The initial plan was to just to ride and cover some long distances. With this thought in mind I started to plan our ride. At the beginning it was very difficult for finalizing the route but later after a lot of never ending discussions we figured out a route.
The Route plan.
The final day of our ride is just to arrive. Now as both of our professional schedule was at its peak we managed some time out and did all the basic cross checks and DOMI was ready to roll on the roads.
Everything was set and it was just another night before ride. As I planned to have adequate sleep before the ride but due to super thrilledness which was running in my blood before the ride (bikers would be able to relate better) I could only sleep for 2 hours or even less. I woke up even before my alarm which was set up at 3 A.M I took my bath which I do always just before starting any trip.
At 4:26 AM I headed from my home to my co-riders (a.k.a CAPTAIN) place and we together started our journey at 4:45 AM.
Trip meter before starting the ride.
AND THE CHASE BEGAN!!
To check how much our body can endure.
As pictures are part of our ride. We took very few stops for clicking pictures as we mainly focused on covering miles.
Me and my co-rider just before leaving the city.
Utterly smooth morning highways.
And when the sun was raising slowly, we continued our ride smoothly and made afew stops. Our target was to cover first 200kms and reach bongaigaon by 7 am.
Before entering Bongaigaon.
Even though we were abit behind the schedule we reached bongaigaon by 7:15 – 7:20 am and took our breakfast and a short break.
Happiness can be found in pictures too.
The bikes were too happy as they were crusing at their best.
And once we crossed Assam border, the scorching heat showed us the real picture. But our hydration bag were of a great help and proved their worth.
This was the beginning of scorching heat.
And then without clicking much pictures and stops we continued our ride to coronation bridge.
This picture was clicked after reaching Coronation Bridge.
After riding for more than 9 hours we reached our destination and covered 474 kms.
The beautiful view of Teesta River.
The real happiness of covering miles.
And this was the food one can have near Coronation Bridge.
Now, the real challange began as we have to ride back to home and we were already behind our schedule.
And thats how we took a nap just on the way while returning back, this picture was taken near Malbazar Town.
350 Kms more to GO!!
Domi too was taking a nap!!
And it was necessary to fill our tummies.
Things got worse as we encountered rain and thus we were not able to take any more pictures. We just choose to ride drenched in rain. And made our way towards home.
And finally at 3:28 am after riding in rain for more than 2 hours we reached home.
The whole ride was tracked using spotwalla.
The spotwalla map of the trip that we covered.
After riding for 23 hrs 02 mins and covering 971 kilometers we reached home safely and our TRIP came to an end but the memories of miles covered are to be cherished for ever.
Guwahati is a sprawling city beside the Brahmaputra River in the northeast Indian state of Assam. It’s known for holy sites like the hilltop Kamakhya Temple, featuring shrines to the Hindu deities Shiva and Vishnu. To the east, 18th-century Navagraha Temple is an astronomical center with planetary shrines. Umananda Temple, dedicated to Shiva and covered with engravings, stands on Peacock Island in the river.
Guwahati lies between the banks of the Brahmaputra River and the foothills of the Shillong plateau, with LGB International Airport to the west and the town of Narengi to the east. It is gradually being expanded as North Guwahati to the northern bank of the Brahmaputra. The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), the city’s local government, administers an area of 328 square kilometres.
One of the most amazing and picturesque tourist destinations, perched atop the East Khasi Hills of Shillong is The Laitlum Canyons, which in literal sense means “The End of Hills” or “The End of The World”Perched in the East Khasi Hills of Shillong, Laitlum Canyons is a little-explored haunt of the mountainous state of Meghalaya.
At Laitlum, all one can see are breathtaking gorges and steep winding stairways that snake their way down to the lush valley.
Travel Tip:
Laitlum is about 25 kms away from Shillong along the Shillong -Jowai road, a little beyond Smit. The drive is beautiful except for a small stretch towards Laitlum where it is rocky and bumpy. There is hardly anything to see except soak up nature’s abundance and just be. A favorite picnic spot for the locals and bike travelers.
Laitlum can be visited round the year. However the best time is from March to August when the rains turn the area into an oasis of varying shades of green. If you have 5 to 6 hours in hand, then trek down to the village and the gorgeous aerial views promises a great trail ahead deep into the valley.
