 |
|
28 Feb 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Between London & Singapore
Posts: 153
|
|
|
Newbie with 10 days in India. But where should I go and how should I do it?
Having spent the last year or so trawling through this site and listening to the many pearls of wisdom on pretty much every subject out there I've finally decided that it's time to sign up and get involved. I've been riding for years (sports bikes) and have toured Europe a few times but have really been converted and inspired by this site to start looking further afield.
I have 9-10 days spare at the end of April/beginning of may and the chance to go to India where a friends work contract is ending. Whilst we could just fly out and see the sites our first choice naturally would be to take this opportunity to grab some Enfield Bullets etc and hit the road, but how to do it, where to go?
Most organised tours seem to be for longer periods and are pretty expensive so I'm leaning towards hiring some bikes. I'm also aware that the weather may well be a factor in different parts of the country (monsoons etc?) and I assume there are other factors I've not given proper (any) consideration to.
Your thoughts as to where to go, how best to do it, who to use, what to consider and anything else you care to mention would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
|
28 Feb 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Ireland
Posts: 114
|
|
|
If you've never been here before
then it will blow your mind, it doesnt matter
where you go, youve only ten days, but get out
of which every city you land in and enjoy
|
28 Feb 2008
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bobduro
Your thoughts as to where to go, how best to do it, who to use, what to consider and anything else you care to mention would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
|
Ask at Venture On Wheels - Motorcycle and Adventure Tours in India Based in Pune
John
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
|
29 Feb 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Mumbai, India
Posts: 188
|
|
|
B***** Hot!
Are you OK with 60 centigrade in the sun and 45 in the shade? 
We natives are, take care you don't melt! I take it you have not ridden here before. Night riding here is not for you! 
Hire a car and go where you wish. Cheap, with driver, airconditioned. You'll enjoy it more (All this from somebody who detests cages).
Have a nice trip!
|
29 Feb 2008
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: uk
Posts: 77
|
|
|
Where in India will you be?
India is a huge country and it will be hot in April - any plans you are thinking of will depand on your starting point.
|
29 Feb 2008
|
 |
Slacker supreme
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Sacramento, California
Posts: 410
|
|
|
I'm going to be heading to India in late April or early May. I'm from the central valley in California, so I'm used to it being over 40C/100F. A friend of mine has an apartment in Varanasi, so I'm hoping to acclimate (temperature and traffic) before my bike shows up. I'll be there for a few months.
--Dave
|
4 Mar 2008
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2006
Location: New Delhi, India
Posts: 41
|
|
|
Just head to the Himalayas, nice scenic roads and relatively cool climate.
|
6 Mar 2008
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Larkhall,Scotland
Posts: 22
|
|
|
10 days in India....
Hi
Do Not,repeat DO NOT ride at night!!! Its mental and you will be run over!Other than that Its the most intense addictive riding experience on the planet.Its a vast country so with only 10 days you will have to pick where you want to go.If your flying to Delhi hiring an enfield is no problem(go to Karol Bargh and take a big bag of spanners with you,you`ll need them!)but think about something more modern and reliable like a Baja.Then head to Rajasthan (Jaipur,Jodphur etc..absolutely stunning places)No shortage of places to stay, however at that time of year(pre monsoon)it is very very hot and sticky and that affects what riding gear you will want to wear(dont scrimp on the safety gear you take,youll need it)Alternatively you could head north to the punjab then to Shimla,Kulu Valley,Manali (a lot cooler)Whatever, enjoy it,it will blow you away!
|
13 Mar 2008
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Oztralia
Posts: 646
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by a1arn
Are you OK with 60 centigrade in the sun and 45 in the shade?
We natives are, take care you don't melt! |
A1arn, I once saw 55C on a thermometer in the shade in Lucknow in early May.  Not a pleasant experience!
__________________
Garry from Oz - powered by Burgman
|
13 Mar 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Mumbai, India
Posts: 188
|
|
At those temperatures, though, you have the road to yourself. No trucks, no pedestrians, no dogs, no cattle!
