When Life Throws You a Curve Ball: A Solo Bike Ride to Chikmagalur on a Dominar
By BHPian Ganapathy
Prelude to the Journey:
Life has its ways of challenging us, and the past 24 months have been no exception for me. Dealing with the loss of a dear one and the uncertainties of impending retirement cast dark clouds of depression. My solution was simple—hit the road. After two years, I decided to stretch the legs of my Dominar on a solo ride to Chikmagalur, a recommendation from my brother-in-law.
The Decision:
Despite skepticism from family and friends about my ability to undertake a 1200 km solo round trip on a motorcycle, especially considering my age and physical condition, I resolved to embark on this journey. Preparations included servicing my bike, fixing an auxiliary light issue, and dusting off my riding gear.
Day 1: Departure and the Ride to Chikmagalur
On the morning of Wednesday, the 4th, after battling a sleepless night and deciding against a rain-check, I set off at 4:45 AM. The early morning start felt magical as I navigated through wet, glistening roads under a mild drizzle. By 5:30 AM, I passed the first toll gate at Sriperumbudur and continued through thinning traffic towards Vellore.
Challenges on the Road:
A brief coffee break near Vellore rejuvenated me, and I rode on, maintaining a steady speed. Despite a surge in traffic near Ambur and Vaniyambadi, I enjoyed the serene ride until hunger prompted a stop for breakfast at Krishnagiri. The stretch through Bengaluru’s infamous traffic maze tested my patience, but I managed to navigate onto NH 75.
Towards Chikmagalur:
After a late lunch, I faced the monotony of the long ride. Fatigue set in, but I pressed on, encountering unexpected speed breakers and narrow, winding roads. Night fell, and the blinding lights of oncoming traffic slowed me down. Exhausted, I reached Chikmagalur and checked into a hotel, too tired to search for better accommodation.
Day 2: Exploring Mullayyanagiri Peak
Refreshed by a hot shower and a hearty breakfast, I headed to Mullayyanagiri Peak, the highest peak in Karnataka. Despite visibility issues due to dense fog and low-hanging clouds, the views were breathtaking. I attempted some action videography with a Hero Action camera, but technical difficulties cut my effort short.
The Descent and Chain Sprocket Issues:
On the way down, I noticed an abnormal sound from my bike, identified as a chain and sprocket issue. A local mechanic and later a Bajaj authorized service point attended to the problem, reassuring me that I could safely return to Chennai. I spent the evening exploring a nearby lake before retiring early.
Day 3: Return to Bengaluru
An early start the next morning saw me making good time. Concerned about my chain sprocket, I maintained a cautious speed. After reaching my cousin’s place in Bengaluru, I had the chain sprocket set replaced at another Bajaj service point, relieving my worries.
Final Leg to Chennai:
The next morning, a final farewell from family in Bengaluru marked the start of my journey home. Despite a minor issue with my bike’s horn and indicators, I managed the ride back to Chennai, enduring the stifling heat and dreaming of a cold shower. By 3:00 PM, I was safely home, parking my trusty Dominar with a sense of accomplishment.
Conclusion:
This solo adventure was a testament to the reliability of the Dominar, barring issues arising from my own neglect of maintenance. The journey, though challenging, was liberating, reaffirming my belief in the healing power of the open road.