So while in Delhi , I met Deepak Sharma again as we had planned to enjoy the “Old Delhi Food”. So one fine day I met him at Chandni Chowk metro station and went around the following places one after another 😅.

It was – kake Di Hatti > Giani’s Kulfi>Amrissari Lassi Wala at Chandni Chowk, then Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wala where we had sweet and salt Kulfi, never knew something like this ever existed 😅

After this headed to Cannaught place where we had Rajma chawal at Dhaba Food, Shankar road then famous Keventer’s milk shake @A block inner circle ( this Keventer is different then the one which is available in mall etc).

After this we went for a Qawwali session in central park organised by Delhi govt. What an amazing experience there… Headed back to our places from here.

The next few days spent in Delhi, meeting my relatives and school friends.

On one of the Sunday ,planned my ride to Agra with my nephew Bhavya Handa. He have a Harley Davidson 750 bike. So on given Sunday… Due to unexpected rain the start got little delayed. Anyways … Delhi has good roads and in no time I was at this Yamuna expressway… And was pleasantly surprised to see Suzuki hayabusa riders club. There must be close to 20 bike and together making very loud exhaust sound. Music to ears I say 😊.

There were enough well planned restaurants on the way… Stopped for breakfast and started the journey again. We were in Agra by 12 noon and after spending two hours in Taj Mahal we started our journey back.

The average speed we covered was 80 Kms per hour but on return at one Stacy I even touched 155 Km’s/ hour.

Finally by 5.30 we were back in Delhi and it was a nice ride.

Next : important points and take away from this ride.

After longer then expected halt at Delhi… I started my ride… The ride for which I came all the way to Delhi… “HIMACHAL”

But took a little detour to visit Golden Temple, Amritsar… what better way to start you’re challenging ride then taking God’s blessing.
So as usual… Being an early riser… Planned to leave Delhi by 5.30am. Got up at 4.30am… got ready in a hour (which is quick for me) and Quietly left the place without disturbing my brother’s sleep. Let me tell you this. My brother is well organized. So he arranged the whole process for me to take my bike out and myself quietly.
Within no time… I was on Delhi – Amritsar highway… It was little foggy but roads in Delhi were well lit.
The visibility was improving on highway so did my bike speed… The only drawback was that there were under construction bridges and detour… What is appreciable is that the detour roads were broad and smooth unlike what I faced in Karnataka and Rajasthan.
Soon I realised why I hear good about Punjab roads.. The highest was quite straight… Noticed that in my Google Map too… So I covered the first 150 Kms in 1 hour 45 minutes. Yah yah. I was covering 85 Kms in an hour. Took a break for breakfast at one of the Dhaba for Parantha’s… Yummy food…

It took 30 minutes for breakfast, yah the restaurant was slow in serving… Anyways, started the bike to come out of the restaurant to join highway… So WHILE joining the highway… I was looking at the right side from where the traffic comes… USUALLY … and with in split second, a bike in high speed came from the wrong direction ( yes on highway) … There was no time even to react… So it was near miss… Since I was at a place where I could curse the guy in local language… I shouted… But this guy didn’t even bother to stop… Phew
Anyways, didn’t want this to spoil my mood as it could affect my riding pattern… Happily started to ride…. The roads were wide… Smooth and straight… At around 10.30am, I was in Ludhiana… Could not believe that it would be so quick.
Here I met a family at a parking lot… Where the parents were happier to know that I rode all the way alone from Bangalore… In disbelief… They told me… “Tell my kids to do something like this… They are not doing much outdoor activity”… But all I did is click picture with their kids…

I took some snacks leisurely here as I was way ahead of my planned time.
From here it did not take much time for me to reach Amritsar… And a place of stay in very posh locality…

Before reaching Amritsar I had already taken place of stay it was an old house beautifully decorated the simplicity of this house was its best advantage.
So after half an hour of stay I decided to go out for the sightseeing.
Before that I had to take care of my hungry stomach and I went to another best place for lunch.
The place of lunch at Amritsar was a famous restaurant by the name ‘Kesar Da Dhaba’.

