Madras Bulls

Madbull Mail – A Decade of Madbulls ! 26th- 28th April, 2012

Mustang — Thu, 03 May 2012 19:13:31 +0000

Sometimes 10 is not just a number…. Sometimes, the bullet just isn’t another motorcycle…. Most times, you will find only madness around us..

To Hell with you… To Heaven with us !!!
Ten years… plenty of miles covered, packets and packets of ciggi’s lit, glasses of chai downed and the growing brotherhood … Ten years just flew by but it feels like yesterday. Year after year, we have seen the madness grow, the passion ignite the mortal mind, the roads come alive and out of nowhere, the wandering spirit that beckons.

Over the years we have seen the various faces of a club, a family.. some that we could live with, some that still brings tears to our eyes, some that makes us admire…. but the strongest of it all, is to be together and wander away on our lusty machines. The brotherhood of biking together, the adventure of touring through various terrains, the hard rumble of the engines and the after ride stories kept the fire burning strong. Distance has never been a point of concern with any of the madbulls, as long as there was chai shops on the way.. and of course, some biriyani joints as well.

The celebration was all about the decade long madness that we have all been an integral mix of.. For some of them old timers, the last couple of days was nothing but nostalgia… What started out as 7 guys bitching about their metal contraption ( called a bullet) was now a 195 strong party-house that was rocking the night away. Passion brings people from every possible direction and the last couple of nights was no different. Leaves were sought, permissions were begged and compromises were drawn…at home, offices and other commitments.. but being a part of the madness was prime importance.

Just as wine grows better with age, so does passion. Along with passion comes wisdom.. but with the bullet, it has only come in picking up extra spare parts. The ” thump” of an enfield draws attention like no other, raises eyebrows in many, and brings about that silent grin..mostly seen on women. ( with a guy, its mostly that desire to pick up the bike). Over the last decade, we have seen passion grow from just riding 100′s kms to covering 1000′s of kms spanning across weeks and months on the road. We have found reasons to ride ( most of the reasons didnt really justify) and have continually discovered new places of wanderlust.

We’ve seen the loss of a brother.. but we also have seen that passion in him through other’s eyes. We’ve seen evolution within the club.. but it hasnt changed an integral part of a madbull – the madness..

The ride was fairly simple for the Madbulls, with the venue being Hotel Mamalla resort on the ECR….but for the other clubs, it was quite a ride through the heat. This anniversary was like nothing we have ever experienced. Finer details were given rapt attention to and there was nothing we could say we lacked. Comfort at its best, the location – on the coastline, plenty of events, beer and soaring spirits.. It was the perfect recipe to a brilliant two day affair.. of flirting with the sea, meeting friends, long time buds, reliving those glory days and sharing stories. The number of sponsors for this event was brilliant, and their gifts were mind blowing.. Everyone walked home with a spanking new helmet and polishing packs along with the other goodies..

The agenda was simple.. Enjoy the biker-hood, relate to fellow bikers and at the same time celebrate for doing that for 10 years straight. This anniversary was definitely something everyone will remember.. To those who were part of it, cheers !! to those who weren’t, not very cheers ! It has been God’s grace that the last 10 years saw safe riding for each of the Madbulls..

Pictures at : https://picasaweb.google.com/105045640039664399548/MBMC10A2641228412

10 years strong…going higher. Ride safe and let the madness continue !!

Mustang

KTMC 6 A – A ride of memories

Mustang — Thu, 03 May 2012 19:12:48 +0000

It was that time of the year when the sun shines bright, leaves on a tree fade as the light and sitting at home during the hot afternoons sounds most sensible…. But it was also that time of the year when KTMC has their anniversary ride and given the most exotic location chosen, it was not a ride to be missed.

The party was set for 2 nights.. each at a different venue ! The idea sounded brilliant, the location – exotic, the feeling of riding out with the boys after ages and most importantly- the excitement of pure biker fun. There was already a 100 odd registrations and finding accomodation was going to be a challenge.. but that was not something we were really worried about.

Over the years, long distance biking for me had come down.. but the night shift working style hadnt… Back home for a quick shower and prayer, it was great to be back on the dark roads of chennai towards Le Meridian. We were a group of 6 and we were soon thumping away…

The first 100 odd kms is the key to any ride and this one was no different. Stopped for chai barely outside tambaram to figure out that we had to split the group into two.. Once done, it was all about sitting well on the saddle, open up throttle and riding away. The night chill added to the adrenaline that was pumping away inside our bodies. Visibility was coming down drastically and from dark, darker roads.. we moved up to the darkest segment of the highway. Taking that nice curve by Mamandur at pitch dark conditions was a trip in itself. Things got worser as we crossed ulunderpet and villupuram where the fields and roads were wrapped in thick fog.

The sun was rising and it was brilliant to see the red ball of fire become brighter with every minute. As we covered miles ahead, the fog made way for the sun.. It wasnt getting too hot.. at least not yet. We were steadily eating up the miles and hunger at some corner was digging in as well.. Of all the road side food joints we saw along the highway, the place that Shantanu stopped took me by surprise. It was by a bus-stand.. where a old woman was making idli’s.. At first, it looked like an ” idli special ” joint, but then figured that the actual shop was a few feet away. The food was fresh, piping hot and very different in its own way.

Stomach happy, we were soon crossing trichy and through the narrow trichy- dindigul highway, into the dreaded 4 lane monotony. No shade, no shelter, but just plain bland roads saw the needle waver between the 90 – 100 km/hr all the way… Met up with couple of other riders who had stopped for some chai and we were soon yakking away..

At the stroke of noon, we still had about 300 + kms to go.. and the 4 lane monotony was not helping anything ! But it was still a load of fun riding together and coming up with the occasional funny expressions as each of us tried our way in cooling our aching butts.

Some more village roads, some more of the strange stares from villagers.. and soon we were working our way towards Pollachi.. These town/village roads are so very good sometimes, that you dont bother to reduce throttle at all… We catch up with the rest of the group, about 10 odd bikers who partied the night away at Trichy…and find out they have a totally different route chartered that would get us to Valparai through interior roads.. 15 + bullets riding away through narrow roads is something to see.. 15 + bullets roaring at high speeds is something to gawk at… and quite a few did !

