Ride to Queen of hills..

08-09 March 2008
27 Roadshakers and three pillions

An overnight ride to Mahabaleshwar.


After my last ride to Kharghar during which we had a series of minor breakdowns I realised the importance of last minute checkups. Most of them could have been avoided with just regular maintenance and some basic check-up.So I realised that prevention was ‘definitely’ better than breakdowns!


I reached Alex’s workshop at 1100 hours and I saw many Roadshakers waiting for their turns to get their machines checked, examined and repaired. Breakdowns are a harsh reality of rides but they are not inevitable! After Ridermania 08 this was the first ride with such a good count so everyone was excited and looking forward to a pleasant and smooth ride to Mahabaleshwar.


The activity at his place was high as guys kept pouring in and in at his place. After three hours of waiting in the soaring heat Alex finally got a chance to check and test ride Chaos. He tweaked the chain setting and then gave me assurance saying everything looked alright. By now hunger pangs had started digging into me and I wasn’t really keen on riding empty stomach. It was already 0200 hours and we were to assemble at City Pride, Satara at 0300 hours.


Just as I was about to leave Sidhu and Rajat arrived at Alex’s place. From them I learnt that they had gone on air on Radio Mirchi, it carried a segment on Roadshakers. Thus they were to ride a little late and were planning to catch up with the rest of the pack; finding opportunity to have a quick grab I decided to ride with them.Sidhu and I left Alex’s place leaving Rajat behind as he had some major work. A quick stop at Subway, where we ate full, then topped up our fuel tanks and left for Magarpatta. Rajat was to meet us and we three were to ride together. Meanwhile we informed the group at City Pride and asked them to go ahead. Bad news followed as we learnt that Rajat’s handle broke away while he was still at Alex’s place. Good that it happened at Alex’s place bad that he would be late and would have to ride alone.


It was 4 by the time we both left for the ride.We rode through the city and soon entered the highway through the old Katraj tunnel. Few odd kms and I saw Yuvraj and Ujjwal waiting for us. Soon four of us began our race to catch up with the rest of the gang which would be waiting for us at the Khambatki toll-naka. The heat was exhausting. So the only breaks we took was to wet our dried throats.


Beyond Katraj ghats the roads were straight, clean and good which made riding at high speeds smooth and easy.At around 0500 we reached Khambatki toll-naka and saw the guys waiting for us at the juice centre. In total we added up to 17 riders with three pillions. After a small briefing we decided to carry on to our destination. Not before we gulped innumerable glasses of cold cane juice. Soon we rode again. Manish led with Vishal and Sidhu sweeping and ensuring the pack rode together.


The route to Mahabaleshwar is blessed with three ghats - Katraj, Khambatki and Pasarani. And our love for ghats has earned us the reputation of ‘Ghatis’, it’s not a racially prejudiced word but a title given to the Roadshakers for their sheer skills on curves, slopes and corners.


Khambatki ghat is beautiful to ride as it is one way which gives many the thrills to take full use of corners, lean and burn their foot pegs. So the throttles opened and soon one could see the chain of fellow thumpers disappearing and reappearing in the curves and turns ahead. If one wants to see a Roadshaker in his true form this is where it should be.

We regrouped after crossing the ghat. Then soon came the right turn which leads to Panchagani. We passed through a small stretch of weekend traffic before we reached Pasarani ghat.The setting sun was graceful than ever. It added some reddish glow to the azure sky. Amidst much needed respite from the heat we began our ascent.

Unlike Khambatki, Pasarani is two way. So here we had to be careful about the traffic from the other end. Especially the red devils (state transport buses) which at times just choose to ignore the ‘aam aadmi’. Even though we were slower than Khambatki it was a clean sailing all the way up to Panchagani.We rode past Mapro where the urge to have one little break over the scrumptious strawberry cream was very strong but we kept riding.

