Quick shifter continued to be very useful. It is a little rough sometimes. I understand why experts are not happy with it, but good enough for me.
BHPian Rajeevraj recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
Early last week, a need came up to go to my hometown in Kerala. It was a quick trip, reach Friday and return on Sunday. Normally when I need to do such a quick 1-2 day trip, I prefer to take the train from Bangalore provided I get tickets, it is an overnight journey, the station is close and a smooth journey. This time, the thought came to me- Why not use the opportunity for the first long ride? Had just completed 1000km, the first service was done, good weather to be riding. Broached the topic with my wife and she was quite encouraging although a little worried inside. Thought that if you feel comfortable, then you should go. That gave me confidence, but there were a few things to consider.
The Worry Factors
- There were 2 places I needed to cover. Kozhikode(Calicut) in Kerala and then my hometown which was another 50km away.
- This meant a ~430 km onward ride and a ~370 km return through a different route.
- The route to be taken was Bangalore-Kanakpura-Mysore(No expressway allowed)-Gundlepet-Bandipur-Bathery (Wayanad)-Calicut-Tirur. Return was Tirur-Nilambur-Gudalur-Mudumalai-Bandipur-Gundlepet-Mysore-Bangalore
- Those familiar with this route and this part of the country will know that this is almost completely a 2 lane undivided highway. There is construction work (Kanakapura), fairly straight and flat sections, many towns, forest sections, hilly roads and finally proper ghat sections. Many sections have a fairly good amount of traffic.
- Most importantly, the fact that the longest I had done was ~300km which too over ~4 hours on a proper 6-lane highway.
- It was a 3-day trip- Just had one day in between where I expected to be busy.
The Confidence Builders
- I have driven this route in a car innumerable times in all kinds of situations. So I know it extremely well.
- Roads are all very good almost all through and those who have driven/ridden would know it is a beautiful, scenic route for most of the way.
- I felt comfortable on the 300km trip and did not come back tired or drained. So felt I could do the 400-odd km needed. Felt confident with the bike.
The cons exceeded the pros when looking at it objectively, but ultimately these things are a matter of the heart and then decided to go ahead. After all, unless I tried I would not know if I could.
A summary with some pictures. Pictures are basic ones as I was not focusing on taking too many and did not stop as per the rules in places like the forest.
Planned to leave around 4.45 am and leave by 5 am. The initial stretch was a little uncomfortable. Exited NICE Road into Kanakapura Road and there was a lot of 4-laning construction work in progress. Unlike regular NHAI work, this has been progressing for a long time and there were sections where diversions were not marked and the road was also bad.
Once the initial part was done, and daylight broke, things got better and I settled into a rhythm. This stretch from Kanakpura to Mysore via Bannur and then on to Gundlepet is a fairly straight, good-quality road. Traffic was light during the early morning and I was able to make good progress.
Was feeling good and my confidence to complete the journey comfortably was increasing by the minute. Post Gundlepet, went through the Bandipur Forest Area. Had a worrying moment when I encountered a lone elephant standing in the centre of the road. A couple of cars also were waiting on both sides. Fortunately, the elephant moved to the side and we quickly went past.
Did not take many pictures during the return. Just the one below when I stopped for breakfast at a KTDC Hotel near the town of Nilambur. The highlight of the return was the ride through the Nadugani Ghat that connects Kerala and Tamilnadu. I did not stop in the ghats but found an old clip which I had uploaded on YouTube from my dashcam during a drive through it. The conditions remain the same today also.
Final Thoughts:
- Probably not a big deal for experienced riders, but personally I was pleased with myself for being able to complete this round trip over 3 days. With traffic and 2 lane roads, it was not a fast ride. Hence time spent was on the longer side and was happy I was able to spend 8-9 hours on the saddle.
- Did not get any aches and pains as I expected. A good night’s sleep and I was back to normal the next day. So the ride was a huge confidence booster.
- The bike was fantastic. The main reason that I was comfortable at the end of the ride.
- There was one section where the road I had known was rough. Used the adjustable suspension to move to a more comfortable mode and changed it back once I hit the smooth stretches and the ghats. Lovely feature.
- Got plenty of stares and a few questions on the bike. The large size and colour scheme make it stand out.
- Quick shifter continued to be very useful. It is a little rough sometimes. I understand why experts are not happy with it, but good enough for me.
- Brakes and their aids seem to do a great job. Had a couple of instances of quick and hard braking.
- Had used a waterproof tail, but had also taken along a regular backpack which just held the water bottle and chargers. Realized that was not a good idea and felt my neck and shoulder getting numb. Had to stop and stretch a few times. I think I need to get a tank bag.
- The Knee Armor on my riding pants kept sliding upwards. The site says there is a vertical adjustment, but not able to figure it out and also understand why it is not being locked in place. Need to check this.
Overall, happy with the ride, and the bike and looking forward to doing more.
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