At the foothills of Valparai, by Aliyar dam.. is where our stomachs reminded us of their existence again.. Fresh cut watermelons, Tender cocunut and Ice cream was quite sumptuous for our stomachs.. while it was more than sumptuous for the vendors selling them to us.

The 40 odd hair pins that followed took away any sleep or hunger one must have felt. Ghat roads awaken the part of you that wants to take those sweeping turns, those sideliner burns and footpeg scrapes…. It was fun, scary and also makes you respect the rubber on the roads…

KTMC’s anniversary parties are truly in raw biker style. There isnt glam, there isnt any show.. but if you are a biker and you love the brotherhood – this is it ! The first night party saw a lot of interactions between various clubs.. We had the roaring riders, Bulls of shimoga, Bulls of mysore, madras bulls and our hosts, KTMC…Meeting up like minded folks was nice, sharing ride stories and lighting the night away was the only agenda in mind…

Tired and wired, we finally got back to our rooms past midnight.. For Shantanu and I, it was 36 + hours without sleep and it was time we got some.

Morning glory, nice and shiny.. we were up at a decent time.. and had to get set for our next segment of the event. The roads from Valparai to Chalakudy in kerala pass through very very neat ghat roads, sexy and risky in their own way..but definitely gives you a slice of biking heaven.

As you leave Tamil nadu’s borders and enter Kerala roads, the breeze changes, the greenery changes and the roads reflect some changes too… Kerala police is very strict about plastic, alcohol and any other substance in their forest routes, and we had to declare if we had any at a checkpost. Once that formality was done.. we were speeding away ..only to be stopped by a few cops on the way… At first we thought this was another check point.. until one of them said ” can you give us a lift”. Though we were in a hurry, we still had that sly grin on our faces as they hopped on to our bikes… A mild grip on the shoulder soon changed to a nice hard massage as we were flying across the ghats.. The roads soon got all patchy and we slowed down.. but the happiest of the lot were the cops..

Dropping them off, it was just the 3 of us riding away and we were back to good speeds and brilliant corners… The roads changed from better to awesome as the terrain took us through the sholayar dam, Vazhachal and athirampally… This is where Kerala roads are at its best.. Super grip on the rubber, phenomenal turn angles and tons and tons of foot peg scraping left all of us gleeing away. For the group that drove in, it was envy all the way for us riding our bikes.

Challenger 1 is a quaint little adventure camp that is set after Athirampally..It is set about 100 odd feet above the road level and the climb to it itself is a challenge.. The view from the camp is phenomenal and can leave you breathless.. One can view the snaking roads below, a river running down on the left and dense forest on the right.. If we felt the first night’s location was exotic.. this one was orgasmic.

A quick bath in the river next to the camp rejuvenated everyone.. until the cops got there ! Apparently, 50 + folks along with many a beer can was not something they are used to seeing.. But as we see it, all this happens to be part of the entire experience as we were laughing our way out of the place..

As the sun came down in the valley, the weather chilled down as well. Playing with the torch I carried to the venue, it was interesting to see reply flashes of light from within the dense forest ahead of us… I guess the forest patrol was responding to what they thought was a police signal… It was exciting to keep sending out signals.. at the same time, that jittery feeling of facing the cops again.

The party had started, the OH levels were on a high, we contributed to global warming and before you know it, the clock moved past midnight.. There was no signs of any spirit running low and Dosai’s Bolero became the make shift DJ console, while Jothi was dancing the night away…

Sleeping in the dorms was out of question… it was blazing hot !! and the next thing you know, all the mattresses were out the door and on the grass.. It was one of them phenomenon up in the sky where one could see Jupiter, the moon and Venus at the same time.. Lying on the grass, feeling the cool breeze blow by, the view of the twinkling stars above you all sums up to that small word called heaven.. To a biker, that is the best way to sleep.. a way to feel free, a way to feel in tune with nature…

Another morning, another journey.. this time homeward bound.. More ghats, more chai and then plain straight roads all the way… Some parts are not made 4 lane yet.. and the dog fights on these roads are sharpness at its best.. Overtaking becomes exciting.. the adrenaline is always pumping.. and you stay alert all the way..

Palakkad flew by, coimbatore flew by, Salem saw us stop for chai, another set of bad roads via Attur and then back on the 4 lane.. As our aching butts cursed the living daylight out of us, we were pretty much close to home.. and that made us ride harder… We were soon at Tambaram… saying our goodbyes…

This ride was brilliant, brought back memories, inspired to ride more and rekindled the passion to get out there and live life !! As one passer by commented about us ‘ you guys are feeling the life you live”, it definitely feels alive to be out there and doing what we are doing !

Thank God for his immense grace to each one of us on this ride.. For many of the old timers – this ride was awakening in many ways and it was pure grace that brought each one of us back home safe !

Pictures at : https://picasaweb.google.com/105045640039664399548/KTMC6A

Cheers, mustang

RM 12

Mustang — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:17:29 +0000

4 days into the week after the Rider Mania weekend, memories still linger fresh… The route plan, the time on the road, accommodation, partying, meeting old friends – meeting new friends, the loss of a fellow brother…and in my take, we saw the full circle of life !

Its been a mania alright ! Its been action, its been tight, Its been laughter, its been exhilaration, its been joy, its been adrenaline, its trickling memory, its careful thought, its been life !

This is not really a trip-log - Flying in and out doesn’t give you that luxury to pen your experiences on the road… but staying abreast of some of the updates that were flying in across different terrains, I must say that the mad-bulls have ridden hard.. and ridden safe !

Cheers to each of you who’ve braved the winds, spared time, shelled every penny and rode out into the sun !!

Pictures at : https://picasaweb.google.com/105045640039664399548/RM122811230112

PS : Indigo airlines is a very promising airline.. Their engines are robust, powerful and can fly you from Chennai to Delhi in under 3 hours.. The hostesses – well… the best ones are in the business class…. The crowd that flew in to Delhi this time was greater than the crowd that flew into Kolkata last year… and next year’s RM is in Shillong.. !!!

