Showing posts with label India. Show all posts
Showing posts with label India. Show all posts
Saturday, 24 December 2016
Helen Does the Frug
Alright, it's party season, time for some off-topic. This clip appeals to my fondness for 1960s/70s Bollywood films, someone shapely in a miniskirt, nifty dance moves and driving instrumentals.
The clip is from the 1972 film Yaar Mera and, to quote a certain Britain's Got Talent deep space deviant, it ticks all the boxes. GI
Sunday, 23 October 2016
Travis of the Himalayas
From Anthony Brown who rode on the recent Sideburn x Helmet Stories Himalaya tour...
The riders on the Sideburn Himalaya trip were generous people.
Travis had packed light and we all set about kitting him up with some new riding gear
Newbold Wears:
Kufi Hat - purchased from hippy shop in Daramasala (£1.50)
Tibetian wool scarf - Purchased from a small shop in Killar (£3.00)
Sunglasses - Models Own
Axo original Finnish MX pants - Found on market still in small village close to Pangi Valley (£5.00 we didnt barter too much they were unworn)
Woolie Jumper- Colorado thrift store
Mandels - Models own
Backpack - Brought from outfitters enroute (£2.50)
We blew the £10 budget by 50p but I think the backpack bonds the whole outfit together.
Labels:
fashion tip,
India,
road trip,
Royal Enfield,
Sideburn India Trip,
Travis
Sunday, 9 October 2016
Off-topic Sunday
Kirk Gee in LA has previous with this blog, usually involving sending us links to barmy videos. His taste for the odd is impeccable and he never disappoints. Here's a recent exchange between Kirk and GI.
KG: Here's some footage I shot at the Dirt Quake campsite. How you keep that suit so white is beyond me Gary.
GI: If smartphone technology wasn't invented to watch crackers Bollywood dance moves while half-cut in a Milwaukee hotel, then I don't know what it's for. Thanks Kirk, the spring is back in my step. Viva YouTube.
Take it away, Shashi Kapoor (playing a very plausible Gary Inman). By the way, if you fancy watching the whole two and a half hours of Pyar Ka Mausam, it's out there on YouTube. MP
Thursday, 22 September 2016
SB Himalayas 2016: Part 1
This is the first of a short series of blog posts I am writing to try and give a flavour of what people should expect from sideburn promoted trips and in particular the Sideburn x Helmet stories trip we just completed in the Himalaya’s. Motorcycling to me is much more than just riding it’s about sharing experiences with a group of likeminded people and that’s why the guys at Helmet Stories love this collab with Sideburn. From the moment we all meet to the rushed goodbyes as we headed back to our planes we all got along and laughed together as we shared in a fantastic experience.
The trip did not feel super curated or planned down to the last mile. Helmet stories do a great job of keeping things right without a feeling of formality, from the initial planning emails to the ride itself things were laid back and relaxed. For eighteen riders, some of whom have never meet before, to hang out together for a 6 days in what can be sometimes challenging circumstances things need to be right. If you have an urge to explore on motorcycles and the words above sound like your kind of fun then I would encourage you to get yourself signed up for the next trip.
GC45 (Geoff Cain hanging with the Suicide Squad taxi drivers
For those who have not been before, India is a headf*ck, as crazy as it is beautiful and as welcoming as it is chaotic. Ten hours in a suicide squad taxi from Chandigarh to Manali was a great way to break us in gently. Stops for chai and lunch gave a break from the crazy driving and the Indian music played by VK, our driver. Arriving in Manali down a dirt track to an amazing bungalow complex was a welcome treat. 21 Royal Enfield’s in a line ready for adventure was a great sight. Last showers and cold beers set the scene for a 190km ride the following day.
Main Men Vir and Harsh were riding the new Enfield Himalayans. They seemed to work really well on the roads we took over the trip. Read Vir launch report on this bike in Sideburn 25.
DTRA rider Brad Hardman gives the Trip the thumbs up
Another instalment coming soon....
If you're interested in going on the Helmet Stories x Sideburn Himalayas trip in September 2017, email us at dirt @ sideburnmagazine.com
Wednesday, 10 February 2016
Sideburn in the Himalayas 2016 Edition! UPDATE
UPDATE: Sorry, there was slight confusion over the dates. Now corrected. Please check carefully before booking flights.
Sideburn's inaugural 2015 Himalayan adventure with Helmet Stories was so fantastic we've decided to do it again in SEPTEMBER 2016.