After having my lunch I straight away drive to “Wagah Border” to see our arm forces ceremony at India Pakistan border.
It had been my long pending dream to come to this place and I was happy that I could finally do this.

The atmosphere there was so live so energetic so much about India… There were patriotic songs and people were dancing.

After attending the ceremony which took almost two hours,I headed to my place of stay , didn’t had enough energy to do anything else and I skipped the dinner too.
Next day morning I got up , got ready and headed straight to Golden Temple. spent couple of hours there, had langur food and the taste of the food was way beyond my imagination.
As per my plan schedule to leave Amritsar by 12:00 p.m. I could come back to my place of stay, pack everything and start by 12 for Dharamshala.
The roads from Amritsar to Pathankot were amazing.
It is only after crossing to the Himachal border I realised what I was up to for next 3 weeks.

Honestly the roads were not bad in Himachal but the roads were narrow and curvy. So you cannot go beyond the speed of 40-50 km per hour.
Nevertheless, I had some idea how much time it will take for me to reach the hotel.
On the way the road was very scenic, stopped for a while to click few pictures and continued with my journey.
It was so beautiful that it was becoming really hard not to stop and admire the beauty of Himachal.

At around 5:00p.m. After 5 hours of leaving Amritsar, I was in Dharamshala.
There was a chill in the weather and it was difficult to be out in the open after 7 pm..
I called it a day and went to my room.

Next day morning, as per my usual plan of getting up early… I had plans to go out for a walk.
It was quite cold outside but I had come fully prepared to this place.
The best part of walking is that you discover so many places which are otherwise difficult on a vehicle.
The walk was very scenic and I was in complete awe of the beauty around me.

So the next few days in Dharamshala were spent going around some famous places especially the Dalai Lama temple.

The ride to the Dalai Lama Temple was quite challenging … But I enjoyed it thoroughly.
The atmosphere at the temple was very calm, spent an hour there before going to the local market to do some shopping.

Headed back to hotel after that, had lunch in the hotel and had very relaxed evening.
From here, I will be heading to Palampur.

Dharamshala to Palampur:
The distance was not too much … 33 km. It was an Hour ride but due to under construction highway it took me one hour and thirty minutes.
Reached an Village area which was 5 km from highways… roads in village area was decent but lot of curves.
Ultimately, reached my place of stay and was completely amazed to see the architect of the place. Just could not believe how practical and beautiful this place of stay was at such a remote place and very comfortable too.

By the time I settled down, suddenly the weather changed from Sunny to Cloudy… and within Minutes there was a hailstorm. I rushed to keep my bike under shade as this could have damaged the bike display screen.
Rest of the day spent in admiring the weather, the view, the rain and absolute pure air to breathe. Also walked around the place in the evening to find some very scenic views and nice local people. Later went out in the neighborhood to have a delicious home cooked food.

Next day went for a morning walk in the nature … there were some stones and marking for walking and it was really amazing time spent in nature.
After Breakfast, went to Bir Billing – One of the best destinations for Paragliding in World. But risk is only when pilot not following the safety norms for Paragliding and fly without safety factor, Hence skipped the paragliding.

After spending some time here, went to famous ancient lord shiva Baijnath Temple which is 15 kms from Palampur.Baijnath is situated at the bank of river Binwa, A stream of river beas.

After temple visit, headed straight to home stay , had food at the usual house in the neighborhood and relaxed for some time.
Prepared tea in the lovely kitchen at the home stay in the evening… watched some comedy show on the mobile. Yes, the home stay had a very reliable internet and didn’t have the TV, Thankfully.
Evening went for dinner and that’s where I made some dogs as my good friend.
Next day, Planned for a walk/ Trakking. Got to know from neighbours that there is a temple and a village above the hill, which is almost 8 kms from my place of stay. I could not have asked for more… it was beautiful walk, found some small snakes, water stream , a Temple and a House.
While returning there was someone walking past, I asked him where is he going and he told me – work. So this gentleman , in sleeper walk 16 kms up and down, mind it, evening there would be no street light EVERYDAY… and we have so much complaints about traffic, roads of Bangalore sitting in our comfortable cars… I realized that I shall complain less henceforth.

