I clocked IↃↃↃ (L̅ ) with Honda this time around, but something felt different.

Unlike previous rides, the usual buzz—the excitement—just wasn’t there. Maybe, the relentless heat, the lack of local sightseeing, or maybe being confined to the resort for an entire day that dulled the thrill.

 

A part of me kept wondering: Will I even be able to cope with this ride?

 

Still, a ride is a ride. And that alone was enough reason for me to register.

A few days before the trip, during the usual pre-ride checks, I hit a speed bump. My rear tire was deemed unfit for the journey and had to be replaced. Guess it wanted to take a vacation without me! Also, that meant dipping further into the wallet—an unplanned expense always stung a little.

As if that wasn’t enough, I also found myself falling sick in the lead-up to the event. Out of caution, I informed the group that I might need to drop out if my health took a turn. Thankfully, with some rest and medication, I bounced back just in time. By the end of the day, I was feeling a lot better—and more ready than ever.

Ride Day: A Slow Start with a Warm Boost

Ride day began like most others—rolled out of bed at 2:30 AM, the kind of hour that only bikers, early risers, and people with no sense of time appreciate!

 

Geared up, I headed out to catch up with the crew at the flag-off point. A small cup of hot karupatti milk at the meeting point was just what I needed to feel recharged before the first stretch. After a quick safety briefing and the usual checks, we were ready to roll. We left at the crack of dawn—4:30 AM. You know, when the world’s still asleep and only the crazy people are awake… like us!

 

22 bikes of various capacities lined up—each rider with their own story, but all united by the love for the road. The engines came alive one after the other, and just like that, the ride was on.

Within an hour of setting off, we reached our first break point. The group paused for a quick breather and a steaming cup of chai / coffee—much needed, especially with the sun ready to show up. It was one of those simple moments that riders quietly look forward to: a quick sip and a few laughs.

Refreshed and a little more awake, we fired up our engines once more and headed toward the next pitstop—breakfast. The ride started to feel smoother now, the early jitters melting away as the road stretched ahead and the group found its rhythm.

 

A Familiar Stop, an Underwhelming Bite

Our next halt was for breakfast at a spot we had visited before. Expectations were naturally high, given our past experience—but this time, the meal fell a bit flat. The flavors just weren’t there, and the usual satisfaction that comes with a good breakfast was missing. It wasn’t bad, just…underwhelming.

Still, no one let it dampen the spirit. After all, it was more about the ride than the food. Conversations kept flowing, and the group stayed upbeat as we prepared to move on toward the next leg of the journey.

The Open Highway & A Sudden Disruption

With breakfast behind us, we set our course along the Ulundurpet–Salem highway—a stretch we’ve come to love for its long, open roads and smooth tarmac. It’s the kind of route that tempts you to lean in a little more, twist the throttle, and just enjoy. But just as the ride was starting to flow, some unexpected chaos broke out over the comms channel, throwing off the group’s rhythm for a moment.

It was like being in a bad version of a spy movie—lots of noise, but no clear instructions. We were like secret agents who forgot to charge their radios!

 

A quick troubleshooting session brought the comms back to basics, and we refocused on the ride. After a while, we realized we were making better time than expected. So, a quick pivot in the plans: instead of stopping enroute for lunch, we decided to head straight to the destination.

During a short break, we pre-ordered lunch to avoid delays later—just a little bit of ride-day improvisation that goes a long way.

After riding through the gruelling sun for over an hour, we found ourselves at the foothills of the Burgur Hills—and just like that, the energy shifted. The familiar josh crept back into our veins. The climb through the twists and curls of the hill road was exactly what we needed. The curves, the climb, the cooling air—each turn was a burst of adrenaline and a welcome contrast to the scorching heat from earlier in the day.

 

This stretch reminded us why we ride—not just for the destination, but for these moments when the bike, the road, and your heartbeat all move in sync.

 

The Last Stretch & One Final Test

We thought we were almost there, and then, surprise! A 200-meter off-road stretch stood between us and our well-earned lunch. Like the universe was saying, ‘You didn’t think it was going to be that easy, did you?’

 

Dusty, uneven, and completely unexpected, this stretch tested the patience and control of 22 hungry riders, tired from the sun and the road.

In hindsight, I told myself, I should have taken a bite at the last break. They say you’re not the same when you’re hungry. ‘Hunger Achhe Achhon Ko Badal Deta Hai’ (Hunger changes even good people).

With slow, calculated moves and a little help from each other, we navigated through it—some with a bit more flair, others with sheer determination. The smell of food, the thought of dropping our bags, and the promise of a cold drink kept us moving.

 

And then, finally, we rolled into the resort. The engines quieted down, helmets came off, and there was a shared look across the group—We made it.

 

That 200-meter off-road section felt like 2 miles. I think my bike was thinking, ‘Are you sure this is the road? I signed up for a ride, not a rollercoaster!’

  

At the Resort

We quickly changed into comfortable clothes, and by the time we stepped out of our rooms, the food was ready and served hot. Just a satisfying lunch. The weather had turned pleasant, which only made the experience better. We sat together, sharing the food, the laughter, and the calm after the ride, each of us savoring the moment.

The rest of the day unfolded at a leisurely pace, with conversations about the ride, shared memories, and plans for the return journey. The bikes got some much-needed attention, but for now, we were content to let time move slower, soaking in the peace that comes after a challenging ride.

