Archeriostichaos

Rides in the last 2 years

2010-09-06T13:39:00.002+05:30

Here is a list of rides (worth mentioning IMO) that I have undertaken in the last couple years. The hyperlinks would direct you to BCMTouring.com, where I am a member and moderator.

Pabbar Valley - Himachal Pradesh

Lahaul & Spiti Valley - Himachal Pradesh

Kunjakhadak - Uttarakhand

Triund Trek - Himachal Pradesh

Hatu Peak - Himachal Pradesh

Kausani - Uttarakhand

I hope you have enjoyed reading some of the logs and the pictures.

Cheers!

MNS and the National Socialists

2009-11-10T03:03:00.002+05:30

I fully support the suspension and beg to differ with the official view of The Times. The electorate is responsible for electing these hooligans and they shouldnt get away. MNS is a racist party, supported by racists who have no place in India forget Maharashtra. Unfortunately, the lame duck system will let Raj Thackerey get away with this, he and his bunch of skinheads deserves a punishment of the highest order for conspirating against the State of India and trying to wage a war against the State of India. They have blatantly violated basic previledges provided by the Indian constitution to all her citizens too many times.

In a previous post I had mentioned how neo-Nazi MNS is and today's incident of MNS MLAs attacking a fellow member elected by thousands of common Marathis proves this to the hilt. Their hatred towards the Hindi speaking population is slowly showing signs of similarity with Adolf Hitler's mindless hatred towards the jews. It is time that the Indian state views MNS and their supporters in the same light Europe and the world saw Hitler and the SS, the reaction should be similar as well - complete neutralisation of racist bigots who deserve no life and place under the Indian sun.

NCR - National Calamity Territory

2009-08-13T01:42:00.001+05:30

90% of the properties in NCR (including Delhi) have a hugely (and obscenely) inflated price tag attached to them and people have bought them taking 20 year bank loans while working in BPOs, Call Centres, IT Sector and other non stable jobs. An Indian sub prime meltdown in the making? The 2 BHKs and 3 BHKs in Gurgaon, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad are worth zilch ( not more than 10-12 lacs) due to the lack of basic infrastructure like power, drinking water, safe neighbourhood and usable public transport but take a look at their price tags.

There is no short term or long term solution to NCR power woes, come 2010 with the Common Wealth Games, Delhi will be brightened up 24/7 leaving the surrounding suburbs of Faridabad and Ghaziabad in darkness. Delhi doesnt have the water resources to produce its own power(hydel), neither its interested in alternative sources like solar power.

Royal Enfield Bullet, eh!

2008-10-17T00:21:00.002+05:30

Writing in after a decade and stirring up what is an eternal debate amongst the Indian motorcycle community. But then this is my blog and I have all the rights to praise or dismiss any product/person/incident, so all you eue-brow raisers can eat my arse!
Ok, so whats the deal with the Bullet? I mean really, my small little 150cc Honda goes faster, handles better, returns greater fuel efficiency, brakes better and is thousandth time more reliable than the 350cc metal fat arses which roll out of the Chennai manufacturer's obsolete gates. I didnot buy a tractor to trail 150kgs of luggage when touring, I bought a frigging motorcycle. Its not without reason that the British motorcycle companies got wiped out by the Japanese whilst the Italians managed to hold on their own.
Pro-Bulleeters argue that Bullet is not about tyre screeching performance, its not about speed, its all about the presence, the old world charm, bla bla and multiple more blas. Well, what they forget that a motorcycle is mostly about, going around that corner faster, no breaking down anywhere and everywhere, not leaking oil like a sick bitch and definitely not costing more than its worth. Yep, I come from a Bulleeter family but all these bullcrap (by most Bulleeters) are simply an offense on the motorcycle which was an essential "trials bike" in UK. Heck, 95% of the present day Bulleeters do not even know that and think the Bullet is a cruiser.
I say, you must be pretty retarded to buy a Bullet and more to ride one. And you vouch for one, someone must surely send you to Guantanomo bay and meet Big Bob.

Postcards from Canada

2008-09-27T01:02:00.003+05:30

Live Free or Die?

2008-07-30T23:17:00.002+05:30

So, in context with the recent serial blasts in Bangalore and Ahmedabad where scores of inncocent people got killed and many hundreds more who had a lucky escape in Surat, its time for some introspection. Is it just a dangerous time to live or the place we live is turning into a clone of Iraq. So what we have is as the following order:
1) Terrorists striking and killing innocent Indians AT WILL, at home and abroad (Indian embassy in Kabul).
2) This is leading to a belief that the Indian intelligence structure has collapsed or was never prepared to handle 21st century terrorism.
3) Complete military inaction by India against the terrorist outfits, most of them are now operating out of camps in Bangladesh as POK and Pakistan is under increased international scrutiny radar.
4) Government's main agenda is to press on with the civil nuclear deal, prioritizing it over serial blasts in major Indian cities which can cripple the economy already burdened with double digit inflation.
So,what next? Where are they gonna strike next? Who amongst us will survive? Is my family safe? The State of India is almost failing to provide the most basic & important aspect of an independent nation, safety of her citizen from external and internal threats. Do we really want ( read need) a corrupted parliamentary democracy which is failing to save our lives or we need something else in this hour of crisis.

Deal Gone Bad

2008-07-09T16:11:00.004+05:30

Some excerpts from the Hyde Act and use your IQ to understand why the Nuke deal is against India's interest!Hyde Act clearly stipulates that this cooperation will come to an end if India detonates any nuclear explosive device. "Section 110 deems “any determination under section 105 and any waiver under section 104 of this Act (which enable this cooperation) ineffective if the President determines that India has detonated a nuclear explosive device after the date of the enactment of the Act.” Language could not be more explicit and direct. Some excerpts from the Indo-US agreement! Point 2.1 provides: “Each Party shall implement this agreement in accordance with its respective applicable treaties, national laws, regulations, and license requirements concerning the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.” And the Hyde Act is that precise US law which allows the United States to enter the agreement with India. An US law thereby becomes binding on India.

In order to thrust this agreement onto the Indian people, the Govt. is weaving the yarn of energy security through this agreement. They are propagating that to sustain the high ‘economic growth’ India needs to accelerate its power generation and that could be done only through nuclear power generation and that is not possible without this agreement. But the facts make it clear that it is just an excuse. India produces only 2.5% of its power needs producing only 3,300 MW though nuclear power generation. Even with the cooperation Agreement with US and all material and equipment supplies coming as envisaged, only 6-7% of the power needs (Approx. 10,000 MW) would be supplied through nuclear power generation. 93-94% of the power needs would continue to be satisfied through other methods of power generation. India has a vast potential for hydro-electric power generation which lies untapped, particularly small projects which can go a long way without causing adverse effects on the people. But small projects mean small money in which the Indian corporates and the Govt. is not interested.

More on IAEA Safeguards and the possible impact if the IAEA fails to implement the safeguards. Clause 10.4 of the Agreement provides: “If the IAEA decides that the application of the IAEA safeguards is no longer possible, the supplier and recipient should consult and agree on appropriate verification measures.” Hyde Act makes the matter even clearer. Section 107 (3) the Act direct the President to ensure “alternate safeguards that conform the IAEA standards and practices in the event the IAEA is unable to implement safeguards required by a U.S.-India agreement.” Is it not abundantly clear that both Agreement and Hyde Act envisage deploying American inspectors? Or, will the U.S. leave the task to Indian inspectors. Indian Govt. has knowingly signed it and then pretends that it is not there!

Wah Taj Boliye!

2008-05-08T13:43:00.002+05:30

Finally, I saw it! I dont really care who built it, but it is definitely one of the most beautiful man made wonders of the world. Ladies and Gentlemen, Archeriostichaos presents you Taj Mahal.

The Non-Bong Connections

2008-05-06T14:46:00.002+05:30

Its either something with me or the Bengalis are a bunch of recently turned reclusives ( which they are not). I mean, since 2001 I am have been living in Delhi NCR and the number of times I have actually stayed with fellow Bengalis is ridiculously out numbered by my time spent with Non-Bengali people. Below is the list of my room/flat mates along with their ethnicity.

Rajeev Kumar Singh - Bihari - 2 years
Nitin Raina - Kashmiri from Bihar - 1 year 6 months
Abhishek Banerjee - Bengali - 1 year
Sanjay Ghosh - Bengali - 1 year
Saumitra Swarnkar - Madhya Pradeshi - 10 months

Loyalty Rights

2008-05-06T14:30:00.003+05:30

There is a familiarly strange thing happening in the travel club that I am a founding member and online moderator . A few of the old timers have not been having a smooth sailing with the club's functioning and activity despite our best efforts. I do not own the club and neither run it, my role is limited to umbrella suggestions, online moderation of the club's forums and an active off-line participant in the various club activities. While I have no business if some members are not happy with the club, what I do not understand is bad mouthing the club in public which they are still a part of. Its a voluntary two-way association that every member has with the club, no body is under a contract to become or stay a member. Its funny and weird when people shy away from standing up and getting counted when needed, bad mouthing the club in front of its founding members and then wanting the limelight which comes from being a member. I do not take my online existence seriously, but seemingly a lot of people cannot separate their real life and virtual existence. While one of these members is a dear friend of mine, others are no demons themselves. I hope everyone concerned realizes the unfortunate eventuality in advance and act accordingly else we would keep the "Happy Ending" bit in the closet only.

Brand Imaging Through Contact Centers

2008-04-29T15:43:00.000+05:30

How many times have you struggled with your cell phone company’s call center to stop those unwanted calls? You get a ‘promise’, only to receive one more call while you are driving or eating! The recent Vodafone advertisement is a stark reminder how a call center is the key catalyst for brand building and sustaining the market image of a gigantic service industry like telecom. FMCG and Consumer Durable companies can build, stabilize and promote their brands by advertising and strengthening their product design and marketing. Their “touch and feel” factor with a long product life gives them an edge in customer acquisition and retention over the service industry. They still require help lines to provide customers with support; however their contact centers mainly take care of the product and not the brand. A dealer would not stop stocking Coca Cola or Hindustan Unilever products just because he did not have a good experience when he called up the helpline. Nor would you throw away your Whirlpool machine if the mechanic can only come after two days!