Ride the unforgettable road of the Pangi Valley and the Himalayas in the far north of India with Sideburn's rep, 'Co-Built' Anthony Brown and respected local tour leaders, Helmet Stories
Sideburn's inaugural 2015 Himalayan adventure with Helmet Stories was so fantastic we've decided to do it again in SEPTEMBER 2016.
Ride the unforgettable road of the Pangi Valley and the Himalayas in the far north of India with Sideburn's rep, 'Co-Built' Anthony Brown and respected local tour leaders, Helmet Stories
Seven days of riding, camping and feasting with India’s most fun motorcycle tour company and your favourite motorcycle magazine. Read all about it in Sideburn 23.
PRICE: 110,000 rupees (approx. £1100, US$1600, €1400, AU$ 2300 at current exchange rates).
INCLUDES: Royal Enfield 500 Bullet bike rental; meals and drinks on the road; all accommodation (twin sharing in hotels, individual tents when camping); sleeping bag; guides; back-up truck; full support of mechanics and catering staff.
WHEN: 11-19 September 2016 (see notes below)
WHERE: Chandigarh and Pangi Valley in Himachal.
WHICH FLIGHTS TO BOOK
You must be in New Delhi on Saturday 10 September 2016 , to be able to catch a train at 7.40am on Sunday 11th*. Fly home on 19 September 2016**. Helmet Stories can suggest hotels if you want to arrive before or leave later to have more time to acclimatise and relax.
* It is possible to get cheap internal flights, to avoid the train journey from Delhi to Chandigarh (though the train is a good experience) and the very long taxi journey back to Delhi (which is not such a good experience).
** Your flight home is dependent on choosing the road transfer (included in price) or booking your own internal flight back to Delhi. Vir at Helmet Stories can help advise internal flights.
12 places only.
HOW TO BOOK
Contact vir@helmetstories.com
The trip is run by the highly experienced Helmet Stories company.
All payments to Helmet Stories.
50% deposit on booking.
25% two weeks before trip
25% on arrival in Delhi
NOT INCLUDED: Flights to and from New Delhi; any accommodation before the 11th or after the night of 18th; transfer to Delhi railway station on day 1; Internal flights if you choose those over the organised transfer; Specialist personal insurance (highly recommended); Riding kit (bring your own); Tourist visa; Damage to the motorcycles.
Sunday 11 September, Day 1: Transfer from Delhi to Chandigarh by train, 250km. Train leaves at 7.40am so you will need to be in Delhi the day before.
Nice hotel in Chandigarh and time to explore by taxi.
Alternatively, book a cheap internal flight (at your own cost. About £50). Helmet Stories will supply details.
Nice hotel in Chandigarh and time to explore by taxi.
Alternatively, book a cheap internal flight (at your own cost. About £50). Helmet Stories will supply details.
Day 2: Chandigarh – Manali transfer by 4x4 - 185 miles
Early start to reach Manali by late-afternoon. Last hot running water for four days in a luxury hotel. Meet the bikes.
Early start to reach Manali by late-afternoon. Last hot running water for four days in a luxury hotel. Meet the bikes.
Day 3: Manali – Urgos - 110 miles.
Very easy if the sun is out, very tough if the rain gods come out to play. There's perfect tarmac with hairpin after hairpin, mud to play in, wooded tracks running along feisty rivers and a campsite shaded by willows at the end of the day. A perfect start to come to terms with your motorcycle, a 500cc Royal Enfield.
Camp overnight.
Camp overnight.
Day 4: Urgos – Phindri - 55 miles.
Challenging riding on this ball-breaking road. Couple of chai stops along the way. Stunning camp on a lush mountain side. Time to hike to the gushing river of snow melt for a refreshing wash.
Day 5: Phindri – Sural Bhatori via Killar
70 miles of the same terrain as Day 4. Cliffside dirt roads. Rewarding riding.
Camp overnight with an unforgettable view (see below).
Day 5: Phindri – Sural Bhatori via Killar
70 miles of the same terrain as Day 4. Cliffside dirt roads. Rewarding riding.
Camp overnight with an unforgettable view (see below).
Day 6: Sural-Sach Pass– Satrundi - 75 miles.
Even more ball-breaking roads and crossing a 14,500ft (4500m) mountain pass. This is not a gentle blast down the Pacific Coast Highway.
Camp overnight in a forest clearing.
Camp overnight in a forest clearing.
