[averagejoestel]

Hey all,
I have been a passive member of this community since late 2023, but only now have I come to writing my first post. I didn't plan on writing it. But as I sit down scrolling Team BHP on this fine evening of 1st Jan 2025, I say to myself - why not? Going forward, I genuinely wish to share more here. First, a bit about me.
Partners - RE Classic 350 (Aug. 2016-present), Triumph Scrambler 400X (Mar. 2024-present)

Why? Should you bother reading all this?
Well. I'm just a simple guy, an average joe, with simple pleasures. I find my inspiration - in both personal and professional life - from Zen Buddhism and Stoicism. I've successfully managed to turn my hobby into my profession, and like many of you out there, I too, am on a journey that does not end.

Who? Am I?
An industrial/product designer by profession. Domicile of Vadodara, and - as of 2025 - resident of the great city of even greater dreams - Mumbai. I'm an outdoors person and I live a modest life with sufficiently provided for means. A divorced man in his early thirties, i am a man with many thoughts, and motorcycling (riding it, cleaning it, maintaining it) is one way I meditate.

What? Are my indulgences?
Books. Motorcycling. Rock climbing. Spirituality. Calisthenics. Hiking. Open roads. DIY motorcycle maintenance. Mountains. Perfect zebra lines on a beautifully modelled Class-A surface. Street Photography. Chai on an open highway. Monsoon riding. Scouting google maps to find places where I'm least likely to find discraded platic bottles.

When? Did my journey start?
My dad - in his youth - used to be a motorcycle enthusiast as well. And the addition of a second bike to my garage (first I bought with my own money) has nothing but rekindled his spark. Our combined liking for motorcycling has certainly brought common topics to talk about and brought us closer - post the borderline traumatic events of my recent personal life. I guess some of us can agree how much this means for the oft. turbulent father-son relationships. Journey's going good.

Where? Have i been so far?
I'm planning to write up more about these journeys in follow up posts. But here's the gist: Ahmedabad - Rann of Kutch, Udaipur, Kumbalghad, Goa, Goa-Mumbai and Mumbai - A LOT of the Sahyadris. Sahyadris has been a good practice ground for me and slowly, i want to start moving out of my ~300km radius of a comfort zone around Mumbai.

There's lots more to say, and as the past 30 years have taught me, I'm more articulate with the written word than spoken. Point being I'm looking forward to writing more. Some words of encouragement from fellow members will help!

Cheers guys.
Wishing you all
and your loved ones
a Happy New Year.

Godspeed. ✨️

[Omkar]

Happy New Year averagejoestel!

I must say, this is one of the most well-written intros I have seen.

Nice bikes in your garage. Glad to see that you make sure to indulge in travelling and maintaining your bikes. Would love to read about your experiences with the Royal Enfield and Triumph.

Given the long list of interests that you have, I'm sure you will find the Shifting Gears section quite interesting.

All the best wishes for your travel plans outside of your comfort zone!

See you on the forum.

[linea_tjet]

Welcome averagejoestel!
Happy New year to one and all!

Like you, even I was once a passive member. I have been a passive member for a very long time and long as in would wait for any new blog of Sam Kapasi.

Wishing you Happy Motoring.

Cheers!
Raghu

[averagejoestel]

Thank you for the kind words, Omkar. Appreciate your suggestion about "Shifting gears" section, I'll have a look. Looking forward to sharing more. Best.

[averagejoestel]

Originally Posted by linea_tjet

... wait for any new blog of Sam Kapasi.

Wishing you Happy Motoring.

I will check them out. Happy motoring to you too Raghu.