why dont you give me a ride instead me taking you for one?" he asked. "Prayers answered" I mutter..."well well... why not why not" is my swift reply.

Everyone descended down to the beautiful beach from the fort and I was just sticking in close to the bike wondering how a 650cc of a monster bike would feel to ride.

The shoot had to start and like any other movie- there were retakes all over again and again and again. It was an encouraging sight to see everyone slug it out on the set- from a spot boy to the Director being so involved- no hierarchy difference whatsoever.

I set myself up for an exploration around the beach and click a few pics.

Came back on the sets and had tea and biscuits with Rajeev who was initally annoyed over the UTV representative when he knew I hadn't eaten anything. "This is how you treat my guest?" he asked. Winning the contest itself was unbelievable and these pampers were certainly not expected. Lekha Washington- the actress too came along strolling and started discussing about bikes. The Director Mr. John Owen and other crew members also joined in the casual talk. I didnt spare the opportunity to tell them about UFO Moviez- my firm, and our technology thats making a huge difference to the film industry. A few of them knew about us, and as for the unawares- they were very impressed.

I went exploring to the other side of the beach when someone called saying that Rajeev wants me on the sets. My heartbeat took a raise- I knew the time had come to ride the devil around. After a short video interview, Rajeev was the first to take me out for the ride- very thrilling, he was quick on the wheels, locking and drifting the rear tyres between coconut trees, jumping over rocks and obstacles.

After an exciting ride as pillion- it was my turn to return the favour. Firing up the engine and pulling on the revs...."You've got some grunt baby, let me stir you up then!" I murmured. This single pod pod monster feels like a bloody V-Twin with oodles of torque on tap.

Rajeev takes the pillion seat and am off the blocks in a flash.

Swinging between the coconut trees, rolling over the rocky blocks and as soon as I'm about to push harder Rajeev says "Wait wait wait...Deepak go slow. If my Director sees this, he'll get a heart attack". I slow down and a few satisfying minutes later- the wheels come to a rolling stop. Getting off I realised that it was me who was more stirred up than the Honda.

Had lunch with the entire crew, asked Rajeev for his autograph and chit chatted for a few moments again.

The shoot was about to start and with my return flight timings approaching I bid good-bye to the entire crew, thanking them for giving me an opportunity to spend such wonderful time and never letting me feel that I was an outsider. Wished them that the movie turns a success and my firm should play a major part in the release endeavour. Was really hot in the afternoon, stepped into the vanity van and lazed around for some time in AC comfort.

The car arrived and an hour later I was peeping through the aircraft window from an altitude at the cloudlets and as if I'm simply floating over them. Through the gaps as far as my eyes could see- it was a toyland all under my command. Everything so tiny- I could simply pick a ship or a building like a lego block and interchange their places.

Being above everything does fill you up with that supreme feel of being the king of the world. Again did shoot a video of the take off.

Moments later losing myself high up in the stratosphere above a sea of clouds- all I could recollect was this beautiful place called Goa and my mind running through one of the most memorable days I had in my life.

The complete set of pics HERE

Weekend Group Ride to Ratnagiri

2009-03-29T01:43:00.002+05:30

"Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world."….Gustave Flaubert

Interest for a group outing evinced by the regulars on a Saturday meet turned out to be one of the most wonderful rides with my dear biker buddies. I didn’t expect everybody to turn up- was a bolter when the count turned out to be more than the interested candidates. Since the last year everyone has turned nocturnal- all want a night ride and that too on NH17!!! Great going!

500 kms even at night for our chaps is a cake walk and with company as big as this- it would have been a rocking party ride. Deciding on a destination 500 kms away from the bustle would land up somewhere in the south corner of the State. So Malvan it was and Tambarde was the beach we would be riding to- all Vinod’s plan. A small issue cropped up- Vaibhav had a hectic day on Friday and no ways could he ride under stress. He was as eager as everyone else, and didn’t at all feel like leaving him out. With change of plans it was now decided to move early on Saturday morning. Not even once did it strike that leaving on Saturday morning for a 500 kms ride would mean an overnight sleep outing. Where do we have the time to site see?