Day 7: Satrundi – Khajjiar - 75 miles
Tarmac begins (sort of...) We ride through the mini-Switzerland of India. Overnight in a hotel (with a huge monkey god statue in the grounds). Back to hot running water!
Tarmac begins (sort of...) We ride through the mini-Switzerland of India. Overnight in a hotel (with a huge monkey god statue in the grounds). Back to hot running water!
Day 8: Khajjiar – McLeodganj - 80 miles
The last day of riding is marked with scenic back roads, mainly tarmac and ending in the official home of the exiled Dalai Lama. Overnight in a hotel. Say goodbye to the bikes and the loyal mechanics.
The last day of riding is marked with scenic back roads, mainly tarmac and ending in the official home of the exiled Dalai Lama. Overnight in a hotel. Say goodbye to the bikes and the loyal mechanics.
Monday 19 September
Day 9: McLeodganj – New Delhi airport by van/bus (or optional internal flight) - 600km/370 miles. It is possible to fly home the same night if you arrange a late flight out of Delhi.
* Organisers reserve the right to change the itinerary without prior warning.
Labels:
India,
road trip,
Royal Enfield,
Sideburn India Trip
Sunday, 20 December 2015
If I had Indian MTV, I'd never get anything done
Dateline: 12 September 2015, Hotel Mini Swiss, Khajjiar, India
After four nights in a tent, sleeping in jawdropping locations in the Himalayas on the Sideburn x Helmet Stories trip, we were back in a hotel, a hotel that was something like a set of a Wes Anderson movie (see the swimming pool below. Unfortunately it was empty. That's a horse being led round it).
It was good to get a shower, but the camping had been such fun, and so memorable, that we weren't that fussed to be in a hotel, especially not one quite this weird. Still it was an experience.
The next morning, we met in reception, ready for the last day's riding. While I was waiting, my gaze fell on the TV the bored male receptionist was watching. The old set was showing Indian MTV. After days of riding, eating in shacks and pooping in a tent, I was mesmerised by this eye candy. Right there and then I thought, If I had Indian MTV at home, I'd never get anything done. This is the actual video that was on. It didn't take me long after getting home to hunt it down. I've watched it a few times and still wonder:
What. The. Hell. Is. Going. ON?
Read about this trip in Sideburn 23. By the way, the huge statue is Hanuman, the Hindu monkey god. G
Labels:
absurd,
India,
Sideburn 23 teaser,
Sideburn India Trip
Thursday, 3 December 2015
Royal Enfield Himalayan
This high roller is going to be the next Royal Enfield. It's rumoured to have a brand new 410cc engine and so-called 'spy' shots (that nowadays are purposely blurred teasers released by marketing departments to raise interest and gauge opinion in a cheap and relatively risk-free way) have been circulating for a few months.
The Indian market is crucial to RE, all exports currently do is add a gloss and give the machines extra credibility at home. The Bullet and Classic sell incredibly well in India, but the cafe racer style Continental GT didn't go down well with the home market where the very conservative domestic buyer just didn't get it. Why would you want a less comfortable riding position plus struggle to carry a pillion comfortably and use more fuel?
So, it's hard to know how the Himalayan will go down, but I'm guessing better than the Continental did in India, because it's an easier concept to understand. Longer suspension, more ground clearance, tougher, possibly lighter and at least as frugal. These are all key desires for the Indian buyer. Still, the Bullet/Classic is such an icon and it's Royal Enfield's Porsche 911. Other models come an go, but the Bullet keeps slowly developing and remains the best-seller. Therefore anyone in the market for a new Enfield has to be drawn away from the Bullet. Royal Enfield may also be in competition with the Indian-built KTM Duke 200, but I think the Himalayan will be more expensive, meaning their only domestic competition is likely to be themselves.
The Himalayan is almost definitely a design from the UK (Wrong! Ian, Xenophya co-founder, now RE, contacted me to say it's almost totally an Indian styling job) . Royal Enfield bought out the Northumberland-based independent vehicle designers, Xenophya, and moved them to Leicestershire to start up one of two technical and design centres for the Indian company, the other being in Chennai, India where the firm's two factories are based.
Xenophya styled a number of RE models including the Classic 500 and Continental GT, and also worked with Triumph on projects including the Tiger Explorer. The new design centre has already attracted senior staff from Triumph, including former Hinckley product manager, Simon Warburton. Royal Enfield also employ Pierre Terblanche (lead designer of the Ducati Sport Classics and 999, and, more recently, the Confederate X132 Hellcat Speedster).
