Tamhini - Rider, Explorer


Tea to start the journey
There were fourteen people, who were in for the ride when it was planned around 2-3 weeks ago. Of course, we expected people to back out at the last moment and didn't expect more the 8 to turn up for the ride. The night before the ride, we still had a count of fifteen. Of course, there'll be back outs the next morning I had thought. We were supposed to meet at 6.30 AM at McDonald's, Kalamboli. Even here, we didn't expect people to turn up before 8 AM. 

 On the day of the ride, I had my camera packed, helmet cleaned, bike serviced and excitement in place. Although I sound vry confident before a ride, I am anxious. Thinking about everything that could go wrong on a ride. Even that morning, I had my apprehensions. What if my bike stalled, what if someone met with an accident, what if my brakes give way at the wrong time - and thinking about solutions for these problems. Yes, I overthink! 
Enroute Tamhini ghat
I started from my place at 6.30 AM with one more guy. On our way to Kalamboli, we met two more of our gang. We reached Kalamboli at 6.45 AM by 7 everyone was there! Surprising thing was not just turn up but the punctuality! There were fifteen bikes, sixteen people and they were all at the decided location by 7 AM! 
Photo session
After a quick bite at McD, we were on the road, riding to Tamhini. The road was smooth as usual, but a bit of traffic all along. We got off the Expressway at around 9 AM and halted for a tea break. Although the bikes were many, we were able to maintain a decent average speed. Riding was fun when we entered the mountains, with the comfortable curves, hairpin bends. We rode on till we reached a spot at the edge of the mountain, an opening where we could park our bikes, try a bit of off-roading and click pictures! 
Lunch!
An hour long break later, we were back on the road, heading toward Tamhini. The roads got a little rough here, and riding was a little uncomfortable for everyone. The patch lasted for almost 15 kms after which we halted for lunch. Since not everyone knew everyone else, we had a small session of introduction, while we waited for the food to be served. Lunch was a typical Maharashtrain preparation, rice bhakri, chicken handi which was delicious and pithla, a preparation of besan. It all tasted great and we ate a lot! A cup of tea and photo session later, we proceeded towards the ghat. I continued halting at places to click pictures all the while. We reached another point from where the entire valley was visible. It was a beautiful view. 

Lunch break
Since the roads got smoother, everyone was riding at their own pace, some went faster, some cruised along. And there was a lot of distance between the first and the last rider on the group. We halted at another roadside hotel by 4 PM for tea, when we came to know that one of the bikes had stalled. And he was still half an hour away from where we were. We decided that a few of us could leave, while the others would stay back and help him out. I left early, with a few others. 
The road ahead
The stalled bike, had to be towed back. It wouldn't start. Although it's easier for people to sympathize with the person, it is impossible to actually understand how frustrating it is to drag that 150+ of metallic carcass across when everyone around you is riding one. Fortunately, they found a means to get the bike home. 
Cornering, Himalayan
The overall ride was excellent, explored new roads and what's beyond them, and discovering what bikes could do when 'cornered'! The turn out was pleasantly surprising, and in 7 days of 2018, met so many people for the first time! The year has begun well. 

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