WCR 1108

8^th Nov 2014: Delhi to Mumbai:

We reached Mumbai at 8:30 AM. On the way from Borivali to Mumbai Central I was hit by many waves of nostalgia crossing the same tracks yet again after 9 years. Rohit and I thought of taking a taxi to CST and then take the local from there to Panvel. We had to reach Kalamboli. But outside the station, Rohit negotiated a deal with the driver to take in one more passenger to Navi Mumbai. This way we wouldn’t have to load and unload the luggage so often. Little did we know that this wasn’t going to happen.

Enroute I called up the Mumbai contact of the Fleet Carrier only to be told that our Bullets were not at Kalamboli. Instead they were stored at a warehouse in Uran. By now we had reached Kharghar where we dropped off the extra passenger. Uran was a good distance away from here. We had a lot of planning to do. Meanwhile our other two Riders, Zaheer and Ashok had landed at Mumbai and they were on a cab directly to Uran from the airport.

To sharpen our thinking, first we stopped to have Mumbai’s cutting tea with wada pav. Our driver discussed with another person on possibilities to reach Uran. He also told us the option of taking a ferry back from Mazgaon docks near the Central station. Although the idea was very attractive but having come so far, we were not interested in returning all the way back.  So we took the cab till Belapur crossing from where we could catch a bus to Uran. Loading our extensive luggage inside loaded buses was taking a heavy toll. But we were finally seated. Meanwhile, our co-riders had reached the spot and were in possession of the motorcycle.

The bus dropped us off at the landmark spot that was provided to us. But on enquiring further we found that this wasn’t the correct landmark. Another place with the same title, Hotel Timepass, was 10 kms further from here in another direction. We negotiated with an auto for the last stretch. The auto driver was the first genuine person we met on this journey. He dropped us at the correct location and the fare charged was very appropriate. We thanked him heartily.

Finally, all of us were united. The Bullets were in perfect condition, exactly as we had dropped them. When 4 BoPians meet, there’s bound to be some bakchodi. Ashok narrated how Zaheer left his wallet full of cash lying unattended on his seat because he was distracted by a passenger. Zaheer narrated how Ashok had eaten away his breakfast. This Ride will have lots of such great moments.

Zaheer fixed up the Ladakh carrier on my motorcycle. We took the Bullets down from the stairs, confirmed the receipt of delivery with our Gurgaon contact and started to Ride. Finally, the West Coast Ride had begun.

The time was nearly 2 pm and we had to cover 150 kms to Pune today. The four of us stuck together in a single file all the way. It is always a great feeling to ride your own Bullet in a new state. It gives an extended feeling of exploration. We were making good progress along the old Mumbai-Pune highway. Rohit stopped to buy some famous Lonavla chikki. A short distance later we stopped to have our lunch too.

Chicken curry was ordered along with veg for Zaheer. These vegetarians always spoil the expenditure calculation at the end of the ride. We were 60 kms from Pune. So we took our time in finishing our lunch. By sunset, we had reached the outskirts of Pune. Of course now the outskirts of Pune are quite wide.

Our navigation benefitted us again. We had entered the city even when we were told by Nilu that he would be meeting us at the point where the highway and expressway coincide. But no surprises there as our navigation skills help us on familiar roads too. Nilu caught up with us on his KTM in front of Alfa Laval factory and escorted us to his place. I remembered Pune as a laidback town. There’s no trace of that now. It’s a hustling and bustling city now, and not very friendly.

The time was ripe for the evening BBB. Another comrade, Ajit joined us a while later. I was meeting two more of my old friends, Amardeep and Satish after a very long time. The evening had brightened. We were drinking in moderation as we had to leave early the next day and a long distance, 465 kms to traverse. But when old friends unite, moderation goes out of the door. Rohit and Zaheer indulged in their self-made coffee.

Finally our goal for next day was heavy enough to make us say good night. Actually, even bottles were empty now, so we had to stop. Amardeep promised to ride with us for a short distance the next day. 