Got onto the keyboard again hunting on the terms that the place has to be on NH17 and secondly we should be there by noon. Came across Bhatye beach in Ratnagiri which satisfied both of the criteria. My colleague Vikas a native of Ratnagiri, helped in providing the other details and places of interests around Bhatye. Thought of giving the other guys a treat ride through Amba Ghat – a longer route for return but worth it. Plan’s up- though like every time, have to run around on mails for confirmation.

The day arrives, meet up with Arjun, Glen and Vinod at Kanjur and rehearse a short group ride till our meet up point at Vashi. Except for Vaibhav and Sanket who were to join late, everyone was pretty much on time. Sanket didn’t make it and decided to catch us up on the way. Suddenly someone on a Silver Pulsar 180 comes near and starts revving like crazy- maybe one of those envious maniacs I thought. Once we spot the BN sticker at the rear of the bike, it didn’t take time to realize it was our very own Praveen aka PPS, who disappeared the same way he burst on the scene. We regroup in a riding formation and with Vinod in the lead we roll towards our destination.

Through those lovely roads of Palm Beach and JNPT enjoying the cool morning breeze in a terrible summer season that we were experiencing in Mumbai. We stop over at Palaspe Naka for refuel and with Sanket arriving a few minutes later- the group was complete. Here we are on NH17 riding in an eye-candy staggered formation, but not before laughing our lungs out at Sanket’s wicked jokes. Sweeping the lovely curves at Karnala and onto the straights from Wadkhal, we take our first scheduled stop for Breakfast at Kolad.

Wada-misal with fried chillies and tea to top up, the halt goes into extension with talks on all available topics and with Sanket around there was no shortage of jokes either.

Everyone leaves Kolad with me and Glen dragging and catch up with the guys waiting at Poladpur enjoying tea, lemon juice, golas and what not.

It’s decided to ditch a formation ride on Kashedi and let everyone enjoy the ghats on their own but well within their control. Vaibhav is off, followed by Vinod and me on the chase. Wasn’t at my best taking those curves- maybe my last crash had added to the psyche and my bike wasn’t at its handling best either. Thought its more to do with the frame of mind than the bike. Tried to go round the curves as I would normally and a fishtail is what I got. My bike wasn’t inspiring any confidence and I carried at normal pace to catch up with Vaibhav who wasn’t to be seen till I touched the peak of Parshuram Ghat- but never found him. Everybody arrives including Vaibhav who had stopped in between for the trailing pack.

Everyone takes a quick shade gulping down glass after glass of kokam sharbat. Like the earlier, this halt too was turning out to be a laughter session. With a few clicks here and there, everyone’s off in small packs.

A few in between halts under tree shades to escape the summer sun, crossing the bridge over the creek we reach Ratnagiri. Sanket, Dhananjay and myself go hotel hunting. We locate one suggested by a local, but to find it all locked and put up for sale. Drop into one nearby lodge and fix up the deal for a double room for 1500/- which worked out to Rs.150/- per head…not bad. Get the rest of the pack to the rooms. Luggage is dumped, everyone’ getting fresh in the meantime Vinod and Dhananjay bargain for dinner arrangements.

Though tired after a hot afternoon’s ride, everybody is hungry as starved wolves and on the lookout to crash into the first restaurant we would find for lunch. Some more delay as Arjun gets a rear tyre puncture.

Till the time the puncture is fixed, Vinod and myself creep into a rickshaw taking a short sleep.

Some moments later we’re having lunch in an ok type of restaurant with ok type of food and ridiculous furniture and seating arrangements. We expected comfort after a half-day ride, but then the chair felt like sitting on some rock.

We’re out of the restaurant, though not satisfied with food but at least with filled stomachs and the energy to carry forward. Next POI (point of interest) was Ratnagiri Fort. Wriggling through the narrow lanes we come to face with the vast ocean at the foothills of the fort. Like myself, am sure the mammoth view of the ocean took away all the tiredness and the day’s heat out of everyone.

We proceed to Ratnagiri fort and stare down the now extended jetty thinking to ride till the end. The site of a car parked on the jetty excites us all…YIPEEE! Since the past 3 years, I’ve been waiting for this day. After a few clicks on the fort, we rush down to the jetty.

Like excited and happy pups, everyone is completely freaked out. Everyone clicking and clicking in their own angles and from occupied corners. Solo, group, with bikes, without bikes- we click click click till the sun goes down.