You would not recommend your cell phone service provider or your internet service provider to friends and family if you come across an obnoxious or ill informed person when you called up their support numbers. A satisfied customer drives repeat business and everyone in this sector worth their salt realizes that. Brand building in the service sector is indeed a painstaking activity but once achieved the rewards are high. The single customer calling for a seemingly “petty issue” who is shooed away by a callous call center exec might have just cost them ten new subscribers. A consumer seldom expects cent percent perfect service but wants a platform where he can be heard. The basic human tendency, to be satisfied with the feeling that a large multi-million dollar company hears your concerns and helps you, is too important to be ignored by any company. That friend of mine who just relocated to Delhi will have no option but to choose Vodafone as his cell phone service provider when I insist how faultless their service and support has been, in my experience, over the last year. Every happy customer becomes a potential ‘free of cost’ brand ambassador with enough clout to influence the decision of at least three other persons.

In the cut-throat competition of the services sector in general and telecom industry in specific, a contact center not only allows you to build your brand but also allows you to gauge customer needs, requirements and pains, enabling proactive measures to go one-up on the competition! This enables a ‘first mover advantage’ to a customer focused provider. With the telecom sector going through increasing deregulation, the average Indian customer is realizing a fact he never knew existed, “Consumer is the King.” The investments required to get their contact centers up to the mark should be insignificant considering that the big and medium players are going through a boom time. It’s not the cost, but the intention which would matter. Vodafone realizes that, so do others. The time for their Contact Centers to stand up and get counted among the rest of the world class ones is NOW, they’d better be ready!

3 Years of Freedom

2008-03-27T20:27:00.001+05:30

My Ivy, my small little motorcycle with an engine of 149.1 cubic centimeters but a heart as big as the Himalayas she frequents with me completed three years on 26th March, 2008! At 36864 kms, she has never failed me irrespective of the terrain she was ridden to, from the signal-to-signal peak hour Delhi traffic to the barren high altitude moonscapisque Ladakh region! As she awaits me in the office parking this evening, I must admit, she changed my life forever and freedom never meant the same without her! I would be raising a toast for the many more miles to ride before we both go to sleep! Thank you girl!

Cheers,
Shamik

Next Big Change

2008-02-19T19:25:00.003+05:30

Archeriostichaos celebrates 100th posts and I have a major announcement to make! One look at the below picture should tell you what it is about, yes, Saddle Sore 1000! When I started this blog way back in August 2005, I had never imagined we would reach this far and now this would be a corner stone for Archeriostichaos. We have come a long way friends, but there are miles to go before I sleep, ok ..enough cliches, let me enjoy the moment and prepare for the Next Big Change!

MBI Awards

2008-02-15T12:05:00.005+05:30

Hello everyone,

The 2008 MBI Rider's Choice Awards is here! The voting has already begun and you do not need to me a member of MBI to vote, every motorcycle enthusiast can vote. Please visit the following link which will take you to the voting page in the MBI portal, expecting all of you to vote for your favourite motorbikes, companies and their websites.

http://www.mbiweb.org/2008/vote.html

NeoNazi Maharashtra?

2008-02-11T16:23:00.000+05:30

The old slogan is out there again, "Maharashtra for Marathis." Scary as it sounds, this is something oviously which fell short to gain any actionable movement from either the elected State Government of Maharashtra and the Central Government. But that can be understood, as both are run in coalition by the Indian National Congress party!

No human life has been lost yet, no blood has been shed yet, there is no riots yet which would get the media involved to the extent that the wanna-be politicians can use to hog the limelight, so just stay shut and enjoy it eh! This is theory that the Maharashtrian politicians are cuddling upto.

The National Integration Act of the Indian Constitution clearly permits all Indians to travel and live freely in any part of India, but there seems to be something which have irked the skinheads of Maharashtra again! Yes, these people are skinheads and this kind of a call for a Maharashtra for Marathis is similar to the call of Adolf Hitler for a "pure German nation." Question that needs to be asked is, what do we label the skinhead family who is behind this racist attack on all non-Maharashtrians specially North Indians in Maharashtra? Racists, skinheads or terrorists! I would say any form of racism is terrorism. Mainstream political parties instigating racist sentiments against Indians in India are nothing but terrorists. They may be doing it for votebank politics, they may be doing it for bringing their party back from oblivion, they may be doing it for any goddamned reason for what I care, they must be treated as terrorists threatning India's intergrity and security.

Mr.Udvav Thackerey has commented yesterday that almost one lakh jobs have been created due to development work in the Mumbai airport and if non-Marathi employees are employed they would be packed up and sent back as cargo! How different it is from Adolf Hitler and his Nazi party threatning jews back in the 30s and 40s in Nazi Germany? Ofcourse, the Congress and NCP led Government lacks the balls to act against any kind of racist and religious terrorism, its time the Article 360 must be invoked in Maharashtra and President's rule must be implemented. An Indian holocaust may not be too far away, if these neonazis are allowed a free run!

And what to do with this fascist terrorist leaders? I have always believed that there should be only one punishment against people threatning India's integrity and security: imprisoned till death!

Ice Age : Redux

2008-02-07T15:22:00.000+05:30

Backdrop
When I used to play cricket & soccer for my school team, I used to visit the local gym(no kidding) for some basic fitness exercises, I precisely remember I used to do some pushups as well(I told ya, no kidding). Well during those days, all most every year I used to head off for Sikkim to my cousins during any sort of vacation in school, playing in the winter snow was an activity I used to wait eagerly for! Many seasons later, come 2008 I had the snow bug biting my brain. Asked many people for company to keep the trip in budget, everyone found an excuse but Dixit couldn’t! Plan was to start at 2 am on Saturday morning, for staying in Khanag and attempt Jalori either by bike or trek.

The Journey To..
Saturday: Narkanda! Yeah, more of it you will find somewhere ahead in the story. We started off at 6 am in the morning, of course that didn’t go according to plan as we were already behind schedule by almost 4 hours. It was supposed to touch freezing temperature, but I was well prepared to counter the chill and soon NH1 opened up! At day break, we were munching paneer paranthas at Jhilmil Dhaba in Karnal. Ambala, Kalka went past and it was business as usual as we kept it nice, steady and fast, curving corners on the way to Shimla. One hour and twenty minutes, that’s what it took us to reach Shimla from Kalka(92 kms). We had decided earlier that we would avoid the long, boring and truck infested Shimla bypass and rode right through the town, we were right, it was short and simple! As we approached Narkanda, snow sighting commenced, first the frozen falls, then the frozen slopes and before we realized Dixit was wheel spinning is way upto Hotel Hatu in Narkanda as Mr.Black Ice drops in to say “hello and welcome to Himachal”.
Sunday: I woke up pretty early, around 6 am and was waiting for the rumeffect to go away, peeped outside the window at around 8 am and for a second I thought I have become colour blind because of too little alcohol, everything was white. We heard from the HPTDC peeps that the snow fall started last night. Well, we watched some cricket all day, walked around, played in the snow for a while, had some Kalpa wine(real naaish) but Miss Snowfall kept on doing just one thing, falling, 18 hours of continuous snowfall..2 feet of snow all around Hotel Hatu and more than one feet on NH22.
Monday: Bright and sunny, its not snowing anymore, but it isn’t melting either! We are running short on cash and I am also running short of leaves in office! Cleaned and started the bikes, rode Ivy down the slope of Hotel Hatu through almost 2 feet of snow(if you can call that riding),as we heard that NH22 was “cleared” last night! Murphy was laughing out loud, Kufri closed and that means we need to ride towards Rampur to take backroads(BRO maintained) which are dry and rideable! This also means, we would have to ride downhill on ice and black ice for 12 odd kms which would offer zero traction and give probable injury(fatal as well) in return, F O Murphy! Bravehearts as we are, we decided to go for it and before we completed the first kilometer, the brain started cursing the heart! We survided, without a single fall we reached Aundi, took 3 and a half hours of ice riding to complete 12 kms..no more snow we were told by locals, but still kept up our vigil for Mr.Black Ice who may want to say “bye, thanks for visting Himachal”! Ivy’s front tire had a puncture at 10:30 pm, luckily we got it repaired before the damn shop had shut for the night, we reached Dharampur at 12:30 midnight and stayed over in a dhaba!
Rode back this morning, ripping through NH1, Ivy clocked a neat 109 kmph on the GPS with a tank bag, semi crouched me(with loads of winter wear).

Way Back from Narkanda:-
Narkanda – Kingal- Vasantpur-Dhaami-Arki-Shalaghat-Spardoo-Dharampur on NH22.

I met Aryan, Moon, Imran and Rumia who were riding to Shimla/Kufri on NH1 and NH22, buggers got me embarrassed once, I hope they had a great ride too.

Note: This was by far the toughest ride of my life and Dixit agreed, and yeah, we did consider and dismiss our Ladakh, Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti riding experience.

Click here for more pictures

Yamaha is Back - 2

2008-01-25T21:04:00.000+05:30

Now, as promised a dedicated post for Yamaha India Motors Limited at the Auto Expo 2008.

What was there: Rx100, RD350, Gladiator Type SS/RS(who cares), YZF R15, YZF R1, MT01, YZ150 and the M1.

What wasnt there: Speculated 250cc.

Lets cut the other bits out and come to the point! The V-Ixion based R5 is here and YMIL has announced they are launching it! Now, if it matches upto its promised 20-22bhp output figures, I am buying the damn thing. This bike is truely modern and the below spec sheet will prove that. Nothing in India can match it in features and technomongerism.

Engine: Liquid cooled, 4 valves.
Transmission: 6 speed
Fuel System: Six hole fuel injection system
Wheelbase: 1290mm
Fuel Tank: 12 litres
Width: 670mm
Length: 1995mm
Height: 1070mm
Ground Clearance: 160mm
Brakes: Front and rear disc brakes
Suspension: Front: Telescopic, Rear: Linked monoshock
Chasis: Twin spar, Deltabox frame.
Tires: Tubeless.

It weighs around 130kgs and with 22bhp this bike would become the fastest Indian production if Yamaha is game! I already own a Yamaha, I know ..may be someday you will too!

Check the bike here

One Photo Post

2008-01-22T18:52:00.000+05:30

This is to remind that The Archer remains an active motorcycle rider and did ride to his favourite Kumaon himalayas on the New Year's eve. The Archer supports the following:-

"Ride Hard or Stay Home"

- Issued against the interest of Armchair riders

9th Auto Expo

2008-01-22T18:22:00.000+05:30

A seemingly never-ending wait for two years ended with the 9th Auto Expo held from 10th to 17th January, 2008 in Delhi. I was there for three days during business hours to catch up on whats hot and whats not in the Indian automotive scene. I will chop off the crap and get straight to business. Lets start with the motorcycles, from the biggest manufacturer to the smallest ones.