 

As evening approached, the energy shifted. The riders gathered again, unwinding from the day’s calm pace, and embraced the cool evening weather with a mix of music, food, and drinks. Laughter echoed as we all relaxed together—no rush, no agenda—just enjoying the day and night.

The Next Day: A Slow Pace & New Adventures

The following day, after a peaceful night’s rest, the resort’s charm kept us in no rush to do much. The early morning sun brought a quiet energy, and we gathered for coffee. Some of us took to exploring the resort grounds—short walks through the surrounding areas, or simply lounging by the poolside, enjoying the cool breeze and the stillness.

The breakfast was quite sumptuous. For the more adventurous among us, there were optional off-roading activities planned. A few riders decided to join the activity, and the rest decided to stretch their legs and enjoy the quiet luxury of doing nothing. There was no shortage of options to relax or explore.

A few of us found our way to the gaming arena, where a PS Tekken 4 game was set up. It didn’t take long for the competitive spirit to kick in. As the matches progressed, the air was filled with shouts, commentary, and playful jabs. The intensity grew, with questionable characters’ and their moves getting critiqued in ways that might not be suitable for all audiences-the kind of roast that would make “Indian Roadies” blush. The banter between players and the onlookers was almost as entertaining as the game itself, turning it into its own little adventure of laughter and loud reactions.

 

By the afternoon, the group reconvened for lunch—a much calmer affair, but just as satisfying.

The competitive energy shifted outdoors in the evening. We gathered for a spirited game of volleyball, followed by some cricket. The game quickly turned into a flashback to our teenage years, with each of us playing to win at any cost. There was no holding back—every pass, every shot, every run was played with the determination to win by hook or crook. We laughed, we argued, and we played like we had nothing else to do but enjoy the game. The fun was infectious, and the old-school competitiveness added a whole new layer to the evening.

 

Off-Road Jeep Ride into the Forest

And just when you thought it couldn’t get crazier, after dinner, we piled into an off-road jeep ride into the forest. Because, you know, nothing screams ‘brilliant decision’ like venturing into the wilderness.

Climbing into the jeep was like signing up for an audition in a horror movie. We were 17 people deep into the back of an open-top pick truck, the kind usually shown in movies transporting labourers 😊. The suspense was killing me—mostly the suspense of wondering if we’d ever make it back.

 

As we ventured deeper into the forest, on one side of the path, a deep, dark pit seemed to drop into nothingness, and turning back was no longer an option.

The deep pit on one side of the jeep felt like the start of a reality show: ‘Survivor: Off-Road Edition.’ The only thing missing was a Director shouting, ‘ACTION!’

 

The possibility of spotting a wild elephant was a tantalizing thought. The trees closed in around us, the rustling leaves and strange sounds of the forest giving us a chill. We were deep in the wild, with no easy way out, and no clear idea of what was ahead. And, oh yeah, we had to leave the next day, which made the whole thing seem even smarter in hindsight.

Let’s just say, it was one of those moments where I questioned my life choices. Deep pit on one side, no way out, and an elephant nowhere to be seen. Great idea, right?

 

I thought, ‘If we hit that pit on the left, at least we’ll make the headlines: “Bikers Lost to the Wild.” Sounds dramatic, doesn’t it?’

 

I should’ve just relaxed at the resort itself.  Recalled the famous dialogue of Vadivelu from Aadhavan: “பேசாம தூங்கி இருக்கலாம். நானே வந்து மாட்டிக்கிட்டேன்“ 😊

 

“Unfortunately—or rather, fortunately—we didn’t sight any wild animals during the trip. Perhaps they were stalking us from distance or hiding in the shadows or maybe they were on the lookout for their next snack—thankfully, they were more interested in their own adventures. Either way, we made it back safe and sound, and without any untimely encounters with the local wildlife!”

 

The Ride Back Home

We left at 5:30 AM to beat the heat. The morning air was cool, and we were optimistic about a smooth ride. However, just like on the way in, we faced the same off-road challenges getting out of the resort—rough terrain that tested our patience and skill once again.

Once we finally hit the smooth roads, the ride towards Salem was a breeze. We stopped at Ramas Café, Aathur for breakfast, where one of the waiters treated us exceptionally well. It was a small but memorable moment. We also struck up a side conversation with the counter guy, who shared his own experiences with motor vehicles. It made for a pleasant, unexpected chat.

The Journey’s End

After breakfast, it was just miles and miles of riding, as we made our way toward the city. The sun was blazing by the time we reached the urban sprawl, the heat almost overwhelming in the midday hours.

We started early at 5:30 AM and we were trying to outrun the sun like it was an angry ex, but guess what? The sun caught up with us anyway. We pulled into the city like we just finished an Ironman event. Well, without the medals, but with the same level of exhaustion and a desperate need for ice cream.

 

As the ride finally came to an end, the sense of accomplishment was undeniable. Though we faced our share of difficulties—be it the off-road stretches, the burning midday sun, or the unpredictable nature of the journey—the spirit of the ride remained intact. Everyone made it home safely which is the ultimate objectives.  We had a successful trip and shared memories lingering long even after the ride was over. 

Despite my initial doubts, choosing to ride turned out to be the right decision. The journey, filled with unexpected challenges ended up being a rewarding experience.

Not every ride begins with fanfare. Sometimes it starts with doubts, delays, and detours. But once you’re back in the saddle, it somehow all makes sense again.

 

“In every ride, there’s a story waiting to be told.” This is one such story.