We’re back to the hotel after doing rounds of the city, shopping for fish and…. ahem….other required stuff for the night ;)

In the meanwhile the table was set up, we went out strolling to have glimpse of the rotating beam of the Ratnagiri light house. By the time we are back, everything was set with snacks and baatlis are out. There was an outbreak of laughter since we took our seats. Didn’t know what time we got cracking and how many hours had passed, until Parimal called up at 11.00 pm, who had left Pune at 5 in the evening and had covered more than 450 kms in 6 hours including the 100 kms stretch of between Karad and Chiplun via Kumbharli ghats- takes some guts to ride through that stretch at night. I myself would give it a skip and look for an alternative if I were in his place. Nonetheless his induction into the already running laughter-blaster raised the graph.

Being the only group at the place, we were least bothered about distraction to anybody. Through with dinner and already past midnight, we decided to head to Bhatye beach. Looking up at the stars and the light house awake and on its duty and flaunting our HIDs up in the sky.

While everyone headed back to the hotel, Dhananjay, Alkesh and me rode towards Pawas for some distance to check out the HID in the P220 projector. We’re back to find everybody in the room capturing places for the night’s sleep. Luckily I did get a place, where at one point I thought I might have to sleep out. The lights went off one by one and everyone was deep in sleep, a few trying to emulate the Ducati’s and Harleys through their noses :D Good night Ratnagiri!

Sanket, Vaibhav, Sarang and Dhananjay planned to leave early via NH17 and were gone before our eyes opened. Even Glen and Revel went missing though their bikes were out- came to know they had gone to the beach. Brushed up, had tea and tried to get to the beach from the rocky path. It was suicide point…dead vertical drop landing nowhere but on the waves below violently hitting the rocks. A local pointed us the way to the beach called Kurli. Within a few minutes, everyone were rolling on their bikes on the beach like Spanish fighter bulls going berserk on the field.

Despite being a hydrophobian, it was the best experience I ever had in water and same goes with everybody. Except our bikes and us, there was nobody on the beach.

A long time was spent in water, jumping over the waves, hurling sand balls at each other, swimming in hardly waist deep water with Vinod getting over worried about us. Was over an hour and we are still lost in our playfulness. Gradually everyone was out with Arjun and me not prepared to leave the waves behind. Poor guy lost his specs in the waves and couldn't trace till the end. Unfortunately in the end with a very heavy heart had to come out. But from one activity to the other- we are back on our bikes marking our territories on sand. Arjun was in full WRC mode drifting his ZMA all over. Glen was speeding from one end to the other suggesting us the method of drying oneself in quick time.

We were back at the lodge and gave the bikes a good wash. Vinod had given a good splash to my bike and it was my turn to return the favour :D

Had bath, packed up, had poha for breakfast cooked very generously in oil. A short halt for refuel and we (Vinod, Arjun, Alkesh and myself) split from the rest of the pack (Glen, Revel and Parimal) from Haathkhamba. A few kms of riding through NH17 and villages took us to the foothills of the gorgeous Amba Ghat. The 3 sped ahead and I rode at my own place clicking those inviting twisties. The love story was over in an hours time and we took a halt under a shady tree.

Carrying on with the ride we stopped over to have juice instead of lunch that would make us drowsy on the arrow straight NH4. Till the time juice was being made, Arjun kept us entertained with his hanging skills :P Mind you he was also riding without his specs and with a dark visor which would come into play as soon as it got dark.

Touched NH4 and we planned to ride as much as possible without breaks. Though we couldn’t resist a sunflower field on the way.

Carried on riding with throats getting dried up, but Vinodbhaiya was happy overtaking cars displaying his multi-talented skills to the car drivers. Fortunately we did halt over at Kaapurhol for tea and water and later for refueling Arjun’s ZMA.

An hour later we were at Lonavla on the last pre-decided stop for tea after which it was a non stop cruise till EEH near Airoli.