Night riding is quite safe once you get a HID lamp fitted (preferably a spot lamp) which allow you to see the road in front of you even when looking into 12 sets of high beams. Once switched on, oncoming traffic aborts dangerous overtaking passes/other idiot maneuvers that would push you off the road, and tourist buses with 6 headlamps set on high beam even dip their lights! Oncoming traffic becomes sane and civilized! (All this has something to do with the "might is right" pecking order on our roads - something that can effectively blind others allows the bike to punch well above it's weight)
In our Yahoo group, we call them niceness makers but with just 10 days at hand, fitting them on a rented bike is not an option, so night travel is inadvisable.
Yogesh's advice would help you stay comfortable (well, sort of). The plains would be very hot.
|
15 Mar 2008
|
|
Slacker supreme
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Sacramento, California
Posts: 410
|
|
|
The HID lamp is a great idea. Any chance they'll work on 6-volt bikes? I don't know if I have enough time to upgrade my bike to 12-volt.
|
15 Mar 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Mumbai, India
Posts: 188
|
|
|
There should be people who can do it without much problems here. Yamaha's most popular 2 stroker (RX 100) came with a 6V electrical system - one of the first things many owners did was to chuck it out, and fit a 12V one in it's place.
It may not be a bolt on fit, but I guess you can easily spend a little time machining the necessary bits (cheap here, like all labour).
|
15 Mar 2008
|
 |
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DogZone Country
Posts: 1,218
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by a1arn
At those temperatures, though, you have the road to yourself. No trucks, no pedestrians, no dogs, no cattle!
Night riding is quite safe once you get a HID lamp fitted (preferably a spot lamp) which allow you to see the road in front of you even when looking into 12 sets of high beams. Once switched on, oncoming traffic aborts dangerous overtaking passes/other idiot maneuvers that would push you off the road, and tourist buses with 6 headlamps set on high beam even dip their lights! Oncoming traffic becomes sane and civilized! (All this has something to do with the "might is right" pecking order on our roads - something that can effectively blind others allows the bike to punch well above it's weight)
In our Yahoo group, we call them niceness makers but with just 10 days at hand, fitting them on a rented bike is not an option, so night travel is inadvisable.
Yogesh's advice would help you stay comfortable (well, sort of). The plains would be very hot. |
I'm amazed that you advise someone to blind other roadusers, who may well retaliate or swerve into the bikes when dazzled.
|
23 Mar 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Mumbai, India
Posts: 188
|
|
|
Ground realities differ
Quote:
Originally Posted by Caminando
I'm amazed that you advise someone to blind other roadusers, who may well retaliate or swerve into the bikes when dazzled.
|
Fine, if you ride here, you are most welcome to dip your lights when something with 6 high beams comes your way on your side of the road, overtaking something else with 4 high beams. Better have prominent ID tags though, makes it easier at morgues and hospitals to identify mangled bodies and notify next of kin.
Oncoming trucks /buses/cars do not WANT to hit anybody, but they could not care less if they do. A glancing impact with a bike is neither here nor there for them. But the one thing that unfailingly gets their balls in their mouth is getting one wheel off the road - it's the prelude to turning turtle. Blinded, they do not see the road any more - hence slow down/ abort lunatic overtaking maneuvers that WILL kill you. And as you have the switch at your fingertips, there is nothing to stop you from switching off the HID lights for those who have dipped their lights.
It's foolish to think the rules in your part of the world apply elsewhere AND ADVISE PEOPLE AS PER THAT  . Especially so if you are not aware of the ground realities.
Last edited by a1arn; 23 Mar 2008 at 22:07.
|
25 Mar 2008
|
|
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DogZone Country
Posts: 1,218
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by a1arn
It's foolish to think the rules in your part of the world apply elsewhere AND ADVISE PEOPLE AS PER THAT . Especially so if you are not aware of the ground realities. |
I dont think you should call me foolish after your deeply worrying "advice", though I feel you are no stranger to the word.
Nor do I think you should assume what I know or dont know of what you charmingly call "ground realities". I assume you mean the carnage of Indian roads.
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
