Got a opportunity away from work to put in a small ride a couple of weekend’s ago. It was cool with December coming up soon. The bike ran well and I gave it a few rest stops on the 4 – lane highway and away from it. Here are some pictures and the story.
This is the first stop. I was passing traffic well and after a while of spirited riding, this farm near (or was it beyond) Mandya was a welcome stop. The fine breeze and waving stalks are soothing. After being in the hectic Mysore Road traffic.
Stopped amongst the giants lining some back-roads. Being a giant is relative. I remember a coconut water vendor here the last time I was here and was looking for him. No vendor, but a good place to hangout.
Soon, the clean views were replaced by the dusty roads of Coorg, as I took the Virajpet deviation. Had to wait around for a bit to get the dust just right. On the soft dust, the Tour Master boots have a very moon-landing feel to it. I did not like the stock tyres much on this terrain.
For a 9k INR phone, the Xolo Q-800 does a good job. All pictures here are from it.
Soon, it was time for great roads, though. And, this is in Kodagu district. Serene. I was suddenly in no hurry to reach the destination. Spent some time here, till the afternoon traffic started picking up. Time to move on towards my destination.
If I were to say tea gardens of Coorg, people would jump and say, “You mean coffee!” But, here’s proof that Coorg also has tea gardens. Only a little part, but it’s there.
It was beginning to get late. The GPS location, led me deep into the wrong estate. With growling owners and their dogs, I scampered out quickly. Using directions from locals, I just head on and finally reached the place I was heading to.
Keeping the name of the place in mind would have helped, but this what I didn’t do.
It turned out the place was pretty popular and had I asked for it by name, I would have found it easily. Next time though.
The next morning, HotFix gave me a little fright not starting. But, it all ended with just a fuse change, nothing that experienced hands of friends couldn’t fix. I cannot remember if I forgot to switch off the bike the previous night or not. But, the problem has not reoccurred since.
The route on the way back was roundabout for me ending up at the Hassan road side of Bangalore. But, I am not complaining since most of the terrain looked like this.
The two REs on the ride, Forest Green Bullet 500s.
We made some time for lunch too, nice little military hotel on Hassan Road.
Just as I head onto NICE road, HotFix spluttered and came into reserve. But, it was a nice spot to take pic! Just took the option of running it along till it ran out of fuel and see if I make it to the turn off near home. There’s a SHELL fuel pump, and that was my target.
Just before getting off NICE road and heading home. Luckily I now know that my motorcycle at the very least runs 33 kilometers on reserve.
This one picture shows the best of what the place has to offer. Still cannot remember the name, many months later.
Ride safe, till next time!