Hero Honda:

What was there: Everything they sell and dated Honda Africa twin.

What wasnt there: Anything they dont sell apart from the Africa twin.

What was I expecting to see: A fuel injected Karizma *sigh*!

Remarks: The thunderings from Mr.Munjal not withstanding, its clear Hero Honda doesnot exist without Honda support. I mean c'mmon, they dont manufacture engines neither do they have a strong enough R & D to do it. HHML fans, shift your bases because Archeriostichoas predicts that this company will be lost to oblivion in not so distant future.

Bajaj/KTM/Kawasaki:

What was there: KTM Adventure 990, KTM SuperDuke, KTM Duke, Kawasaki ZX10R, Kawasaki ER6N, Kawasaki ZX6R, Kawasaki Ninja 250R, Kawasaki Vulcan, Kawasaki Z1000, Bajaj Pulsar 220(chromed..yukk), Pulsar 200, XCD Sprint, Blade and Discover 150.

What wasnt there: You kidding me!

What was I expecting to see: Read "What was there", ofcourse they exceeded my expectations.

Remarks: Damn good show BAL! Now, before you launch the CBUs, for heaven's sake revamp that service structure of yours, else we gonna see lodsya Ninja and KTM owners cursing you. And 2.5 lacs for a 30bhp Kawasaki twin, go ahead and sell it to your managers and their kids.

TVS:

What was there: Apache RTR, Apache RTR Fi, Apache RTR Fi with customer performance kits, Flame and some other hybrid concepts.

What wasnt there: The ABS equipped Apache(?) 200cc.

What was I expecting to see: C'mmon TVS, dump those twin rear shocks for the RTR Fi and go the monoshock way! You know you are playing hard at the premium segment and you gotta match up your competition.

Remarks: No non-sense, typically TVS, they didnt showcase much stuff which they wouldnot sell. But the competition is really moving fast and TVS better catchup fast!

Kinetic:

They were not present in the Auto Expo, apparently they cannot afford it. I find it hilarious though, I have a solution, stop sending those faggots of automobile(most of them) to all paid trips to South East Asia to ride 125cc scoots.

Royal Enfield:

What was there: Two tents, sleeping bags and two used AVL 350 and 500 respectively, no kidding here.

What wasnt there: Everything else they sell and would be selling in future.

What was I expecting to see: Unit gearbox equipped 350s and the newly developed fuel injected engine.

Remarks: Someone somewhere needs to set this company back on track. These morons cannot get away like this by treating its home market, India like second grade citizens. The way Royal Enfield treats Indians reminds me of the Britshers(ironic)! They can showcase the UCEs and fuel injected engines in the Birminham NEC and not in India. By the way, they were preaching riding spirit, promoting motorcycle tourism, safe riding, sounds nice otherwise but pure cowdung in the perspective of the auto expo.

Honda and Suzuki:

In short, they were showing off their big bikes and selling timid 125s and 150s in India! Heat, Jeus, modded Unicorn concepts with the Hayabusas and Fireblades. Nothing to write home about, the Japs are holding their cards to their chests.

Yamaha: Dedicated post coming on YMIL shortly(in a day or two)

If you are wondering, where are the photos, pick your lazy ass up and search the internet, its full of them!

An Update on Life

2008-01-22T18:17:00.000+05:30

November 12th was the day! Its a day which now when I look back has seemingly turned my life on its head and turned it for good I guess. You are right homies, I am not a single lad anymore! All that I would be able to share is that she is from Russia and her name is Nadya.

Now at the professional front, things have been really moving at a fast pace in office. I have been shit busy at work, as they say "Working my ass off"! The appraisal's over too and I am waiting for the results in March. Now this is a crucial one, I am expecting a salary correction and I really dont care about anything esle. If I get it, its great but if I dont, I am off!

And no, my current relationship didnot start from November 12th, he he he!

Hibernation Over

2008-01-22T18:12:00.000+05:30

I know its been a looooong time since I have written here about anything. I know I have a lot of things which have happened during this period which I would want to share. I know suddenly this blog looks like its dormant and dead(almost). But you can bet your ass that the hibernation period at Archeriostichaos is over and 2008 will be bigger and better! Updates on my life, the 9th Auto Expo and more...all coming up albeit late and so what?

December 7th

2007-12-07T21:27:00.000+05:30

Work has been so hectic lately that by the time I get home, I am too tired to even pee before I hit the sack[edit: This doesnt apply for the current week]. As I sit and write this, I am too mentally tired to even think what I should write about. I am going to Calcutta on the 11th of this month, finally I will attend a marriage in my family. Gosh! I have been waiting for this for years now...I finally get to meet a major chunk of my family all at once without having me to travel to Tinusia to Timbuctu to do that...yipee! What esle? Nothing much that I would be writing about right now, 'cause my extension is ringing again: another conference call that I need to attend may be..phew!

Cuarto viaje a Pushkar

2007-12-04T16:00:00.000+05:30

I am in no mood to ride a log for a trip to Pushkar, heck it was my fourth visit to the place in as many years. The ride to Pushkar was nice and smooth if you dont count my balls getting freezed by the cold throughout the night ride! Riding back was a real nice experience, pleasant and fast with the tacho pegged at 7K rpm most of the time! p.s. Despite being my nth number of ride out, this was the first time I had a pillion (a friend). The bike performed superbly, no stress, no roughness, just a smooth cruise at 85-90kmph! And lest I forget, she has now run more than 5.5K kms without an oil change (yep, that includes the trip to Ladakh) : Motul 300V rocks!

Some pics..

In line - 4

Enjoy the Silence

Ghost of The Desert

More pictures at: BCMTouring.Com

Yamaha - Welcome Back

2007-12-04T15:36:00.000+05:30

Time: Approximately 1230 hours

Venue: Le Meridian Hotel, New Delhi

Occassion: Yamaha Motors India Limited launched 2008 YZF R1 and MT 01 in India!

So What: Go and break your bank, becuase...

Price: 10.5 lacs INR (and if you have the money ready) ...

Available from: Exclusive outlets in Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai and Ahemedabad.

When: Bookings starts soon.

So, its official now, Superbikes are here in India and hopefully they are here to stay! For better and only for better, lets raise a toast as we celebrate this historical day in the history of motorcycling in India. So what, if they lost the plot for a decade in India, so what if they gave us some insipid motorcycles which no one bought, so what they broke our hearts for so long...they had given us the RD350, the RX series and now the R1 and the MT 01. As they say, "Some day you will own a Yamaha." Thank you Yamaha!

2008 Yamaha YZF R1 & 2008 Yamaha MT 01

Picture Courtesy: Yamaha Motors Europe

Early Deepawali

2007-11-07T15:45:00.000+05:30

Deepawali, the festival of lights is knocking on the door! Its Dhanteras today, its supposed to be an auspicious day to buy gold because that may bring you good luck! Archeriostichaos wishes every reader a very Happy Deewali! If you are wondering why so early, please check back late tonight!

And as always every there is a celebration in Archeriostichaos, we post a picture which we think is pretty neat! Here's the one for today, Moonrise over Munsyari.

May GOD bless you all!

Hero Honda Hunk

2007-10-17T19:20:00.000+05:30

May this piece of Junk..err..Hunk go down the drain in the sales chart and take Hero Honda along with it!
Though the following sentences will seem very much off-topic here, it is not, its a great time to put HHML on the blocks! The volumes are second to none, great brand value in the market but with margins shrinking every quarter, its a good time for the Munjals to ask Honda to buy HHML out!
How will we benefit? Firstly, we wont get bikes which are more like slogans of same sex rights groups.Secondly, we will not be disappointed everytime a "premium" segment bike is rolled out of the "hallowened" gates of Manesar. Thirdly, it will allow Honda to finally consolidate in India for good and bring in more products. Finally, it will free up the production lines which are now manufacturing the mills for Unicorn, Achiever, CBZX and now the Hunk!

Anyways, here is the Hunk! Courtesy : Rearset

Line of Control - Peace Sells But Who is Buying?

2007-10-16T22:06:00.000+05:30

As the famously sung by Megadeth, "Peace Sells, But Whoz Buying" ... the Daal Lake in Shrinagar beautifully disguises the reality in Kashmir. The Kashmir that you would never see, watching through the TV via the rigged out news channels who only potray the fundamentalist attacking and killing Kashmiris and the jawans of our forces.

More on the "Line of Control" some day later, here is one to Kashmir. May the state and its people finally see some real peace and prosperity, amen!

Impressions: Bangalore

2007-09-18T23:07:00.000+05:30

I know this is not keeping words, but my impressions about Bangalore was not posted due several reasons! Anyways, no excuses here, I sincerely apologize for this more than a month long delay. Here it is, in points and in order of my preference which I accord while trying to judge a particular place.

Climate:The weather rocks! I have never been to any place in the plains during the month of August and felt like the entire city is air-conditioned.

Food: Though I absolutely dislike idli-sambhar and Bangalore pleasantly surprised me with the variety of sea-food which is available. The nuemerous coffee shops are a boon for a coffee & tea buff like me, the newly opened Soul Cafe in MG Road gets a thumbs up from me. Ohh, I almost missed it, I had some really mouth watering chicken chettinad.

People: At par with my homecity, Calcutta if not better in some aspects. The huge influx educated, self-dependent population gives this city an unique cosmopolitan feel like few other in India. The Bangaloreans are a bunch of chilled out, friendly, majorly peaceful peeps who are an absolutely joy to deal with. The absence of Delhisque "jaat deemag"s were such a welcome refreshment for me.

Pubs & Bars: I went to Styx along with some other places in MG Road, they play some real neat rock music and serve some good draught beer at prices unimaginable in Delhi, the atmosphere is also very conducive indeed. No snyde remarks/looks at women who are in for a drink like in Delhi! The sheer numbers of bars are amazing and cheap beer with some real nice places make Bangalore the beer-capital of India, hic hic hurray!

Roads & Traffic: One word, "sucks"!

Overall, in a scale of 1 to 10 with the direction of good being up, I will rate Bangalore at 7, a good 4 points above Delhi and only 1 down from Calcutta.

The Bangalore sky in August!

More Plains - Solitude Series

2007-09-13T23:51:00.000+05:30

Another one added to my Solitude Series of photographs. This one shows me with my motorcycle in More Plains in Ladakh in September, 2007!