Whatever it is.. Madbulls we are… Madbulls we will be !! Ride hard

Cheers, mustang

Bulls of Shimoga – 1A

Rajith Cherian — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 06:32:13 +0000

The paint was fresh and the mods were new. After a host of changes on my bike in lieu with the preparation for Rider Mania I was itching for a ride after Ooty. Thank God for BOS for having their 1st anniversary and thank God for hosting it in an off beat location. Ballavara is 15km from Kemmangundi, Karnataka. Hopes were high for a scenic ride. We decided to leave on Friday evening hoping to reach B’lre by mid-night.

The riders were Harish aka Chairman, Sailesh aka B-Ro, Dr. Raja aka 1gm and I. Hari and Ram aka Partner for some reason decided to ride out after 9pm and still reach B’lre. Shocking!!! Anyways we rode out from Sriperambattur by 7.30pm and I was leading the group. Night riding is tough as we need to come to terms with the headlight glare from the opposite lane. Just when I thought things cant get bad and there came the rains. It started off as a drizzle and then into a downpour. With the trucks and cars spraying water and dirt on to our visors visiblity was 0 when we had to overtake them. That didnt deter us and still rode in a single file formation and reached Krishnagiri by midnight. All were socked to their bones and decided to halt at TTDC and head out early next day. Riding with a wet boxer is no fun. Hunting for food that late in the night is a joke and we had to settle with some chips and such foods. Finally hit the bed by 2pm only to be woken up by Hari and Partner by 4am. Damn!!! Grrr!!! I being a darling wanted to share this experience with everyone so I decided to wake up everybody. All were up and finally we rode out at the break of sunlight.

The morning ride was not as cold as expected and we stopped at Shoolagiri for breakfast for both men and machines. We took the NECE road to by-pass B’lre and was joined by Amith aka Itham and Ashok Aka Aunty Hero who made us wait for 45mins. Paid 50/- as toll which is outrageous for a two-wheeler roared our way past Tumkur, Arasikere and reached our destination for lunch. I think its the first time we have reached for lunch for an anniversary event.

The event in itself was organized brilliantly the BOS boys. Music was great, food was even better and the liquor never stopped flowing. On top of that it was clear sky witnessing a lunar eclipse. Man!!! It was surreal.

The next day we decided to ride out after breakfast taking a longer route Kemmangundi, Mulayangiri… It was a forest route. The roads were bad at the beginning and then became non-existent. It took us more than an hour to cover 20km. Just we were about to give the road a mouth full we approached a clearing and the view was breath taking. We couldn’t resist stop and enjoy nature at its full glory. After soaking in the scenery we decided to move on. After riding for about 50km we reached the same place from where we started. Damn!!!! Cus words started flying and swearing on anything and everything which moved. We were back to where we started even after riding for 3 hrs and we still have 600km to home and the time is already 12pm. Somewhere a dumb ass bugger showed us the wrong way.

We just decided to go “Patrang”. Partner was leading and I was sweeping. After a while when Partner pulled out to fill fuel Harish was leading. We stopped at a Dhaba for lunch and decided to rest for half hour. The ripping again started and we reached NECE road by 6pm. I was getting dark and I took the lead. We stopped at Shoolagiri for dinner. By this time it was already very late (past 9pm) and we still had 300km to cover. The long lunch break started to hunt us now. We decided to make a dash for home. Started to rip and we had to negotiate some traffic till Krishnagiri. After that it was home stretch. That piece of 250km highway is home stretch for most Madbulls and they know it like the back of their hand. We took a total of 2 breaks and we reached home by 1.30am. The daily grind would start in another 5 hrs.. Grrrr!!!!

Highlights: Road to Mulayangiri
Lowlights: 50/- toll on NECE road, B’lre and the surface quality is shitty.

BOS 1A

Harish Kumar R — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:51:33 +0000

The riding season in Chennai atleast had begun during August and it has already been almost 2 months since the Ooty ride in October. I had also missed the Raid de Kodai, by Kovai thumpers. So the urge for riding has been built up and a certain ride was on the cards before the RM 2012. Then was when BOS 1A invite had come. No postponing and we registered one after another.

The route:

No big planning was done as we decided to complete the Bangalore stretch by Friday night so that riding 250 km on Saturday would not be a big deal. All went by plan and met by 7ish @ Motel Highway just outside Poonamalle and geared ourselves for a night ride. The gang was Sailesh aka B-ro, Dr. Raja Saravanan aka 1gm, Ratheesh, Rajith and I. I moved ahead to tank up while the group started 5 mins later. I joined the group as sweep.

Rain gods had just dripped a bit, and the roads were wet and all 4+ wheelers started spitting slush everywhere and the view was getting disturbed which eventually will slow us down. After crossing Arcot I had to pull over to clean my visor, which by the way was thestupidest thing as the slush had come back again on it. It has been drizzling for some 10kms. We regrouped just after the toll booth before Vellore for chai. By then plans to reach Blore seemed to be bleak and it will be at least 3 AM by the time we reach there. So decided to settle down in Krishnagiri for the night and take on Blore by riding out early. The motive behind the whole ride plan was to reach the venue by afternoon since we have been always missing lunch at events. So it was around 150 kms to Krishnagiri now. We started to ride but the rains got heavier and we pulled over again to safeguard mobiles and cams. Decided to stop @ Ambur for buying dinner and moved forward. But by the time we crossed Ambur, shops seemed to have closed. With no other option we proceeded to Krishnagiri hoping for some parottas and egg dosas.

All 5 of us rode in a perfect staggered formation with no issues and it was a beauty to watch as a sweep. Indicators were flashing synchronously during overtakes and the movement of the group was a lovely sight from the back and it was a small show on the road. As it was Friday night we dint have any car troubles except for some Lorries scattered here and there. The ride was perfect and satisfying as we have been completely drenched. I have previously tried to ride during the rain but either the rain would not deceive or I would have not woken up for the ride. This time it came as a blessing.

We reached Krishnagiri by 11.45 PM and checked into TTDC. Everyone was in hunger but none of us wanted to go n fetch food after saddling down. Rajith and Ratheesh went ahead to hunt for food but in vain. They came back with packets of chips, snacks and bananas. Then ran a small session till 2.30 AM where plans for RM 12 and previous RM stories kept the table amused. Meanwhile as per the original plan we had to meet Amith aka Itham and Ashok aka Aunty Hero @ Blore for the night, so texted them about the change of plans and crashed for the night.