After paying a nominal toll (pollution tax) we entered Mahabaleshwar. We rode past an overcrowded Venna Lake clogged due to haphazard traffic. When 17 roaring bulls makes way through a chaotic congestion all what is left is smirks and raised eyebrows.Soon we reached the main market. Vehicles are not allowed on the main market street; however, there are a couple of parking lots near the bus stand, which are quite convenient. Being a weekend and with our group so big we had to find a bigger and convenient parking space. And the only place we could find was a No entry zone. With permission from the local authorities we got to park our steeds for about 10 minutes which was more than enough for us.


We were staying at Sai Regency a place which is frequented by the club members; it is about 6 kms on Satara Road. Since it was away from the main market we had to pick snacks, cold drinks and water. Couple of guys decided to stay guard the bikes and rest ventured out into the market.
Being a weekend destination for honeymooners, families and all those who are simple looking for a change from their hectic lifestyle the market was full of beautiful strangers. So it was nice to see familiar faces in the horde thronging the slot machines and video games. By the time we bought the stuff and returned to the parking lot it was dark.


As we got ready to leave Raza and Eklavya joined us at the parking lot. So the count went up to 19. Four guys including me decided to stay and wait until they were done with their rationing. The rest rode towards the hotel. In order to be on the safe side I had bought 3 five litre water bottles which then looked sensible but proved difficult to be carried due to their irregular and huge size. Somehow with the help of bungee cords and some ropes I managed to hang them on my bull. Once Raza and Eklavya returned we started riding I realised it wasn’t a wise idea to leave the bottles hanging as they kept shifting and created trouble especially during turns and curves. So much against our wishes we rode slowly!


The route to hotel from the market was through a forest. As it was pitch dark the only light we saw was our beams shining through the forest and the only sound we could hear was the echoes of our thumping bulls. This was my first ride through a forest at night. Eerie! But beautiful! I simply loved the experience.I wanted to ride it again.


It was almost 8 when we reached Sai Regency. It’s a small but welcoming place. There are a row of pleasant and spacious rooms which can accommodate about 30 people. And since it was economically viable we had booked it exclusively for us. In front of the rooms was a well lit quad which over looked a valley.


The count was 21 (19 riders and 3 pillions). Rajat was on his way and another batch of 5 riders was leaving from City Pride at 9. Even though we had shopped lot of bakery items and eatables we wanted to have a good meal. And as it was time for dinner we decided the menu - chicken curry, dum aloo, rajma, daal, rice and rotis. Funny it is that recipes which are a part of our daily course can also sound very special and delicious at times. Everything except chicken was available in the resort so one had to go to the main market.


I jumped up to the idea of being one of the volunteers as I wanted to ride through the forest patch again. Four of us left for the market. It was relaxing to ride as a pillion; it felt light and cold without the gear. With the fresh cold wind blowing past us it was purely rejuvenating! Forests have always captivated my fantasy. And as usual this forest too bore a magical realm.


Soon we were back in the midst of noise, lights and strangers. After a brief search we found couple of shops. After calculations and negotiations we left with about 8 and half kilos of raw meat to suffice the hunger pangs of roughly 15 guys rest being strictly vegetarians. Soon we passed through market again amidst the tempting aroma emanating from the tandoor, the red juicy strawberries and mulberries and scrumptious dishes which were all very compulsive. We moved on without giving into any of our temptations. Finally Rajat arrived and after a brief confusion met us in the market. What we couldn’t resist was sweet corn which we had on our way out of the market.


A laughter session was already in full swing when we reached the resort. Quickly we handed over everything to the cook and joined them. Sitting in a circle everyone was narrating his/her own experiences from past rides and meetings. With food and booze all over it looked like a feast where long lost friends have gathered after ages. For many it was just another evening away from daily routine, office and other humdrums of daily life.


A while ago the valley which was echoing with the thump of our machines was now resonating our pure sinful laughter and songs.