It may cost about Rs 1500-2500 for the day trip based on duration and type of vehicle
Here’s the list of top 10 touring machines of India
1. Bajaj Dominar 400
The Bajaj Dominar is one of the latest motorcycles to have been launched and is the Pune-based manufacturer’s flagship. The Dominar’s engine is based on the same platform as the Duke 390, but is tuned for touring instead of out right performance. The Bajaj Dominar is powered by a 373cc, single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that develops 34.5bhp and 35Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The Bajaj Dominar 400 weighs 182kg and Bajaj claims a top speed of 148km/h.
2.Bajaj Avenger 220 Crusie
The Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 is one of the updated Avenger models that was launched in India. The Cruise is built for those who want a classic tourer, with a tall windshield and low-slung seat. The motorcycle features new body colours, a redesigned exhaust and handlebar, wider seats, and a semi-digital instrument cluster. Powering the Cruise 220 is the tried and tested engine from the Pulsar 200F. The engine is a 220cc, single-cylinder air and oil-cooled DTS-i engine that produces 19bhp and 17.5Nm of peak torque. The engine is paired to a 5-speed gearbox and returns a mileage of 53km/l.
3.Mahindra Mojo
The Mahindra Mojo is offered with a 21-litre fuel tank that suits its touring purpose, along with upside down front forks, disc brakes at both ends, and a host of accessories to spec up the Mojo. The Mojo is Mahindra’s flagship offering and is powered by a 295cc, single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that makes 26.4bhp and 30Nm of torque, paired to a 6-speed gearbox.
4.Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500
The Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 is the ‘bullet’ in its ultimate touring setup. The Thunderbird 500 features forward slung foot pegs, wider, taller handlebar for a relaxed riding posture, projector headlights, and disc brakes at both ends. The Thunderbird 500 shares its engine with the Classic 500 range, which is a fuel injected, 499cc, single-cylinder air-cooled engine that makes 27bhp and 41Nm of torque, mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
5. Kawasaki Versys 650
The Kawasaki Versys 650 features similar design language as its bigger sibling, the Versys 1000. The Kawasaki Versys 650 is based on the same platform as the Ninja 650 and shares the engine too. Powering the Kawasaki Versys 650 is a 649cc, liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine that makes 67bhp and 64Nm of torque, paired to a 6-speed gearbox. Other features include long travel front suspension, tall touring visor, and a 21-litre fuel tank.
6. Benelli TNT 600GT
The Benelli TNT 600 GT was launched along with the 600i in India and is a focused touring motorcycle with an upright seating position, tall windshield, and optional panniers that can store away luggage. The Benelli TNT 600 GT draws power from a 600cc, liquid-cooled in-line four-cylinder engine that produces 82.7bhp and 54.6Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Also, the Benelli TNT 600 GT features a 27-litre fuel tank.
7. Harley Davidson street 750
The Harley-Davidson Street 750 is the basic offering from the iconic American brand and is also one of the best-selling motorcycles for Harley in India. The Street 750 was designed keeping in mind the traffic conditions in India. The harley-Davidson Street 750 comes with a 749cc, liquid-cooled V-Twin engine that produces 47bhp and 59Nm of torque with the help of a 6-speed gearbox. The Street 750 weighs 222kg, and makes a great touring motorcycle.
8. Honda Africa Twin
The Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin is the latest iteration of the legendary Honda Africa Twin. The motorcycle is powered by a liquid-cooled, 998cc, parallel-twin engine and transmission duties are handled by a dual clutch transmission (DCT). The engine has a maximum power output of 92.61bhp and a peak torque output of 98Nm. Long travel fully adjustable suspension, high ground clearance and a high seating position combined together gives the new Africa Twin excellent on and off-road capability. It competes with the Kawasaki Versys 1000, Ducati Multistrada and Triumph Tiger series.
9.Honda Gold Wing GL1800
The Goldwing is one of the most popular and most expensive touring bikes in the world. The Gold Wing GL1800 is based on a lightweight and rigid twin-spar aluminium frame which comes with a single-sided Pro-Arm swingarm. The touring motorcycle features a six-speaker 80W SRS surround-sound system with USB and smartphone connectivity. Other features include a five-level heated grip, electronic cruise-control system, independently adjustable heated seats and a foot-warming system. Powering this big bike is a 1832cc flat-six engine which churns out a hefty 116.70bhp. It also comes with combined braking system (CBS) and ABS to provide optimum braking in all conditions.
