Mcleodganj Musketeers

It had been more than 14 months since my last ride in September 2009 so I thought for another one. I asked one of my friends and he quickly agreed. His bullet was resting in peace in his apartment with rust on it so we went to a mechanic and got his bike ready for the excursion and mine was already roaring. So it was time to decide the location. It took us almost one and half hour to choose one out of 5 places namely Runn of Kutch, Rajasthan, M.P, Uttrakhand and Himachal. Finally we came up with what you are going to read.

The Mcleodganj Musketeers were:

1. Anubhav Pahwa on his standard 5s Electra

2. GG on his Red Monster

Day 1 (2nd December 2010)

Gurgaon-Delhi-Karnal-Ambala-Chandigarh-Swarghat-Nauni-Bilaspur-Sundernagar

We roped our bags on the bikes and before leaving I asked Anubhav just to check the amount of fuel in his bullet's tank. He shook his bike by grabbing both the handles and the slopping sound from the tank confirmed us that it has got fuel for atleast 30 kms and we left around 8:30 am hoping that we would be able to reach upto the nearest petrol pump in Delhi. Who knew whats gonna happen ? As we reached Rajokri flyover his bike ran out of ignition mode. He tried to start it 5-6 times then I asked him to check the fuel and this time there was no bloody sound in the tank. It meant that there was no petrol. I took his bike and he took mine and started pushing the bike with his leg and soon we reached the petrol pump. There we got the tank filled upto the brim with the fuel 0f Rs. 700. As I was already having the command of his bike so I continued to a have it. We started zipping on NH-8 and after one hour we reached the last filling station of Delhi on NH-1. It was time for Red monster to get its share of food and it engulfed the meal of 750 Rs. It had been a long time since last time on mighty NH-1. I couldn't control myself and started revving the engine above 100 kmph. We didn't halt before Karnal and after 2 hours ride we reached Zhilmil Dhaba in Karnal that is infront Savoy Greens. As we got off of our bikes what we saw was that there were many dhabas with the same name. Before going for a random selection I just asked a gentleman who was cleaning the front glass of his car that which one is the best. Then he pointed out towards what you are going to see in the pic. As we were famished we took 4 mix paranthas with butter and 2 cups of tea and paranthas were utterly butterly delicious. That brunch cost us 100 Rs. which included 30 Rs. gratuity for the waiter. I have been to many dhabas in Murthal but believe me guys its much better than Murthal ones. It was not known to us that another problem was waiting for us. As soon as we reached the parking area we saw that rear tyre of bullet was punctured. Luckily the mechanic was sitting at a distance of 15 mts but he refused to repair it and filled the tyre with pressurized air and guided us to a puncture repairer situated at a nearby petrol pump. Soon we reached the other mechanic and while he was repairing the puncture I asked him to check the pressure in my bike's tyres and you won't believe that there were two punctures. One of them was a fresh and other one was leakage from the already repaired puncture. We paid him 130 Rs for his service. An uncle and an aunty came in their Gurgaon numbered Maruti 800 for the pressure check and after watching our Gurgaon and Delhi number bikes asked us where were we heading towards. I replied him, "Palampur". They were very happy to know this and wished us good luck and left. Then mechanic said us to get our tank filled there because it is the cheapest filling station on NH-1. The name of the filling station is Karna Lake Filling Station. Petrol here is 10-12 paise cheaper than Delhi. There we fed both bikes with 500 Rs. petrol, 350 for enfield and 150 for Red monster. Now both the Musketeers and the machines were filled with fuel so it was again time for playing with the enticing roads. Because we were in full motion we forgot to take diversion from Zirakpur for Sundernagar and entered the city beautiful. Finally after asking 5-6 times for the correct route we were on NH-21. We didn't take any break till Rupnagar. In Rupanagar suddenly the electra went in off mode and fortunately we found a bullet mechanic easily as we were on highway. He loosened the tappet, poured one pouch of 2T in the tank and then started the bike and bike got started in just one kick. We paid him 60 Rs. and moved further. It was dark by the time we crossed Nauni. After Zhilmil we hadn't stopped for any tea break. It was already dark and the roads were full with trucks on both the sides and I started feeling cold in my chest despite having worn 1 inner, 1 t-shirt, 1 sweater and 1 jacket but I still continued for many kilometers. 15 kilometers before Sundernagar we took a snack break. There we asked for 2 cups of tea, 1 omelet and 2 boiled eggs. I tasted the boiled egg it was good, tea was so so and just smelt the omelet it was terrible. Anubhav tasted it and threw it towards the dog. We paid him around 60 Rs. and left for our rest of the journey of the day. As I was feeling extreme cold I thought of wearing another jacket so I stopped infront of a liquor shop, just 2-3 kilometers before Sundernagar. While wearing the jacket I asked Anubhav to buy a half bottle of Old Monk. He was totally surprised that how did I ask him for buying liquor as I am not a regular drinker. He bought a half bottle of Rum and a packet of biscuit as he seemed to be very hungry. We shared our biscuit with liquor shop owner. He asked us that where were we going. We told him Palampur. Initially he was just giving his opinion for not to travel to Palampur in the night as it might be risky but at the time of leaving from that place he gave his final decision, like he was our dad, that don't go to Palampur you might get looted. Oh my God ! I have never met such a discouraging guy in my life. Guys just beware of these people. Soon we were in Sundernagar. The clock showed 9:30 at that time so the market was already closed, only 2-3 dhabas were opened. We parked our bike infront of one of the hotels on the main road. I checked 3 hotels and didn't find even one of them good enough for staying. We decided to have dinner first and then we would think what we have to do next. We ordered half plate baingan ka bharta, half plate rajma, half plate aaloo matar, salad and chapati. Meanwhile we were having our dinner we discussed with a businessman who was from Ambala. He told us the way to Palampur and also told us that no one would like to entertain us in such a chilly night. I found his talks sensible. He asked us to stay in the hotel in which he was staying as a regular fortnightly customer. We finished our dinner, the food wasn't that good but good enough to fill the empty tummies. Lastly we decided to stay in Sundernagar and followed his car. Soon we were at the door of Krishna Lodge. We parked our bikes and did the formalities and got a room for 250 Rs. The room was pretty good. We went straight to the room of that guy and thanked him for his noble guidance. We unloaded ourself from so many clothes and relaxed for 15 minutes then I opened the bottle of Rum and made two pegs with water. While we were raising our toasts, Emotional Attyachar from movie Dev D which is one of my favorite movies was being telecasted on television. Our enjoyment got doubled and our lassitude got vanished. We had two more pegs and slept. In this way the first day ended with a good note.

