On The Road Again

How does one define a ‘rider’? Is it the bike that he/she rides? Or is it the distance clocked? Honestly, I have never dwelt on this cos, as most ‘riders’ (for the lack of a better word) would agree, it’s the experience and not the tile or miles that matters. I for one would rather leave it for those who would, without fail, ensure to clean their bikes to a sparkle each Sunday morning, park it and then reclaim their position on a couch, within the safe confines of their home, only to brace themselves for a out of world biking experience on their latest  X-Box. And while they do that, I will take support of my insanity, look down at my map and identify yet another unconquered route, planning to set out at the earliest opportunity, just to encounter the unexpected thrills that on road biking provides.

A childhood spent in the ‘open’, under the hot summer sun, on hills or in fields, on treks or in railway yards, nights spent star gazing, falling asleep to stories from ‘The man eaters of Kumaon’, sure creates a strong foundations for such unexplained insanity (as most would and do call it). Going with the flow, must admit that it is exactly such insanity that has encouraged me to plan ‘On The Road Again’ – a 5150 km road trip from India’s southernmost tip, Kanyakumari to the World’s highest motorable pass. Khardung la in Leh, further winding its way through Shimla before finally braking at Dehradun.

So what’s so special about ‘On The Road Again’? Nothing. For readers, there can be absolutely nothing special about hoping onto a bike, setting off on a road running literally through India, straight up north, through 11 states and numerous cities and town, a few mentionable ones like Jhansi, Agra, Delhi, Amritsar, the Wagah border, Jammu, Srinagar, Drass, Kargil, Leh, Shimla and Dehradun. Then why does one decide to endure a 20 day trip on open roads, especially in the Indian summers? I close my eyes, and the thought of conquering the imaginary line (route) that runs from one end to the other, through a country that has awed many a traveler, over centuries, with its vast culture and heritage, to be able to experience the unexpected  every km along the way, to be able to ‘see places I may never see again’, to be part of ‘experiences I may never experience again’, to meet ‘people I may never meet again’, is the reason, that I consider enough to counter all claims and suggestions on why I should not be embarking on this trip.

And if the above is not reason enough, then the coming alive of a fantasy of riding through the Himalayas, sure is. Have been asked, what is my biggest fear, on such a trip? Accidents, robberies etc? Well, my biggest fear as I set out ‘On The Road Again’ is, will I be able to leave the heavenly surrounding of the Himalayan regions and come back to the hustle and bustle of city life. The prospect of experiencing the sights, sounds and vast areas of complete ‘nothingness’ is enthralling. Being an atheist to the core, I strongly believe this is the closest I am ever going to get to the place most call heaven. The one person I am surely going to meet, in the midst of nowhere, is ME. That my friends, will overshadow all hardships experienced along the way and which form part and parcel of such a trip.

Could go on and on about what I believe lies ahead, but will save myself and you the presumptions. Instead would try my best to share my experiences, if I do find words befitting the experience (a sure challenge), through various media including Facebook (www.facebook.com/ontheroadagain2012) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/otra2012). We would be carrying the message ‘Prevent Child Sexual Abuse’ in support of our Social Partner, Koshishh (www.koshishh.org). We do hope to be able to use this trip to create the much needed awareness against this social evil.

The trip is scheduled to begin on the 19^th of May’2012, from Kanyakumari. Do join the FB page and follow our twitter handle to support us and be part of the build up to and experience through the journey across one of the most amazing countries in the World. You can email us at emailotra@gmail.com or call on +91 9008100321. Look forward to interacting.

They say - A good rider chooses a destination, a great rider chooses a direction. Someday, I hope to be able to choose a direction. Till then, happy riding.

This write up is for www.facebook.com/CastrolBiking