Maravanthe Beach - 10.12.2011 - Lunar Eclipse
Total Distance Traveled - Approximately 250 kms
Number of Bikers Participated - 2 Pictures at the end of the Page. They say that it takes more for a eclipse to take place than simple Physics. Even though all the other planets have their respective moons, Eclipses according to astronomers are best viewed from Earth simply because the Distance between the Sun, Earth and the moon is such that it allows for phenomenal formations to take place. Of course, we Humans in the course of life lose simple respect and awe for things around us and the natural wonder of such phenomenon is lost on us. Thus the plan was made that such a phenomenon to be beheld in style, The chill Pill along with her other bike friends would tour 110 kilometers up north via NH17 to Maravanthe Beach, observe the celestial event and ride back having satisfied the need for freedom and scientific wonder. The Plan was scripted, the Invites sent, Bikes cleaned and patience tested. Finally December 10th brought with it a sense of excitement and fear for it was my maiden bike trip. Last minute cancelling s by other bikers increased the apprehensiveness. At 3 PM, I was prepared to start alone and complete the trip. However, Adarsh called at 3:30 PM and confirmed that he would be joining the ride. We met at the Mangala Stadium Parking, requested a sportsperson passing by to click a picture, and started the trip at 4 PM with Adarsh riding his Gladiator and myself riding the GS150R. After about half hour of cruising, we reached Mulky Bappanadu Temple where we stopped for about 10 minutes. Again set off and reached Santhekatte near Udupi encountering continually diverting roads on and off. Roads were not really bad except for a few places where we were off-roading. Adarsh was really kicking it at such situations supremely confident, backed by his newly installed CEAT Button Tread rear tyre. We stopped near Santhekatte for about 25 minutes, had snacks, juice and water. Stretched ourselves and again started at 5:45 towards our destination. Up till Kundapur, the road conditions went down two levels. Most recent layers of tar was getting peeled off the older layers causing us to say hello to them which was not really fun. However a milestone was achieved 6o clock when the Chill Pill completed 1000kms on her Odo. We stopped again, took a picture and set off. At about 6:20 PM when we were at Kundapur we observed that the Eclipse had started. The last stretch from Kundapur to Maravanthe was what was truly pleasurable. Dark roads, sparse traffic and cool air with a hint of salty air promising the beach close by. Narrowly missing a crossing Snake was however scary but thankfully nothing untoward happened and we reached Maravanthe Beach shore at 7 PM. By now over 1/3rd of the Moon was covered by the Earth’s Shadow. After a few photos we set ourselves up on the rocks placed on the beach head to arrest the wave impact. However the waters were very calm providing a dry and soothing environment for us to chill. We sat on the rocks munching on chips, biscuits and Cream buns, sipping Mango Juice. Truly magical. Alas, Party Poopers!! Cockroaches!! Set up base under the rocks, there were a couple of cockroaches who were ruining the party. We reset our camp on the sandy beach in the earnest. This spot was cooler as we got to lie down and check out the Moon and the sky. The Sky!! I tell you I’ve never seen so many stars in my Life. It was an icing on the cake. A phenomenal view to behold. By 9 PM, the fun had started fading since our group was small (All those who could not make it to the trip, we really missed you :( ), and we decided that we would start riding back. Riding back was awesome fun since there was very little traffic. However, the long ride had started taking its toll on our backs. Our legs had started aching too. So we took it easy, and reached our first pit stop point for the return journey which was the Headquarters of the Robosoft Technologies near Santhekatte. Shockingly the huge building was drowned in Darkness. Maybe they are going green, Adarsh suggested. And we chilled there drinking water and simply stretching ourselves. Again we set off towards Mangalore when Pranav (another rider who could not make it to the trip called us and asked us if we would like to ride to Manipal. Thumbs up. We set of to Udyavara, met up with Pranav and met his baby the Unicorn Dazzler. After a chill off session at Pranav s place we started towards Manipal which was an odd 20 kms from the village roads interior to Udyavara. Riding there was awesome. Well paved and curvy kind which is the type that every rider loves to ride on. After relaxing at Manipal and catching up we again set off back towards Pranav s place at 11:40 PM. We reached Udyavara at 12 am, said our cheerios and Adarsha and me started the next stretch of roads towards Yermal which was the highlight of the return journey. Here something amazing happened. Strangely, without any agreed upon statements Adarsh and myself would take turns to lead and be the alert one warning the rider behind of the diversions. Friends who know Adarsh, you all may say that Adarsh is a rash rider, but my respect for him is renewed by what I Observed of his riding, he knows what he is doing and he takes risks only after measuring them well. We reached Yermal at about 12:40. At Yermal is an All night Café Coffee day which was decided as the highlight of the return journey. Sitting on those comfy chairs after a long ride was very relaxing. We got a tall glass full of the Tropical Iceberg offering By CCD. Strong and Ice chilled; it definitely was rejuvenating and memorable. We started back again at about 12:55. Homestretch!! Riding again by switching leads we travelled the remaining 40 clicks home stopping at Mulky Bappanadu Temple to thank the goddess for a safe trip. Thus came to an end the Maiden Bike trip.Until next time dudes & dudettes. :) Expenditure - Fuel - 5 Liters of Normal Unleaded Petrol @ 72.60 per liter - Rs.363/- Snacks and Beverages - Rs. 65/- Per head. Regular Tropical Iceberg @ Cafe Coffee Day, Uchila - Rs.65/- per head Total Cost of Trip - Rs. 493/- Please comment on what you think about the trip/writeup/improvements. Thank you for visiting. :-) |
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