Woke up @ 5.30 and started saddling up with hunger in everyone’s eyes and a bit of hang over. We planned for breakfast @ Shollagiri McDonalds 30 kms from Krishnagiri.

Had filling breakfast and informed the Blore team to meet us up in Nice Road just after the toll. Time had crossed 8 AM and traffic was building up very bad with people jaywalking all over the highway near Hosur and all way up to Blore. Stopped for the regroup in Nice road after paying a worthless toll of 10 bucks and the time was 8.45 AM. Waited there for more than half an hour and guys dint turn up still. Highway patrol pulled over and started abusing us for waiting in Kannada. We would not give a damn even if it was Tamil, so we kept waiting but then he got frustrated and we had to move out. Started crawling the Nice road hoping the guys would catch up with us. By this time we reached the next toll. Pulled over to the service road and started waiting again, and they turned up after another half an hour. Paid another 40 buck for each of the rides and proceeded towards Tumkur.

Itham, famous for falling correctly on your blind side was tailing me for some time before he finally broke off, I was relieved. We paid 40 bucks but still followed the service roads. All thanks to Aunty for guiding us through some 25+speed breakers along a 5 km service road which finally merged with the highway. We took a break at Gubbi for chai and fuel.

Next destination was Tiptur, which we reached in no time and fell into the State highways of Karnataka, met RTMC club members en route to Arasikere. Felt like we are riding for a long time for a short distance and noticed the speed was dipping to 60 due to road conditions. After a bit of off-roading for we reached the venue around 3.00 PM.

The venue was in the Ballavara Rangers camp, close to some beautiful waterfalls and scenery. But we had then decided to stay back in the resort to enjoy the evening. By now beers were afloat. Aunty for the first time used his beer coupons in the event venue. He dint like it though, much to the likes of Rajith and B-ro. They had now shared his share of the beer. Had a sumptuous lunch and it was just awesome. Chatting started, met other club members, shared a small ride story and we settled in the room. I had dozed off for some half an hour and guys woke me up for the party. Get set and go. Cake cutting happened and BOS hosted it very gracefully. It was a small crowd but great hospitality. Sides were provided on all tables amidst liquors galore. We were chatting, dancing, posing all through the night. After a while KTMC had made a late entry along with Hari & Partner from Madbulls. Spent some more time with the guys and finally went to sleep at 12.

Planned to wake up @ 7 finish breakfast and ride out. Ride back plan was simple, take the other route to reach Chikmagalur – Blore – Krishnargiri – Chennai. The group was Rajit, B-ro, 1gm, Ratheesh, Partner and I. Got up @ 7 and rode out @ 9.30 AM.

There were no roads in the range. Badly damaged and it was a complete offroading experience. 1gm, Partner and B-ro moved ahead as I was waiting for Rajith and Ratheesh to finish taking snaps. We dint want to waste time to stop and pose but took some pics of the valley and moved ahead, but after a couple of kms we couldn’t resist to get down and enjoy the wonderful landscape. It was sheer beauty, full of mountains and it was green. Then again finished clicking and went ahead to see the guys waiting for us besides a view point.

Again took some more pics and we could see the route we had come by. It could be seen just a thin line from the view point. Immediately we were on nicer roads. Not much of width but enough to drive and turn. Roads were getting better and we felt we are nearing a town. It was a T- junction and there were no sign boards.

Asked a local guy for the route and he showed left. It was almost 2 hrs since we started from the venue and we had covered somewhere around 50 kms. We entered a ghat section which was amazing to drive. 1 Gm asked me to move forward as he was riding slow. Rajith took the sweep and was caught up in the middle. After a series of turns I was leading and took off with Ratheesh and Sailesh tailing me.

After a couple of kilometres the ghats had stopped and we could see one straight road. The road leads to Arasikere. WTF ????? After spending 80 kms and 3 hrs on the road, we were right on where we had started from. Still we are 600kms from Chennai and it was 12.30 pm. After swearing the guy who showed us the wrong route, we all pushed off. Rajith was sweeping with Partner and I ahead of him and the rest of the gang had flewn already. We maintained a constant 80 and caught up with the group near Tiptur. We had missed Partner in the traffic in one of the towns. Planned to have lunch @ 2.30pm and stopped at a dhaba waiting for Partner. Partner showed in no time. Had a heavy lunch and planned to move, when everyone of us were tired and needed some rest. Planned to start by 4PM and caught up with a power nap. Chai was ordered and we rode out.

Reached the Tumkur highway in no time and it was already 6PM. We are still 50kms to Blore. Refuelled our bikes and pushed off. Partner and 1gm dint stop for fuel and headed ahead of the rest of us. After all negotiations we crossed Blore and reached Shollagiri McDonals (again) for dinner. Had a good dinner and pushed of @ 9 PM with 300 kms to go.

It seemed the last 300kms was the tiresome stretch. One straight highway and not much of a traffic will make you sleepy and it did. Took a chai break 30km before Vellore when B-ro and Ratheesh missed our signal and darted towards Chennai. The 4 of us took a small break and decided to break @ Gurwinder dhabha for masala chai. As it happened spent some time there and reached Chennai @ 1.30 AM and reach home @ 2 AM.

Wonderful ride after a RTMC XA, thanks to the guys and the babes, all reached safe. And thanks to Ramko for being a wonderful base contact all through the ride.

P.S: This blog was written with the best of English that I know

Where to next?????

It will be Rider Mania 2012 to Delhi.