Later during the day, went to a famous Andretta Pottery and Craft Society… spent good amount of time there understanding what they do.
Later part of the day , spent in homestay.

PALAMPUR TO MANDI(94 Kms–3 Hrs)

Yah 94 Kms … 3 hours… Because of road construction (was stuck for more than 20 mins due to this) and narrow roads. Roads were decent though.
When I left Palampur, I Thought the I have already seen the best of my Journey… A beautiful Home stay, Amazing Home cooked food and the Surroundings around.
So, the Home stay owner Works in Mandi city and had advised that reaching his office would be most ideal then going directly to the location of stay. Never understood why, but realized when I reached the Home Stay, it was in a remote village 12 kms from Mandi City… Broken roads, to under construction bridge , to water stream… everything on this 12 kms route. But the last 600 meters were the most challenging as well beautiful.
This 600 meters road … Why I am saying road… there was literally no roads… this Village was supposed to be approached by foot and not any sort of vehicle… Nevertheless, The owner advised me to ride in front of his Car and if I get stuck he will see it to help… but Having done so much of ride already, I told him that I shall follow. Soon realized why he was saying so… all your riding expertise comes in this small stretch… It was the most challenging off road stretch for me. And I feel irritated to taking my bike through all this torture.
Anyways, reached the place of stay and when I parked my bike and looked around. I felt it was worth the effort. This house is in the foothill surrounded from all side…

Parked my bike, there was enough place inside to do so… removed luggage , went to the room. Was feeling hungrey and house owner wife had made some mouth watering food.
After that , relaxed for a while.
In the evening went for a walk… as usual… I was shown a Foot Bridge by the owner of the house close by hence the idea where shall I do to.
When I reached there… It was a bridge over a river… just WOW.

The air was clean, though I could see the under construction highway hereby…but the sound of flowing water stream was music to the ears…
Spending some decent time there, came back to the room. Had some talks with the owner… had dinner and crashed on the bed.

Next day morning, went for a walk towards the same bridge… and even further towards the Mandi – Kulu highway. This became my ritual for next few days I was here.
Today I decided to enjoy the local area around and in the evening walked on the same (No) Road where I came from in the bike leading to another highway. The view was beautiful, the highway had very less traffic so could sit on the road side and click few pictures

Next day, Planned to visit few temples… Till the First Temple, roads were decent… spent some time here and even had a chat with priest who showed me the way to the other temple which was on the hilltop.

It was difficult to find the proper way towards the next temple, was getting lost…(GPS was of no help) asked the few women walking there to get to know the route to the temple… there was a sharp turn from the main road to Temple and even the board was there mentioning the name of the temple but wasn’t visible easily.
Just before the temple, there was again NO ROAD… it’s a famous temple and thousands of people visit, Could not understand why authorities have not built the roads. So this was again a kilometer long challenging road.
Once I reached the temple, I realized that it is probably the most beautiful temple I have ever seen. It was renovated a year back but had this amazing wood work.

I spend significant time with the Priest to understand the history of this temple and it was nice to listen to him. He even offered a tea.
On my return ride, I hardly found any vehicle on the road… except few villages and parked vehicle on the road side.
Reached back to the Home stay, yes Again went thru that 600 meters stretch of road. Had lunch and went to take some rest.

