Endurance Day

7th International Jawa day ( falls on 2nd Sunday of July), something big for all the global Jawa riders. RR ( Roaring Riders), wanted to make this occasion to be memorable and BIG. They planned for a 'Marathon' ride. The plan was to make a trip to 'Hogenakkal' which is 360km from Chennai, Tamil Nadu. This Plan was proposed in the RR's meet and there was no hassle from any riders. The first word was, 'Yes! we will do it'.

Exactly a month before the Jawa day, RR mgt scheduled their plans. The T shirt designs - Ordering T shirts - Banners - Booking the Hotel for stay - Looking out for the best route - Ordering Key chains - Tool kit - Bag...The list is BIG to explain. Kudos to all for their hard work. The route was decided, and Plan was to leave Chennai on Saturday to Hogenkkal and coming back to Chennai on Sunday. Dormitory was booked in TamilNadu Tourism hotel, with Dinner and breakfast. The plan is set now, and Bikes were serviced, the documents were in current, and we all were waiting for the day....

11th July, 2009 : Clock showed 4.30 am, I got ready, and packed the required things and checked whether I have carried the extra spark plug, Lubricant Oil, Clutch cable with me. This is something important to carry when a rider goes for a longer ride. My father opened the gate for me, said bye to him, and I throtlled towards Vineeth's house. He was getting ready when I reached his flats. From there we moved to Dr's place to pick him along with his 1960 Jawa which was looking for us waiting near the gate. Myself, Vineeth, Dr and Vineeth's brother took our Lions, and moved towards Porrur, Shell petrol pump were all riders are supposed to meet.

By 6.00am all the 22 riders from different parts of Chennai with their bikes were ready at this point. Sachi distributed the route maps to all the riders, and as usual he explained the rules to be followed while riding in a group. Veterans Kannan sir, Srini's Father, Walter's Parents, Dr were their with us and gave their set of advices. We all took it in a positive note, as we knew this ride is not going to be simple because we are on a long ride. Kannan Sir released our Club Rally T-shirt and he flagged off us, when the clock showed almost 7.00am.

All riders had in mind that there should not be frequent breaks, so that all can reach Hogenakkal by lunch time. We almost covered 70km and thought we need a break for filling our stomach, though our tank is full.

We found one reasonably a good roadside hotel, which served as some nice Iddlies and chattinis. The Chattini taste still reminds in my taste buds. Something rare to find in City hotels. Here we wasted more time almost 1hour. Then it was decided not take a break for another 100 km.

The weather was helping us with nice breeze and very moderate temperature, to throttle in high speed in the highways. I don't think any one's speedometer showed the speed less than 65km. Though I have speed phobia syndromes :) I tried to maintain a steady speed of 60km. We reached Ambur by almost 11.30 am. Venkat sir bike started flooding and lost some liters of petrol. Anyhow no worries, because Sekar ( mechanic) is there for help who carried BIG sack of spare parts and tools with him. He sorted out the BUG. Now, we all were set to leave towards the direction of Krishnagiri, which is 70km from Ambur.

We reached krishnagiri now, and halted for Lunch at Tamil Nadu tourism hotel. But our time got wasted here waiting for our tables. Thought we must leave this place for another hotel. Xavier came out with an idea of having lunch at Dhaaba which he knew. So we all set to Dhaabha. Good choice, the Dhaabha rottis were awesome. Our stomach is full now. After this break we did'nt stopped anywere unless we see the sign Board showed 'Hogenakkal'. In this long stretch of ride there was no major problems with our bikes though they were considered to be old machines. Only Gokul ( the lead) machine had a problem by losing the foot peddle on the road. He is a excellent rider who rip around with confidence, who leaded my batch of riders with great support.
4.00 pm we were at Pennaguram. From this point we took a route which will take us through Ghats and pin bends. After covering 13km we were in 'Hogenakkal' now. For my surprise the Tamil nadu Tourism hotel looked clean and interesting. The service was good. They welcomed us by serving 'Bondas' ( south Indian snack) and Tea. We all moved our machines to the block were our dormitory was booked. Got settled there, and refreshed.
Srini checked with the manager regarding Dinner and Campfire. Bala went down to Pennagram for getting Cakes.

All were set, the time showed 7.30pm, the campfire is on. Sachi started the programme with his usual speech. The cake was cut by the youngest rider Walter ( now he is called PP ). I don't think anyone had a little bit of this cake. All the creams and cake was in the face and head of each and every rider. This is the "Signs of enjoyment" though irrespective of different age - different class - different profession. Only common thing we all have is "LOVE for this Beast". The party went on, all the riders were issued the rally Tshirt and gifts containing Club logo embedded Key chain, Tool kit, and a small pouch.

It was too late for us in the evening to see the falls so the plan was scheduled to Sunday morning. The next day myself, Srini decided to leave early in the first batch, without seeing the falls. Arul an experienced rider from Bangalore, joined along with Walter and Satheesh to leave in the first batch guided by 'Shy' Jai, another experienced rider in Roaring rider club. After breakfast, exactly 8.00am we left Hogenakkal. Down in Pennaguram we filled our tanks half atleast to cover 100km. Actually we were looking for pumps which accepted credit card. We went through the highways by clicking some interesting snaps. This time my speedometer showed 80km. The confident was high, and my machine supported.
Almost in every 80km we took a small break to stretch our bodies. It was 11.30am we reached Ambur. Jai - Satheesh - walter went for early lunch. Srini - Anand and myself gulped couple of cool drinks to stay alive :). After Ambur we did's stopped much this time. Just stopped in a petrol pump to fill the tank.

3.00pm we were in Porur. Now its time for fellow riders to move to their own direction of their house. Said bye to everyone and I moved towards the direction of the arrow showing 'Koyammedu'. Unfortunately at this place (Porrur) my bike got punctured. And there was no one around me. Good thing is, this happended exactly near to the shop which does some oiling and tyre works for lorries. Since I got stuck in the main lane, I have no choice to drag the vehicle. So with the puntured tyre I rode the machine towards the shop which was inside the service lane. I have to cover a big U turn to reach this shop. The Shop guy helped me out, and for him it is the first time he is doing puncture work in Jawa bikes. Some how he managed to solve the problem and fixed the tyre back and charged 60bucks. I thanked him, and had a cooldrink to kill my thirst and ripped the beast towards my home safe. As I reached home I communicated with Sachi and Vineeth. And they too left Hogenakkel with other riders as another batch of riders after seeing the falls. I heard they reached by night since they slowed down the speed being there was slight rainfall on the way. 22 Riders reached their home safe with their set of stories to share with their family members. I also appreciate Motor Vikatan Reporter who was with us from the day1 along with us as pillion rider.

Physically I was tired and there was ache near my neck region and trapezius muscle. But mind was feeling something great achieved by a amateur rider.
A new experience is penned down in riders diary. A milestone achieved by 'Roaring Riders' club.
Cheers to all fellow riders for making this Jawa rally a succesfull one. The world is watching us.

keep riding !!

Note: Below is the Article published about our ride in 'TIMES OF INDIA'

for photos : http://picasaweb.google.com/vikee007/7thInternationalJawaDayAndRoaringRidersAnniversary