Along the Line of Control - I

2007-09-13T23:35:00.000+05:30

Sitting in office after a gruelling and traffic packed 24 hour ride from Srinagar to Delhi is not something I dream of, but heck, thats what they call nightmares, don't they?
On my ride back from Leh to Delhi, I crossed through some areas which are mostly out-of-bound for mere mortals like us and reserved for those who either don the khakis, Indian or the Pakistani.
A deliberate attempt to skip the regular Leh-Lamayuru- Fotu La- Kargil saw me ride through the Aryans inhabitated region of Dah Hanu, a good 50 kilometres of superbly metalled, joyously truckless(read trafficless) where I lost count of how many times Indian Army reminded me of the fact that I am under enemy surveillance.

I am not regretting the fact that I didnot click a single picture abiding by the Indian Army request(or orders), but the satisfaction of travelling through a new place, alone, on my motorcycle, meeting and chatting up some really interesting folks - good ol' days are back again at Archeriostichaos it seems!

This series of posts are not about my ride to Ladakh ( it was more of a personal vacation anyways) but how the Army, the LoC and the people are learning to live with each other and die as well (involuntarily ofcourse). I will write a more detailed take on this tomorrow!

As for the pictures from the ride, they will be posted once in a while, they are more of a personal collection.

ELBUOD TAKE

2007-08-31T19:05:00.000+05:30

For the next two weeks, I will be heard of here http://www.bcmtouring.com/ladakh-2007/

See you people, lots to write about, September 2007 will see a whopping number of posts in Archeriostichaos.

Dosage # 3 - SARCASM Rules

2007-08-23T18:27:00.000+05:30

OK some of them are bordering the "funny" sector as well, but what the heck...

Who says nothing is impossible. I have been doing nothing for years.
Ability is what will get you to the top if the boss has no daughter.
Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you are a mile ahead and you have their shoes.
The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket.
I used to eat a lot of natural food until I learned that most people die of natural causes.
I know KungFu, Karate and ….. 47 other dangerous words.
It matters not whether you win or lose; what matters is whether I win or lose.

BACK

2007-08-16T22:05:00.000+05:30

Archeriostichaos is BACK, alive and kicking ass..again! The upgradation mentioned previously is still under progress and should be completed within next 15 days.

Watch this space for some recent photographs of Bangalore in August '07 and also my first impression about the "Cyber-Garden" City, coming up tomorrow!

Magical Moments of '06

2007-07-19T22:23:00.000+05:30

This is perhaps the best moment that I have captured in my camera during the year of 2006.

Panchachulli peaks, Munsyari, Kumaon, Uttaranchal, against a setting sun!

Dosage # 2 - SARCASM RULES

2007-07-19T14:18:00.000+05:30

I received these from a friend, couple of them are real nice and I have put them in bold!

- Be kind to animals, take your boss for lunch.

- It doesn't matter whether you are rich or poor as long as you have money.

- Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.

- Do hermits ever suffer from peer pressure?

- Why did kamikaze pilots wear helmets?

Sarcastic Quote of the Week

2007-07-17T23:32:00.000+05:30

If you surveyed a hundred typical middle-aged Americans, I bet you'd find that only two of them could tell you their blood types, but every last one of them would know the theme song from the 'Beverly Hillbillies'. -- Dave Barry

Celebration Time

2007-07-17T19:58:00.000+05:30

As I write this post and hit the "Publish Post" button, @rcheriostichaos would be 75 posts long! When I started this blog back in August 2005, I never knew this milestone would be achieved. Thank you all (everyone of you) who have read this blog at some point of time or the other and a special thanks to all of you come back often. @rcheriostichaos, unlike millions of the blogs in the internet is not reader-centric, it is simply an expression of my life, passions and the pictorial display of places that I visit! Signing off with a picture from Binsar.

Lost in the Clouds: Binsar

2007-07-10T21:41:00.000+05:30

Last weekend the moderators of BCMTouring rode out, the inspiration to ride to the hills during monsoon was provided by the Pune and Bangalore guys, thank you people!
We rode to Binsar, a small wildlife sanctuary located in the heart of Kumaon, just 20 odd kilometres from Almorah.

TO

Met Salil at the 12-22 sector junction in Noida at 0345 hours on Saturday morning, by 0400 hours we were on the NH24, heading towards Hapur bypass.

Its 0600 am, we are approaching Moradabad bypass, damn that itch to smoke, took a 10 minute stop for tea and ciggies. The worn out AGV visor gets nice cleanup job, back to the highway. Newly constructed 6 lanes, hit the ton for the first time during this trip!

Rampur crossed, pot holes showup in numbers, dont want to slow down, keep the throttle at 90kmph, next thing we have crossed Bilaspur and heading to Haldwani.
0800 hours, reach Haldwani, made good time to cross ~270 kms in 4 hours flat! Salil complains of a rear tire wobble, rear axle bearing expires, we replace it. 2 hours down the drain along with a lot of sweat, humidity touching 90%!

Greenery all around, blissful tramac, inviting twisties, Salil tries to shoot a running video and stops immediately, its monsoon, I discover SunilG's riding jacket which I mooched off is not waterproof! Beautiful monsoon vistas at Bhimtal, go trail hunting before crossing the crowded junction at Bhowali and racing towards Almorah.
One of the best hill roads in the country, pegs kiss the tarmac before the speedo clips the ton mark, the new Dunlop 100/90 rocks - Almora crossed.
On the Bageshwar road, spot several Israelis, mostly women (two hotties).. smelling marijuana in the air! Whether to stay in Binsar or outside, dillema and some more, we reach the Sanctuary gate. Figured that cheaper rooms at KMVN(Rs.600 double bed) are available. Serpentile forest road, lots of photography stops.
Picture-perfect Binsar Mahadev temple on the way, click click click! Forests look like tropical rain forests, moss on the road and the trees. Occupy a double bed in the KMVN and head to the terrace to enjoy the view. Someone said, zero point, sunset... rush to the place to watch the sunset, spellbounding vistas again!

FRO

Salil wakes me up at 0500 hours, irritated and sleepy...light up a smoke! Its raining outside, stops in 10 minute...clouds play around Binsar till we left the KMVN at 0800 hours. Riding down with the clouds and the moss filled forest...lots in thoughts and desire to capture the moments...take almost 2 hours to reach Almorah!
Its raining hard...the new Dunlop is worth its salt...take turns at 60kmph..Salil advises to slow down..accepted! As the road opens up..forget the advise, 8000 rpm ...truck loads of fun...waiting for Salil at Bhowali.
Back on the plains, speedo needle hovers at 90 kmph..cross Moradabad bypass... a cop stops us...asks for bribe..alleged overspeeding. Bargain the price .. 100 bucks each..disgusted ..speed some more! Reach home to find Manik(manik058), Sandy and Eric(popsha) partying..DJ(Devil.DJ) joins in later..Fosters it is...asleep and content!

Total Distance: ~800 kms
Fuel Average: ~50kmpl

Lost in the Clouds

Kumaon Roads: As I know them...

S-A-R-C-A-S-M RULES

2007-07-06T01:23:00.001+05:30

This I have to admit, I am a pretty sarcastic guy at times. I enjoy it, yeah, go ahead and call me a "weirdo" for that, but you are not going to take away this small joy from me..he he! I have a nice collection of sarcastic quotes which I have collected for [s]months[/s] some time now! Here is the first installment, 25 of them all! I bet if you are someone who reads my blog, you will enjoy them.

1. "Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege." – Anonymous
2. "Eat well, stay fit, and die anyway." – Anonymous
3. Sometimes I need what only you can provide: your absence.
- Ashleigh Brilliant
4. I feel so miserable without you; it's almost like having you here.
- Stephen Bishop
5. I never forget a face, but in your case I'll be glad to make an exception.
6. The United States is a nation of laws: badly written and randomly enforced.
- Frank Zappa
7. The 100% American is 99% idiot.
8. The trouble with her is that she lacks the power of conversation but not the power of speech.
- George Bernard Shaw
9. He has no enemies, but is intensely disliked by his friends.
- Oscar Wilde
10. He was happily married - but his wife wasn't.
- Victor Borge
11. I didn't attend the funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of it.
- Mark Twain
12. If you ever become a mother, can I have one of the puppies?
- Charles Pierce
13. I don’t suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it.
14. Sarcasm helps keep you from telling people what you really think of them.
15. I’m smiling. This should scare you.
16. Nothing is more discouraging than unappreciated sarcasm.
17. If you’re one in a million, there are six thousand people exactly like you.
18. I’m not a complete idiot, some parts are missing.
19. A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking.
20. I’m not sure what’s wrong… But it’s probably your fault.
21. This place is so weird that the cockroaches have moved next door.
22. The world will end tomorrow (unless postponed by rain).
23. I never admit or deny anything it makes me more interesting.
24. Whatever you do, don’t congratulate yourself too much. You’re not that good.
25. A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government.
-- Edward Abbey

Ze Rain Ride Starts

2007-07-02T22:52:00.000+05:30

Where: Dwali or wherever the road-ends in that part of Kumaon, towards Pindari Glacier.

When: 3rd August, 2007

Why: Why not?

How : Personal vehicles (e.g. motorcycles and cars)

Who: Entries open today(2nd July '07)

Now what: Ask, suggest and confirm!

Dillema: Home is where the Heart Is

2007-06-23T02:03:00.000+05:30

Or...

JappedDown by 7

2007-06-22T20:54:00.000+05:30

MotoGp circus arrives in Donnigton Park, UK! Its heart of Europe, Mugello and Cataluniya are done and dusted! That big red Desmosedici Gp7 still stunning everybody while brunching the competition over the start-finish straights and if that was not enough is increasingly getting faster on the corners too. Bridgestones is one..wait, way up over Michelline. The Zooks, the RCVs, the Kwackers and the Yammies are down with the Gp7 viral attack. Yamaha still waiting for the Doctor, but seems the Gp7 is too quick to even bother. Boy! I am loving it!