Evening spent in walking and I went to the same starch of road and decided that I shall not take out my bike unless unavoidable.
So the next few days, went with the owner in his Maruti Suzuki Wagon R to Mandi city siteseeing, he is a skillful driver I must say. He drives his vehicle no less than a Jeep Cherokee.
Finally the day came when I had to say this place a Goodby ( few Videos and picture )

Mandi to Kufri

Mandi to Kufri (145 Kms)
It was Planned that I would leave this village near Mandi at 6.00 am though I generally leave by 5.00am. Reason for late start wasto wait for the natural light so that I can clearly see the first 600 meters of the challenging road and the road further as well.
It was nice for my home stay owner to come along this 6 kms stretch till highway to see me off. I took the advantage and told him to carry my saddle bag with him till there.
Once I crossed this challenging but beautiful road…

The Distance of 145 kms was not too much but I was surprised to see the ride time of more then 4 hours. I crosschecked with my Firend Deepak that why it is showing so much time to cover 145 kms, his reply was that google is right as you cant find a stretch to ride fast in these hilly roads…
It took me almost 45 minutes to come out of Mandi town and touch the highway… what came to me as a surprise was Fog and cold weather. And due to this, there was no Sun. I prayed for sun god to come fast but it did not happen soon after.
So holding on to the bike grip in this chili weather even thogh there is a hand guard was challenging… keeping in mind the low visibility and continued my journey.
After almost riding for 2 hours, I stopped for breakfast.

I had some yummy Parantha and tea… not to forget water and carried on with my journey.
So the main town which comes before Kufri is called Shimla… so was stuck there for sometime due to traffic. It’s a diifcult combination to concentrate on road as well look at GPS as roads were narrow… too many small and bif crossings as well underbridge.
The cold breeze intensity increased once I was closer to Kufri from Shimla. I realized what I was upto.
Thankfully, the hotel where I stayed was right on the Highway.
I took as smaller room with better view of the Valley and room was cozy and staff welcoming.
The evening spent admiring the Kufri Valley View…and mostly inside the room as the temperature was hovering around 5 degree.
Next day, Got up ususal time , Went for a Morning walk… yes it was cold but thankfully sun was out… but when you walk on the ghat roads, Sun plays hide and seek with you… so during that time , the walk use to become difficult.

Anyways, got back to Room, Had tea. Got ready and left for Shimla , Luckly my friend Deepak was also in Shimla due to Diwali Holidays.
Had quick breakfast ( Not so good at Mall road)… went to the Famous Church and later to Mall road walk. After this went to a Famous Temple called “Jakhoo Mandir” Shimla .

Took up and down service of Cable car … Amazing view of Shimla I could see from this Car.

Spent some time there and came back with the same Cable Car.

Got down to mall road, did some shopping …

Had Lunch with Deepak’s Family at a very famous restaurant near Church in the open as sun was out.

After this went straight to the hotel as idea was to reach early before temperature dips and further. This is when I realized that it was too difficult to hold on to the Handle grip even after wearing riding gloves. I had to use some technique while riding so that the cool breeze does not hit my fingers.
Happy to reach hotel and get inside the cozy room.

Next day also, I went to Shimla first half , met Deepak , had some very good pastries and famous café on Mall road.
By afternoon I was back again to Hotel. Today is Diwali so hotel had planned some events in the evening but I did not enjoy them much. But the view of the Valley with Lights around glowing like a star was amazing.
Next Day was to start my Journey back to Chandigarh, Hence went to bed early.

KUFRI TO CHANDIGARH (131 Kms : 4Hrs 30 mins)

Started around 6am from Kufri , Yes it was quite cold but had to reach Chandigarh much before Afternoon. Had some plan. After riding for more then an hour covering 60 Kms… I stopped for breakfast- again the choice was Parantha and tea. Till now roads were in very bad shape… You never know when it will become 1 lane to 2 lane 2 hour lane… And in to of that diversions. I was aware looking at the map earlier that till Kalka (100+kms) roads would be bad. I kept riding to somehow reach Kalka… The width of the road got better but not the quality significantly.

Reached Chandigarh by afternoon… Met my friend cum Mentor .. I was offered fresh fruit bowl… We chatted for sometime , and keeping my plan to reach Delhi by 6pm. I had lunch with them around 1.30.

It was time to say a bye to then but deserved a selfie with him an his wife whom I met after 19 years.

On way to Delhi from Chandigarh where I though to ride non stop but end up stopping for water break just 50 Kms before Delhi. Met few curious onlooker.