Day 2 (3rd December 2010)

Sundernagar-Mandi-Jogindernagar-Palampur-Dharmshala-Mcleodganj

I got up at 7:30 in the morning. I saw through the window pain it was all foggy outside. Meanwhile Anubhav, still in sleep, asked me to bring chocolate for him. I went down to the shop and purchased tooth brush as I forgot to carry it, oil and chocolate. I got ready till 8:30 and he was still sleeping. I tried to wake him up many times but he was like...ummm..umm...thandi. Finally he woke up at 9:15. While he was going through the morning activities I again went down to check whether the bikes were at their place or not though we parked them at a safe place. I was ver happy to see them. I asked our hotelier where would I get a mechanic. By the time I reached our room Anubhav was all ready. Then we had same breakfast, at a side-by located dhaba, as we had in Karnal. Unexpectedly here the paranthas and tea both were extremely good. Now we were fully prepared for the day. We checked out from the hotel at 10:30 and went to a mechanic for getting my bike's chain cleaned. I paid him 20 Rs. and we left for Palampur. We reached Malhotra Motors (Bajaj Proboking, Mandi) at 12:30. I wanted front disk pads of my bike to be replaced as I was facing some problem in braking. The head mechanic just checked my bike and took it to the service bay and started changing disk pads. I requested supervisor for getting CO checked as Red monster has crossed the 2500 kilometers without service. He told me that it would take half an hour for CO machine to be get heated and you would get your bike at 4:30. We were already getting late, I could easily read the anger on Anubhav's face. I asked supervisor (Retired Subedaar) that I wanted to talk to manager. He wanted to know the reason despite having known it. I told him that wherever I go in Bajaj Probiking I use to meet manager. Soon the mechanic changed the disk pads and supervisor requested me to wait for 15 minutes so that mechanic could set CO. While he was setting CO he asked to get my fuel filter replaced. I agreed. He not set the Co but also changed the fuel filter. Now my bike was almost serviced with the same engine oil. Thanks a lot to Motul. After paying the bill of 264 Rs., Subedaar told us the way to Palampur. I thanked him for his lately turned humble gesture. Now we were on our way to Palampur. Near Jogindernagar stone cutting work was going on so we had to halt for 15 minutes. Soon the route was clear and we started cruising on beautiful curvaceous roads. After covering 40-50 kilometers we saw tea gardens on both sides of the road. We stopped there for 15 minutes for capturing the beauty.