Planned route:

http://maps.google.co.in/maps/ms?hl=en&vpsrc=1&ctz=-330&vps=2&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=204810131663240174630.0004b0a9f1d158f8ffd30

Long way up – RTMC 10A @ Ooty

Rajith Cherian — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 18:07:17 +0000

It has been months since I last went for a multi-day ride and as usual I was too eager to make up for it. RTMC 10A @ Ooty was a great excuse to satisfy the itch. But riding from Chennai to Ooty and back is fun but I had something bigger in mind. Instead of riding 1200km ride 1800km with more than 600km of twisties which I like to call as “twist-tease”.The problem of being in Chennai is that we have arrow straight four lane highways on three sides. Now don’t ask me whats on the 4th side. For a regular road user this should be a blessing, but we aren’t a regular bunch are we. Bikers crave for corners, ups & downs and a few potholes to dodge. One of the worst stretch of road in from Chennai to Trichy. Its dry, straight and the best place to sleep and ride. So we wanted to get that over with at October 4th night. Harish and I (poor Prat could not join us) started from Meenambakkam at 7pm and just avoiding the mad city rush. Gunned down the highways dodging pedestrians and slow moving traffic till we reached Chengalpattu. We decided to halt at Perambalur for the night and I called up my cousin to make place for 2 of us. We reached Perambalur by 11 pm. We were glad we got over that section.

We rode out from Perambaur at about 6.30am and decided to halt at Dindugal for breakfast. Amidst the regular stares of people we had our breakfast and it was time to hit the state roads. Yippeee!!! Finally this is why we came here. Just as we started to get into the groove we saw a lonely rider on a brand new C5 slowly coming from the opp. side. As always both of us stopped to say hello and it was Junaid from RTMC. Bid goodbye and “see you in couple of day” we pressed on. After about 50km we got bored again. The problem with state roads in Tamilnadu is even the those are arrow straight with very little turns and twists. One good thing was there was plenty of greenery around. Crossed Theni and Kumban and it was bloody humid. Before we knew it we were at Kumily and the roads started winding up. We crossed into Kerala and before we knew it we were dodging craters on the road every few hundred feet. This continued for 20km we decided to break for lunch. We couldn’t help but think and worry about the state of the roads ahead. But just as we started after lunch the roads magically turned into butter smooth tarmac with twists. Hell.. there was no straight roads itself. The lefts flowed into a right followed by a long fast sweeping left hander followed by a downhill sharp 2nd gear right and then going up the gearbox before braking hard into a steep downhill 1st gear left. Phew!!! The next 2 hours was sheer bliss. Scrapping footpegs and what not and putting all we have learnt on how to handle twisties into practice. Harish and I split at Kottayam. I stayed in Kottayam to see my ailing grandfather while he went to Ernakulam to attend his friends wedding.

The next day it was quite uneventful day at the saddle as I rode only 50 odd km from Kottayam to Mulanthuruthy. I had asked Harish to join me there at my cousin’s place. The uneventful day became an eventful day for the tongue. We had Toddy with prawns fry at a Toddy shop.. Yummm.. My cousin made some beef steak, chicken sausages and some beacon and had it along with some black label.. Yumm Yumm…

The next day morning we rode out towards Ooty and asusual we took the long way. Via Munnar, Chinnar and Udumalpet. The climb to Munnar was as scenic it can get. We were just enjoying the view, the greenary and the weather and decided not to scrape any of our foot pegs. Took it easy. We kept the same pace till we reached Chinnar and decided to halt for lunch. Now we realized that we have behind schedule and started to open-up once we hit the plains. Came across many windmill farms near Palladam. I always wanted to be there. After a couple of hours we were at Metupalayam (4pm) waiting for the gang from Chennai. Big mistake. By the time we re-grouped and started in was 6.30pm and it was dark and there was heavy traffic. The group rode at 20kmph.. Seriously I’m not kidding and I had the unfortunate task of sweeping. Finally we reached Sterling Resort, Fernhill by 9pm and was welcomed by a mouth full of words That was for being late. We quickly got ready for the PARTY….

The event carried on Saturday and we had a local ride were more than 100 bikers rode around Ooty in a formation. The people were awe struck. Heck even I could not keep my mouth shut. The sound of all the bullets were intoxicating. It was indeed a Rolling Thunder at Ooty.

Sunday and its time to head back home. The very thought of riding between Vellore and Chennai made me fall asleep. But there was plenty good roads to look forward too. About 6 of us started together by 8am. I was still pissed off for climbing up Ooty at 20kmph. So I just decided to go make it up for the climb. Within few corners i knew everyone had that same thought in their mind. After few km Unni and I were in the front and pulled away from the gang. Rode our wheels off and we stopped at Black Thunder to re-group. Re-shuffled the group based their speeds and started towards Chennai. The state roads we great till Thoppur and from there we hit the four laned highways. From that point everything is a blur. We were doing 120kph till we hit Vaniyambadi were we stopped for a late lunch. From then on it was home stretch and those roads were as boring as ever. Bloody hell I feel sleepy even I think about it. All of us reached home by 7pm without any incidents.

The next day I got restless and want to ride more but I have to put it off for a few months. Till then ECR should keep me happy.

The months that was…

Rajith Cherian — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:49:47 +0000

It has been a while since I updated anything on this blog. I want to say that I was busy but unfortunately no one is going to believe that. So lets simply say that I was lazy. A lot of things happened since my last post. So let me get myself upto speed now.Just after RM 2011 ride to Kolkata the Madras Bulls was covered by a french team for their documentary. Even though the footage was very little its always nice to see us in it. Hey any publicity is better than no publicity. Here is a link to the video and please note it is in French.

Then the biggest surprise happened. Motor Vikatan, a leading regional auto magazine covered by Kolkata ride. Man that was a surprise. I’m sure most of you won’t understand Tamil but again something is better than nothing.

Following month I was made moderator of Madras Bulls. It is an honor because you can proudly say so but its a nightmare because the 9th anniversary of Madras Bulls was on the month of May. Organizing an event for a group of 150 bikers is a nightmare!!! But somehow managed to get it done with a lot of help from other members.

In the month of April, 2011 my favorite mathematical law, “Law of averages” caught up with me. If you are riding so many kilometers you are bound to crash and the probability of a fall increases with every passing crash free mile. It happened in the month of May on our way to Sathyamangalam forest to celebrate KTMC’s 5th anniversary celebrations. It was a scary crash atleast that is what I’m told because from were I was sitting everything happened so quickly. The bike low-sided on a curve and my bike and I flew in two different directions. Luckily it happened at a remote place with no traffic and finally all the money spent on the riding gear paid rich dividend.