WCR 1109

9^th Nov 2014: Pune to Goa:

All of us were ready to go by 4:45 AM. Then Gyan took some time to find Nilu’s place and we were ready to leave by 5:45 AM. Amardeep was also awake and ready. He had to attend a full day training today starting 9 AM having slept for only 3 hours. Still he provided us with company for some distance before saying goodbye.

The whole bunch was together now. Things didn’t go smoothly. Zaheer’s Bullet started to lock its front tyre. This went on for a long time. He tried some basic fixing but it didn’t work. So he just carried on riding it in the same condition. We covered a good distance in the cold, early morning. The first pit stop was taken at Satara after covering 120 kms.

We didn’t dare order parathas during this trip. They are suitable only in the North. Our diet would be entirely new here. Upma and dosas were ordered. I, however ordered missal-pav. When in Maratha Land, eat like Marathas. I’m sure there are more dishes to be had, but ordered the one I knew. Nilu aptly described it as just a chakhna served with pav. Over breakfast began another session where Zaheer and Ashok pulled each other’s legs, much to everyone’s laughter.

Meanwhile, the bikes were attracting their share of looks, specially Nilu’s KTM. Gyan and I caught one onlooker asking if it was Yamaha, much to Nilu’s annoyance and our entertainment. The label of “Chinese Yamaha” was now stuck on his KTM. There were few more enquiries in the group from the public but we didn’t pay much attention to them. In retrospect, I think we should answer the curious questions. We are representing the Riding community to people and by not responding we do give an arrogant image.

The farther we moved from Pune, the better were the highways. Nearing Kolhapur, they turned excellent. Caught in that excellence, Zaheer disappeared. He was in the lead for the first time and since he had forgotten to bring his rearview mirrors, there was no looking back. While the rest of us fuelled up, we tried to reach him. After much effort, a connection was established and he was told to wait at Nipani, 14 kms ahead. Meanwhile, the rest of us hydrated ourselves on oranges bought by Rohit.

Some more distance ahead we reached a quizzical point. The six lane highway continued to Belgaum. A second single road would take us to Sawantwadi. The former was 80 kms longer but quicker. Looking at the time and also considering that we would need to stop for lunch soon, we opted for the Sawantwadi route. Moreover, Riders usually prefer state highways to NHs.

We sure were glad we took that turn. The road snaked through beautiful countryside. Little traffic was found on this road. We had only 110 kms more to cover. A stop was taken at roadside theka. KnockOut beer was on offer. It’s a pity this brand is not served in the North. Snacks were consumed in the form of Gobi Manchurian. We had earlier planned to taste the famous Kolhapuri mutton. But that would’ve required us to venture into the city. Fortunately, the theka offered that dish for lunch. 

Maybe it was the Riding effect, but the dish tasted wonderful. The underlying spice without too much chili tasted our beer-laden buds just fine. We were now refreshed to continue our journey.

The remaining kilometers were covered quickly on the smooth road and we reached Calangute just after sunset. Goa was in its usual swing. The pre-booked furnished apartments were excellent. We had covered a long distance today, but we were not that tired. Order of Kings beer was immediately placed. Quickly after refreshing ourselves we stepped out to go to Calangute beach. Man, it was crowded. We found a spot near the sea and cheered. Some of us were seeing the sea for the first time. I envy their feeling.

We were then caught by a patrolling cop to pick up our beers and go home. Drinking wasn’t allowed at the beach because many leave broken bottles around. It sounded typical of Punjabis and Delhi-ites. We obliged and went away. For dinner, we stopped at a roadside restaurant. Meat dishes of all kinds were ordered except for the vegetarian. I tried the local preparation fish vindaloo. It was damn spicy. The gravy was made in chili. I could finish it only with the help of some beer. But even more stinging was the price of Pomfret. They were being sold at Rs 600. We decided to skip it and have it in some other state instead.

The next day would be a leisurely cruise around Goa, only this time it wouldn’t be on rental bikes.