Photo Courtesy: DUCATI

Blank stares and the Rain

2007-06-19T01:26:00.000+05:30

Its been a year since I have written something about myself, I mean apart from the two wheeled ever lasting fascination and my eternal attraction towards India trotting. I surely have a life beyond this, or so do I think? So whats I have been upto?
This weekend was a pleasant break from the bum burning heat wave which swept Northern India, leaving almost a 100 people DEAD! Last weekend was a welcome respite with the rain gods providing that ever-so-rare smile on Delhi, ok..they kind of laughed out loud. The afternoon reminded me of my teenage years in erstwhile Calcutta ( I hate typing "Kolkata" suddenly), when I would just sit by the glass window in my room, stare outside as it pour relentlessly for hours with Floyd on!! I would do it for hours, every day, till the monsoon lasted and back in Kolkata it lasts for a good 6 months. I love rains.
But this weekend was not amongst the best weekends of my life. I realize my melancholiness as I had the time to introspect while it poured outside, with me sitting by the window..again! I am not upset with life, not mad at someone, not caring about the next Prez(as of now) but still I am sad. I cannot explain why I am though, but I guess I can come up with some reasons as I write this paragraph. Firstly, lets face it, I am alone, mentally! I am staying with a friend since this month and my new place rocks! Our common friends visit us over the weekends in numbers, time flies by..but I like I said, I feel as if I am alone. Secondly, interlinked with first oviously, I am not riding motorcycles as of now. My interest on Man's second best creation is still as much as ever, I dont even miss the 125cc class of the MotoGp rounds, but I myself have almost given up on riding. Why? I dont know! I even bunked out of the ride to Spiti valley, a place where I really wanted to ride to..but I opted out, I dont know, I just dont have it in me at the moment. Lastly and perhaps most importantly...ohh..a phone call I which I cant avoid..hang on!

Resuming where I left last night, yes, the most important reason for this feeling, "I NEED A BREAK." I know this is cliched and utterred by everybody and their uncle in every 5 minutes, but I am serious on it. I haven't been on a vacation leave since last October and I seriously need one, right NOW! I need a break from work, from Delhi, from family, from a few of my friends, from motorcycles, from rides, from travel club meets, from almost everybody and everything I know! I need sometime with myself, outside Delhi, in some mountain hamlet devoid of any tourists and I need the rains. Seldom do I seek isolation so desperately as I am seeking right now. By the way, it didnot rain in Delhi today!

Still Breathes FIRE!

2007-06-14T01:48:00.000+05:30

No, its not the Ducati 916, though the bike that you see was designed by the Lord himslef, Massimo Tamburini in 1994. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the Cagiva Mito 125, one of the last production two strokes still around! 33bhp of pure performance displacing only 125 odd cubic centimetres. More details here!

Just Like That

2007-05-29T02:33:00.000+05:30

"Winding in and winding out
It fills my mind with serious doubt
As to wheather the lout
who built this route
Was going to Hell or coming out!"

I dont know who wrote/sung this (if you do, then please let me too) But its nice, aint it?? Damn, I need to hit the hills again...soon!

Frozen Feet - Yamaha India

2007-05-24T18:20:00.000+05:30

Just when it was time for Yamaha to come out with the competition killing 150cc, they are in the press again! No, YMIL was not giving any previews of the bike, instead they freezed in their steps, yet again! The V-Ixion, which Yamaha was planning to launch, got some really yummy specs, and seemed perfect for the ever evolving Indian 150cc segment.

Cubic Capacity:150cc

Peak Power: 14+bhp

Fuel Injected.

Liquid Cooled.

Deltabox Frame.

And a good 15kgs lighter than the TVS Apache RTR, we were about to talk but *sigh* ! Nevertheless here is the V-Ixion.

Pictures: Yamaha Motor Corporation.

Goes Like a Bullet...Really ?

2007-05-19T02:23:00.000+05:30

Its finally here, what I hear that RE dealers have started accepting booking for the much awaited Royal Enfield AVL 500, re-badged in India as the Machismo 500! The AVL500 is what RE has been exporting to UK and US as the Electra 500X for some time now! For India, they have given the (sticky but expensive) Avon tires a miss . At 187 kgs, I dont expect any major difference in performance (in absolute terms) from the CI 500. A unit gearbox would have made this Bullet real quick, with less power loss in transmission, but as it seems RE developed cold feet when they could ...oh wait! May be the unit gearbox's first target is their volume bikes(dont laugh) - i.e. the 350s!

Picture Courtesy: Royal Enfield

Yamaha's Last Stand in India -III

2007-05-19T01:44:00.000+05:30

And that my friend, is a Delta-Box frame! And if you are thinking this is the much touted and the underpowered Fazer 250, you haven't been following Yamaha closely enough, atleast in recent months.

More photos and some information ..*deleted* after the weekend!

Yamaha's Last Stand in India

2007-05-18T20:17:00.000+05:30

Look Ma! Thats a radiator..on a motorcycle!

The Last Stand

2007-05-18T02:19:00.000+05:30

Well, this very well could be(read is) the last salvo from Yamaha in India! This is the one which would decide their fate here...this is with what they make their last stand, does it have enough ammo ??

More coming up tomorrow!

Picture Courtesy: Yamaha Motor Corporation.

Sweet Shine of Mine!

2007-05-16T01:26:00.000+05:30

Cutting out the cribbing bit about lack of big bikes from the Japanese in India, the new Shine looks cool to me! Single tone is definitely "in" and thats how the bike should have been right since when it was launched. I hope HMSI racks up the numbers now!

The official Press Release from HMSI :-
Honda’s mass market motorcycle in India Honda Shine with cutting edge Honda technologies to define new benchmarks in 125cc segment. "Optimax" engine especially developed by Honda's R&D to bring the best balance of pickup and mileage for 125cc riders in India. "Ergo Tec" Design for enhanced riding comfort and ease of handling. "Black Alloy Wheels" Black alloy wheels to make a style statement. "New Stylish Body Graphics" New-age body graphics for making heads turn. North and central zone roll out by 17th April, All India roll-out by April 28th. HMSI to expand sales and service network to get closer to customers. Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd., a 100% fully owned subsidiary of Honda Motor Company Japan, - the largest manufacturer of two wheelers in the world – today entered the newly emerging 125cc motorcycle market with the launch of Honda Shine. Honda Shine is powered by a newly developed 125cc 'Optimax' engine, which maintains Optimum input for maximum output and incorporates cutting edge technologies to deliver best balance of mileage and pickup. Designed to ensure superior ride quality and ease of handling through revolutionary Ergo Tec design, which is based on Human engineering Honda Shine will set new benchmarks in the Indian 125cc motorcycle segment.Honda Shine was unveiled today by Mr. Motohide Sudo, Executive Vice President, Asian Honda Motor Company Ltd. and Mr. Yukihiro Aoshima, President and CEO, HMSI. Honda Shine comes loaded with cutting edge technologies coupled with international quality appeal with new intelligent style.Equipped with a host of advanced technologies like Multi Mapping CDI, Tumble Flow Combustion Chamber, Long Intake Pipe and Connecting Tube, CV Carburetor, 2 Way Air Jacket and Pulse Exhaust System, the 125 cc ’Optimax’ engine delivers class leading 10.3 BHP (err...Discover 125 is still more powerful-A) which enables Honda Shine to deliver the best balance of pickup and mileage.Honda Shine completes a 0 – 60kmph run in just 5.3 secs (sad joke - A) and returns a class leading 65 kmpl in the process in the Indian riding mode. (Indian riding model is actual riding simulation in Indian cities by Honda).Honda Shine’s "Ergo Tec" Design with lightweight advanced diamond frame and double suspension offers superior absorption of shocks & vibrations thus providing excellent ride comfort & stability. Riding position based on human engineering ensures, less fatigue and firm & wide seating space with comfortable seating posture for pillion rider.Honda Shine has been endowed with new modern intelligent style appeal, which possesses a balance of decent looks with tough & macho appeal and an image of sporty looks with international taste. Features like tank to seat flow, muffler incline and moderate bending forward style coupled with impressive Fuel tank knee grip, New-age body graphics with frills & finish of each body element and International Honda design, Aerodynamic front cowl(ha ha ha..*deep breath*..ha ha ha-A), Black Alloy Wheels, Grab Rail, Simple yet Intense tail lamp and Integrated & smooth continuous parts structure lend the HONDA SHINE a Decent and stylish look.Honda Shine also comes equipped with host of innovative features like puncture resistant Tuff-up tube, Primary Kick and Self Start for easier city riding etc.Honda Shine will be launched zone wise beginning North and Central zones from April 17, 2006, followed by South Zone on 27th April and West and East Zone on 28th April. The self start versions (drum brake as well as disc brake) will be launched by July 2006. Honda Shine will be available in five distinct colours - Wild Purple Metallic, Champion Blue Metallic, Black, Alpha Red Metallic and Geny Grey Metallic.

Faster

2007-05-09T02:42:00.000+05:30

Cliched ? I know...clicked last Sunday, on NH8 in Rajasthan while returning from a longish drive!

Great Ganges at Rishikesh

2007-05-01T02:20:00.000+05:30

Herez the final photographic evidence of the Rishikesh trip!

The Great Ganges: Calm...

...and Furious!

Solitude !

2007-04-27T02:13:00.000+05:30

Nothing much to write home about! It was my first ride of the year, i.e. on the first weekend of April. A nice lil trip to Rishikesh with Adrian aka Leppard! Enjoyed it very much, rafting, body surfing and drinking ganga jal right outta the river: all a first for me!

PEAK SEASON: STARTED

2007-04-24T02:28:00.000+05:30

As promised...starting off with a teaser!

Approaching Hatu Peak, Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh!

In 24 hours

2007-04-14T00:05:00.000+05:30

In another 24 hours....Another new destination, another ride, again to the snowlands of Himalayas! More details once I am back.

Warning: Low Oxygen

2007-03-29T01:44:00.000+05:30

Coming Up..in 70 days time!! Snow, slush, blue skies and moonscapisque roads at 12000 feet above sea level. Watch this space !

Motorcycle Bloggers International Member

2007-03-22T23:33:00.000+05:30

Archeriostichaos is now a proud member of Motorcycle Bloggers International (MBI) member. What is MBI all about ? Click on the logo to know more about them..after all Riding and Writing is all we love to do !

50th Anniversary Post

2007-03-01T00:05:00.000+05:30

Hello citi and netizens! This is the 50th post in blogspot by the Archer, and this will be a special post, I will combine the various aspects of my life, our country and motorcycles! If that doesnt make it sound good, then even winning the Nobel and the Oscars on the same weekend wont!

