First Ride on Apache to Biligiri Ranganabetta and Bandipur

Had purchased apache on the 22nd of March 2006. Did the breaking in as prescribed and then came an opportunity to take the bike out for a ride.......

So it all started like this on 27th of May 2006.........

Got up early and all set to go at 5 am. Headed to the Shell petrol bunk near Metro Yeshwantpur... Tanked up and headed towards Mysore Road, with the roads being nice rode pretty quick all the way upto Maddur. Just after Maddur took the road leading to Malavalli, roads I should say, even though looks good is actually pretty bumpy. After Malavalli, the roads are pretty poor till Kollegal.

Reached Kollegal, a nice breakfast at the Shanthi Sagar restuarant opposite to the bus stand.

The shortcut as advised by one of the restuarant guys was horrible all the way up to the road leading to the forest checkpost.

Made an entry at the forest checkpost and continued riding... Dropped the speed to 40-50 kmph to enjoy the surroundings, and it paid off. Just after one of the curves had to stop because...... 2 Elephants were standing happily right in the middle of the road. Bad luck as I had the cam inside the bag could not click snaps..... Waiting for while for the gentle gaints to move out of the way. continued all the way up to the Hill, visited the temple and it was still around 9.30 am, not sure what to do and where to go... Out came the map and thought it would not be a bad idea to ride through the KG Gudi forest reserve towards Chamarajnagar and the final destination being Bandipur.

Started riding through pretty narrow gravel roads almost 25 kms through found about dozen gentle gaints in a pond, enjoying the morning bath and drink...... parked the bike and slowly walked towards the pond which was about 150-200 feet away from the road. Ensured I dont make any noise and disturb the gaints in their territory and seek trouble. Clicked a couple of snaps and then slowly moved out the place. Reached the other end of the forest checkpost and rode all the way to Bandipur through Chamarajanagar as the roads were pretty good.

Reached Bandipur, had a good lunch and rest for a while and opted for the Safari. It was already 5.30 pm and had to make move back to reach back home.......

With this ride I found how to reclaim a part of life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here are the links to some of the pics.

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