What more could I ask from my first fully packed ride?

2 Wheels, 2 Souls, 3 Days, Total 464 Miles, Holy dip in River Ganga, Temples and more Temples, Local sightseeing at world capital of Yoga.... After all a first memorable ride.

It had been almost two and half months since I bought my beloved contraption, I thought to go for an outstation ride but I was in a bit perplexity about to which place to head for. Finally I decided for Haridwar and Rishikesh. We finalized 24th Oct. as the date for the commencement of the ride.

The riders were:

1. Nitul Kumar Singh

2. Gaurav Goel

Day 1 (24th Oct., 2008)

(Gurgaon-Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut-Muzaffarnagar-Roorkee-Haridwar)

We started our journey at 12 pm and I was riding the bike. As it was our very first long ride so we decided to not to over speed. Delhi and Ghaziabad, both were jam packed so it took us almost two and half hours to cross Ghaziabad. I don't remember exactly whether before Ghaziabad or after it we took our first halt, for photo session, under a signboard saying D'dun 207 Kms.

I forgot to tell you one thing that we borrowed Haider's Sony K810i for clicking photographs in exchange for Nitul's phone. Thanks a lot Mr. Haider Khan. Thereafter we started cruising at a speed of 60-70 Kmph. Our next stopage was a motel named as Moolchand Highway Resort.

It is approximately 110 Kms from Delhi and 42 Kms. from Meerut. Captivating greenery was making it quite relaxing and peaceful.

Now it was time to fill our tummies so we ate burgers with cups of tea. Burgers were so so but couldn't compete with Mcdonalds ones.

We rested there for half an hour and again started hitting the roads. This time I was pillion. The road condition was really bad and at many places the work of widening of the roads was going on.

After this two breaks were taken, one was for tea and another one was for nature's call and we reached at the gate of Patanjali Yogpeeth- Divya Yog Mandir (Trust) at Kanhal (20 Kms from Haridwar). You must be knowing that it is an institution for scientific research and treatment in yoga, spiritualism and Ayurveda with the world's largest OPD with a capacity of over six to ten thousand patients per day.

We wanted to go inside but as it was winter season, it had already become dark so we decided to move towards our destination and at 7:30 pm we were in Haridwar. It took us almost 15 minutes to find a suitable hotel and we booked a room for 250 ` per day. I am unable to recall the name of that hotel but it was on the main road. We unloaded the bike and put the bag in room and went to market for having dinner.

We asked two three people for a good restaurant and the result of discussion with them was Hoshiyarpuri Restaurant. While having dinner we clicked our piks. Meanwhile clicking photos two waiters requested us to click theirs. They were really happy as I did the same what they wanted. After having sumptuous meal we went to Har Ki Pauri and came back to hotel. As I was exhausted due to seven and half hours ride I slept soon after reaching our room and Nitul watched television for sometime.

Day 2 (25th Oct., 2008)

(Haridwar-Rishikesh)

We woke up at 7 am and within half an hour we were over with our morning activities but didn't take bath because it was to be done by taking a holy dip in the river Ganga so we went to Har Ki Pauri. It is one of the famous ghats on the banks of the Ganga.

This sacred place is considered as one of the major landmarks of the holy city of Haridwar. Literally, "Har" means "Lord Shiva", "Ki" means "of" and "Paudi" means "steps". In the Vedic times, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are believed to have visited the Brahmakund in Har Ki Paudi.

Here thousands of pilgrims gather to become a part of Kumbha Mela which comes in every 12 years. Har Ki Pauri is also the exact spot where the Ganga no longer remains the part of mountains, it enters into plains.

After reaching to Har Ki Pauri we booked a priest for Pooja-Paath purpose. Soon we put off our clothes and entered into the river and finally took holy dips in freezing cold water. I was shivering when I came out of the water.

Then priest gave us earthen diyas, with burning flickers and flowers in them as a symbol of hope and wishes and started chanting some mantras and after few minutes he asked us to float the same . Now we were over with both, the sacred bath and the pooja- paath. We went to the market for breakfast and had it at Brijwasi Chai wala.

Thereafter checked out at the hotel and kept the bag there at the reception and moved towards the second destination of the day i.e. Mansa Devi Mandir. It is dedicated to goddess Mansa, located on the top of Bilwa parvat on the Sivalik Hills. In half an hour we reached our target, parked the bike at a safe place.