Life has been getting boring month after month, my 6th year in this get-your-balls-fried&freezed-city of Delhi isnt helping much either. I never liked this city, now I am just pondering over my whereabouts and how much a misfit I am in a city like Delhi.
My girl is doing absolutely great in Kolkata, and as we complete one year of our long distance(now) relationship, I cant help but feel that for me this relationship is over! There is no way I am going to live out another long distance relationship and end up on the loosing side, before you even think twice..let me tell you I am speaking from experience and I have had LDRs in my life previously. I am so desperate to be single again! Infidelity is something I have consciously decided I will avoid after my past adventures. But hey, it was fun while it lasted! A breakup is on the cards then, and yep I dont think I will be single for any period to even ponder over ...

Indian politics is still the same, same caste and religion based vote bank creation and exploitation. The same old middle-class rolling happily into a pseudo Americanism which would never really happen to them! The same old "aam junta" getting killed in hundreds due to several bomblasts as we gear up for the World Cup Cricket! No body cares about the middle class and they in turn dont care about the rest, its a simple equation, aint it ? Makes me wonder, by which year the country will disintegrate!

Motorcycles are doing really good : sales wise! But I am an enthusiast, and I am still awaiting a motorcycle which will beat the 23 year old RD350 hands down in sheer performance. But that still seems a thing of distant future, we are still getting jokes of 150,180,200 and 220odd cubic cunts named premium segment mobikes! Its a shame...and I think we deserve what we get, period!

Now, as you see the 50th Anniversary post doesnot make my surroundings, feelings and reality a rosy picture, but it does gives me the oppurtunity to share a few pictures which I clicked from the my recent trip to Mcleodganj, Himachal. Please throw in the comments(i wont be publishing them, so feel free) and have a nice time ahead..and oops ..keep visiting !

Li'l Tibbet

2007-02-20T21:58:00.000+05:30

Nice trip, amazing place..I am in love with Mcleodganj! A pic from the trip..not clicked by me though!

Workshop Manual: Pulsar Dittsie

2007-02-07T02:31:00.000+05:30

Workshop Manual: Bajaj Pulsar DTSi

Bow, arrow and the works!

2007-02-06T00:23:00.000+05:30

Here is the archer's one true friend, she has been there for me - through the heavens and the dungeons, and she still is. She has been more faithful than the girls, more trust worthy than the banks, more performance than I could ever ask for that price and more resilient than mother earth...ok I overdid the last one a bit! You have seen her before in some of the earlier pictures and read about stories about how I hopped on to her and rode away into the horizon! Archer dedicates this post about the gem of a li'l Honda which is his pride, passion and ofcourse first motorcycle, meet Ivy !

*takes a bow*

In the rear view mirror..over the years!

2007-02-05T22:43:00.000+05:30

Munshyari..!

In the rear view mirror..over the years!

2007-02-02T23:40:00.000+05:30

Kinnaur..!

Just giving you guys a visual treat...ride fast, ride far and ride safe!

In the rear view mirror..over the years!

2007-02-02T23:37:00.000+05:30

Uttaranchal..Again..!

In the rear view mirror..over the years!

2007-02-02T23:36:00.000+05:30

Pushkar...!

In the rear view mirror..over the years!

2007-02-02T23:34:00.000+05:30

Pushkar..!

In the rear view mirror..over the years!

2007-02-02T23:32:00.000+05:30

Kashmir..!

In the rear view mirror..over the years!

2007-02-02T23:31:00.000+05:30

Kashmir..!

In the rear view mirror..over the years!

2007-02-02T23:29:00.000+05:30

Ladakh..!

In the rear view mirror..over the years!

2007-02-02T23:27:00.000+05:30

Ladakh..!

In the rear view mirror..over the years!

2007-02-02T23:26:00.000+05:30

Uttaranchal..!

In the rear view mirror..over the years!

2007-02-02T23:22:00.000+05:30

Sariska..!

Wiring Worries and mindfucked me!

2007-02-01T03:17:00.000+05:30

Its the RD's wiring which has got me really really frustrated. It keeps blowing out on me, happened twice in one week. And after the first time, I got the entire wiring harness changed. I was using RD wiring harness ( local), it blew in 6 days! The bike is on Hitachi points and running a 7 amp sealed battery. So now with the wiring blowing out twice within 1 week, I am seemingly helpless if I dont use the same wiring harness again and keep praying it wont blow up while I am 700kms outside Delhi in some remote hill road, bike wont start at the moment.

I am kindya feeling helpless and stuck! Fuck me for I work in Delhi, fuck me that I dont have the money for the RDD CDi, fuck me for goddamn everythin.....arrghh..life sucks..blast the nuke bomb and kill everyone! All sons of father fucking bitches in this world..die bastards!

India's First Motorcycle Ezine

2007-02-01T03:04:00.000+05:30

Filling the void
26 Jan 2007

1,108,586,530 people, millions of two wheelers, over 26million net users, yet India has no and I repeat no online motorcycle magazine.

But all that has changed today, BCM India the same team which brought you, India’s first touring portal BCM Touring, presents India on 2 wheels, India’s first online motorcycle magazine.

Through India on 2 wheels we will satisfy your thirst for motoring nirvana by bringing you the best from the biking world, be it bike reviews (Powerband), articles catering to the Indian motorcycle enthusiasts, reviews of biking gear, club features, exclusive interviews, travel stories and exclusive photos and videos all a click away. Unlike the usual print magazines we will be publishing stories and reviews on a weekly basis to keep you updated on the latest from the biking world.

All this is yours for a princely sum of Rs. 0 per month.

Cheers,
Yogesh Sarkar (Editor)

Source : IO2W

NOTE: I am one of the staff writers there, so do check it out!

2007-01-24T23:08:00.000+05:30

To Fuck ? I didnt!

2007-01-19T17:27:00.000+05:30

This is weird and irritating! After two decades and a half of my birth, I am being told "dude you made a mistake, your name is Akhil, 'cause I say so." And though I was slogging my ass of in office till late last night(well past midnight), I am told "damn! didnt we fuck around last night..how the heck did you forget"...I mean what the fuck! People need to use their brains sometimes..no matter how pea-sized it may be! Aint I making it clear already that it wasnt me and my name is not Akhil.

I aint goddamn afraid to reveal my identity and you will be able to see it in my profile shortly. I thought I will have a nice time and read some interesting blogs in this Ibibo or Ibobo( I give a fuck about the name right now), nah! hard luck..all I get is some crap about me out of the blue!

Got me all worked up for no reason...I have already posted my mobile number online and to the concerned person! I request her the umpteenth number of time to contact me and get it sorted for once and for all. I dont blame her, its not her fault! But some goddamn motherfucking sonofabitch "AKHIL" whoz ape-shitting on my ass for god knows why!

Need a cuppa coffee now!

Quick'Nuff

2007-01-15T20:22:00.000+05:30

Yesterday was a special day, it was the second Sunday of the year...bad joke eh! But hey what the heck...I did break into the 100 miles per hour club yesterday. I wish it was my bike, but still screaming past 160kmph on a Indian motorcycle..fucking amazing ! I know most of you havent been this fast in your life and again most of you would never be..!

Wrong turn!

2007-01-13T01:02:00.000+05:30

Well..went to Chicane in Noida tonite with my colleagues, or rather we bunked outta office. And fuck, we shouldnt have been there in the first place, we should have been to Elevates instead. It was full of drunk guys dancing away like mad pimps ( you can use better adjectives here), the music was pathetic and the damn place closed before midnight! What a waste...I remember the last time we went to Chicane we had such a blast. Heck...now tomorrow evening I wanna either watch a good movie or drink till I drop! I am back in office and wondering what to do now!

Whats in a name ?

2007-01-13T00:58:00.000+05:30

Ok..I have been asked, requested, teased and even taunted for the name of my blog, i.e. Archeriostichaos ! Its either people not understanding what it means or they are not trying hard enough. And ofcourse, why the fuck does it bother you so much what my blog means or how I name it. I have left enough hints in the blog and in its name to figure it out what it means, go figure! And yeah, stop bugging with your stupid questions. Someone sometime very wisely said, "Stupid people in large groups are dangerous."

The Last Award

2007-01-08T19:34:00.001+05:30

With television channels flooding with various awards and the print media following them, this winter seems to be hot with the trend, but then this is the custom now, isn’t it?
Even some of the blogs that I regularly read are on the same track. I somehow did not managed to work myself up for presenting anything or anyone the best actor, actress, motorcycle, scooter or car awards. Let’s stick to the automotive sector here, more precisely motorcycles, scoots and cars, and see what I can award them after everybody almost gave them everything that they had.
Ok, so here it is… Presenting you the automobile award for the Most Pathetically Named Vehicle for the years 2005 and 2006. The nominations are:-
Hero Honda Achiever
Hero Honda Pleasure
Skoda Superb
Skoda Laura
And without the televionesque drama and item numbers, ladies and gentlemen the winner is…. Oh yes, you guessed it right, Skoda Laura!!! *whistles, taunts all around*

Invasione Italiana

2007-01-08T18:34:00.000+05:30

After the close-to-heart 916 and the wind-tunneled 999…this one seems like its trying to balance both worlds. But for me, Ducati has pulled it off big time with the pricing, looks and promised performance. I am eagerly waiting the end of the big 4 dominance in superbike sales … with that pricetag of $15000(base), the Ducati 1098 Superbike, I see it coming. But the same price tag can create a furore amongst the Ducatista who used to take pride in the rareity of their possessions on the road. Rareity caused more because of the prohibitive price and less of performance issues. Ducati makes a bold statement with this in all directions, is the competition ready…Ducati certainly is !

New Section

2007-01-08T18:15:00.000+05:30

From today onwards you will see a new section in the blog : Its only about motorcycles, desi and foren without any bias(relative word). The first few posts are coming up...stay tuned !

P.S. Sorry for posting after a long time, was real busy all through last week.
P.P.S. You can expect more regular posting in this blog now, reason: Read this post again!

2007-01-08T17:35:00.000+05:30

Munsyari

2006-12-19T14:45:00.000+05:30

Kumaon has always fascinated me since the time I visited Nainital for the first time in 2000 with family. It was one of the most significant reasons why I decided to work in Delhi after I finished my studies. So yet another bike trip to Kumaon before the year-end was always on the cards, and this time we rode to the far end of Kumaon, right at the base of the imposing Panchachuli peaks, Munsyari. We were a bunch of 5 touring enthusiasts, not riding for the first time together ofcourse. The bikes were 3 Pulsar 180s, 1 Pulsar 150 and me on my Unicorn. Guys were namely, Eric, Salil, DJ, Manik and me. Day 1: We started off early from Delhi, by 3 am amidst chilling winds we were far from the confines of the city and heading steadily on NH27. A nice lil 28 km traffic jam kind of slowed down the progress and by the time we got roads open again we were a good 1 hour behind schedule. We reached Almora by afternoon after crossing Kathgodam, Bhowali, Bhimtal on the way and stopped when we saw the snow capped peaks for the first time in this ride.

