On the highway! When hubby got featured in The Tribune (30/7/2015)

When hubby dearest gets featured in newspaper!
You rejoice in love!!!

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When he fell in love with a long time friend, he knew it was the second time; the first being eternal for ‘Biking/Bike riding’. Adventure bike-riding, unlike others, didn’t run in his veins. Rather, he embraced it himself ever since he was young.  Owing due credit to summer trips to his grandparent’s village in Himachal, he would courageously take up ardent challenges like bathing the cattle in a nearby pond, catching fishes in a swamp, crossing a rivulet barefoot as a challenge or staying in a jungle without a torchlight for hours.  

The big-bug first bit when he was still in school and was awed by the beauty of a Classic Royal Enfield owned by his neighbor. Delighted at the offer of being ridden pillion on it, he was soon caught learning to ride it. The zeal to have his own beast made him ask one from his parents when he was in College. Courtesy his prized possession; Bajaj Pulsar, he would often set-off on short errands with his friends to Kasuali, Chakki Mod or Dagshai. Itched to discover beyond places locally, Pulsar stimulated him to discover the beauty of Shimla, Manali, Mcleodganj and Mussorie through his bike’s eyes. And then in 2015, Pulsar transformed itself into Firki; his latest possession, Royal Enfield’s Thunderbird.

One among his resolution list, right from this year’s onset, he started gearing up himself and ‘Firki’ to fulfill his dream of bike trip to the majestic land of Lamas (Leh). And seeing it happening in the treasured company of around 70 other bike-enthusiasts seemed to be a deal not to be missed. Grabbing the offer, he set out his routine of physical and endurance training. As the destination offered an unending stretch of rocky terrain known for its roughness and acridity, he trained himself and Firki for long stretches of days. The preparations included buying a fool proof head-to-toe riding gear, collecting a whole set of bike tools and accessories for meeting any on-the-go contingencies, packing satiating amounts of supplies, thermals and much more such like. 

About the 2500 kms of worthwhile journey from Chandigarh-Delhi- Narkanda- Kalpa-Kaza-Jispa-Sarchu-Rumtse-Hunder-Leh-TsoKar-Jispa-Manali-Chandigarh, the overall experience is punctuated with endless bouts of adventure, rush, patience, ecstasy, endurance, loneliness yet wholesomeness. “The odyssey to such high altitudes tests one’s patience and belief beyond limits. But at the same time, it enriches and leaves you with never ending stream of overwhelming experiences”, he exclaims. He further reveals “Acclimatization is the key to overcome all challenges. Being well-coordinated with the crew, fellow riders and receptiveness adds more flavor and charm to the journey”.  

As he concluded his 15 days self-exploration bike trip in Chandigarh on Saturday, his face radiated with oodles of contentment, serenity and tranquility. And in the meanwhile, ‘Firki’ was found adorned with Tibetan flags, traces of slush, bungee cables, saddle bags and bountiful cart of memories.

“Trip of a lifetime, I will relish its offerings till eternity. And given a chance would love to go on such expedition again. After all, its one’s attitude that decides his altitude”, he signs off.