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..

To my fellow brethren..

At some point of time we ‘all’ have been fascinated by this machine and have dreamt of owning one.

Like many I fell in love with this machine at a very young age.
How and when is immaterial as this love and passion only grew with time.

I learnt riding at the legal age of 18 years.
Following which I made helpless, repeated requests to buy a Royal Enfield which were turned down by my parents as youthful stupidity.

I am 26 now.
And till about two months ago I did not possess a driving license.
Not because I do not adhere to traffic rules or could not pass the test but simply because I didn’t ride.

Born and brought up in Delhi, I went on to graduate from Mumbai in 2006.
After graduation I took up various jobs till I finally settled down with my current one in Pune.

Of all the cities I have been to I guess Pune is the worst in terms of public transport.
Having lived through the killer ‘Bluelines’ of Delhi and having survived the Mumbai locals, travelling in Pune has been my worst experience.
Not because its risky but simply because of it's poor public transport system.

My desire to own this beast was reaching its zenith when each day I set out to commute in this city.More than temptation it was the frustration of travelling in inadequate, overcrowded, sweaty and most times dirty buses.

The strong conviction that I did not wish to finance this beauty either from a bank or by my parents was a reason for me to go through this ordeal each day.
I wanted to buy it on my own hard earned money.
Call it self satisfactory feel good factor or simply a lofty ego!

Many a times our dreams and wishes comes with a price, one must be just willing to pay it..

Nine months down through this tribulation I had saved enough and now was short of just couple of thousands to buy this enigmatic machine. This was the weakest phase when the urge to borrow the remaining few thousands from parents was the strongest.

Just then as if the heavens bent down seeing my hardships and granted me my wishes.
I received an unexpected Diwali Bonus which added up to the magical figure.

The same weekend I applied and procured a learner’s license and later in that evening, I was at the Royal Enfield dealer checking out the steeds lined up in an orderly fashion. This was the first time I was seeing so many untouched, untamed and unclaimed beast at one place.

Amidst all this I was looking for the one that I had specifically come for – dual tone silver Electra 5s.
Why?
Why not?!

Only after enquiring I learnt that the dual tone was out of stock and the company wasn’t manufacturing much of them to keep the demand supply chain high.
I don’t know how true/untrue it is.
And I was least bothered about the same.

But the fact that I would have to wait for yet another month to get what I wished for was killing me.

DAMN!

My impending desire to own this machine was stronger than my patience to wait for one more month of wait, struggle, frustration and temptation!

Another 30 minutes and I owned an Electra 5s only difference the colour being Black.
This was the only available, unclaimed machine in the entire showroom.
As I frayed my hands across the beauty I left behind a print on the dust coating.
Instinctively, I pulled out my handkerchief and brushed her.
In return she glowed as if thanking me for this gesture.

I turned in the key and kick start my baby and it went... dug…dug…dug…
It was heavenly music to my ears!

I shifted gear and took it for our maiden ride..Dug..dug..dug..dug..dug..dug..dug..dug..dug..
I don’t think any amount of words can describe my ecstasy.
Neither am I attempting to.
I was simply hyperbolocally EUPHORIC!

I returned to the showroom as I had to leave her behind for RTO formalities.
Even though this umbilical connect was just an hour old I felt the pain as I left her behind.

On my way back home which ought to be my last bus ride ever I named the beauty ‘CHAOS’.
According to Greek mythology Chaos was the vacant and infinite space which existed and out of which the gods, men, and all things arose.

For me it was something similar.
The joy, the bliss, the happiness, the thrill, the delight, the excitement, she gave me was something never experienced before.
I guess I was still in a state of trance.
It gave birth to so many new emotions, feelings and senses that I felt the name were apt for my baby.

Chaos is now over two months old and has crossed the 2500 kms mark.
I already see this relationship growing into something magical and beautiful.

It has redefined riding to me.
And I realise that it's not always about the rider but the ride too..

Was the wait and pain worth it?
Absolutely!

I feel it’s one of the best things that have happened to me.

Next priority is to pass my riding test which is a mere formality to obtain my permanent license and then hit the highways..!!