Was the end of a wonderful trip that we all had. One of the best trips we had as a group, though I wished everyone was there at Kurli beach. Would have been a complete blast like the boat ride we had to Suvarnagad. Hearty thanks to everyone who made this trip a success and brought about experiences to be cherished as memories for the rest of the life. Thanksgiving apart, my thumbs up to Sarang for being so controlled on his 180, Revel on his Hunk was a surgeon’s knife on an autopsy and Arjun for riding for 500+ kms without his specs not to mention his leaning skills on Kashedi- this guy’s a champ rider :) All in all an unforgettable event.

Moments from the memorable ride HERE.

Also pics clicked by VAIBHAV (some of the snaps above are flicked from his album) and SARANG.

Just another one day outing

2009-03-14T01:33:00.000+05:30

I think that travel comes from some deep urge to see the world, like the urge that brings up a worm in an Irish bog to see the moon when it is full.... Lord Dunsany

Since the day we've been given off's on 2nd and 4th Saturday's, I've tried to use it in the best way I could. Doesn't turn out be great everytime though, but then sometimes it does. Like the last Malshej ride, it was Alkesh again as my tour operator for the weekend. He hardly negates or disagrees to any riding plans- even with a 72 kg pillion. Initially this ride was planned to Lavasa with colleagues who mostly belonging to the intra-city sprinting species had tasted their own dose of biking nirvana on their one-off ride to Indapur. Their sky-high level excitement and the eagerness to ride out again bought pleasant feelings and anticipation of new biker buddies. Unfortunately my expectations got a back-kick and they all dropped out of the ride.

I've never cancelled any planned rides till date, except for the Amboli trip where it was a compulsion as my P150 landed with a ceased engine- but then I did ride to Amboli with Alkesh once I was through with the running in. So coming back to this ride I asked Alkesh if we could carry on ahead with the plans with some slight changes to the destination. Being in no mood to back out- we decided to make it a circular ride starting Mumbai passing through Pune-Mulshi-Tamhini-Mangaon-Diveagar and back to Mumbai via NH17. Well, I had my own selfish element in the route. Varandha, Bhuibavda, Amboli, Kumbharli, Karul, Phonda, Amba, Parsani, Ambenali....had ridden through all these Deccan-Konkan connecting ghats and with only Tamhini unexplored- the ride plan was up.

Sun's up on Saturday and we meet up at Vashi at 7.30 as I had to drop my bike at Revel's place. Soon we're on Palm Beach road, soaking up the rays of the morning sun through our eyes, feeling and inhaling the fresh breeze with visors flipped up, trees on the divider passing your eye in a hurry-flurry....aaaaah! being pillion is not that bad anyways...never saw Salil cribbing about being pillion- now I know why. Bumping over those 16-strip speed breakers of JNPT, its our first halt for cost-saving refuel at Palaspe Naka.

Into cruise-control again on NH4 and though the P220 pillion seat being not the most comfortable, was enjoying my ride as pillion till we landed up at Hotel Rishabh, Khopoli.

Unlike the lovely dinner you get here, the breakfast was contrastingly terrible. I would suggest never to have breakfast here…..yeah, tea is really good- but then only tea, nothing else. Called up Sanket to confirm the exact diversion from NH4 towards Tamhini.

Alkesh offered me to ride for a short distance and with a few twisties still left I couldn’t refuse. At blast right from the word go- touched 115 kph, not bad considering a heavy pillion. Khopoli was long gone and ascending the ghat section scrapping the centre stand at every curve (its so irritating) we take a halt for a click at the last hairpin before touching the expressway.

Later dropped into Lonavla Petroleum Depot, not for refuel but just to say hello to Mr. Laalsaab- my witness for the SaddleSore. He was overjoyed to see me and enquired if everything went smooth with the documentation of the SS. With still long way to go, we had to unfortunately turn down his tea offer.

I carried on riding in the same fashion with places passing in a flurry- till I hear Alkesh screaming from behind. I slow down and ask him the matter….”abey kitna chalaayega tu” he asks. I burst into a loud laughter and told him to wait till Dehu Road. It wasn’t me for riding, but he had gone stiff sitting for this long. Dehu road is here and time for a butt break and cool refreshing neera… 4 gulps of it.