Two weeks after this incident I wanted attack the ghats once again and boy what a ride it was. Thanks to Trooper, Kaushik and Pelu. We were tired of riding on arrow straight highways so decided to head to the hills. The route took us from Chennai-Sathy-Coimbatore-Valparai-Chalakudy-Munnar-Kumily-Thekkadi-Theni-Trichy-Chennai.

My work took me too Toronto, Canada for the more than three months and everything was put on hold. In the months I was there I could think only about hitting the road again. I was off the road quite literally from May to September and during that time public transit was preferred mode of transport not by choice but due to lack of options.

I finally hit the roads with the gang last week on a day ride to Gingee fort and found myself lacking ride fitness. My butt starting burning, my back started giving up, the heat was getting to me but the only thing that didn’t change was the urge to keep moving. Will be hitting the rode again next week to celebrate the 10th anniversary of RTMC at Ooty. But as usual the route is going to be a long one. Chennai-Trichy-Kumily-Kumarakom-Ernakulam-Munnar-Ooty-Chennai.

Wayanad Ride

Harish Kumar R — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 17:45:38 +0000

Wayanad District in the north-east of Kerala, India, was formed on November 1, 1980 as the 12th district by carving out areas from Kozhikode and Kannur districts. Kalpetta is the district headquarters as well as the only municipal town in the district. The region was known as Mayakshetra (Maya’s land) in the earliest records. Mayakshetra evolved into Mayanad and finally to Wayanad.The Folk etymology of the word says it is a combination of Vayal (paddy field) and Naad (land), making it ‘The Land of Paddy Fields’. There are many indigenous tribals in this area. It is set high on the majestic Western Ghats with altitudes ranging from 700 to 2100 m.

I had called for the ride in the club and had good response for the same. Amith and I had planned to extend the trip for two more days and ride to Kolli hills. But due to various personal reasons only Sailesh and I could make it to the trip. As this ride was being planned for a long time, we decided to carry on with the plan and I had to cancel the trip to Kolli hills.

The Route:

Sailesh (CI500) and I (TBTS) started at 5.30 from DLF Porur, Chennai and hit the highway hard. As there were not much of traffic, we cruised along the way and reached Vellore for a Tea Break. Breakfast stop was @ 9 in Krishnagiri. We had a good breakfast and started towards Bangalore. Expecting rains on the way we had carried tarqualin sheets to guard our saddles, but I dint have the patience to tie it over the saddle so folded it and kept it under the saddle. Sailesh had it over the saddle, and when we were about to take off, we found Sailesh’s saddle had torn due to the tyre kissing. So spent some more time in arranging the stuff and off we flew.

As we took the right, we could feel the long weekend on the highway as the number of vehicles has increased tremendously along with the trucks and the failed Schumacher’s of India (Respective State Transport drivers). We crossed Hosur and saw the traffic grow even bigger than we had experienced. Was like driving in Anna Salai around 2 in the afternoon. We were starting to feel the heat by the time we reached Bangalore. We picked up some booze there and headed straight to Mysore through Nice Road.

From this point till we reached the outskirts of Mysore was full of traffic. Seems the whole of Bangalore was on the highway with hotels overflowing, so we proceeded the ride without lunch. We stopped on the way to Gundlupet for chai and proceeded further with the feeling that there is gonna be traffic all the way long.

To our surprise the traffic eased out after Mysore and there we were again, cruising happily and meeting highway standards. As we had crossed Mysore we were on state highways which made the ride even better. We reached Gundlupet and proceeded to Sultan Bathery, which will be the entry into Kerala from Karnatakka. The route from Gundlupet to Sultan Bathery takes us into the Bandipur Forest for some 50 odd kms. We were stopped in the Karnatakka Check post for having the head light on. The police man came directly to me and asked this “What driving manners?? Head light on?? “. Then I had to get explain him the reason, don’t know if he understood but lets us go.

The drive through Karnataka forest range was not that entertaining, but the minute we drove across the Kerala check post we could find a vast difference.

It was green all over and lovely swindling roads with black tarmac.

Felt blessed and drove through the woods, spotted a few tamed elephants which were being taken for a walk.

The baboon was a common sight. As we felt bad for not being able to snap photos while riding, we hit the first Kerala T shop. Had hot chais and some vada.

We then moved forward to Kalpetta through some damaged and dented roads and the time was already past 6 in the evening. We had to call the resort and asked for directions and we ended travelling 25 more kilometres in the dented roads all the way to the resort. The road which leads to the resort had some off roading to do which includes a steep incline as well as a decline. As we reached around 8, the place was pitch dark and we could actually find where our tent was located or its background.

We know its a lake but dint know how good it was. The resort Manager Sathish was very courteous and helped us getting settled in one of the tents. The bon fire was getting ready for some party and dinner was getting served. We settled down and made our drinks and left for the party. Group of guys who were part of a family and another bachelor group were dancing mercilessly to Tamil and Hindi hits being played. Thats then we missed our gang and we soothed ourselves reminding of the RTMC 10A party we will be having in October. We finished our drinks and left for dinner. By now all have gone to sleep. Satish came over and asked about the food and showed some pics of a group of 50 RE’s which had come to the resort sometime back. Done for the day and went to sleep in our tents.

I woke up by 7.30 and saw the view from our tent and it was magnificent. Took some snaps of the ladies and the location, refreshed ourselves and set out for the lake.

It was a small trek to the lake downhill from the resort. Touched the lake for some snaps and climbed up.

Started the bikes and went to the Banasura Sagar dam. This is the second largest earth dam in Asia. Was lovely as usual in Kerala and then went to Meenmutty waterfalls. It included another trek into the forest. This one was more tedious (atleast for me) than the previous one. We climbed our hearts out to find that we could not take a shower in there. Disappointed that we came this long to just see the waterfall, we could have googled it.

We started our descend and headed towards the resort for lunch as there are no places available for a decent lunch. Had briyani in Kerala style and headed to rest for some time.