10. Indian Roadmaster
Indian Motorcycles had officially revealed the 2015 Roadmaster luxury touring motorcycle in the second half of 2014.The Roadmaster is powered by the same 111 cubic inch or 1811cc ‘Thunder-Stroke’ V-twin engine which is also used in the Chief Classic, Chief Vintage and the Chieftain. The engine is rated at 139Nm of torque. modern creature comforts like keyless ignition, ABS, tyre-pressure sensors and LED lights, electrically adjustable visor, remotecentral locking for luggage cases and adjustable floorboards. It also gets heated leather seats with 10-levels.
As dussera of 2k16 was going to end soon, i thought why to waste such a vacation without making it memorable. I was thinking of going for a ride since a long time, but wasn’t able to due to various reasons. Then all of a sudden the idea of CHANDUBI LAKE stuck my mind. I google’d about the place and also enquired from a senior biker brother of Guwahati( DHRUV HAZARIKA.) He provided me with all the precise information of routes and maps.
Since i was all alone for this ride, i asked my biker friends.(we have a motorcycling group called MOTOGRAPHY AND TRAVELLOGUE GUWAHATI) if anyone is willing to join me for the ride. But since it was the time of dussera festival, many bikers went to the native place and others were busy with their own hectic schedule . Co-incidentally one of the biker showed his great interest to my ride plan. So I made the plan final to kick start the FIRST RIDE OF MY LIFE on 12th of October 2k16.
There was nothing more for me to plan because the place was not much way as it was only about 80-85 kilometers(approx).This being my first ride i was very eager and anxious about it.
On 12th of October…. I woke up in the morning a bit late at about 7.30 am cleaned my bike and got ready after having breakfast. After that i cross checked my bike documents and set off for the FIRST RIDE OF MY LIFE.
The weather was pleasant it was neither too hot nor there was any sign of rain, i fell good for the pleasant weather. Soon after going through so the heavy traffics of guwahati city, i was on the high-way. I felt like was bird, who has been set free. As i was throttling between 80-90 kmpl. On one of the corner when i tried to slowed down my bike i without thinking much pulled my front disk a little and it resulted in skidding my front wheel, i was almost lost my balance but somehow with the blessing of ALMIGHTY i was saved from the accident.
Practically experienced the quote “SPEED THRILLS BUT KILLS”. I slowed down my bike and thanked GOD for saving my life and promised myself that i won ‘t speed again.
Having reached Jalukbari i waited for my co-rider Rakesh Paul and one of his friend who were also with me during the ride. He arrived in 15minutes and without wasting any time we started our remaining journey towards Mirza. As per google map we needed to cover a distance of about 48km to our destination Chandubi.
After riding in highway for about 20 kms, we reached mirza, from where the road became a little tough as it was narrow, occupied with locals and vehicles on either side and also the rain accompanied us, but we didn’t stop for the weather and kept on riding for our destination. We went on riding through paddy fields,tea-gardens,villages and markets. What an splendid beauty of nature it was!! Finally we reached our destination.
We spent a good time romancing with nature clicking its beauty and posing. As we were hungry we had some snacks that we took with us.
NOTE :- We were unable to go for boating as we had very less time.
After spending almost about one and a half hour, we left towards our respective places. And we rode continuously in rain without any stops and reached jalukbari and bade goodbye to my co-rider and his friend and headed towards home.
This is how the FIRST RIDE OF MY LIFE came to an end. Now all i have is the worthy memory of ride to cherished.
WELCOME TO CHANDUBI – says the board !!
The SELFIE with my fellow group 😀
thanks to this man, who save us from getting wet in rain.
i was just too excited about the ride, heaving done all basic needs and checked all my items which i planned to carry with me for the ride. i filled my tank and came back home. i thought of taking more rest and sleep, though i knew that i wont be able to sleep for more.
It was just the regular night at 3.20 am when i set out from home after taking my parents blessings.As it was the month of december and cold was at it’s fullest form, some of our riders took abit more time to reach the venue for our flag off..
We began the ride at 3.45am it was cold and the fog was to its fullest, no matter what the weather was we were so excited that we just rode off!!
The route of our plan was…
DAY-1 : GUWAHATI TO BOMDILA
We started from khanapara (opp. hotel LILY) we rode through Nagaon and then Tezpur, At Nagaon we were welcomed by MOTOHEAD UNITED NAGAON, thanks to BEDANTA BORMOHELA for showing up brotherhood, we too a short break for tea and snacks at Nagaon bypass, after that we headed for Tezpur and had our breakfast on our way.At Bilasipara we too were welcomed by another biking group after alittle bit of exchanging glances and at the same time we all filled our tank again to fullest so that we never ran out of fuel :p.After riding through a great patch of smooth road We reached BHALUKPONG at around 12 noon and took permission from the authority as we entering a different state, That job was done very easily as we already made our ILP’s(INNER LINE PERMIT) at guwahati itself, we decided to fill our tummies they itself so that we continue our riding without running out of energy. we then kept riding through the rough mountaineous road for hours and at 6pm we reached BOMDILA, and decided to hault for the night there itself as all the riders we very tired.
