The word "CR5.0" has been chanted more than the number of breaths i have taken. That is the enormity of the celebration ride 5.0 organized by Royal Knights Motorcycle Club, Bangalore with 60 bullets and 72 riders. The feeling is euphoric with the thought of having all the bullets of different genre at one go on the Highway from Bangalore to Waynad covering 600 plus KM. CR5.0 will have a very special feeling in my heart not only because i was part of the CORE TEAM organizing this massive event or 5 years of group riding but for the very special reason that a guest accompanying me in this very special ride.
We wanted to have this event spread across 3 days in Kodaikanal with inputs from fellow riders that 3 days is too long ride and not many would be joining in we settled for 2 days ride. Here the available options were Coorg, Ooty or Waynad. Weighing on the options we decided Wayanad as the best Option.
Devi took the lead in tracking down the resort and finalized with "Green Gates Resort", Kalpetta, Waynad about 290 KM from Bangalore.
With destination becoming official we started the payment process from the knights. The payments started pouring into our bank accounts by the End of FEB its official we had around 70 bullets and 80 members making the payments. Largest Group riding ever to happen.
Having the Count we started looking at the budget and how best we can spend it to make it a memorable ride to each member of CR5.0
T shirts being the single commodity which commands the respect of every CR. We started the design over the paper with lots of trail and inputs from fellow members ... with every passing weekend meeting we were burning more tobacco than idea reaching the table. Finally we reached a point where we could think no more than going ahead with the available Design. I have to mention Irfan, Principal Designer who gave life and soul to the design. I remember sitting beside him and Other members over the phone on the other end communicating the design changes. He and myself worked only after 12:30 AM burning midnight for two weeks and woooof smiles over everyones face..... Got the end design as we were wanting it be..
With design getting ready we had to look for T shirt design printers as our regular printer shut shop and with running from pillar to post we finalized with a reputed printer who did a good job.
Then comes the goody to be given along with the T shirt. This is where we broke our head with each member giving out his idea and a conclusive decision could not be reached.
We were checking from sipper bottles to table tops which did not get along with the adventure side of bullet riding
Vijay was having a casual talk with Kishore and mentioning about some sort of waist bag kinda goody. Immediately Kishore flung with the idea that he got some one who can show case their waist bag products. He immediately got a sample product and showed to us and we knew this was the product which we were looking for as Goody.
we decided it would be of camouflage material and with special Royal Knights motorcycle Club embroidery on the pouch so that it looks custom made for the club. Immediately Kishore took up the responsibility of getting the sling bag done
The weekend before the ride was an hectic one with all the CORE TEAM members meeting at Deb's office. Deciding on the points, sweeps, flagers, regroup points and most importantly pain staking work of doing off with 80 individual I Cards. We started off around 3:00 PM and were able to complete the task by 8:30 PM. Finally Ajay sending off the rules email and group names to each member. I clearly remember how i got Tea to the guys in a Mazza Bottle to keep the smoke going. Thanks to NTR's idea.
With all important task done and only thing is to take up delivery we were all set to roll .
Shyam bought his all new BOLERO in Chennai and he was riding to Bangalore from chennai and the same to be used as chase vehicle. All the delivered stuffs were bundled into his BOLERO.
However one Major task remaining at my end was to get my Bullet serviced and to stock my inventory of spares. On 6th April i got my vehicle serviced with oil change, Chain tension, Wheel and pressure check.
All the servicing were done in Teknik Motors with my Trusted Bullet engineer- Kumar giving all the makeover with special attention. After taking the bike for a short ride it was all good.
April 8th
12:00 Noon - water wash and Polishing
12:30 - Call to JaI confirming the travel
2:00 - Office
5:30 (11 hours 30 minutes to ride) Gathering fellow employees to join the lok pal movement against corruption, with permission from the Manager I and about 15 colleagues headed to MG road where a TV channel was airing live our movement we with all banners and slogan shouting on top of our voice ... we made ourselves heard to all the passer by.
6:30 PM : we headed to the Freedom Park to hold candle light march where tens of thousands had gathered to show their protest against corruption. I could see how involved and fierce were the comman man in fight against corruption. We mingled in the group and held the Candle Light march till 8:30 PM
While driving the bullet i had Rajesh as my pillion and i could feel that my bullet was having a wobble/shake at high speed however could manage a steady ride back. In the backdrop I had changed to Dunlop Unigrip rear wheel tyre a week before after which i had a strange no so good feelign about its performance . With 600 plus kilometer to be done the sign of wobble was not at all welcome.