Exciting times for Royal Enfield.
If you want to read about what it's like to ride a Bullet 500 along the gruelling Pangi Valley in a group of 16, buy Sideburn 23 for my story. G
The Indian market is crucial to RE, all exports currently do is add a gloss and give the machines extra credibility at home. The Bullet and Classic sell incredibly well in India, but the cafe racer style Continental GT didn't go down well with the home market where the very conservative domestic buyer just didn't get it. Why would you want a less comfortable riding position plus struggle to carry a pillion comfortably and use more fuel?
So, it's hard to know how the Himalayan will go down, but I'm guessing better than the Continental did in India, because it's an easier concept to understand. Longer suspension, more ground clearance, tougher, possibly lighter and at least as frugal. These are all key desires for the Indian buyer. Still, the Bullet/Classic is such an icon and it's Royal Enfield's Porsche 911. Other models come an go, but the Bullet keeps slowly developing and remains the best-seller. Therefore anyone in the market for a new Enfield has to be drawn away from the Bullet. Royal Enfield may also be in competition with the Indian-built KTM Duke 200, but I think the Himalayan will be more expensive, meaning their only domestic competition is likely to be themselves.
Xenophya styled a number of RE models including the Classic 500 and Continental GT, and also worked with Triumph on projects including the Tiger Explorer. The new design centre has already attracted senior staff from Triumph, including former Hinckley product manager, Simon Warburton. Royal Enfield also employ Pierre Terblanche (lead designer of the Ducati Sport Classics and 999, and, more recently, the Confederate X132 Hellcat Speedster).
Exciting times for Royal Enfield.
If you want to read about what it's like to ride a Bullet 500 along the gruelling Pangi Valley in a group of 16, buy Sideburn 23 for my story. G
Monday, 23 November 2015
Sideburn 23: The Details
Here are more details of the new issue, Sideburn 23.
COVER STAR: Sharon C on Jason's Borile
BIKES: Borile B50 Scrambler; Norton P11; Trackmaster Triumph 650 Nixon replica street tracker; Roland Sands Designs Indian Chieftain; Japanese vintage sand racers; Suicide Machine Co Sportster; Crosley Howerton 'Skinny' Kawasaki GNC racer; Royal Enfield Bullet
HOW TO: How to Draft to Victory (with Bryan Smith)
PEOPLE: Aidan Collins; Guy Martin; Ike Part; David Aldana
PORTFOLIO: Raid71
ADVENTURE: Riding the Himalayas on Enfields
PLACES: Aldeburgh; Brackney; Chirihama; Los Alamitos
PAGES: 100
Get it for £6 plus post from sideburn.bigcartel.com
OR buy subscribe to Sideburn for 8 issues and get a FREE Sideburn T-shirt worth £20
COVER STAR: Sharon C on Jason's Borile
BIKES: Borile B50 Scrambler; Norton P11; Trackmaster Triumph 650 Nixon replica street tracker; Roland Sands Designs Indian Chieftain; Japanese vintage sand racers; Suicide Machine Co Sportster; Crosley Howerton 'Skinny' Kawasaki GNC racer; Royal Enfield Bullet
HOW TO: How to Draft to Victory (with Bryan Smith)
PEOPLE: Aidan Collins; Guy Martin; Ike Part; David Aldana
PORTFOLIO: Raid71
ADVENTURE: Riding the Himalayas on Enfields
PLACES: Aldeburgh; Brackney; Chirihama; Los Alamitos
PAGES: 100
Get it for £6 plus post from sideburn.bigcartel.com
OR buy subscribe to Sideburn for 8 issues and get a FREE Sideburn T-shirt worth £20
Labels:
Borile,
India,
Raid71,
Royal Enfield,
Sideburn 23 teaser,
Sideburn India Trip
Friday, 20 November 2015
Sideburn x Himalaya Kit
Sideburn's Himalayan trip was a blast but packing for it was difficult. We were told to wear full-face helmets and expect rain. I wanted to travel as light as possible (but I never travel as light as some people).
So I decided to ride in trousers I could fly out in and take lightweight ex-British army waterproofs to put on over the top when needed. I never needed them. This is what I chose to ride in for the six days we were on the Enfields.