By the time the tales and stories got over few were high on emotions and others on alcohol and some on both. Close acquaintances and long time friends chose to sit in their own spaces to share mysteries, miseries and happiness. And few who were neither drunk nor had much interesting, rib tickling stories to share either preferred to enjoy the scenes or were busy taking care of the ones who were creating those scenes.


I did neither of them.


I decided to take a walk into the woods. Sidhu too decided to come along on this adventure. Even though I was carrying my Maglite I preferred not to use them as there is always enough light even on a moonless night for one to see. It is only a matter of time till one gets adjusted to the darkness. As we walked away from the noise and light, stillness and darkness crept in.

Another hundred meters and we came into a clear opening from where one could see the star lit night. It looked gorgeous. We sat down in awe of it gazing at countless shining constellations reminding us about small wonders which city life deprives us of. As we sat we talked about our childhood, college, plans for the future and the dreams that we aspire. One never realises how time flies by when one talks about things he/she loves. It has always been a mystery for me. May be for many!


Soon hunger over powered all our thoughts and conversations and we decided to walk back to our hotel. By the time we reached the buffet was laid out. The non vegetarians were hogging on all the dishes while the veggies helplessly kept appealing to leave some food behind. In times like these quantity matters, quality doesn’t.


And if the food is yummy one can imagine the fracas.


After having gorged on a heavy meal few retired to sleep. Some continued on their emotional alcoholic rampage and some busy supervising their acts. We were still expecting the next batch of 5 guys who had left City Pride at 9. Last we heard about them was that they had stopped for dinner before Khambatki.


Sai Regency is slightly off the main road. And at night one could easily miss it if he/she is not aware of its location. So Varun, Nipun and I decided to wait for them on the main road as it was already 0100 hours and they were expected any minute. Though we couldn’t see much due to the thick forest cover but one could hear any noise from far off distance. About 30 minutes later we heard the thumping sound and with each passing moment the noise was getting louder and clearer.


Another 5 minutes and their headlights momentarily blinded us. Soon there was a session of greets and hugs followed by another round of laughter and cheers. This was followed by yet another session of songs and booze.


I did not want to miss the sunrise as it had been along time. Since I wasn’t sure of the exact time I decided to sleep. It was 0200 by the time I slept.


Next what I felt was my mobile go berserk under my pillow. It was 5 but felt as if I had slept for just few minutes. Surprisingly I was feeling fresh unlike other days when even after 8 hours sleep I find it difficult to get out from my bed. I quietly finished with my civic activities and another in 30 minutes I was out of my room. It was quite dark outside and I could see still see some bright stars twinkling yet fading. I saw Vishal all geared up and ready to leave as he had to leave for Pune due to some urgency.


We were staying 2 kms away from Wilson Point which is also commonly known as Sunrise Point. It is a vast plateau. It is believed to be the highest point in Mahabaleshwar and one can also see the sunset from this point. So in principle this was the best place to view sunrise.


But I had different plans.

My idea was to ride to Venna Lake and watch the sunrise from lakeside. In spite of being within Mahabaleshwar this Lake has its own identity, and is capable of drawing ones attraction towards it. There were many reasons for which I wanted to go there main reason being the early morning ride through the forest. Also this could be my best bet to get a glimpse of some birds.


We rode past the forest, crossed the junction of the main market and rode past the lake. Vishal carried on and I rode on to the plateau besides the lake and rode till the end of the ridge. From there I had a clear view of the horizon in front of me with the Lake right behind me. I parked my steed and I waited for the sunrise. I guess I was too early but glad that I wasn’t late.


I find such moments precious and special as this is the time when I take time to pause, to observe, to ponder, reflect and just be silent.


Slowly the colour of the horizon was changing and now I could see the brightest stars fading to the new dawn. The air was refreshingly cold and pure unlike anywhere else. The Lake which was overtly crowded and noisy yesterday evening bore a deserted look. With very few morning walkers the place was silent. This silence was occasionally interrupted by the chirpings from the near by forest. I could hear at least 3 different bird calls. Out of which I could distinctly identify the Magpie Robin, commonly known as bulbul. And being an excellent mimic of other bird’s call I wasn’t really sure about the other birds.