9:00 PM: By the time i reached office i knew i must get rid of this tyre and get back my old tyre. Immediately i called upon Vijay and informed him of the problem also i called NTR to look for the Tyre change shop he called me in no time and said that he was holding to a half shutter and resisting the closing of shop. I immediately rushed to the shop with my other tyre.
Though it was a long day for the boys at the shop seeing us they were very enthusiastic to get us the tyre change. Three boys jumped in to take up the work and replaced it immediately and i gave them a generous tipping to them meanwhile all others had pressure check of their respective vehicles.
9:30 PM call from JaI .... i have reached KR Puram station. Till then i knew the train was late by an hour. with this generous hour i could get all important change to my bike. I took off immediately to Cantonment Railway station dodging all the peak traffic. alas i made it bang on time with train reaching at 9:45 PM. I picked the guest and felt the comfort with change in tyre and it was a sigh of relief.
10:30 PM Had dinner and drooped her in the PG and i headed back home .
Pending Tasks : Printouts of all the guests, breakfast payment list, my back packing which included all the spares for the bike. By 11:30PM i had done with all the printouts and packing.
with CR5.0 heavy in the mind i could not close my eyes. I knew i had to rest for the hardenous ride. I tried hard to get sleep guess around 1 AM i went into deep sleep.
at 1:45 AM .. Ding I got a message from Deb "all the Points, sweeps, flaggers reach @ 5 AM sharp NICE Road Junction" ... Dude you have said this some 10 times previous day. Damn i could not get sleep there after. I was just lazing on the bed waiting for the clock to show 3:30 AM so that i can start my activities.
Each time i look at the clock it would stare back without moving a tic. I just left it alone to carry on with its activity.
finally the clock struck 3:30 AM I head to have a warm bath, Lighted a lamp and prayed for the success of CR5.0.
Geared up with rider jacked and my companion neck chain. Went to the basement reset the trip meter to 000 and headed to the PG picked JaI and went to the first meeting point of Indiranagar Club members. There were about 10 bullets joining from PAI showroom point. We had a hot tea at 4:00 in the morning which is out of the world experience every time we start the ride. Every one had their saddle bags, bungee cords tied with the stuff to their back seat also did final check for the bikes.
Here we start out CR5.0 ride ........... with Vijay taking the Point upto NICE road junction. We thumped the road feeling the cool morning weather. Mysore road till NICE road junction is pathetic with flyover constructions potholes and humps were generously strewn at every possible ocassion. With 30 minutes of thumping we reached NICE road junction starting point for CR5.0. I could see hordes of bullets parked aside and each one puffing smoke i meant passive smokers too. With each passing minute we had a new knight rolling into the group. With genorous Hugs and handshakes in various permutations and combinations from each knight. Also new members and pillions getting to know each member.
Deb arrived in short time and had a short chat with him and the points and sweeps were summoned foer the brief. we were given the I cards which we distributed within the group members ....G1 G1 G1 ... some one mistook for some rider as Jeevan .... G2 G2 G2 .... G3 G3 G3 ..... G4 G4 G4 .... with each assembling within their group they were briefed
By 6:00 all the groups were set to thump. G1 ... Ignition Signal .... Head light signal .... and here we Thump .....
Other group started with 10 minutes interval.
we were cruising along the Mysore Road Highway maintaining a steady speed of 70 - 80 KM/Hr. Enjoying the Breath taking scenery along the highway, hearing the loud sweet thump of the bullets, fluttering Royal Knight Flags, Indian Flags. With smooth cruising we crossed Bidadi, Ramanagar, Chanapatanna, Mandya. Around 8:35 we were nearing Srirangapatana. I knew it was around 2-3 KM so thought of having a refuel and stopped at a petrol bunk giving signal to Ajay that i am taking a Fuel stop. Unfortunately the Current went off at the pump and had to be run on gen which took a whole lot of time. Once i refueled i started off in the highway in full speed in the course missed the Amblee Resort onto the left while over taking a truck and i was wondering where i m headed as i could not see any bullets in the sight and Srirangapatanna was coming to an end .... Zoom comes NTR and asking me take a U turn ... i was some 3 KM away from Amblee resort. NTR guided me to the resort. Thanks NTR.
Breakfast Point: Srirangapatna Amblee resort
Srirangapatna renowned for its seemingly impregnable fort, associated with the great ruler Tipu Sultan. Amblee resort is situated on the banks of river Cauver.
All the Groups Cruised in same pace and reached resort as expected and well ahead of time. Seeing the beauty around the shutter bugs itching hands started to find some solution at last. In no time we saw all clicking pictures. We had given strict warning that no photography while riding.
We were invited with a vintage Rolls Royce Car and mouth watering buffet breakfast Menu.