Before signing off I wish to pray for all my fellow brethren whose dreams are yet to come true that your time shall come and we shall meet sometime, somewhere thumping on the highway.

Till then,
Adios with chaos..

Full Throttle..

23rd, December 2007

My first riding 'event' with Roadshakers!

We were to ride up to Sianghad fort. Attendees were to be paired randomly. Then trek up to the fort in pairs, collect a coupon from a volunteer stationed above and race down to the base. Put on the riding gear and ride up to the fort. The winners were to get attractive prizes.

I was more excited about the whole experience than the prize.

This event was also the first in the series to pull up our socks in terms of our stamina. And this need was felt very strongly by the club and the members.

So I was expecting it to be hotly contested event with loads of fun.

On the day of the event about 9 Roadshakers turned up at our rendezvous point. Even though the count was low than what I had expected I was glad to see these guys. I was still hoping to see some more guys at the base of Sianghad fort.

As the clock ticked half past seven we decided to proceed to the base where the event had been planned.

Sidhu decided to lead with Ram being the sweeper.

Though we started in a single file I saw the others disappear in front of me. I was to be at the tail of the person in front of me but he was just too fast for me. I was hesitant about opening the throttle as Chaos was still new and was running in.

Soon I realised I needed to as I was not only slowing down Ram, who was right on my tail, but also the group in front of me.

..60..70..

I crossed 80..

This was the first time in two months I had crossed 80 and the feel was completely different.

Till today I was happy riding through the breeze blowing at me.., now I was happier creating my own wind..

Soon we caught up with the rest of the group while they were refueling at the gas station.

From then on I decided not to let the person in front disappear again.

But soon I realised how wrong I was.

After a good chase I lost the tail again only to be left behind. That’s when I appreciated the functionality of the sweeper. Ensure that the no man is left behind.

Soon we were off the highway on to a busy road which led to Sianghad.
For a moment I was delighted to see the turns and the curves thinking it will slow down the whole ride.

Soon I realised I was wrong again.

This beast is powerful.
True.
But I had never seen anyone riding them at such speeds.

I mean I am from a different school of thought.
For me the machine is about sophistication, a unique style and a classiness of its own, which makes riding graceful and elegant.
It is as much different from other bikes as much as boys are from men.

Anyways all these thoughts were being brutally crushed by these guys who were busy auditioning for the ‘Dhoom’ series..

Soon I was left behind with my shadow and of course, Ram who was throttling right at my tail waiting just to spear ahead.

Finally he did.
I guess that’s where his patience lost to my disbelief.

He rode past me.
The gentlest way in which his enduring spirit was yelling at me that buddy you are slow.

SLOW!

I was taking turns and curves at 70 odd speeds and still I was slow!!

Damn!

That’s when I decided to open the throttle, shift gears and race up till Ram who now seemed to be enjoying his ride more than he was doing a little while ago.

The first turn was an anxious one but was smooth.
Then came the second third and many more.

It felt nice.
It felt really, really nice.
And it was fun too.
I could visualise myself as the rider in front of me.

Then I saw Ram disappear into a turn.

Following suit I opened the throttle to get into the turn in the same fashion.
And then I realised the turn was too sharp for me to pass through.
At 70 kmph I was too late to slow down.
I did kill the acceleration.
Instinctively applied brakes which made it worse as I locked my handle.

All I saw in front of me was a pale withering wall which was right in front of me with arms open wide.
Suddenly I saw a thin muddy trail bordering the wall.
I was on it.
A second later I was on a pile of mud and construction material; still breathing!

I heard my heartbeat with Dolby digital surround clarity louder than my engine throttle.

Once I calmed down I realised my stupidity.

I realise now what I have managed to live through to write this piece.

At times life just needs split seconds to make you wiser.

Still shaken up, but with new found wisdom which I learnt in a foolish manner, I decided to ride on.

On the next turn I saw Ram waiting as he must have realised that I was missing from his rear view.

We rode again.

Only this time at my own pace and at my comfort!

Finally, we reached the base so what if we were a little late.
It is any day better than being graffiti over a wall and not reaching at all.