Took of our shoes and started climbing stairs, midway we bought some prasad and had lemonade. After that, we sighted the temple and came out with the left out prasad. We took some rest and moved further. The other two temples we visited were Chandi Devi Temple and Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple.

First one is dedicated to goddess Chandi Devi, located on the top of Neel Parvat of Shivalik Hills and latter one is dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated in the town of Kankhal, about 4 kms from Haridwar.

The temple is named after the king Daksha Prajapati, the father of Dakshayani, Lord Shiva's first wife. We had our lunch outside Chandi Devi Temple.

After covering these two temples we went to the hotel, took our bag and got ready to leave for Rishikesh. One kilometer from Har Ki Pauri we found a place named as Bhim Goda.

It is believed that while Pandavas were going to Himalayas through Haridwar, prince Bhima drew water from the rocks here by thrusting his knee (goda), to the very ground. Not worth visiting, totally crap.

We rode almost 25 kms to reach to the world capital of yoga and it was 5 o'clock that we were in Rishikesh. Rishikesh, also known as gateways to the Himalays, is a name of Lord Vishnu, also known as "Lord of senses".

Rode on Laxman Jhula, also seen Ram Jhula (both being Iron Rope Suspension Bridge), got view of white water rafting from it. Rishikesh has many yoga centers which is one of the main reasons for tourist attractions.

We kept on roaming here and there and then parked our bike on road and went to the bank of the river and, there, spent some good time. Came back from there and checked in House cum Hotel in 250 `.

The room was pretty good and so was the hotelier. Rested in room for some time and went for dinner. We walked through the narrow streets and found many dhabas in a line. We had dinner at one of the dhabas, wasn't good enough and went to the Cyber Cafe, surfed internet for more than half an hour. Then we had a desire to have coffee, we asked few people about a good coffee shop and soon we were in the same.

We sat beside the windows and ordered two coffees. About 50 meters away from that building the river was flowing with great speed and the great sound and a cool breeze was blowing. What an amazing and soul touching ambiance I can say ! The coffee spoilt the mood as it was completely fucking.

We had to manage with the ambiance. We spent almost an hour there and went back to hotel, parked the bike inside. Now we were in our room and discussing about the both, two days spent and the coming day. Soon we were snoring.

Day 3 (26th Oct., 2008)

(Rishikesh-Neelkanth-Rishikesh-Haridwar-Gurgaon)

It was very cold though a sunny day and I woke up at 7:30 am and found that I was having cold. I got freshened with 15 minutes, went downstairs and had a cup of masala tea and maththi.

Nitul kept on sleeping as I didn't wake him up. I went to the market and got myself shaved at a barber shop & purchased the required medicine for cold and took it. After coming back to the room took bath and made him wake up.

Soon we, both, were ready to leave the hotel. Here again we did the same thing as we did in Haridwar, checked out from the hotel and kept our bag there at the reception. We went to a famous Rajasthani Restaurent and ordered paranthas and tea.

At that time we were the only two persons eating there. We were getting a magnificent view of the river and the greenery along the banks of the river from the window. Sunlight was directly falling on me and I was feeling a bit relief.

By the time waiter brought the paranthas with butter and cups of tea. As paranthas were sumptuous we kept on eating until our tummies were full. It was time to leave for Neelkanth.

Yesterday in the evening we enquired about the route leading to Neelkanth so we had no doubt regarding it. Firstly we filled one litter bottle, which we purchased from the market yesterday, with the Holy water of the river and left for our today's destination.Enchanting greenery along the sides of the metalled roads and river flowing along one side made the whole scene mesmerizing.

It was 12 kms ride to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple which is dedicated to Neelkanth (Lord Shiva), situated at an altitude of 1330 meters in the Puari Gharwal district. As we reached to the temple we were spell bounded by the celestial aura and the spiritual ambiance. One natural spring is also a part of the temple complex where devotees use to take holy bath.

We offered our Prashad to the priest and got back the left out. We stopped at a natural spring while coming back and spent half an hour there. Soon we reached Rishikesh, collected our bag and left for the back journey. Two-three tea and snacks were taken on the way and we also ate yummy burgers at Meerut Mcdonalds. We again faced the jam in Delhi but somehow we reached our home at 10 pm.

What more could I ask from the Almighty after all it was my first ride !!!