Situated in the heart of Sahyadri Hills, in Satara District, this hill station is said to have a legendary past. But, some say that the name 'Mahabaleshwar', which simply means very mighty God, seems to have a mythological past. As the name 'Mahabaleshwar' is derived from a temple of Lord Mahadev and three Sanskrit words, "Maha" (great), "Bal" (power) and "Ishwar" (God). It truly seemed to have some divine nature which is why everything seemed so perfect.


Soon as the horizon started to glow the chirpings became continuous. I could now see the Strawberry fields, the picturesque landscape and smoke emanating from tiny houses below the ridge. Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani regions are eco sensitive regions with regards to Environment Protection Act. So the existing forests, horticultural areas such as strawberry farms, raspberry farms, and tribal areas are declared as environmentally sensitive areas only to ensure that the natural ecology of the region is maintained.


Slowly yet relentlessly the sun rose. It was beautiful to see the different shades of nature.As I sat there with my eyes closed I listened to the hectic yet musical chirpings. With each passing moment the light falling on to my face was getting brighter. The warmth of the rays cutting across the chilly wind was now comforting. I felt bliss. I don’t think I can capture my feelings with any amount of adjectives as these are moments to be experienced.


After this stimulating experience I rode back. The forest which was dark and intimidating the night before was now enlivened and full of activity. I slowed down many a times to stop and admire what nature has in its fold. I saw sailor butterflies dancing through the woods as if welcoming the new dawn. I rode past a silent graveyard which bore a peaceful testimony. The entire stretch was quiet, calm and serene.


Once back in the hotel I saw some guys sitting and basking in sun enjoying few minutes of silence and solace. Some were busy cleaning their bulls and some busy clicking pics of the picturesque view in front of the hotel. And many of our late night stars were still snoring away to glory.


By 0900 hours everyone was up some with mild hangover and some with no recollection of any of their antics from the previous night. Half-cooked ‘Pohe’ and few cups of ‘chai’ made for a decent breakfast. Honestly most of the guys wanted to hog at the Mapro so there was not much interest in ‘Pohe’. Suddenly someone suggested to ride to Murud and then to Pune. i.e. another 300 plus kms. Instantly I was in. After lot of deliberations 4 of us (Sidhu, Rajat, Ujjwal and me) decided to ride to Murud and then to Pune. Others decided to stick to the original plan.


We settled accounts by splitting the expenses equally and it roughly came up to about 250 for non vegetarians and 200 for vegetarians (minus the fuel). Then we geared up and left for Wilson point where we had our group picture. After some good clicks we parted away ironically same destination but different routes.


It was just 1000 hours and we were already feeling the heat. Our route was via Poladpur – Khed – Murud – Pune. Poladpur is about 40 kms from Mahabaleshwar and was a lovely ride. The ghat was awesome with some good road. Soon the heat started playing spoilsport. Once we crossed Poladpur we decided to take a break. Took a stock of the situation and realised it was going to be a tough ride because of the heat. Since we really enjoyed the ride so far we really didn’t wanted to end it on a dehydrated note.


So we did Poladpur again and reached Mahabaleshwar. Refuelled tanks at Mahabaleshwar where Rajat got a son disciplined by his folks over an orange (for more details please contact him). Sight to see! Then we rode to Mapro, had a good filling feast on strawberry with cream and grilled sandwiches. The first batch had reached Pune around 1300 hours.


It was 1500 hours by the time we left for Pune.Since we were just four, we rode faster. And the only break we took was after crossing Pasarani and Khambatki. Drank fresh cane juice, rested for a while and then full throttle all the way back home.





Another ride has come to an end, one more set of memories created and yet few milestones covered..