Woke up @ 4 PM and started out to Kalpetta for fuel and cash. After topping our purses and ladies we took them for a spin around the place. We went directly to Pookot lake in Vythri but it was closed by then. So we decided to reach back to the resort for the evening party. The road from Vythri to 10^th Mile was in excellent condition with agmark twist and turns that Kerala boasts of. I loved the 20+km ride and when we had reached the resort we found that we had totally drove around 60kms for just petrol and cash. We missed out seeing a lot of places like Chembara Peak, Kuruva Islands and Edakkal caves. Had we planned a bit more, we could have seen some more places. But that was secondary, we loved the ride the most so this dint bother us much and we settled with our drinks and found a couple of Tamil guys from Bangalore there. So session was started and discussion widened out to roads routes rides and bikes. Slept @ 12 and planned to get up @ 5 for ride out.

As usual the ride out was late and happened only @ 7.

We had to follow the same route till Gundlupet and branch out to Chamrajnagar to reach Sathyamangalam. During the past two days my wrist had been paining due to some issue which i could not figure out. Thought the new handle bar was causing the damage. But by the time we started riding back to Gundlupet, it became evident that my clutch lever was a bit down than usual. Pulled over after negotiating the traffic and crossing Kalpetta and adjusted the clutch lever. Had some chai in the nearby shop and started again. The ride till Gundlupet was as explained earlier. Neat roads with windings all over the route, it was the best part of the ride. We reached Gundlupet and headed to Chamrajnagar. We wanted to try a different route other than the one which we used for the onward. We were doing speeds of 80 – 100 on State highways which were mostly deserted. Out of the blue stood a herd of cows in a dilemma whether to go left or right, braking could not be applied completely as there was some gravel in the path. Was able to dodge the first 4 and then came the last one swaying here and there and finally targeted me to hit it. Thank god that my lady and I dint even touch it, slowed down for a full breath and started again. As a small fall can also cause a lot of damage to your bike and the small modifications will be hurt well. Regained the composure and drove ahead. Topped up fuel for the ladies as we were not sure about bunks in Sathi. We reached Sathyamangalam soon from Chamrajnagar as the roads were clean and without much of the traffic except for school students returning home after the I – Day celebrations. Entered TN border and roads to Thimbam from Sathi was great along the forest and ghats. Again we experienced a lovely ride for the 50 odd kilometres from Sathi to Thimbam. Stopped for a T break and sensed a huge amount of lorry traffic.

Asked for the best route to Mettur from the T Shop and geared up for the descend down the mountains. Immediately when we started to drive down there was huge traffic with cars and buses parked on either side of the roads with no space to ride the ladies besides them. A truck had found a shorter route down the hill after the 25^th hairpin and was dangling out of the ghat roads with an broken axle. This was the main reason for the traffic. A KSRTC Volvo dint have enough space to take the hairpin. So we needed to shuffle a bit to let him pass by.

Most of the cars had to reverse themselves and off he went which gave way for some bikes to pass by and from there no turning back and with all gears placed we were sweating. Stopped off in the plains to cool off a bit and then started again to be stopped by Thimbam check post for having the lights on. Explained them the reason and started to Mettur via Ammapettai. Roads were neat and as we dint have breakfast and lunch till now, decided to reach the Ghar Dabha for lunch neary Dharmapuri. Given motivation of food we sped past Mettur and reached Thoppur and joined the NH. Was relieved in a sense that we can ride faster from here. We reached the Ghar Dhaba to find it unusually super crowded so had some tender coconut break and left searching for other shops nearby.

As it was almost past 3 all shops were closed and which meant no lunch also today. We encountered rain in a place after Krishnagiri where it has been raining for all my rides through that place. Quite unusual, but this time it got heavier. Asked Saliesh if he needs to stop but he was alright with the visibility. So carried forward and the rain stopped in another 10 mins. We found Muniyandi Vilas open for service. Stopped there gulped some dosas and by the time we started it was 4.30 PM. The thing is the ride seems longer in the last return than in the onward. Thinking of office the next day gives a bad feeling to the ride. Having another solid 230+ kms ahead of us and considering the weekend traffic we thought we might reach by 9 PM. So drove at good speeds to leave all fast moving vehicles ahead of us. All of a sudden traffic was building so much that cars could not cross 70kmph and had to brake constantly. The bad part was bikes were not left to overtake them and they covered the whole road on both the lanes and started obstructing our movement. No indicators were on when they take rights and lefts. Got really pissed off and zoomed ahead past them and reached Vellore faster than expected and asked Sailesh to lead.

From that point I could not find him, he was gone. There was a grey swift I loved to fight with all the way till Chennai. He would overtake me easily and go forward but to find him in the middle of traffic and I would get past him. This happened for the last 100 odd kms and kept me entertained. Happily reached Sriperumbudur and topped some fuel and sped for chai in the usual shop. And no signs of Sailesh. left him a message and reached Poonamalle to find him waiting near the flyover. Then rode together into the city and bid adieu near DLF. Reached home @ 8. Thanks to the Swift for bringing me home earlier. Had a wonderful ride and stay @ Wayanad and planning to go there for 3 days stay to enjoy the whole place. Obviously, its Gods own country. Thanks for reading the blog and will meet u on the highway soon someday.

Where to Next ???? It will be Ooty during Oct 7 – 10, for RTMC 10^th Anniversary event. Will be a kickass ride as the number of riders and ladies will be very high. Take care till then. Ciao

To hell with you, To Heaven with us !

Mustang — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 09:20:26 +0000

We… are the Madras Bulls… A crazy bunch of like-minded nomads who love the roads, the life that circles around Chai, road side eateries and endless touring…

The last couple of days quite revived the biking spirit…. Saturday was riding out with the Madbulls as we set to receive a classic example of how crazy we get – Gokul or Gokill as we like to call him…. Touring across 6000 + kms on a Bajaj M80, a 1986 made 80 cc motorcycle… Riding about 200 kms on that bike might make you want to take the U turn and head back home, but not for this doode… Determination, a solid back, even solid-er ass and concentration took him to some of the lustiest roads across this beautiful country and back home safe.. It was a humbling experience to receive him on his return leg home.. Though we had bikes ranging from 350cc to 1500cc, this puny little 80cc left each one of us with admiration and mouth-open expressions…

The only exclamation in most minds and mouths was… epidi da ? literally translated to “how did he do it” ?