Icon 1000 Beltway jacket
$600
Four pocket coated canvas with leather reinforcement panels. Tough, tons of pockets, zip-out satin body liner, clever magnetic storm flap closing. Mine is a pre-production sample I got when I visited Icon HQ and it's showerproof rather than waterproof, but Icon 1000 don't make claims that it is waterproof. Tough coat.
Icon 1000 Cheeter gloves
$35
Felt much more lightweight than I would normally wear, but I was expecting to wear heavyweight Dainese winter gloves for most of the trip. Instead I wore these every day for 8 to 10 hours in our kit and they were the comfiest ever. No callouses, despite the rough going. Not sure how much protection the fabric back and goat leather palm would offer, and only a crash will tell me, so I'm putting that off. There is additional D30 (Icon's own armour) knuckle protection.
http://www.icon1000.com/
AGV AX8 Evo
£250
I'm spoilt for choice when it comes to helmets and would normally have ridden in an open-face Davida on a tour like this, but Vir, the tour leader, made it clear full-face was the way to go and all but one of our tour group listened to him.
This AGV is the lightest race helmet I've ever worn or even felt. It weighs just 1.15kg (2.5lb). Comfortable all day, every day.
100% Barstow x Ornamental Conifer goggles
$95
These road goggles have big frames (and lens) and look better with a full-face than open-face lid. Well made, lovely strap design from our mate Nico, with leather detailing. Comes with spare lenses to change for different conditions. Quality feel, but the top end of goggle price range.
Dainese TRQ-Tour Gore-Tex Boots
€250
High-tech touring boot with the protection of a Dainese raceboot. Fits under slim trousers (with a bit of wrangling) and very waterproof. Again, all-day comfortable. These are hardcore touring boots. I did 20 days straight in them, from coast-to-coast-to-coast of the USA - 8000 miles and they were faultless.
Kriega R35
£145
Possibly the best piece of motorcycle kit I've ever owned. I've only ever heard one complaint about Kriega packs and that was from someone who reckoned they were too big for the adjustment the straps offered, so if you're the size of a bear, perhaps try one before buying.
Edwin 55 Chino
£90
Not riding trousers, but I rode in them. And love them. Got them in a bit of a state too.
So I decided to ride in trousers I could fly out in and take lightweight ex-British army waterproofs to put on over the top when needed. I never needed them. This is what I chose to ride in for the six days we were on the Enfields.
Icon 1000 Beltway jacket
$600
Four pocket coated canvas with leather reinforcement panels. Tough, tons of pockets, zip-out satin body liner, clever magnetic storm flap closing. Mine is a pre-production sample I got when I visited Icon HQ and it's showerproof rather than waterproof, but Icon 1000 don't make claims that it is waterproof. Tough coat.
Icon 1000 Cheeter gloves
$35
Felt much more lightweight than I would normally wear, but I was expecting to wear heavyweight Dainese winter gloves for most of the trip. Instead I wore these every day for 8 to 10 hours in our kit and they were the comfiest ever. No callouses, despite the rough going. Not sure how much protection the fabric back and goat leather palm would offer, and only a crash will tell me, so I'm putting that off. There is additional D30 (Icon's own armour) knuckle protection.
http://www.icon1000.com/
AGV AX8 Evo
£250
I'm spoilt for choice when it comes to helmets and would normally have ridden in an open-face Davida on a tour like this, but Vir, the tour leader, made it clear full-face was the way to go and all but one of our tour group listened to him.
This AGV is the lightest race helmet I've ever worn or even felt. It weighs just 1.15kg (2.5lb). Comfortable all day, every day.
100% Barstow x Ornamental Conifer goggles
$95
These road goggles have big frames (and lens) and look better with a full-face than open-face lid. Well made, lovely strap design from our mate Nico, with leather detailing. Comes with spare lenses to change for different conditions. Quality feel, but the top end of goggle price range.
Dainese TRQ-Tour Gore-Tex Boots
€250
High-tech touring boot with the protection of a Dainese raceboot. Fits under slim trousers (with a bit of wrangling) and very waterproof. Again, all-day comfortable. These are hardcore touring boots. I did 20 days straight in them, from coast-to-coast-to-coast of the USA - 8000 miles and they were faultless.
Kriega R35
£145
Possibly the best piece of motorcycle kit I've ever owned. I've only ever heard one complaint about Kriega packs and that was from someone who reckoned they were too big for the adjustment the straps offered, so if you're the size of a bear, perhaps try one before buying.