Finally at around 6.00pm , I reached Delhi at my brother’s place. Rest of the evening went for a family get-together.

Just Couple of days before ride:

“The beginning is the most important part of the work” – Plato

So just two days before the ride it started to sink in that I am really doing this solo ride.

I  prepare well in advance .. start with my packing I took out my saddle bag and started putting things from my list. Yes I do have a ride list and if I find something missing, I arrange it in these two days.

I also lube the chain a day in advance and don’t ride the bike after that so that the lube seeps into the chain properly.

I do get the tyre air checked and fuel the tank a day in advance. This makes a major difference as I don’t waste time early morning.

The day of the Journey – Bangalore to Mumbai

Let me start by saying this, most of my fellow riders told me covering a 1000 Km’s in a day is a challenge. Secondly, which they avoid telling me on my face is , “Man you are not young anymore” at 52 years of age my body is not young enough to take this stress. But I am passionate about my fitness. Riding and fitness goes hand in hand.

I left at 5:15 am from Bangalore, A delay of 15 mins then the planned departure. Thankfully I fixed my saddle bag the previous night so just got ready, Started the bike to go and kiss the highway…

My first planned stop was after 200 Km’s at a breakfast place I frequented wherever I go to Goa. Hotel Mysore Cafe (https://maps.app.goo.gl/cudEHG2DsKZS38NSA) .Here I reached 30 mins behind schedule. So I had a quick bite, had some water and tasted a little salt (Salt helps you during ride) And started again.

Then I reached Hubli (202 Km’s), Then next stop was Kolhapur (207 km’s) where I had lunch.. after that I sprayed some chain lube on the bike ( it’s Ideally after every 500+ Km’s chain should  be lubed) Then Pune (230 km’s),so at 5 pm I was at Pune .800 Km’s in 12 hours. Very happy with the ride… The highway was decent enough. Another 180 Km’s and I would be in Mumbai. Wow!!

Although My happiness was short-lived.. Bikes are not allowed on Pune-Mumbai expressway

I had to take Lonavala route, by this time it was dark, No proper Street light. At Lonavala I faced weekend travelers’ rush and eventually traffic on road. Finally I crossed Lonavala rush… Due to rains earlier, Roads were in pretty bad shape… It slowed me down drastically… And when I entered Mumbai – I got to know why they say “the city never sleeps”, traffic traffic everywhere…

My destination was Kandivali where my sister stays and I eventually reached there by 11.15pm.( I did stop for a quick Dinner in between) .Yes last 180 Kms took almost 6 hours.. More then double the time what I expected.

Bangalore-Mumbai

Here I stayed for the next two days before I started for my next destination – Udaipur

Mumbai- Udaipur

Was looking forward to ride on Gujarat road as I was told that they are Amazing…

Anyways due to some family get together… Slept late the previous night and left one hour later than initially planned… left around 6.30…

The weather was gloomy… It was drizzling… Not very ideal weather for a ride…

You have to be careful not to be too close to the vehicle especially the four Wheeler/ trucks ahead of you… As the water get splashed on you .. but even then it kept happening with me and had to frequently stop to clear the helmet visor from the road mud…

Stopped in between to have homemade Yummy sandwiches prepared by my sister… yah she forced I carry and I can’t thank her enough. And Tea (Wish I had avoided that)

By the time I reached Surat, The sun God started to play hide and seek with me… Was happy to see the weather clearing up… Just took a break at McDonald’s Surat but couldn’t decide what to eat.. as I was very careful about my diet during ride… Anyways… had water…Cleaned helmet visor and all set for next 200 + Kms…

Mumbai-Surat rain effect.

Had lunch at next destination… Started again and that’s where the rain started again… Apart from that on Gujarat highway …lot of cows and dogs on road so had to slow down… On top of that… Fallen tree due to rain leading to some road diversions…

I remember it was 3pm and rain was light but as I started to approach Rajasthan … The rain suddenly increased. Thank God I had carried a good quality rain coat ( Duckbeck pant jacket type).  Never knew I had to carry on like this for next seven hours … phew. I did had bike mobile mount and mobile rain cover which came in handy.