Idlies, vadas, Upitu, omlete, Toasts, papaya, Banana, Tea, Coffee and a short water dive by Sid in the river.
Every one had breakfast to their hearts content. I specially loved the scenery and the cool cloudy weather for the day.
We started off from Amblee resort around 9:30 AM. with each group departing in different Order with inputs from the flaggers which started off with a short Stunt ride show by Naveen JN.
We headed to Mysore ring road junction then headed towards gundulpete, Calicut Highway. Its a nice road but single lane traffic had to cautiously overtake each slow moving vehicle. Eyes, ears, gears and throttle were all in full action unto Gundulpete.
Just after Nanjungud Praveen Unni Stopped his bike after he felt it was dangerously wobbling and saw a nut had fallen off from swing arm.
Dwarak immediately swung in action to get the nut from foot rest and fitted it in perfect position and here we thump again.
Gundulpete Regroup Point
With no major Breakdowns thus far touch wood we all stopped at Gundulpete for hydrating the man and the beast.
The timings clocked so far in riding were amazing and within permissible limits.
We entered Bandipura National Forest with greenery and Huge trees on either side of the road and the view of the bullets riding in synchronized form the sight was breathtaking. we continued for about 40 KM through the forest and small villages and towns we reached Sultan bathery around 2:15 for our lunch. All the bullets made it without any problem.
I had some kerala style rice and sambar and each one had lunch that suits to their taste buds. Devi, Praveen and Das took lead to the resort to get things arranged in resort. We started off around 3:30 PM towards Green Gates Resort which was about 25 KM from sultan Bathery.
We reached resort around 4:00 PM. The resort was breath taking and the weather was like about to rain. Deb was saying it rained during CR1.0 and again it seems like it will for CR5.0. Every one wished his words come true.
All the Bullets made it to the resort. We were offered Lemon mint welcome drink sooner Deb started allocating the Room Keys to the members and each one disembarking the saddle bags and untying the bungee Cords slowly carried their luggages to each ones room.With little chaos in finding each ones room location and partners. All headed to their respective rooms to rest their hardened butts and tired Soul. My room Partners ... Kishore, Vijay, Karthik. After allocating room keys i headed to my room. On the way to the room i could see people in first floor with Old Monk, XXX Khodays rum, Whisky. I am sincerely sorry to have mentioned tired souls. For the ever enthusiastic Royal Knights The PARTY has already begun in Green Gates resort.
I relaxed myself in a very warm hot water for about 30 minutes. The view outside our first floor
resort room was amazing with full of greenery around and overlooking the pool area. As i was
getting the glimpse of the scenery around the rain god came pouring in his own country. It poured for some half an hour and in the pouring rain a dozen guys got into the pool. Bishu Naik leading the amphibian gang. It started off with swimming and ended with water polo. People inside and outside the pool throughly enjoyed the game.
Around 5:30 PM I and JaI went around the resort admiring its beauty and giving her a short overview of the agenda in store for the party night.
Rupak called me to come to the pool side and all the CORE TEAM members started setting things in order for the Party.
Deb was busy preparing the Inaugural speech guess he was down with few pegs of Old Monk already. with deck getting set for the party. We requested all the Knights to assemble by the pool side also pleaded others to come down as some were already down with a peg or two.
With the natural light fading out and few halogen bulbs taking its place. Members took to
their seat and few were more than happy to sit and relax on the pool floor. The night view was amazing with 72 knights all together and enjoying the evening.
Deb started off with his speech taking us down his memory lane as to how the club started and how it has royally thumped till CR5.0 and to continues to thump.
It was announced that a special award to be given to the BEST BULLET in the lot and the award was signed poster of all the knights.... Amazing ... priceless !
Ajay took the lead in describing each bulleteer and Deb giving out the T shirts and goodies after
each one signing the poster. I bet no one would have done better job than Ajay .... thanks to Khodays XXX Rum.
Each one were eagerly waiting for his turn to lay hands on the T shirt and goody including myself.
A memento was presented to the CORE TEAM for organizing this massive event with a smile.
Best Motorcycle award was given to "Rajesh Aradhya" for the time he spends polishing his bike and servicing it on his own.
After the goody distribution a large chocolate cake was cut by Kishore to mark the birthday of "Royal Knights Motorcycle Club" we sung happy birthday song and laid hands on the yummmmy cake. Soon after Cristine lit the bon fire. with temperature being humid none were able to spend time around the bon fire.
Start Music ... NTR played some foot tapping music from tapankuthu to saavu kutthu... Naaka Mukaa, Ringaa Ringaa, vaada mapilia, apadi poodu, shiela ki Jawani ... the crowd went GAGA with every new song being played all were sweating out and partying hard. Simultaneously starters and alcohol were being gulped in without any stop.