The final count at the base of the fort was 10. Baljeet was the last one to join the gang. The number was much below our expectations. And due to this low turnout the event was overruled. We decided to ride up to the fort which was altogether a different experience.

The same story of full throttle leaning over curves and glide over potholes, too fast and too furious!

I was calm and easy on throttle as I was very clear in my head of the do’s and don’ts.

We reached the top in another 30 minutes with some breaks and stoppages for clicks.

Parked our shining steeds in line and headed to the nearest stall for chai-pakodas. During conversations over cups of tea I shared my experience. In return I received stares, smiles, head shakes and some valuable advice.

By the time we set out to explore the fort, the sun was blaring but the winds made the walk pleasant.

Soon I realised why this event was planned and why it got canned.
Once again understood the term ‘wishful thinking’; in a different perspective.
Fitness seemed to be a concern.

Finally the break ridden exploration ended with peethla bhakris, curd and fresh lime juice.
Yummy!
A tasteful treat.

With tummies full and thirst quenched we rode back in the same formation.

And this time I made sure that I was sensible, confident and most importantly comfortable riding Chaos.

Overall an eventful day, I learnt a lot on and off the track and discovered a whole concept new concept of FULL THROTTLE!

I rode back home with sweet memories and definately wiser than before.

Chaos..

Rendezvous with destiny..

Wednesday, 12th Dec 2007.

It was 8 and I guess I was on time!

I was glad that I discovered this place previous evening as I did not wish to either miss it or be late for this Wednesday meeting.

Today I was going to meet the other Bullet riders from the city.
To be precise I was here to attend the weekly meeting of 'ROADSHAKERS'..

the Royal Enfield Bullet Club of Pune..

As I managed to cross over the busy road, I saw three Bulls parked adjacent to each other, in an orderly fashion. And three guys looking at me, enquiringly, wondering about my identity and the new beast.

For some strange reason I was a bit nervous.

May be it was my anxiety coupled with excitement or may be my awareness of the fact that these fellow strangers were watching me.I pretended to be undeterred by their scanning and parked CHAOS along with the other beasts. Just then one of the guys asked me to park it in the same manner in which they had parked their steeds.

So I reversed and parked it in line with the other beauties..

Once done I walked up to them and I guessed the Surd to be Baljit whom I had called up the other day to confirm the location of their weekly meeting point.

“Hi I am anish and you must be Baljit?” I greeted extending my hand for a handshake.

“Oh haan anish! tau tune hi mujhe kal phone kiya tha na! chalo badhiya hain. Iska naam hain Yuvraj and he ij Omkar. Iska bhi aaj first day hain. Bilkul tumhaari tarah. Ab aaj tum dono ek doosre per khade ho kar introduction dena. Nahi tum dono na aaj is mote par khade ho kar apna introduction karna. Bahut tagada aadmi hain ye. He is the foundation of Roadshakers” he replied in one breath and then burst into laughter.

Surds, as usual, jovial, friendly with a cheeky sense of humour..

I was feeling better once I learnt that about the other newcomer. Omkar too had come for the meeting for the first time. While I spoke to him I heard a thump and saw another beast come and park it in the same line.

Then as if the thump never died.

Being new and a complete stranger I decided to watch, unlike Onkar, who got busy doing his round of talks.

One by one I saw the men arrive on thier beauties and then following the same pattern.

Park their steeds in line.

Greets and hugs.

I sat on the footstep of some unfinished structure behind me to observe..

The joy with which they were sharing their stories and events reminded me of the reunion of the Jews after Yom kippur.

In another 30 minutes or so there were about 40 odd bulls standing adjacent to each other.

A little close to 9, I heard someone call out and then Ajinkya, a free lance web designer, told me to get ready for some thumping.

This was it!
The moment I had been waiting for was here.
At times one senses things with supernatural abilities.
I believe we all are born with that ability.
But we seldom trust it.
Déjà vu, intuition or dreams..

This time I believed it.

I was baptised with the adrenaline rush.