Yes it was rain rain and rain… And now it was getting darker …  Then road was full of potholes… Filled with water .. even more challenging ..  so to keep my daily target of riding … I continued my journey in rain … And covered next 100 Kms in 3 hours .. my shoes were not water proof hence took a break to dry up socks and shoes…I carry foot powder with me which I applied in plenty to my feet and socks to soak water.

(“Ek baar jo maine commitment ka di, uske baad tho main khud ki bhi nahin sunta.” (Salman Khan in Wanted.) So after about 15 mins break.   Started again… Never knew that this would be toughest part of my ride … It was 7pm… Raining heavily and without any second thought.. I started the bike … Now rain was even heavier… More potholes… More trucks and cars and the high beam from trucks coming from opposite direction… And diversions due to road construction. I could hardly make out where the road is… (Imagine driving a car in heavy rain without wipers being on)… So was forced to do something which should ideally be avoided… Tail a truck… I just followed the truck and carried on for next 70 Kms like this… In between went through very big potholes .. My bike was hitting the road from below the engine due to these potholes as they were really deep.. was worried about bike but had to carry on… Finally at 10.15 pm I reached Udaipur… partially Wet but fully exhausted…

I booked a Zostel – shared accommodation where some very curious room mates wanting to hear my story… 😊

Had my late dinner and just crashed on bed…

Udaipur – Delhi

Woke up fresh… Took few pictures of famous Udaipur lake … while having breakfast.

By the time I left Udaipur it was 9am. Called my brother in Delhi (who was constantly checking on me) to inform ( With excitement) that I will see him in Delhi… His reaction was … Will you reach Delhi Today… With a smile on my face , knowing I had done almost 1000 Kms the first day .. I told him YES 😊

It was quick exit from Udaipur city… and I was on this beautiful … Scenic … Wide highway… Initially it was difficult to pay 100% attention on road as after yesterday’s rain filled ride… This was a treat… But ultimately I made sure that I don’t get distracted by the scenic beauty for too long….

Long before I could realise I was on the outskirts of Ajmer city … did little over 200 Kms… Smooth and fast ride… Kissed my bike (yes quite literally ) for being so dependable in every terrain and a joy to ride…

Few people came over asking for pictures … Felt like a star…

From here to Jaipur was my next planned stop… It was effortless ride… As I told you earlier… I had saved the list of all KTM workshops of where I was visiting or passing by. So when I left Ajmer I called KTM Jaipur that I am coming … I wanted to show them the bike because of the beating it took during Mumbai Udaipur ride. It was all well… They suggested me to change the chain as I was visiting Himachal and I have already done 18500+ Kms with it.( Ideally they change it every 10000 Kms, thanks to my constant lubricating the chain and ride pattern, I could almost extend the life of chain to double its expected life) anyways, Not taking chance, I told then to replace the chain. Which took 3 hours … In between ordered lunch through Swiggy which got delivered at KTM workshop. Right use of technology 😅

I went to Hawa Mehal of Jaipur ( A famous tourist destination) straight from workshop.By the time I left Jaipur… It was 6.30pm

Another 275 Kms and I would be in Delhi … Hooray…

But getting out of Jaipur took some time… Evening peak hour office traffic…I guess… And we blame only Bangalore for bad traffic.

After 2 hours of riding.. I reached a place for some royal Dinner of Rajasthan… Huge restaurant on highway. That’s when I called my brother (Atul Johar) in Delhi… Who was quite concerned that it’s dark and after some time trucks will be on the road… (By this time I didn’t share to him what I went thru on route to Udaipur, now every challenge looks doable ) but keeping my safety in mind, he insisted that I stop over at Gurugram ( outskirts of Delhi)…

I reached Gurugram by 11.15pm to my friend’s Deepak Sharma place who is also a biker and who was also constantly checking on me and my safety throughout the trip.. 

We chatted for some time… Deepak offered me a cup of coffee… That’s what friends do.. Makes you feel at home.