We danced and Merried till 11 PM and reluctantly we had to stop and head to have dinner.
All were having dinner and enjoying themselves. After dinner each in small groups sitting around the pool and on the grass bed in various forms and shapes and some were departing to their rooms to finish off their quota which they had brought along.
10th April.... Mid Night
The party is not yet Over ... It was Hamsa's Birthday, Shyam's Wife. We cut the cake and lazed their faces with cream. To be not left back the core team also started to join in to apply the cream. In the process Deb saw his prey in form of JN. Deb took some cream and ran after JN, Vijay and Sid... sensing danger JN took to sprint jumped over a 3 foot bush and landed flat inside an artificial water bed. God this was so hilarious all of us had a bladder paining laugh. Poor JN pulled himself out and water dripping all over him got up luckily escaped with few muscle pull and bruises.
We sat and chatted for an hour. My eyes were drooping i gathered some energy and headed to sleep in my room. Meanwhile there were head banging session and party in Ajays room and the party continued.
10th April 6:15 AM I woke up to the brand new day with chirps from the bird it was a very nice feeling. I had requested Vijay and other members that we start off early morning to the nearby lakkidi viewpoint or meenmutty falls. I saw them in deep sleep and wondered when they would have slept and silently slipped out.
JaI was all set too to go for the morning ride when i reached parking lot i could see around 5 bullets already starting off we too joined them and headed to lakkidi viewpoint. The calicut Highway was amazingly laid and there were no straight roads leading to lakkidi viewpoint the roads were all in curves. I love Curves ! I was very gentle on the curves and the morning fresh air hitting my face was awesome.
With about 25 KM of criss crossing we were invited to the breath taking lakkidi viewpoint. we Stopped for a while enjoying the lakkidi viewpoint and clicked some really nice pictures. Next we went to the lake nearby which was scheduled to open at 9:00 AM we could not wait that long and had Kerala Style Tea at Chechi's shop.
En route Shwetha stopped for spice shopping and we returned back to resort by 9:00 AM. I got freshened myself and wore CR5.0 T Shirt ... wowo ... the feeling is awesome ! Packed my stuff and bundled it. As i got out i could see more members in CR5.0 T shirt.
Had a light breakfast and headed to give my bullet a general check. All was well. Helped Vishnu to tie my bag with the bungee cord also helped others to get their saddle bag tied up.
All the Knights had group photo session along the pool side.
With instructions from flaggers that we all will be riding in a group and no more G1 G2 G3. Around 9:15 we started to roll out of Green Gates resort with heavy memories. We all thumped back along the same route.
When we reached the Bandipura forest a female Elephant was waiting to see the Royal Knights and we exchanged greetings though we were bit scared to acknowledge its gesture. It took us a bit more time to bid Adieu to the warm host.
Along we thumped guess most of them just zipped past doing 100 - 110 KM speed and we reached Gundulpete around 3:00 PM. We had food in a nearby restaurant and some had in Cafe Coffee Day. Around 4:30 PM we started off and hit Mysore road junction at 5:30 PM on ring road Had some quick hydration and started off.
It was weekend peak traffic and it was impossible to ride in group. I steadily maintained speed of 80 KM and juggling through the Traffic made it to maddur coffee Day at around 7:00 PM. We had some Tea and Maddur Vada. After about some 45 minutes many thanked for the awesome ride and bid adieu. Many took off immediately and we Indiranagar Club boys started off in a group from Maddur CCD and with usual Mysore road traffic reached NICE Road junction.
Elated that we made it to the starting point i hugged and shook hands thanking all the members for making the CR5.0 a success.
JaI wanted to visit her grandpa. Juggling through the dense city traffic visited her Grandpa and headed to Cantonment Railway Station. Had a short discussion about the ride and life in general. The train arrived around 12:10 AM but we were standing at wrong point. Suddenly there was small confusion in locating the boogie and we rushed to the actual boogie but by that time signal was given for the train to move she boarded a boogie and an elderly person assured not a problem he will take care of her and while i started back got SMS that she got herself seated in her S1 alloted berth. Sigh of relief... And the thumping Continues... !!!
I would like to Thank Every member of Royal Knights Motorcycle Club for making CR5.0 a Grand Success.
I would like to dedicate this blog for my friend JaI for putting up with doing this blog, ride and for her suggestions and to all the Royal Knights who made it to CR5.0 !
Keep thumping ... Ride Safe !!!
Cheers
Durai Selvam
Royal Knights Motorcycle Club Memeber