Edwin 55 Chino
£90
Not riding trousers, but I rode in them. And love them. Got them in a bit of a state too.
Labels:
Helmet,
Icon,
India,
Ornamental Conifer,
Royal Enfield,
Sideburn India Trip
Thursday, 22 October 2015
Sideburn in the Himalayas
This Himalayan adventure was the second Sideburn-endorsed fly-ride road trip. The first was our desert and mountain trip to Morocco that Ben took (with the excellent MotoAventures) back in the Spring. Read about it in Sideburn 21. We're running another Morocco trip in October 2016, and all 12 places sold out in six days to riders from Australia, USA, UK and Kuwait. If there are people who missed out on this trip we could run another in October 2016, with a special guest Sideburn representative, so get in touch.
And we're also almost definitely doing another Himalayan trip to the Pangi Valley next September. So if you fancy that, email us for details. The date is likely to be September 10 - 18. Same route as this year's, same Helmet Stories crew.
The idea for doing these trips is simply Motorcycle Fun Times. To bring a group of like-minded people together (like-minded because they all read Sideburn - or that was the idea, but the word spreads and we've had a few people on the trips who didn't know anything about the magazine and were told about the trip by mates, which was unexpected but not a bad thing). It's also so we can work with and promote small companies we like.
For a tiny company Sideburn tries to do a lot - make and sell magazines and merch; organise Dirt Quakes and other events, videos; attend other people's events; pay artists, writers and photographers; sponsor races and now run trips. We are massively appreciative of everyone who supports us and makes all these things happen. Please keep doing it because no one's getting rich making niche magazines and we want to keep going.
Here's some more info about the Indian trip...
It's a long way down in the Pangi Valley. No barriers, dirt roads... Up ahead is Mark from the Jerkyls, the Australian dirt track club. I'd never met him before and now I love him like one of own eyes. That's what these trips can do. In turn, Mark enjoyed the trip so much he signed up for our 2016 Morocco as soon as it went on sale. He's bringing five other Jerkyls with him. It's going to be carnage.
Young Dan getting a move on at dusk to get the tents up before sunset.
We rode along valleys for days. It was hard at times, but never boring.
A lot of the rest of the time was going up and down mountain passes. Look at this photo. Who wouldn't want to do this trip?
Four nights in a hotel, four nights free camping. One night the field the guides had used previously had been 'stolen' by another tour company, almost unbelievably. The guides spoke to the locals, and one of the guides jumped in a car with them and drove off. We hung around for half-an-hour or so, tired and wondering what was going to happen. Then the car reappeared and we rode 15 minutes up a mountain track, in a long conga line of Royal Enfields, until we came to this heli-pad, at 10,000ft. We camped around the side, gathered wood for a massive fire, washed in the stream running down the mountain side and had one of the wildest nights of the trip.
Motorcycle fun times!
If our trips don't work with your schedule Helmet Stories run other trips in India.
MotoAventures run tours in Portugal, South Africa, Greece and Morocco on KTMs and BMW twins. Quote SB23 when booking to get a discount on any MotoAventures trip. G
Labels:
India,
morocco,
motoaventures,
road trip,
Sideburn India Trip
Tuesday, 28 April 2015
Thursday, 26 February 2015
Ride the Himalayas with Sideburn
Ride the challenging roads
of the Pangi Valley and the Himalayas in the far north of India with Sideburn's editor Gary Inman and respected tour
leaders, Helmet Stories.
Seven days of riding,
camping and feasting with India’s most fun motorcycle tour company and your
favourite motorcycle magazine.
PRICE: 100,000 rupees
(approx. £1000, US$1600, €1400, AU$ 2000 at current exchange rates).
INCLUDES: Royal Enfield
bike rental, transfers to and from New Delhi International airport; meals and
drinks on the road; all accommodation (twin sharing in hotels, individual tents
when camping); sleeping bag; guides; back-up truck; mechanic and kitchen staff.
WHEN: 10-18 September 2015.
WHERE: Chandigarh and Pangi
Valley in Himachal.
WHICH FLIGHTS TO BOOK
You must be in New Delhi
before midday on 10 September 2015. Fly
home after 8pm on 18 September 2015. Helmet Stories can suggest hotels if you
want to arrive before or leave later to have more time to acclimatise and
relax.
13 places only.
HOW TO BOOK
Contact vir@helmetstories.com
The trip is run by the
highly experienced Helmet Stories company.
All payments to Helmet
Stories.
50% deposit on booking.