A minute later all I could hear was the thump in the air and then saw a cloud of dust and smoke rising from the ground.
Amidst this cloud of smoke and dust I saw the riders lining up one after the other in two parallel rows.
Without wasting time thinking I squeezed Chaos in one of the lines.

I had inhabited this city as a stranger for the last 9 months and nothing had excited me as much as this evening.

As we began thumping through the late city traffic my anxiety levels reached its pinnacle…

I was somewhere in the middle of this convoy.
We were in a formation of two rows with each rider having a partner along side riding at the same pace, all randomly paired.

It took me a while to realise that it was a highly choreographed act.
If one slowed down the other partner waited for his partner to catch up.
Initially I found it difficult but soon I found my rhythm, and then it was just a matter of acceleration.


What I loved the most was the discipline with which each rider drove with no overtaking, no speeding and followed the same pattern without causing any threat or problem for the usual traffic..
As the convoy moved together.. the thump created was exhilarating..
If felt as if we were taking a victory lap..

Then it all got confirmed at the next traffic signal..
With all heads turned towards us..
..eyes fixed on our magnificent beasts,
smiles being hurled upon with rare raised eyebrows..

And to this attention I chose to act as an innate soul..
But somewhere deep down inside I was loved this attention..
I felt nice..
I felt proud..
I felt powerful..
And I believe that is the beauty about this beast..
It transforms you into something beyond your imagination.

After about 20 minutes of thumping along the city traffic the convoy finally stopped in front of a restaurant named ‘Frangipani’.

I saw another set of bulls already parked in front of the restaurant.
Then again there was another session of hugs and handshakes..

I just choose to smile..

Soon everyone settled down, with Manish and Baljit taking to the center and everyone else choosing their favourite corner and spaces.

Manish started the session with an introduction of the newcomers.
In total there were 4 including me.

One by one we stood on a table and introduced ourselves with our hands raised position.
“Name..Model and no. ..”
This reminded me of my hostel years where we have had such similar sights of introductions...may be slightly more complex and definatley more fun..
May be its always fun to be on the other side of the table..

This was a different experience, with people looking at you and you being able to see them all because of the elevation, thanks to the table.

I started with a fumble but then it got over soon.

Once done with introductions all 4 of us were assigned two mentors, Rajat and Yuvraj..
Mentors were to take care of our queries, doubts and loads of questions we had.

Then there were regular updates and notifications about forthcoming events and some new plans..
After which the meeting dispersed with some of the riders staying back to dine together.

Then Rajat, my mentor, an HR guy in a software firm, gave us a form to register with the rules and regulations clearly laid out like..
The safety precautions, the riding gear, a must for all the rides..
The formation details where there is always a leader in the front and a sweeper in the end.. to ensure that the convoy moved together..
I believe that’s where their motto “Leave no man behind” comes from..
How I needed to earn points to be registered in the core team..
The form had all important details like from blood group to email ids which was to be maintained in case of emergencies..
Once filled, we were to submit it next Wednesday along with a one time membership fee of Rs 100.

I was too excited to wait till next Wednesday so finished off with all the formalities and submitted the form then and there..

By far this was the best thing that happened to me.
I was very glad to have found someone to help me understand and learn more about CHAOS.

I decided to stay back for dinner.
That’s when I got to know more about other members and other bullet clubs.

Some of the founder members were displaced with time but they were still connected to each other for instance a former member was coming all the way from Nepal to join these guys for Ridermania,08 at Hyderabad, an annual event held by Royal Enfield.

Besides answering my umpteen silly questions they willingly shared and lot of interesting fundas and gyaan.
In short the dinner was a very warm, pleasant and friendly affair.

A group so diverse, so different and spread across miles..
Yet so close knit by a single bond.
One machine..
One enfield..
One thump..

Was it my destiny to be one of them..
I do not know..

What I know is that in just less than three hours a city, in which I was a complete stranger, for me it opened up a whole new world of passion, love, warmth and respect for me..

And now I am one of them..atleast in the making..

And while I write this I wait for yet another Wednesday to come..



** Pictures used just for representational purposes and are from Roadshakers gallery.