The Biking Tales: Chapter 1 - The Crash and the Choice

Life rarely goes as planned, and neither did my ambitious 1,600 kilometer road trip from Kashipur (30Kms from Jim Corbett National Park) to Shillong. I had divided the journey into four phases:

1. Kashipur to Lucknow – A relatively familiar route to ease into the journey.

2. Lucknow to Vaishali (UP) – Traversing through the plains of Uttar Pradesh.

3. Vaishali to Siliguri – Crossing the plains into the hills of North Bengal.

4. Siliguri to Shillong – The final stretch into the serene hills of Meghalaya.

But like any great adventure, reality had its own plan. My story, much like life, took an unexpected turn right at the start, and the first leg of the trip did not go as intended. Instead of reaching Lucknow, I found myself at Bareilly. This is the story of how it all began – a journey that started with excitement and ended on the first day with a crash and a lesson in resilience.

A Bold Beginning

The ride was more than just a trip; it was a test of endurance, freedom, and the sheer joy of being on the road. In India, long-distance bike rides spanning over 1,000 kilometers are not common, but they are a growing passion among the adventurous. Estimates suggest that only a small fraction of India's 200 million-plus motorcycle riders attempt such a journey in their lifetime, with many opting for shorter, more manageable rides. However, for those who do undertake such long trips, it’s often about the experience, the thrill of the unknown, and the satisfaction of conquering the distance on two wheels.

I set out with this same spirit of adventure, riding my Yamaha R15 – a bike designed more for the racetrack than for touring. Its aggressive ergonomics, with a forward-leaning position, were not made for comfort over long distances. But that was precisely the challenge I wanted to face. Riding a bike has a sense of liberation attached to it. It is therapeutic. I wanted to push my limits, and this trip seemed the perfect opportunity.

The Crash

Barely 45 minutes into the journey, I faced an unexpected and nearly catastrophic crash. The road from Kashipur to Lucknow was challenging, filled with potholes and uneven surfaces, a stark reminder of the unpredictable road conditions in India. As I descended a small camel hump in the road, I saw two riders ahead of me, riding slowly and engaged in a conversation.

I was going at a good speed, feeling the adrenaline of the ride. I braked hard and tried to swerve, but the heavy luggage strapped to the rear of my bike shifted my balance. I lost control, and in a split second, the bike slipped from under me. I skidded across the rough tarmac, feeling the ground scrape against me, while the bike slid for about 200 meters, the luggage taking the brunt of the impact. Miraculously, I was still conscious and alive, thanks to my sturdy Axor helmet and the bulky bag that had cushioned my fall.

The scene was chaotic. A crowd quickly gathered, some criticising my riding while others seemed genuinely concerned. The rider I had collided with was unharmed, but I was held responsible and demanded to pay Rs. 5,000 for their medical expenses. They were just fine, it was more a mean and an opportunity to extract easy money. Well I choose to pay the amount, checked myself for injuries, and, with the help of a few kind souls, assessed the damage to my bike.

Broken parts of the bike

Regaining Control

My right fairing was hanging loose, the gear lever was bent, and my confidence was shaken. I managed to fix the bike to a rideable condition and continued to Rudrapur, the next town, for further repairs. The crash had left me rattled, questioning my decision to undertake this journey. The reality of riding over 1,600 kilometers alone on a bike hit me hard. I even thought about packing up the bike and taking a flight back home. But deep down, I knew I had to keep going. This trip was not just about reaching Shillong; it was about pushing myself beyond my comfort zone.

I kept riding, using the wisdom I had learned from cricket – focus only on the next ball, the next moment. The past was gone, and the future was uncertain; all I had was the present and the will to keep moving forward.

Phase 1: Kashipur to Bareilly – A Change in Plan

Instead of reaching Lucknow as planned, I stopped in Bareilly, the nearest major city. I checked into Raj Rani Hotel & Restaurant, the first one I saw, with no prior bookings or planning. It was a basic hotel, but it provided me with a place to rest and recover from the shock of the day’s events.

The ride from Kashipur to Bareilly was tough. The road conditions were poor, with potholes and uneven surfaces making it difficult to maintain a consistent speed. I realized that the real challenge of this journey was not just the physical distance, but also the mental fortitude required to keep going, to stay focused, and to handle whatever came my way.

Reflections and Resolve

As I sat in my hotel room that night, I reflected on the day's events. I was exhausted, my body ached, and my bike was damaged. But I was alive, and that counted for something. Giving up was not an option. This journey was about proving something to myself – that I could face my fears, push my limits, and find a sense of freedom and purpose in the open road.

The first day of my 1600kms long journey had ended in a place I hadn't planned to be, but I was still moving forward. The next leg of the journey awaited, with its own challenges and lessons. For now, all I could do was rest, regroup, and prepare for what lay ahead.

To Be Continued...

This was only the beginning of "The Biking Tales." The unexpected crash and the change of plans were just the first chapter in a story that would span eight days and over 1,600 kilometers. Stay tuned for the next part, where I will share what happened on the journey from Bareilly to Vaishali, which never happened and how every kilometer became a lesson in resilience, patience, and self-discovery.

Would you rather embark on a long-distance bike trip across India or explore the country by train?

• Long-distance bike trip 🚴‍♂️
• Option 2: Train journey 🚂