25% two weeks before trip.
25% on arrival in Delhi
NOT INCLUDED: Flights to
and from Delhi; any accommodation before the 10th or after the 18th;
personal insurance; riding kit (bring your own).
ITINERARY*
10 Sept, day
1: Arrive New Delhi, transfer to Chandigarh by van/bus, 250km. Overnight in
hotel.
Day 2:
Chandigarh – Manali by van/bus - 185 miles
Hotel
overnight.
6am start to reach
Manali by afternoon. Last hot running water for four days. Collect bikes.
Day 3: Manali –
Urgos - 110 miles.
Camp overnight.
Very easy if the sun is out, very tough if the
rain gods come out to play. There's perfect tarmac, mud to play in, wooded
tracks running along feisty rivers and a campsite shaded by willows at the end
of the day. A perfect start to come to terms with your motorcycle, a 500cc
Royal Enfield.
Day 4: Urgos –
Phindri - 55 miles.
Camp overnight.
Challenging riding on this ball-breaking road.
Day 5: Phindri
– Sural Bhatori via Killar - 70 miles.
Camp overnight.
Of the same
terrain as Day 4. Rewarding riding.
Day 6:
Sural-Sach Pass– Satrundi - 75 miles.
Camp overnight.
Even more
ball-breaking roads and crossing a 14,500ft (4500m) mountain pass. This is not
a gentle blast down the Pacific Coast Highway.
Day 7: Satrundi
– Khajjiar - 75 miles.
Tarmac begins.
Sort of… Riding through the mini-Switzerland of India. Overnight in hotel. Hot
running water.
Day 8:
Khajjiar – McLeodganj - 80 miles.
The last day
of riding marked with scenic back roads and ending in the official home town of
the Dalai Lama. Overnight in hotel.
18 September
Day 9: McLeodganj
– New Delhi airport by van/bus - 370 miles.
* Organisers
reserve the right to change the itinerary without prior warning.
Can you spot the bike?
Friday, 9 May 2014
Kishore Kumar - Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana
From Kirk
"Absolutely no synchronized dancing at all, but top notch yodeling, motorcycling and beachwear however.....Life Is A Wonderful Journey"
"Absolutely no synchronized dancing at all, but top notch yodeling, motorcycling and beachwear however.....Life Is A Wonderful Journey"
Saturday, 19 April 2014
Bambukaat MC, Punjab
This came in from Pritpal in India...
People tend to talk about things that interest them and we are no different. We are 4 guys, all of us motorcycle enthusiasts. Whenever we would gather up for a “GEDI” (Definition: A leisure stroll or around town on a vehicle (mostly motorbikes) with friends. Usually young boys go for these “gedies” to hoot at girls, but the word is in common usage with both girls and boys) or at someplace, most of our talk was on motorcycling. One day we were discussing the custom motorcycle scene in India and we all stumbled upon the same thought. We should start customizing motorcycles.
We were all a bit skeptical about it at first until one of us bought a second hand Royal Enfield, then we knew there’s no turning back. We rented a good small workshop out from the city area. While we were hustling in and about the workshop we still couldn’t come up with a name. Many different names popped up, but one stood out BAMBUKAAT, an unofficial name from the old days in Punjab that was given to motorcycles because of the simplicity of the machine itself. We wanted to bring that simplicity back in trend. We started working on the design; we all contributed ideas and at last we had it finalized, it was absolutely perfect for the start.
We named our first bike PORUS. King Porus was the ruler of the Paurava region in ancient India, which now happens to be Punjab. This was the perfect name for our first bike we all thought. (To give you little flashback the ancient Indian ruler King Porus fought against Alexander the Great).
In this Royal Enfield custom we’ve removed the stock wheels of 350cc standard. The complete headlight assembly has been changed. We have also extended the swing-arm. The wider custom handlebar features custom handle grips with no electricals on the handle except the horn. All the electrical components have been placed in a custom electrical box. The engine was cleaned and has been fitted with a megaphone exhaust. Other fabrication work includes a custom made fuel tank with 22L fuel capacity, custom rear fender and the brass accessories for a touch of class.
The build of this Royal Enfield custom took us one month, working almost every day and night. In the end it was all worth it. The bike has been showcased at many places and everywhere it has been getting a great response. The appreciation we have received makes us even more confident about the future of the custom motorcycle culture in India. Bambukaat MC" our facebook page .
