[Vasuki]

Originally Posted by J.Ravi

Blue Bird brought me safely and comfortably to Hotel Winsar Park, Vizag at 8 pm today.

Many sections near Ongole, Andhra Pradesh are being widened to 6 lanes. The existing road surfaces are being scrapped leaving a groovy-type of surface at Chilakaluripeta between Ongole and Vijayawada. I could not ride my bird on that scrapped surface

It flew out as I was going in 100 kmph speed and dropped on the road. Fortunately, there were no vehicles behind me, I came back and retrieved it.

Have a safe journey. How did you tackle the Ongole part, did you take a diversion?

BTW 100Km/h is pretty high speed, take care.

[tharian]

Originally Posted by J.Ravi

In another 15 minutes or so, me and Blue Bird will leave for Vizag, the first leg of our Golden Quadrilateral ride.

Origin: Chennai Royapettah home

Destination: Hotel Winsar Park, Visakhapatnam

Distance: 819 km.

Is this a solo ride?

Hats off to you for doing the GQ . It is always been my dream to do the GQ on a motorcycle and looking at you, I still have time

Ride safe and enjoy the country.

[bruns]

[On road price: 203981]
In chennai, TB 500 costs 201494 on road.

[P.S.]

Good luck on the journey sir.

Novice suggestion, the led beam from up front looks like it would be blinding to oncoming traffic. Do you think a slightly lower angle might be better sir?

Me and Blue Bird arrived safely and comfortably at Central Bed&Breakfast, Kolkata at 1:30 am today. We would have reached atleast one hour earlier, but for the mother of all traffic jams created by the truckers at the entry point of the city and at Vidyasagar Setu toll plaza even at this ghostly hour. Even the two-wheelers are not spared; I paid ₹ 5.



The complimentary breakfast buffet at Winsar Park, Vizag was lavish and delicious.

Yesterday, we crossed one inter-state border, TN to AP. Today, we did two, AP to OD and OD to WB.

Petrol is cheaper in OD than in AP and WB by ₹ 5/litre.
_______________________________________

Originally Posted by Vasuki

Have a safe journey.

Thanks, Ajay.

How did you tackle the Ongole part, did you take a diversion?

The Ongole bypass diversions are manageable. But, the Chilakaluripeta groovy surfaces are scary even today, if I recollect!

Originally Posted by tharian

Is this a solo ride?

Yes, tharian.

I still have time

You have plenty of time!

Ride safe and enjoy the country.

Thanks a lot for the wishes.

Originally Posted by P.S.

Good luck on the journey sir.

Thank you so much, P.S..

the led beam from up front looks like it would be blinding to oncoming traffic.

As I mentioned earlier, the spots of the LED auxiliary lamps are focussed just below high/low beams. Today, I used them extensively from Cuttack to Kolkata. I don't think it affects the people from the opposite side. Even the OD/WB cops did not bother me.

[download2live]

Originally Posted by J.Ravi

Taj felt that it is better to get a pair of base-plates welded to the crash-guard and fix the LED lights on the base-plates. He ruled out my suggestion of drilling holes directly on the crash-guard itself to avoid disfigurement due to welding.

Anything can be done about damaged chrome plating?
Looks like perfection ruined.

Have a nice ride.

[DragonHawk]

Awesome stuff Ravi sir. You seem to be living a dream of every biker would dream off. Hats off to you and I wish you a safe journey ahead.

Originally Posted by download2live

Anything can be done about damaged chrome plating?

I had knowingly sacrificed the beauty of the grill just to ensure sturdy fitting. I will try some silver enamel paint in the affected areas to reduce the damage after my return to HQ.

Have a nice ride.

Thanks, download2live.

Originally Posted by DragonHawk

Hats off to you and I wish you a safe journey ahead.

Thank you for the wishes, DragonHawk.

[phamilyman]

Originally Posted by J.Ravi

I had knowingly sacrificed the beauty of the grill just to ensure sturdy fitting. I will try some silver enamel paint in the affected areas to reduce the damage after my return to HQ.

Thanks, download2live.

Thank you for the wishes, DragonHawk.

Congratulations on a ride that is proceeding like clockwork. Safe travels and god speed!

Do let us know if you would be riding through gurgaon or delhi, and may have time for a half hour chat. We couldn't catch up in Chennai - maybe we can meet in NCR now?

I live 4km from the highway and can meet you ON NH8 itself, besides showing you a trustworthy COCO pump for fillups.

Lots others may be interested as well!

[dearindia]

Ravi Sir,

I was a dead member for 5 years stuck in quagmire called life. Zeal to pull my self up and to get on 2 wheels again got me to this thread ..I have read almost all of 52 pages, since you bought the Bike, so in last 2 days it was like watching 3 years of your motorful life and of many other dear members.

All of you inspire that life is to live .. so I will again jump start mine .. Not sure which wheels I will buy.. but will definitely with your permission seek suggestion from you all .. after I have understood my need clearly.

[slicvic]

Dear J Ravi, your thread and travels have been an inspiration to many. Good luck with this ride of the GQ. Looking forward to all updates and pictures once you are back.

_______________________________

Originally Posted by phamilyman

Congratulations on a ride that is proceeding like clockwork. Safe travels and god speed!

Thanks, phamilyman.

we can meet in NCR now?

Sure. I have sent a PM. Kindly select a place and send the co-ordinates to me so that I will drop in on my way to Udaipur.

Originally Posted by dearindia

I have read almost all of 52 pages, since you bought the Bike

Thanks for the appreciation, dearindia. Please test-ride all the bikes that are within your budget and requirement and decide. Advance congratulations and best wishes.

Originally Posted by slicvic

Good luck with this ride of the GQ.

Thanks a lot for the wishes, slicvic.

Here we are at Delhi.



This third leg is the toughest of all. We had crossed 4 inter-state borders, WB to JH, JH to BR, BR to UP and UP to DL. Tomorrow is rest day.

[drdeepudev]

Sir,Congratulations and happy to hear the progress. You are an inspiration. I've been following you since your Linea days and bit sad when it was sold. I've retained mine and is in the 7 th year of ownership. Inspired by you, a Royal Enfield thunderbird 350 cc joined my family and I'm quite happy that you are doing this in the TB. Wish you a safe journey and good health. Take care.

[citron]

Originally Posted by J.Ravi

Here we are at Delhi.

This third leg is the toughest of all. We had crossed 4 inter-state borders, WB to JH, JH to BR, BR to UP and UP to DL. Tomorrow is rest day.

Raviji - were you attempting SaddleSore 1600K - 1538 kms in 29 hours

In any case, completing an overnighter across WB,JH,BR and UP into DL deserves a full 21 gun salute,no less!

I wish you a good rest tomorrow and less demanding rides in the days to come.