On Valentine's Day Eve, I surprised my Girl Friend (hey I am talking about my bike) by filling 10 liters of petrol, promising her to take a ride for more than 100km .Sachi made it very clear in our Roaring riders meet, that everyone should carry their helmets and boots, if not they are not in for the ride. Since this is a group ride we need to be responsible to each fellow rider safety.
15Th Feb 2009, (Sunday) I got up around 6.30 am and my mom, wife and Trisha(daughter) all were in good sleep. I don't want to disturb them for a cup of tea, still my mom saw me and made a garam Chai and she also asked " should i make dosa for you". I said "no" (wrong decision).
I said bye to mom and to my wife who was in half sleep. I kick started my bike around 7.30am from home and reached the Lucas-Paadi flyover were I saw a Roadking in stands. The rider eagerly looked at me, and I asked him "are you for the ride ?". He replied "yes". We got introduced to each other. He is Mr.Elango who is joining us for the first time. We both moved towards "Erattai Yeari" ( means "Two lake junction", which is our pick up point.) There Jaidev too joined with us in his Jawa. We almost waited for more than an hour for other riders, who promised to start my 7.30 from Ashok pillar. By then, many on lookers were seeing our bikes and were sharing their known knowledge of these bikes with their friends . Hmmm we felt proud at that time for being the owners !!
Suddenly there was a huge Roaring noise near the signal and they moved towards us as the signal goes "Green". The whole public turned towards this Roar. They were amazed to see 24 Lions Roaring at a same time. We three joined the group and proceeded towards Moolaikadi junction were our Mechanic Sekar joined with us. Sachi and Srini did the head count and finally there was 28bikes and 32 people. Along with our group, press people too joined with there 100cc bikes who are about to pubish a article about us in the magazine called "Motor Vikitan" !
We halted near Redhills junction to decide on the best route and also made plans for breakfast. Later, we decided to take the Ponneri route which is supposed to be the shortest one. And also enquired about hotels. Public said there is one hotel in Ponneri. But somewhat the riders forgot completely about the hotel and all of us crossed Ponneri and reached Pazhaverkadu. At one point some of us missed the group, and went to other direction of the lake. Later we found that the other riders have gathered near Light house. So we all moved towards Light house. We managed to park our 28bikes. Soon we were surrounded by boatmen and they were keen in taking us for a boat ride. Baskar had a long bargaining session with the boatmen for a reasonable rate. The boatmen started from Rs.800 per boat for 10 people and Basker from Rs.300. Finally, Baskar with help of his witty skills, he mesmerised the boatmen to settle with Rs.450 per boat to carry 15 people. So now we have 2 boats to carry 25 people. Sachi, Kananan sir, Elango, Jai and some more riders stayed in the shore. They were caretakers of our bikes, since there is no proper authorised parking.
Well, it was almost 11.00am and all the riders felt very hungry. And all moved towards the market to find some hotels. My God, there was no hotels. At last we saw one Biriyani shop, and some of Non-vegies moved there. Being myself a converted Veggie and other Veggi riders we didnt find any Iddli shops. So we settled with some biscuits, Lemon juice and Bananas. Now we got some energy and moved towards the shore for Boat ride.
Me and Srini went in two separate boats so that we can take better snaps. Along with me Sathish too carried his 12x camera, which produced wonderful output. Jigav ( Venki ) carried some kingfisher beers and side dishes for which we all welcomed him with applause.
The boat left the shore around 11.45am. It was very Hot...the ride looked very long. Those who had beer it doesn't felt so. We didn't find any birds intially. Boatmen said we can see them in other side of the lake. The boat reached one of the Island were we saw nothing but the other side of Sea. Quite neat place. We took some interesting snaps with our group and left for another Island. This place was crowded with lots of tourist. Every were it was haunted with plastic bags and paper plates. Something sad to see. Hope one day our people will learn to keep these places clean. The time showed 12.15am and we were very hungry and looked for any shops around in that Island. We saw a Aaya ( old lady) who was preparing some fishes and omelet's. We moved towards her direction with our hungry stomach. "Sorry dear" the gas is over, this is what she said to us.
It was around 12.30am we all left this Island, riding back towards the lighthouse. This time the boatmen took different route. This route was interesting because we were able to witness many birds, for which we have actually turned for.
I have very bad knowledge about birds, though I loved to watch them. So I cant write their names here. Srini was able to capture some good snaps of these birds. The beer effect was down for my felo riders, and now its time for all of us get some entertainment from Jigav'Venki'. Yogibrother was making lots of fun activities, especially asking the Boatmen to make "8" and some flips in the middle of the lake. Some of the riders were screaming when Jai was trying to stand while riding, which made the boat to loose the balance. It was quite funny. The ride went for 1hour. Almost by 1.30 we were back to shore.
Now its time for us to leave Pulicat. All the riders were ready with their bikes and roared out from Pulicat. Meanwhile myself and Srini moved towards the Famous "Dutch Cemetery" to take some snaps. This place amazed me with its skeleton sculpture arts. There was no proper guide to explain about this Dutch place. Something to look into history books.
We riders moved towards Sholavarum Race tracks from Redhills juction, for a photo shoot. This is one of the famous place for its bike and Car races. Its Sunday, and we all saw so many bike stunts happening there. Its really a hair raising scene. By 4.30pm, we all dispersed from Sholavarum to our home saying bye to each of them.
As I reached home, after taking a shower
first thing I asked my wife is, "make me some Dosa " :) !!
Friends this was my wonderful experience in Pulicat ride. Only thing I like to advise is to carry your food pack. Improve your bargaining skills if you want to go for a boat ride. keep asking the boatmen were are the birds. This place is quite good. I heard that there is another longer route to reach Pulicat which is quite more interesting.
From Lucas -Paadi junction it is around 50km if you take Ponneri route.
Visit : http://picasaweb.google.com/vikee007/Pulicat_Lake_Feb15_2009#
keep travelling !!
Cheers.
Rider from Roaring Riders
