Date: 17th August 2008
With all the hurdles crossed (objections from parents not to go out for ride due to eclipse and stuff), had finally succeeded to convince them to give me the green signal.
Scheduled start 5 am, however invariably got delayed by 45 mins and left my house at 5.45 am. Headed straight to the petrol bunk, only to see it not opened yet. Did not want to waste any further time, headed towards Tumkur. Hit reserve about 20 kms to Tumkur. Refueled to the brim and ready to ride, continued cruising at around the three figure mark. The roads were pretty smooth up to Birur, but not without irritating road humps near every damn village on the National Highway (NH – 206).
Stopped at Shimoga for breakfast, after a nice tasty idli sambar and a super strong coffee continued riding. Just after 10 odd kms, the rain gods were at full play. Put the rain gear on, also with a wide smile on my face. It was quite some time from the last time I rode in Rain.
Scheduled start 5 am, however invariably got delayed by 45 mins and left my house at 5.45 am. Headed straight to the petrol bunk, only to see it not opened yet. Did not want to waste any further time, headed towards Tumkur. Hit reserve about 20 kms to Tumkur. Refueled to the brim and ready to ride, continued cruising at around the three figure mark. The roads were pretty smooth up to Birur, but not without irritating road humps near every damn village on the National Highway (NH – 206).
Stopped at Shimoga for breakfast, after a nice tasty idli sambar and a super strong coffee continued riding. Just after 10 odd kms, the rain gods were at full play. Put the rain gear on, also with a wide smile on my face. It was quite some time from the last time I rode in Rain.
Nice sweeping bend enroute to Sagar from Shimoga
The paddy fields @ Talaguppa
Arrow straight roads with paddy fields on either side @ Talaguppa 
Thanks to the late start and the rain, reached Jog almost an hour late from schedule, which actually ruined the latter part of the plan. I expected quite a few people to visit Jog during weekend in Monsoon, but there were loads of people. Parked the bike and the rain just got heavier. Huh no respite from rain at least to click photos. Found a place where I can take shelter from rain and try my hand at the cam. Clicked a few pics and headed straight to a small hotel there. Had nice hot chapati and palav and left Jog at around 2.30 pm.
Rain Drops
Umbrella and the rain
With the rain gods still at play and with very little traffic, enjoyed riding not without taking the sweeping bends with good leaning exercise. Rode till Tarikere, but saw a sign board with info that Bhadra dam is only 19 kms, it was pretty inviting to get there. Took the deviation and headed towards the dam. Initially the roads were excellent and started deteriorating to an extent where there was no tarmac at all. The suspension bottomed out at least half a dozen times. Spent about 15 mins there (it was still raining but not as heavy as when I was at Jog).
Bhadra Dam
Rode back till Tumkur and then stopped for a cup of coffee. The weather was dry and I sighed a bit of relief, but the relief was short lived, just after about 5 kms, it started pouring again to an extent where there was water flowing on the highway, invariably reduced the average speed. Finally reached home at 9.15 pm.
Only a little part of life reclaimed. Hoping to ride in the rain more very soon!!!!
Only a little part of life reclaimed. Hoping to ride in the rain more very soon!!!!
Trip Stats
Distance covered: 828.7 kms
Total Trip Duration: 15 hours and 35 mins
Fuel costs: 19.8 Litres @ Rs. 1137/-
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