[spadix]

I'm absolutely kicking myself for having missed this drive meet. I had to go out somewhere else in the morning and there was no hope in hell of me returning in time to make the meet. Even otherwise, I don't think I could've made it.

For a while I was planning to console BQ by taking her out on a spin on the ORR up to Peddamberpet and back on that same day, but even that didn't materialize.

Regards,
spadix

[octane78]

Originally Posted by rm_arjuna

missed out on the ride due to kids exams . next drive count me in , octane's scorp will have black bull's company for sure .

Hey Arjuna that would be awesome 2 beasts Maverick - 2 and Black Bull together will rip the roads apart

[rm_arjuna]

That too black & White could lead the convoy

[Ravveendrra]

Sunday was a hectic day, day started well before dawn with a few test runs of a drag car on ORR. Once done the team had b'fast before I headed home.

After a bath etc. I headed out again to catch up with the TBHPians. Passed Pakwaan without spotting the gang so headed out onto NH7. Near Byraju foundation I called Avi to find out where they were and learnt that they were just ahead near Runway 9 and about to reach Dhola di Rani. Traffic being what it was, I could not speed up to catch up with the gang.

I soon spotted a bunch of cars parked on the shoulder and sure enough it was the main group who had stopped to fix the fender lining on Appu's Baleno that had worked itself loose. A few bits of wire and 10 minutes later we were ready to roll.

This was the first TBHP drive that I was not in one of my babies and how I missed them. Fortunately my ride for the day was Pulsar's Zen. Somewhere along the line the car forgot it was a Zen. While the engine and speed were great, the best part was the car's handling, it was rock-steady and surefooted all through. Power delivery was smooth and effortless. The gear shifts were slick and quick. There does seem to be more power to tap in that engine and perhaps slightly taller gearing would help on the highways but the present gearing makes the car really quick off the mark.

A regroup at the toll booth let me meet up with the rest of the gang before we set off for Harita resort on the left. The Zen's exhaust singing along its merry tune, I set off in pursuit of the faster cars with Sabby keeping me company throughout. (Sabby was on a FE drive - keeping his tacho at 3K). One Manza guy made life miserable for us by weaving all over the road and not letting us pass - does anyone have pics / vid of that idiot?

After a refreshing break at Harita near Kamareddy we headed back to the toll booth and the Dhabha just after it for some awesome snacks - the veggie snacks were really good. The dal was bad but the gravy of the chicken was good. The rotis were great though as was the curd. After lunch a few of us decided to call it quits and pushed off to catch 40 winks.

On the way back Downsouth kept the Zen company and I loved the way he handled the bike, keeping a steady pace and maintaining a clean line.

All in all, a great drive meet with a lovely bunch of people (is anyone making a book on who will return and who will not?) made better by a good road. In fact, I suggest we stick to this road for the next drive too - perhaps till Nizamabad / Pochampad. The road to Bangalore is patchy in the beggining and gets better only after about 30 km past the airport. The traffic is also less on the northern leg of NH7 towards Nagpur compared to the southern leg towards Bangalore.

Cheers,

[Motoringlover]

Originally Posted by Ravveendrra

I suggest we stick to this road for the next drive too - perhaps till Nizamabad / Pochampad.
Cheers,

I totally second Raveendra , It was a great experience, once is just not enough.

Best -

[a.bhatt]

The experience of my first drive with the team BHP was just awesome! Can’t wait to go on another drive ASAP. Everyone was so full of enthu and excitement, the energy of the group did not fade even under the smoldering heat. The roads were great and the A Team ensured that nobody in the group even thought about sedated driving! I am sure everybody tested the limits of their machines.
Thanks everyone for the arrangements. All in all, it was a lovely experience and was really nice to meet all you guys!
PS: I being a newbie to the group had no idea about the HST and was at the rendezvous point at 8.30 sharp. Hence, was the first one to reach there but it gave me enough time to catch up with everyone as people rolled in.

[mobike008]

A sudden silence seems to have befallen this thread.

Let's change that by discussing our April drive meet? Since Bhatman hasnt reverted with a date for AF academy visit.

I propose a drive on April 24th to Vikarabad.

It would be a nice 100kms one way trip upto the lake, lots of greenry around and then on return stop for lunch at a lovely dhaba with entire roof being only trees for lunch.

Before April 24th, I also propose a nice dinner meet in between. It's been really a long time that we did that.

Opinions, please?

[MileCruncher]

Originally Posted by mobike008

A sudden silence seems to have befallen this thread.

Let's change that by discussing our April drive meet? Since Bhatman hasnt reverted with a date for AF academy visit.

I propose a drive on April 24th to Vikarabad.

It would be a nice 100kms one way trip upto the lake, lots of greenry around and then on return stop for lunch at a lovely dhaba with entire roof being only trees for lunch.

Before April 24th, I also propose a nice dinner meet in between. It's been really a long time that we did that.

Opinions, please?

I cannot go on any drive till 12th April. After that I'm game to any long distance drive.

BTW what is the plan for India - SL Final?

[Neilguy]

Can't make it for the 24th. We have a holiday for Good Friday on 22nd, so already making plans to go out for the long weekend.

[kkr2k2]

Originally Posted by Neilguy

Can't make it for the 24th. We have a holiday for Good Friday on 22nd, so already making plans to go out for the long weekend.

Though OT, I would like to thank you for the heads-up!!!

[MileCruncher]

Though a little late, a few pictures of the drive meet from my side

[downsouth]

Ani,

Finally the pictures are online. Thanks for the ones where you took when I was riding. Thanks to everyone who has posted pictures of my Ninja. Love the pics.

[mobike008]

Nice pictures there Ani. I liked the second picture and a couple of pictures of the Ninja the best.

Seems like we have someone in our team who can give Atul a tough fight

[Neilguy]

Lovely pics. The pics of Chetan riding the Ninja are really wonderful.

[MileCruncher]

Thanks guys for the appreciation.
@Mobike008: I can definitely give a good fight to Atul, you just need to arrange the models

Coming back to the raison d'etre of this thread, to quench the thirst of a long drive as well as to take respite from this heat, an overnight trip to Suryalanka is being planned

What : Team-BHP Drive
When : April 16-17, 2011
Where : Suryalanka Beach
Rendezvous Point : TBD
Time: TBD

Confirmed Names
1. Mobike008
2. Milecruncher + 1
3. Neilguy+1
4. Downsouth + 1
5. Ashishy

Add name and copy/paste above.

We intend to stay in the Haritha Resort and if its not available then take AC Rooms in a lodge in Bapatla. As getting rooms in Haritha is difficult, people are requested to confirm by Thursday evening.