People tend to talk about things that interest them and we are no different. We are 4 guys, all of us motorcycle enthusiasts. Whenever we would gather up for a “GEDI” (Definition: A leisure stroll or around town on a vehicle (mostly motorbikes) with friends. Usually young boys go for these “gedies” to hoot at girls, but the word is in common usage with both girls and boys) or at someplace, most of our talk was on motorcycling. One day we were discussing the custom motorcycle scene in India and we all stumbled upon the same thought. We should start customizing motorcycles.
We were all a bit skeptical about it at first until one of us bought a second hand Royal Enfield, then we knew there’s no turning back. We rented a good small workshop out from the city area. While we were hustling in and about the workshop we still couldn’t come up with a name. Many different names popped up, but one stood out BAMBUKAAT, an unofficial name from the old days in Punjab that was given to motorcycles because of the simplicity of the machine itself. We wanted to bring that simplicity back in trend. We started working on the design; we all contributed ideas and at last we had it finalized, it was absolutely perfect for the start.
We named our first bike PORUS. King Porus was the ruler of the Paurava region in ancient India, which now happens to be Punjab. This was the perfect name for our first bike we all thought. (To give you little flashback the ancient Indian ruler King Porus fought against Alexander the Great).
In this Royal Enfield custom we’ve removed the stock wheels of 350cc standard. The complete headlight assembly has been changed. We have also extended the swing-arm. The wider custom handlebar features custom handle grips with no electricals on the handle except the horn. All the electrical components have been placed in a custom electrical box. The engine was cleaned and has been fitted with a megaphone exhaust. Other fabrication work includes a custom made fuel tank with 22L fuel capacity, custom rear fender and the brass accessories for a touch of class.
The build of this Royal Enfield custom took us one month, working almost every day and night. In the end it was all worth it. The bike has been showcased at many places and everywhere it has been getting a great response. The appreciation we have received makes us even more confident about the future of the custom motorcycle culture in India. Bambukaat MC" our facebook page .
Sunday, 13 April 2014
Talash
Ok, it's Sunday night, I've been out riding flat track - feeling a bit zonked, while I'm wading through dozens of Dirt Quake pre-entires from both sides of the Altantic. I have no cable to watch tonight's MotoGP, but I remembered a track I heard on Radio 6 last week. I knew for a Bollywood song to be played on a BBC radio station it is likely to have a killer dance routine from a movie attached to it (like a firm favourite of mine Jaan Pehechaan Ho) and I was right. Well worth a watch. This is the blurb that came with the YouTube post... G
This is a scene from the classic Bollywood movie "Talash", released in 1969! The lovely Helen is dancing like no-one else, while she's lip synching to Asha Bhosle's divine voice!
Sit tight, there will be a motorcycle-related post along soon...
Saturday, 30 March 2013
Tuesday, 26 February 2013
Gumnaam Style
In the sweaty post Shook Ups! come-down, Sideburn's house DJ (as in our stable favorite not boomcha handbag), Johnny Alpha delighted the crowd with his rare vinyl. Skinhead; Suedehead; tattooed faced Punk; Rocker; Cidernaught (Thanks to Redface Dave for drawing my attention this local anthropological group); braided East Coast Rapper; Traveler; Mod; Beatnik alike, none can resist the dancefloor gravity of a Shankar Jaikishan original Angel Records pressing from the 1965 Indian film Gumnaam. BP
(see also Ted Lyons And His Cubs)
(see also Ted Lyons And His Cubs)
Wednesday, 2 January 2013
Hayate!
I love this advert found in a recent copy of Bike India. There are no skinny, tattooed hipsters trying to sell bikes to one of the biggest two-wheeled markets in the world, it's this polyester-wrapped Magnum-alike.
Where do I sign up for a Suzuki Hayate (in metallic lime)? G
Where do I sign up for a Suzuki Hayate (in metallic lime)? G
Labels:
facial hair,
fashion tip,
India,
style,
Suzuki
Friday, 27 April 2012
Backhanders
I found this brilliant advert on Josh's Bugged Shutter blog. It says 'The more you bribe, the more powerful they get.'
I'd consider joining the Filth if I could dress like that for a living (and I'd only want four arms). The British police uniforms are getting ridiculous now. They'll be wearing hoodies next. G
I'd consider joining the Filth if I could dress like that for a living (and I'd only want four arms). The British police uniforms are getting ridiculous now. They'll be wearing hoodies next. G
Tuesday, 20 March 2012
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