By this time the bed was calling… We said good night and went to our respective rooms.. 

Got up fresh the next day… Had bath. Tea with cookies and it was around 7am… I left for Delhi.

I just can’t make you all imagine what I was going thru while riding towards Delhi. Never dreamt in my life that I will ride to Delhi… Never in my wildest dream riding solo.. but I started feeling that I am doing something extraordinary.

It was around 8am … That I reached Delhi… My birth place .. 😊

My brother was there to receive me and I wanted to shout out loud .. “I DID IT” But their over possessive dog didn’t even allow me to hug him.

I take a few days break here before I start my further ride…

I am a planner. I always have been. It feels great to have everything accessible and in one place. Well before going to any trip we look out for some specifics and for me it is important to have all the things ready before-hand. Now here are my tips to you as a beginner to look out for some basic prep material that you might need

• Make a map:

Now this is optional but very necessary. Some of you might want to be sure of the routes early so you can make a map roughly to avoid confusion. The turns that you have to take requires an early reminder so making a map will surely help you.

• Having a good phone and a spare one just in case:

Samsung M20 which has a 5000 MAH battery lasted me full day for maps. Used this for map primarily, though it was my second phone.

• Download any apps that I may need:

It varies from trips to trips, but some of the important apps that should be in your phone at all times is Google Map, Google Drive. Also a good internet connection is a must. You don’t want to be lost in the middle of nowhere without a network. Look for a good network as per your suitability and know whether it works well. Also, download offline maps.

• Research about the place:

Look for important museums, churches and tourist attractions.

• What to wear:

Know the appropriate attire of the place you’re visiting.

I also used Google Maps to create folders a) To all the destinations I am visiting b) of the authorised service centre of the bike I am using for the given route.

Govt. Issued Documents:

Though I kept the hardcopy of Licence , insurance , R.C. and pollution certificate. I also downloaded Govt approved app such as “Digilocker” to download all such documents which are accepted now by traffic police.

• SELF PREP:

You have to mentally prepare yourself for the trip. Pre fitness and during the trip exercises were done without a break. Also, Made sure I keep myself hydrated during the trip… Water… Salt… Electral powder were essential to carry.

Top of my priority always is timing and punctuality during the trip. I had made day wise kilometers target to cover and managed to stick to my schedule even during the adversaries thrown at me by the weather God.

• ROUTE PLANNING:

For me the route planning took time because I had a 40 days trip all over India. It’s like which side of Himachal Pradesh I shall enter and where to exit from.

• STAY PLANNING:

I had booked the hotels earlier so as to avoid any problems with respect to my stay. To know more about the local culture I even booked some village home stays.

• PACKING:

I packed the necessary things according to my need. Clothes, towels, toiletries, First Aid kit, Bike puncture repair and maintenance kit , Raincoat etc. I’m attaching a picture below so you can get an idea. I will publish a detail list at a later stage.

Throughout this trip I made sure to be organized digitally because paper might be left anywhere. At home or places but your phone is always there with you. Also it gives a relief to use the technology in a right direction making it a point.

Travelling gives you home in a thousand strange places, then leaves you a stranger in your own land.

Also stay tuned for my next blog.I’ll be sharing the entire journey super soon with you guys! 🙂

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• If you blog successfully throughout the next year, what would you hope to have accomplished?

You’re not locked into any of this; one of the wonderful things about blogs is how they constantly evolve as we learn, grow, and interact with one another — but it’s good to know where and why you started, and articulating your goals may just give you a few other post ideas.

Can’t think how to get started? Just write the first thing that pops into your head. Anne Lamott, author of a book on writing we love, says that you need to give yourself permission to write a “crappy first draft”. Anne makes a great point — just start writing, and worry about editing it later.

When you’re ready to publish, give your post three to five tags that describe your blog’s focus — writing, photography, fiction, parenting, food, cars, movies, sports, whatever. These tags will help others who care about your topics find you in the Reader. Make sure one of the tags is “zerotohero,” so other new bloggers can find you, too.