I was the only person in the gang who had been riding to Kumaon consistently, so the junta took my advice and we swerved right from Almora towards Berinag via Dharanoula. We had just about crossed 4 kms before Salil snapped his 180's clutch cable, we had to ride back to Almora to get the damn thing replaced from BAL service centre before we could resume again. P.S. : In Almora you can get your Bajaj, Hero Honda and Honda mobikes serviced as all the three makers have thier authorised service centres there. We rode through the secluded roads crossing Barachina, Dholchina, Sheraghat and reached Rayagarh bend by sunset. We decided call it a day and stopped over for the night in a small but clean hotel.
[IMG]http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e62/casanova_murdered/img5367re1.jpg[/IMG]

Day 2: While some of the lazy bums(read Manik and Eric) dreamt on , Salil, DJ and I rode to Chaukori(9kms) early in the morning to capture the sunrise. The views were simply amazing and we had a nice and fast ride.
[IMG]http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e62/casanova_murdered/dsc02605wl4.jpg[/IMG]

After being back at the hotel, after enjoying some views from the balcony, breakfast gulped and we hit the road again.
[IMG]http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e62/casanova_murdered/img5435mv0.jpg[/IMG]

Towards Thal..

[IMG]http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e62/casanova_murdered/img5458vb6.jpg[/IMG]
After Thal..

[IMG]http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e62/casanova_murdered/img5463oe5.jpg[/IMG]

Almost there...
[IMG]http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e62/casanova_murdered/shamik-highres.jpg[/IMG]

In Munsyari...yayyyyyy
[IMG]http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e62/casanova_murdered/img5568pn4.jpg[/IMG]

Pictures shown here are clicked by Salil, DJ and me. Cameras used are Canon EOS 350D, Sony (some American imported model) and Canon PS A520 respectively. I will post some more pictures later. The entire ride was conceived, planned and coordinated by the members of BCMTouring.

Cheers, Shamik

Rock it Baby !

2006-12-15T17:46:00.000+05:30

You Are an Emo Rocker!

Expressive and deep, lyrics are really your thing.That doesn't mean you don't rock out...You just rock out with meaning.For you, rock is more about connecting than grandstanding.

What Kind of Rocker Are You?

B-King

2006-12-15T16:53:00.000+05:30

You Are Bud Light

You're not fussy when it comes to beer. If someone hands it to you, you'll drink it.In fact, you don't understand beer snobbery at all. It all tastes the same once you're drunk!You're an enthusiastic drinker, and you can often be found at your neighborhood bar.You're pretty good at holding your liquor too - you've had lots of experience.

What's" Your Beer Personality?

New Year Resolution - I

2006-12-15T16:39:00.000+05:30

”On Sundays, Catholics go to the Church, motorcyclists go to the track, and thats why all motorcycle shops are closed on Sunday.” Well this is my brain’s feeble memory department delivering a popular motorcycle quote.
I have owned motorcycles for years…ok, not even two years if you insist, but since the time I have owned them, I have used them for only one specific purpose, that is touring. Now thats a nice way of using a motorcycle if you ask me. While Ivy got to roam J&K, HP, Uttaranchal and Rajasthan, Emily have had her share of homebound TLC as she was restored. As I look back and look ahead, could I have used my bikes in any other way ? Or could there be any other purpose of me riding a motorcycle other than touring on her ? The answer is a resounding YES !
India, our great country boasts of having two race tracks, Kari Memorial Speedway, Coimbatore and MMST, Chennai, which is sad ’cause the population of the seventh largest nation in the world is above one billion. But still auto-enthusiasts for far flung areas pay a visit to these tracks to test their riding and driving skills. There are boy racers, grownup-but-still-idiot street racers and there are the “real racers”. You can find the later breed on the tracks. All over the world, its a known fact that if you want to prove that you can ride fast, you got to prove it on the tracks and India just cannot be any exception to this rule. Now being a motorcycle lover and a guy who loves riding them fast, its a shame that I have still not attended any track days so far. Do I have the oppurtunity, do I want to ? Hell yes..when ? In 2007, before March, period.
Online automotive forums like RDDreams have made it a part of their yearly schedule, magazines like Business Standard Motoring are publishing track events like never before. I have had my part cribbing that there aint any powerful motorcycles in the market, but what the heck, I think I will first ride the wheels off my Unicorn on a track first, before I upgrade my four-stroke harem. So time to pull in the clutch, sneak into first and wait for the lights to go red ..and guess what ?
”Why are motorcycle dealers closed on Sundays? Because Sunday is for worship… Catholics go to church, Motorcyclists go to the track.” I got the quotation right, even the brains back to business with the right ideas emerging strongly.
See ya soon at the chicanes .

Update: Up for grabs

2006-12-15T16:37:00.000+05:30

The below post stands null and void in current scenario : I am not single anymore.

Till the time I am single again then...

Up for grabs!!!

2006-07-07T22:46:00.000+05:30

While I keep enjoying my single status I feel how life could have been so much better with a woman in my life. I mean, I am 23 now, and fast approaching 24, not having a woman in life sounds weird to me, I wonder what others may think! I feel its important to have someone with me, I feel the absence of a woman in my life more may be because I stay 1500 kms away from home.

So girls, women here is your chance again, come up and get me! Now all you naysayers amongst you will say this is so cheap..well..who told you all great things in life comes at a huge cost!

....wherez my home..

2006-06-20T21:40:00.000+05:30

Talking about "friends to be met and promises to be kept", that was what I was thinking when I stopped in front of Kamlesh Bhardwag's shop in Theog on my way back from Kalpa. The manner in which he went of the way to provide accomodation to a complete stranger a couple of nights ago speaks volumes about the hospitality of general Indians. Indians who still live in the country and do not halucinate about the Great American Dream with a desi blanket.
The ride to Kinnaur valley happened out of the blue, I didnot plan about it, heck not even gave it a thought even 24 hrs before the ride. Got a long weekend off from office, only came to know about it on Friday night, emailed a few friends, posted in a forum for some routes and finalised the destination as Kinnaur.

Day 1 Saturday Morning:-

Got out of office in the wee hours, reached home but had to wait till 8 am in the morning before I could change the engine oil in Ivy, though her chain was a bit loose I could not afford any more delays. Packed up a few clothes, a "stolen tool kit from Yogesh" in a bag, tied it all up in the pillion set and I was off..or so I thought. After negating serpentile traffic in the Ring Road for an hour, when I reahced NH1 it was already 10:45am. After speeding up to 100kmph for an hour, the rear tube in stock Zappers gave away, the first time anything happened with the tubes in about 19000kms. After pushing the bike to the nearest puncture shop, had to replace the tube, it was unrepairable! I was lucky I was carrying a spare tuff-up tube. Another 45 minutes gone due to Muprphy's grace, and the scorching sun made sure I was never covering more than 50kms without a break. After crossing Zirakpur, Kalka I took another break as the hills started, decided I will be ripping non stop now as sun was already heading for an overnight break. That was that, after some non stop corner attacking for an hour and a half, I crossed Shimla and was halted by the ever chilly winds, time to put on the jacket! The high speed antic on the hills resulted in a slightly bent right poogpeg, this goes straight to all those who hate Zappers, he he he..go learn how to corner a bike first!!!
I stopped for 30 minutes while changing attires after Shimla, it was already 8pm before I rode off again. Maintaining a steady 40kmph through the moonlit night passing through pine( I guess pine) forests, the experience was heavenly. I rode past Kufri and soon reached Theog, it was 9:30pm and the urge to sleep was overwhemling now! Thats when I met Mr.Kamlesh Bhardwaj, a 20 something guy, owner of a general store and a phone booth. He resolved my accomodation problem by lending me a room from his house for the night and even arranged for dinner! I was floored but was too tired to express my gratitude, after some hot rotis and daal, I was riding the a new red Ducati Desmo MotoGp RR ...in my dreams he he he..zzzzzzzzz........!!!

Day 2 Sunday :-

I woke up early the next morning, after the morning tea and newspaper with Kamlesh I started off with his good wishes. Kept the speedo needle below 60kmph while riding through good looking but bumpy roads crossed Narkanda and was on my way to Rampur. The heavily trafficed roads of lower Himachal which got me freaked out just a week back on the ride to Chail was now slowly disappearing and I was in my Uttaranchalish groove. Stopped for clicking a few pics when the mighty Sutlej river came forward to give company to this lone ranger. I spotted a shanty tea stall, named "Gulabo da dhaba" unfortunately didnot see Gulabo, but her father or husband greeted me with a nice hot tea and we even smoked a round of weed together. Stopped often for putting the digital camera to use, crossed Rampur, Jeori and entered the Kinnaur district by afternoon. Got my self and Ivy registered at the police checkpost, and stopped at a temple soon after, Kamlesh had told me about Tandawa Maa's temple and after offering a small prayer and a quick chat with two French Cyclists I was on the road again. The deeper I was going into Kinnaur the more seducive she was, the views were amazing and the feeling of being very close to heaven was on me...yet again! Roads were rough in patches, but after crossing the bridge over the furious Sutlej in Wangtu, they simply disappeared. The sky was getting mirkier by the moment and soon I was riding gladly in rains over gravel, dirt and rocks...simply awesome!!! The rains didnot last long and soon I was approaching Reckong Peo, a small town in the lap of the Kinner Kailash mountain. The backdrop was heavenly and after clicking a few photos I dumped my luggage in a room of Hotel Fairyland in Peo. The day was not over yet, it was not even 4pm, I rode to Kalpa, just 9 kms uphill from Peo. The presence of security men with AK47s amongst serene pine tress aroused my curiosity and found out His Highness Dalai Lama was on a visit to Kalpa. Kalpa is beautiful, her eternal guard Mt.Kinner Kailash is intimidating, the atmosphere is heavenly, I was standing there and got sucked into the seductiveness of Kinnaurr...aahh..orgasmic !!!

