Activa worked as a stable and reliable workhorse and gave no complaints. We stopped around every 1.5 hours so that machine is not burdened much.
BHPian Mrs&Mr_Shenu recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
Why??
Munnar GAP road is located approximately 125 kilometers (Around 3 Hours 30 Minutes) from Kochi. I have visited this place and have been blown away by the stunning natural beauty of the area. The view from GAP road is unparalleled, and the numerous turns and curves provide an engaging driving experience (For me!!).
But why on an Activa?
Since I mentioned the idea, let me justify problems of such a journey on Honda Activa. To be honest, I was encouraged to do a drive with my better half as I have already done few drives around Kuttikanam, Vagamon, Ramakkalmedu etc. She is interested to travel on 2-wheeler more these days avoiding car altogether.
With that side is sorted out, bigger elephant in the room is, which Vehicle?
I do have a V12 (Bajaj) and Honda Activa (Workhorse). But V12 met with a small accident which had bent the front fork, So V12 was out of the list.
Activa has been part of our older Journey from Chennai to Mahabalipuram, kanchipuram, Thiruttani with a rock-solid reliability. Also, with my sedate driving, Activa will be ideal as I may not cross even 45 km/h speed. With that in mind, we finally decided to submit ourselves for this idea.
Man suggests a Plan and God Gives Plan change….
Day before the journey, during the routine grocery purchase travel, Activa started shuddering like a back tyre puncture at a mild speed. I stopped multiple times, with no specific thing to pinpoint the issue. Decided to somehow drive very slow and reach back home where we have a mechanic shop nearby. Alas, the vehicle suddenly stopped with a a big thud. Now, the accelerator is just revving the engine and back wheel is not turning.
I called my friendly neighborhood mechanic who was bit far away (12-15 KM away). He suspected a belt issue, asked me to look for a local mechanic near to my location. Luckily, I had one shop nearby around 300 Meters away. Pushed Activa on a bright afternoon with a heavy mind with full of doubts and confused wife.
Mechanic of this shop looked at the vehicle and had a similar suggestion. He opened the left-hand side, which gives access to the belt. It was indeed the belt, broken.
He cleaned the interior , side thoroughly and then fixed the belt.
Activa is back to life… We both thanked god and reached back home. Sat on the idea, deliberating and finally decided to go ahead with the drive.
Plan & Stops
1. Start from Kundanoor Junction at 4:15 AM
Uneventful. Fuel was topped already. So Vehicle is full with Fuel and Tyre Nitrogen.
2. Stop for a tea after 5-5:30 AM at Muvattupuzha
We stopped at TEA ZONE, Muvattupuzha. A small Kerala style eatery with Hot tea and local delicacies. Saw Another Group with Delhi Registration bikes who also seemed to be travelling to Munnar.
3. Breakfast Stop at Adimali.
Kalavara Hotel near to Adimali was the next stop for us. Had a delicious Ghee Roast and hot tea. Saw 2 couples who reached on Honda Highness 350. Given sometime to look at those bikes in real world, up close. may be another time(Sigh..)
4. Photo snaps at Cheeyapara, Valara Water Falls.
Lot of people, monkeys and Kerala Transport Buses. Captured video and pictures. The Fog started coming in which we badly wanted.
My Activa on a shade, resting before next gallop.
5. Stop at Some view points for a quick picture and No Stop at Munnar Town.
Tea estates are a treat to watch which Munnar has plenty, The route we have chosen takes us directly through such locations and with Fog it is mesmerising.
6. Stop and mandatory Picture Snap at GAP Road Locations (Lockhart Gap View, View Point).
Absolutely Beautiful. This is definitely a place to visit, soak the natural beauty, sit and enjoy. Spent around 1.5 hours here at multiple locations.
7. Return Via RajaKumari, Rajakad, Vellathuval.
This drive was bit treacherous, no major stop except for Fuel. We thought to reach Kothamangalam by noon so that we can have lunch. But the route was absolutely never ending (as per my wife, I loved the route though). Finally reached restaurant at around 1 and food was heavenly as rats were running inside the tummy.
Started the return journey back to Kochi at around 1:30 PM and it is through Kolenchery, Thiruvankulam, Thripoonithura and finally to Kundanoor at around 3:45 PM.
Activa worked as a stable and reliable workhorse and gave no complaints. We stopped around every 1.5 hours so that machine is not burdened much.
Finally the conclusion..
- Distance Covered – 300 KM (Approximate)
- Fuel– 8 Litres of Fuel (Energetic Mind too)
- Expense – 856 (Fuel) + 400 (Food, Tea).
Happy Minds, Full of Memories, Enough Material to upload for Dopamine Dose for others in YouTube.
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