Pictures to the FOG ( Fans of Gokul ride is at : https://picasaweb.google.com/105045640039664399548/FOGRide200811)

Sunday was celebrating the 372nd birthday of the City of Madras ( Chennai now )… 80 + bullets riding through the roads of Madras is a sight to see and the people who saw had their mouths open in various angles of awe, amusement, shy grins and wow’s. Places like the Madras Medical College and the Kilpauk Water purification plants is all that we saw, but we learnt quite a bit of heritage of this wonderful city we are in.. It is a very proud moment to be part of this motley crew who can thunder their way with leaky engines, bikes that stall the minute the signal turns green, but when they roar…. they sure roar loud !

Madras Day ride pictures : https://picasaweb.google.com/105045640039664399548/MadrasDay210811

We might be knocking on heaven’s door with our crazy rides, ideas and what not… but one thing is for sure… we sure don’t care a hell about it !! Passion reintroduces itself, lust of the roads grows, boys turn to men.. and one never loses that lovin’ feeling !!

Ride on….. Ride on forever ! To hell with you… To Heaven…. with the Madbulls !

- Mustang

Ride to Niagara

Bharath aka Bra — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 07:02:15 +0000

Here is my first trip log for this site…

I bought the Kawasaki KLR650 in Feb 2011 and wanted to do a big ride. TAT (Trans-American-Trail) was the first thing that came to mind. Its a 90% offroad and 10% state road combination starting from Tennessee and goes West. But before that wanted to see how the KLR performed with all the luggage and my abuse.

That’s when my school buddy Amirth asked me to make a trip to Buffalo. So thatz how the plan was made. I decided I will not take any of the Interstates (read boring 6 or 8 lane roads). I had already seen enough Interstates riding to New Jersey last year on the Buell XB12S Lightning. So this time it was going to be state roads and back roads.

It was Friday evening, finished work around 5pm. Saddled up, set the GPS to Fancy Gap, Virginia and GPS mode – Avoid Highways, Avoid Toll Roads, Choose Road less traveled.

One the way to Fancy Gap, Virginia

Reached Fancy Gap around 10 pm and crashed for the night. 125 miles covered. The actual ride was supposed to start early next morning.

Day 2: Fancy Gap, VA to unknown motel in Pennsylvania.

Woke up at 6:30am and came out and could not see anything. Dense fog had set and my bike which was parked 10 meters away was faintly visible and it was also raining. So waited till 10:30am, fog cleared up little bit, so decided to ride in the rain.

Unfortunately my GPS was not weather-proof (Garmin Zumo 550 is on the way now), so kept it inside the tank bag and started riding the Blue Ridge Parkway (http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/) based on my extraordinary direction sense.

After riding for 40 mins and 30 miles saw the first sign board saying Ashville – 110 miles. F*$@…. i cursed my direction skills, I was supposed to be riding west but i was going east. Consoled myself saying that the fog had covered the Sun, and thatz why this slight confusion. Turned back and was on the right path now.

Couple of more hours in the Parkway and the rains n fog cleared… now with all 32 teeth +filling showing, i was trying to scrape the pegs… but the bike being so fucking tall, so I was happy with whatever lean angles i was able to achieve.

Entered the Skyline Drive (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skyline_Drive) and some more scenic roads and I was getting bored of hills n beautiful views. 300 miles covered so far and skyline drive came to an end.

It was around 11 pm and did not see a single human being for the past 1 hr in that road. The only company I had were bugs, and deer crossing the roads at super speeds…. didn’t anyone teach these animals any road sense??? Kept riding till 1 am and crashed at a motel in Pennsylvania after riding 430 miles that day.

Day 3:

Next day was mostly plains and small towns. Met a lot of interesting folks. One guy was on a Kawi Kwacker with an Iron Butt Association sticker. Seems like he has done the Iron Butt ride 5 times and each time on diff. bikes. The lowest being a 50cc scooter at the age of 23. He was now 45. He invited me for tea/drink but i had a hectic schedule so cudn’t go.

Another person I spoke to was an old man probably in his 80s. Seems like he had cataract in his eyes and the hospital in that town didn’t have the facilities. So he had to go to a city 200 miles away and got it done. Once he came back, feeling bad for the lack of facilities in his town, he sold one of his properties and donated $60,000 (donated????) to the hospital in his town to setup the facilities. I actually had a thought of asking him to adopt me

Enough of stories n back to riding…. US219 mostly and after 465 miles of curves and straights reached Buffalo, NY. I was able to smell Chicken Kurma and Briyani at the gate. And standing there was my buddy Amirth with his phone in hand to take a pic of me fully geared n saddled.

Good food and I went for the first visit to the magnificent Niagara falls. Damn…. that was big….. huge…. noisy….. powerful… yet beautiful… no camera can capture the beauty of it. I just captured whatever I could. It was Sunday, so we waited till 10pm and saw the fireworks also.

Week – Monday – Friday:

Worked from Remote 9 to 5. Went to Anchor bar for dinner. This is the birth place of Buffalo Chicken Wings. As of both Amirth n me are poor eaters, we just had 40 pieces of wings and then some pasta for dinner (I hope Trooper still holds the first place and the Neel Metal Fanalca Title). The place also had motorcycles from 1900 till 2011 and number plates from every state of the US and from few other countries.

Another interesting place we went was to the Enternal falls. It was a small falls not much water though this time of the year. The reason it is called eternal is because it was a small gap in the rocks thru which a jet of natural gas comes out. The local ppl lit a fire to it and it keeps burning day n night thruout the year. I know…. even i had the same question… why can’t they use the natural gas for something productive…. the quantity was very less and it was not profitable to extract it.

Anchor Bar

Some of the other places visited are Niagara Gorge, Devil’s Hole, Maid of the Mist, Niagara Art Museum, few trails, Elmwood street (nightlife ), cave of the winds, Hard Rock Cafe, live concert and few more which I am not able to remember now.

For few more pics, u can checked out my fb album.

Return ride to Charlotte started on Sat morning and was uneventful. 2 days 800 miles with last 250 miles of interstates. Reached home on Sunday at 3pm.

Total ride distance was 1790 miles and every nut n bolt was still in place when I reached home. KLR had passed the first test. Next upcoming ride is on Sep 23-25, 3 days of hard-core off-roading in Smoky Mountain National Forest.

States covered: North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio & Tennessee.

Cheers!!!

Bra