Day 3:-

Again woke up at 5 am in the morning and left Peo in a hurry only to stop after a few hundered metres to click the serene surroundings...this was repetitive for while till I crossed Wangtu. After the crossing the mandatory police check post autograph signing I left Kinnaur with a promise to Kinnaur, "I will be back". Kept riding with occassional breaks, bid goodbye to Kamlesh in Theog after sharing a tea together. As I approached Shimla the sky started to gloomy on my apparent departure from Himachal. For the first time avoided the city traffic by taking the Shimla bypass, it started raining on and off for a while. I took a 3 hour break 13 kms before Kalka to catch some sleep, used the broad seat of Ivy to good use...had a quick snack for a lunch come dinner in the adjoining Punjabi Dhaba. An incident free, non-speeding with occassional 110kmph burst ride led me to Delhi well past midnight, I was home at 02:45 am MWT. MWT is My Wristwatch Time for the uninitiated !

Preaches :-

If you are inclined to mountain riding use the oppurtinities which come your way, after some time you will begin to recognise the oppurtunities even they donot seem like apparent.
Be brave enough to ride alone if you really have the itch and urge to ride.

Some statictics according to me :-

I covered a total of around 1350 kms, Ivy drank an amount of petrol which again re establishes her claim to the best Indian econotourer motorcycle. I spent around Rs.700 for accomodation and food.
Overall a great solo ride, my third solo ride after Kausani in June 2005 and Chaukori in February 2006.

Note:- All statements are mine and I am not bound to answer any queries from anyone regarding them.

Thanks for reading,
Shamik

shamik720@gmail.com

Rediscovery ride

2006-06-19T06:29:00.000+05:30

My rediscovery ride's road log ....COMING SOON !

Thanks for checking,

Shamik Banerjee

shamik720@gmail.com

Pictures of Chail...

2006-06-09T23:42:00.000+05:30

A bird's eye view of the area...

A small stream which we inspected on the way

Posing and me....an unusual but attractive site

2006-06-09T21:41:00.000+05:30

"If you take a leave right now, remember you dont get any during thedurga puja", " You have to make the full payment of the course fee by15th", "Abee, tuu maat bol, you hang off the bike while taking acorner, thats not the right way"..another thousand thoughts were crossing my mind when I joined a friend for a weekend ride to Chail.Chail is a small sleepy town, excluded by most tourists who flock Shimla in summers like migratory birds, but its historical nontheless.We will keep the historical aspets of the place for another day though.
Riding on the NH1 on a cloudy, overcast day with pleasant breezes blowing seems to be a biker's dream , or is it ? Honestly, I was waiting for the hills and only hills. But found a bunch of freinds in Karnal waiting for a few more, they were on the way to Spiti valley, an hour spent in catching up and chatting up. I was out on the road, heading for the hills after a long break, to be precise after February and would have been happier if some unwanted company didnot stuckup my ass like a leech. Nevertheless, at times even I have to compromise specially when there is nothing much at stake.
Once in NH22 and past Kalka, I decided "three is a crowd" and pulled away from the rest. Sweeping corners, willing mind and machine, recurring drizzles and a great road with hooligan traffic! That last bit spoils the party, and till whatever of Himachal Pradesh I have rode to, I am not impressed. My search of solitude cannot be met by lower Himachal atleast. After Kandhaghat, I reunited with the crew and we started riding together through the narrow road to Chail. We stopped every now and then, purpose was to capture photographs and also a bit of posing .
Hotel Kailash in Chail provided the answer to our accomodation question and the wine shop beneath it provided a warm welcome to a cold night, albeit for a price.
Next morning, a ride to see the World's Highest Cricket Ground at 7500 feet above sea level, Sidh Baba ki Mandir and breakfast in Chail market infused the feeling that I am a tourist after all and not some philosopher. I felt good and when we left the hamlet for Kufri, I decided to ride alone again. The road leading to Kufri passes through some desolate pine forests and was in nice condition for cruising at 50 kmph .
Kufri and Shimla was crowded a la Karol Bagh, but atleast we met a friend who was riding to Spiti with his office colleague, so again some time was spent chatting up with them. The ride back to Kalka provided a lot of posing for the camera oppurtunity and I gave in to the temptation.
Back on the plains, we started riding separately, met Mr.Deepak Sharma of Indian Riders, Bullet club of Haryana before Kurukhsetra. Deepak if you read this, just give me a ring sometime. Reached home, felt good after being back to the hills after such a long time.
One thing I should say, me and Yogesh must have understood after the Ladakh ride that we ride better when we ride a few kms apart. Our friendship have lasted major ideological differences, misunderstandings, faceoffs and whatnot but its always great to ride with you man!
I have a loong weekend coming up, another ride to the hills, who knows ?

2006-05-19T18:47:00.000+05:30

The Indian middle-class is too much hypnotised by the Indianised version of the Great American Dream to care much about social injustices being delivered to them. There is an urgent need to kick the slumber out of the urban middle class and get them to protest against the pseudo democratic government. If SC/ST/OBCs can be provided reservation for higher education and jobs, why cannot I be provided the same ? I am too a citizen of India derserving equal rights or am I being told that I am useless since I am from the middle class society who need not care !! The obsolete constitution of our country is giving birth to these hundreds of bloodsuckers( read politicians) who are worse than foreign rulers. There is a need of a revolution, I seriously beleive in it. A need to overthrow this pseudo democracy and to form a rule that will serve the entire nation and not depend on futile votes.

2006-05-19T18:46:00.000+05:30

I am a brahmin by caste, the government in my country considers me as an over previledged individual of the society irrespective of my income or family assets. The Government thinks as I am already an over previledged individual because I am a brahmin, I should not have the oppurtunities of employment or education what another individual belonging to a lower caste gets. Reason for this kind of step motherly treatment to me, because some brahmins somewhere subjected other sections of the society to social injustices. Hence, the highly respected Government in my country is mulling I should also be punished. All I know, the government in my country doesnot wants me 'cause of the lack of votes from my caste, making me feel disowned in my own country.All this peaceful demonstrations against the proposed Reservations for Sc/St/OBC looks good, but they will only fizzle out in time. The reservations will come, and we will shout our voices hoarse, get some literal back breaking treatment from our esteemed police forces and then confine to our daily chores in a few weeks. Its about time, we, the people of India, come out of the Gandhian principles and learn to snatch our rights when they are unjustly denied.

2006-04-26T18:38:00.000+05:30

I am getting ready to take my rightful place, that is the saddle of my bikes. The break from touring since Feb. did me a lot of good. It allowed me to clear out some soul-searching issues, matters which are also close to the heart and home, more importantly it ignited the thirst for venturing out to the hills again.
Its been 12 months since I went home, this time I wont be dodging the call of my own bed, tv, music system, friends, mom, Kolkata, I will be going home. The trip to Kolkata will also mark the end of the vanavas from the touring fraternity. Once I am back, I will be heading into some unknown lands, no I am not going to Tibbet yet, but Himachal Pradesh, no matter how funny it seems never managed to hit a chord with me. A sucker for peace, loneliness in hills and deserted twisties in the Himalayas, the over commercialized Himachal have been largely left unexplored.
So my ride to Himachal is just a few days away, I have to give it a try and not be judgemental by sitting on my ass here in the scorched dead metropolis of Delhi. Where I will be heading is something I will let people know once I am back from the ride...till then Ivy is waiting, I am waiting, the hills are waiting....

2006-03-11T03:35:00.000+05:30

My mom is telling me to stay away from relationships, may be she is right, afterall she knows me too well, almost! Monika and I splitup 'cause of so-called family problems from her family. This was a mutually agreed dialogue conveyed to both common and uncommon friends and family. Tell you what, that was utter bullshit. I take the onus of the split on me, not entirely but yes mostly! My tenure in the BPOs have been a terribly underachieving period in my life, this has even made me feel inferior to my peers. The gigantic mistake I made by leaving Wipro was just like the icing on the cake, I am stuck in a shit-hole, seems like a nightmare came true. Why I am not leaving my current company ? Well, the same hesitance have hold me back, somebody needs to come in my life, kick my ass real hard and wake me up, high hopes you see. Now, which level headed girl would actually risk going against her family and religion for an underacheiving, moody, uninspirational, insecure futured call centre agent like me ? I do respect Monika and her feelings, but heck, we were best friends too and she should have put it across in a more sensitive manner. I mean not over a fucking one hour phone call and confusing the shit out of a hapless me. I dont know what made her think I am not serious about the realtionship but thats how it stands, I am single again and this is the bottomline.

2006-03-11T03:20:00.000+05:30

Welcome back! Simantini Sengupta, my just ex-roomie and now a good friend did help in this project of my soul-searching, albeit unknowingly. She had something in her, I am serious here, that really used to evoke a lot of emotions and sentiments in me. Emotions and sentiments, which I thought was long buried and I will never feel things like that way again. Now she is a nice girl, she got that tinge of attitude, arrogance, caringness and in-your face likeability which any guy would give his right hand for , but wait...therez something more! Her eyes...she speaks, loves, flirts, argues and fights with them! Ofcourse if you dont mind her vocal prowess when she is angry. Before anyone asks it, let me ansewer or atleast try to. I am in love with her, ....yes..no..may be...who cares! There, the last one, "who cares"...see I am already rediscovering my old self back..allthough in patches, but still its coming back nonetheless. But if you are looking for a more serious answer, then comes that hesitant me. The hesitance which I have aquired since I left Kolkata 4 years ago, joined this godamned BPO industry and became something which I hate to the core. Look at me now, I cannot even say, "I love you" to someone whom I have been living with for 5 fucking months, by the way this was an example , so Simantini if you read this, dont take out your sandals! Therez a room of an elephant to improve on my project. But the cribbing continues....

2006-03-11T03:08:00.000+05:30

I have been wondering about this for over a year now, how I handle friendships and relationships with my girlfriends. To be honest, it all started after Somdatta and I split our ways in 2004. This BPO industry did gave me a job while I was in college, a decent paycheck now and the satisfaction of being monitarily independent since I was 20, but it did took away a lot from me. Now, when I say me I mean, typical behaviourial traits that were uniwue to my character. I have figured I have become less frenetic, more sober, a whole lot diplomatic and though now I speak more and mingle with just about anybody, I became more introvert than I ever was. I have also become a whole lot less sensible to the sentiments and emotions of people who actually care and think about me. This is sad, infact I hate my current state of affairs. Unfortunately I have been resting on my lazy ass and doing absolutely nothing about it. The consecutive splitups with Somdatta and recently Monika left me wondering and I think I am about do something about it, hopefully!