It was the end of the zipping love affair with the 220 and I was back to where I belonged. Alkesh was all charged up, could make out by his restraint to come down below 100. At this pace reaching Chandni Chowk was quick. Soon we were swaying from one side to the other on the twisties of Mutha Ghat. Alkesh ensured that I was constantly thrilled by running wide of the curve on the outside or venture too close to the inside and occasionally some real hard braking. But this was only on visible corners…on blinders he was well in control.

At the dam for a few clicks…below and over.

A glance on the other side of the dam, and eyes get a fix….a barren land with water left behind in huge depressions and bare trees in the middle of it. We could spot tyre marks of the trucks that went uptil some distance after which it was trail-hunting to get the bike till the place. Alkesh on the bike and me on foot, both in opposite directions.

Well I did find a narrow path in between rocks. Yellings brought Alkesh back, took over the bike and was on the job of maneuvering the machine between some extremely narrow passages. But then finally we were there and it seemed like absolute heaven. My phone was on the job clicking the serene environment.

Spend a lot of time at the place and I was back on the job pulling the bike out of slender channels following the tyre marks left behind while coming.

We were rolling on the tarmac again with the 220 getting taste of the tight hairpins after its last adventure on the Saat Paayri ghats at Toranmal.

You can never get tired of Lavasa….the tight corners make it thrilling and more exciting everytime you come here.

The ascend was complete and we touch the entrance of the Lavasa city. In the meanwhile Alkesh had a breather, I went around to click the wonderful roads.

We left Lavasa for Mulshi and after a mixed bag of good and bouncy roads, we’re down the lake with our bare feet feeling the crystal clear waters of Mulshi Lake.

I felt I was in paradise, with the water so pure at your feet, the hills on the other side full of greenery, the blue sky with its cloud friends and except for the breeze singing in your ears…there was not a decibel around- only if I could spot angels flying around…..Losing oneself in the hurricane life on a city, you realize your very existence when you’re at a place as this.

Didn’t feel like getting my feet out, but with hunger and the schedule to see more places, we had to bid adieu to this beautiful place.

Alkesh in a Dakar Rally mood was ripping away to glory despite the bad roads….my butts like a seismograph could feel the earthquake generated by the rolling wheels of the 220. It got too high on my Richter scale and a restaurant compelled a halt…a halt to bring back the sensation down there and of course for some food.

Didn’t want to have the same old snacky stuff we get here in the city, hence ordered a Pitthala Thaali, while Alkesh made up with two portions of Poha. Steaming hot pitthala, spicy kharda, pickles, bhaakri and rest made up for an awesome lunch. Till the time I was gorging it down my gullet- I completely forgot about my stiff bottom.

Stopover on Tamhini ghats for clicks.

Thankfully it was end of the torture as the roads were good till Mangaon.

Mad traffic at Mangaon and with the sun inching closer to the horizon, I took over the bike and quickened up the pace to reach Diveagar before the sun disappears. Roads were good except for some 3-4 kms of bouncers, I could easily sustain speeds around 80-90 keeping an eye on the sun precisely measuring its day-end journey. All plans flopped as we hit a total jam in the Diveagar market. By the time we reached the beach, the sun was gone after its day’s duty. But nonetheless, the light on the horizon was still delightful.

Alkesh fulfilled his wish of riding on the beach and was all over the place like a kid let loose after a year’s confinement.

Looking at the watch- it was past 7.30 p.m. and time to head back, but not before a visit to the Golden Ganesh Temple- couldnt capture as photography was prohibited.

I took over again and it was an easy paced ride till Mangaon. Had tea to keep fresh for the rest of the journey. With a 89 kg pillion behind, the high beam of the P220 was pointing towards the nests on the trees. Was a bit difficult to ride- the projectors couldn’t stand up to the blinding high beam of the oncoming traffic….aaargh, wish I had HIDs. Small halts for refuel, tea and visor swaps made us touch Vashi at 12.30. Took over my P150 from Revel’s place who was fast asleep by then….. felt bad seeing to have left it behind. Reached home in half an hour and followed by Alkesh’s confirmation sms of having reached- it was curtains and a satisfying sleep after a wonderful days journey.

Our route and distance:

Mumbai-Lonavla-Pune-Mutha-Lavasa-Mutha-Mulshi-Tamhinighat-Mangaon-Diveagar Beach-Mangaon-Pen-Panvel-Mumbai: 595 kms

And the PICS HERE