Selfie with the biker group called – Motorhead United Nagaon
We too love posing :p
This fantabolous waterfall was on our way
Our bikes taking rest after running for 13 hours
DAY-2 : BOMDILA TO TAWANG
As it was cold morning and all riders were also tired we decided to relax abit more than usual and we ended up wking up late, which resulted in late start of our ride we started around 11.30 am and due to cold we could not ride that fast we were covering an average distance of 15km an hour, at that day itself we were overhelmed and excited as we encounted snow, which some of the riders had witnessed for the first time in their life we were so happy that we played wit snow clicked pictures as time just flew as a racing bird to its nest. We reached SELA PASS at around 4.30 pm, temperatue was -4̊̊̊(degrees) we could not spend more time there just clicked acouple of pictures around and started riding. The dangerous phase came when we encountered black ice before JASWANT GARH, I myself fell down from my bike thrice and other too fell down afew times but thank to almighty and nothing serious happened to us,as we were all using my safety gears. The snow fall also increased with the time, we were unable to ride and took alittle break, thanks to the BRO team for proving us free CHAI. After that we again started the rest part of our ride till we reach tawang we kept on riding on rain, fog and little snow and we reached tawang at 10pm. But as we reached late we were not able to find any hotel then some how with the help of local police we found a government tourist lodge and haulted for the night.
Selfie with the mighty himalayas
SNOW = HAPPINESS !! 😀
The snowy road begins….
DAY-3 : REST DAY
Beautifull Tawang view from our hotel
DAY-4 : PTSO LAKE
The morning was pretty cold, temperature was just around 2-3 degree celcius.We had our had our regular breakfast in hotel itself and then we headed for the person who would hepled us to make our passes for bumla. After the passes were made we thought of not wasting the day and headed to explore the beauty of tawang,later on we went to PTSO lake and returned towards our place of hault.
PTSO lake…
With the gang !!
DAY-5 : BUMLA PASS( INDO CHINA BORDER)
Thatv was a lucky morning because when we woke up we were able to see a clear sky and more over there was chance that the sun would come up. We left our hotel and headed for another milestone of our (BUMLA PASS 15200 ft), as we rode some of the most difficult roads there was not much problem as there was no snow on the road except (boulders and stones). Another problem that we encountered was high altitude sickness as the oxygen was gradually decreasing we were heaving alittle problem for breathing but as there our excitment level was increasing to reach BUMLA we kept on riding inspite of all difficult and reached bumla.
The INDIAN ARMY officials posted there was veryv friendly and generous the were very happy to recieve us as guest and offered us coffee and snack. The army Officials give us a brief about the place and showed us the bounday of our MOTHERLAND. Civilian were not allowed there to spend more than 20 minutes the oxygen level is only about (2-3)% and tempertature was only 3 dergree celcius during day. HATSS OFF!! to the INDIAN ARMY official for surviving in such place and protecting us.
We thank each and every official present there and started of ride toward our hotel, we didn’t stop much in between as were too tired and also we directly headed toward hotel filled our tummies and headed for a slumber.
Mission completed !!
The first Bajaj V to reach bumla
DAY-6 : TAWANG TO DIRANG
Though we all very tired, we started our ride around 10 am in the morning, but we in a dilema of taking stops either in dirang or to directly make our way towards our respective homes. But since we too alot of stops admiring the beauty of arunachal, we reached our destination late and all the bikers decided to took a hault for the night.
Beautifull DIRANG
The racing DNA on mountains
DAY-7 BACK TO HOME
The morning was pleasent one, which made us sleep abit more. We packed our luggages and also compleated our breakfast in the hotel itself and left dirang and took a new route which diverges from RUPA via BHAIRABKUND the road was newly constructed super smooth about 180kms , we rode as fast as we could and only stopped to attend for the nautre’s call. We reached Rowta charalai by 6 pm and had our snacks there and headed towards our respectives HOME SWEET HOME’S.
The road that leads to SELA…
As the journey of EXTREMWINTERRIDE came to an end and all our bikers reached home safely, with the memories to cherished for the life, till our next ride.
thebikertraveller 