A memorable Saturday Debacle !

2010 Saturday Ayudha Pooja on the highways with my best bud - first time on the NICE road - Flat tyres twice - peaceful laid back rural life - tasty roadside food - a visit to the scenic Mekhedaatu left incomplete, were perfect ingredients for a memorable day.

The first flat tyre, being fixed by Karim Bhai. As luck would have it, the shop was within a few meters where the tyre flattened out. It was not a surprise as Harsha was expecting this even before we set out.

The little girl next to the puncture shop, only about 10 years young, was managing her dad's grocery shop all alone.











We could just get a glimpse of the place, as the tyre went bad again, very close to the destination. This time we had to wait for a couple of hours before we could hitch a ride in a 10 seater autorickshaw along with Harsha's bike. We were left off to the nearest village 10 Kms away. After getting it fixed, we set off to Bangalore.

Happiness Always .. Nithyananda !!

Curiosity led me to Nithyananda's ashrama in Bidadi about 30 Kms from Bangalore. Calmness emanated from the huge peaceful environs of the ashram. This time was out curiosity, next time it most probably will be for a deeper inspection.

WoW - Weekend on Wheels

The 2010 Dasara weekend was spent mostly on the Bangalore - (Kanakapura) - Mysore highway. After many years, I got back to my old ways of random bike rides. I got a glimpse of sangama - mekhe daatu, Innovative film city, Nithyandanda ashrama. Kamat in Ramanagara and my good friend Sharaths house in Mandya served as break points where I had some sumptuous food. 400+ Kms on the wheels in two days resulted in a crazy unplanned random ride.

UVCE - KR Circle Bangalore

Ten years since I set foot into my engineering college in late 2000 AD. Some wonderful mixed memories. Pictures shot on an early Sunday Morning in May 2010.









The graphics hall in the Mechanical Building.





Workshop Labs!

Sunfeast Marathon 2010

It was the perfect third Sunday in May [May 23 2010], when I accidentally met, interacted and captured the political power, glamor and the atmosphere of Sunfeast Marathon in the Kanteerava Stadium, Bangalore.

Karnataka Chief Minister B. S. Yeddyurappa







Pooja Gandhi





Gandhi Sisters - Pooja and Radhika





Gul Panag



Rahul Bose







Yours Truly posing with Gul

Ride to the sacred Hills !!!

Almost six years since that youthful crazy ride on the wheels to the Tirumala hills with my ever reliable closest buddy. I had vowed to never ride on two wheels along this side of the NH4 to South India's most thronged pilgrim place, after that unforgettable trip had almost cost us our lives.

When I failed to find harmony with my Dad, I decided to break my vow and find solace riding to the lord, on my horse. I was in great turmoil whether to do it or not, more so after the rains, the night before I left. Leaving everything to the lord, I embarked on the solo journey to the hills at 6 AM on the Friday August 13 2010. Despite the consistent drizzle, I galloped steadily on my CB Twister. The difference between the 2004 and 2010 ride was that I was well equipped with the right safety gear necessary for such long rides. The drizzle turned into a steady incessant downpour which almost threatened to make me head back home. Something made me persist and ride along. By the time I reached Kolar at about 7-30 AM the rains had completely stopped. Overall the 300 Kms ride to the hills on my bike with the music from my IPod for company and the huge trekker backpack serving as a cushion for my back, made the 6 hour ride quiet a comfortable experience. There was this one stretch somewhere in Andhra Pradesh, where butterflies came crashing on to the helmet visor and many wasps collided, stinging through the jacket. Amidst all this, the wonderful music and myriad thoughts all along the way, made it a rejuvenating ride.

It was at about 1 PM that I reached on top of the Tirumala hills. I discovered that there was no accommodation on the hills for single visitors. I had to get down and luckily found a nice lodging just at the very foot of the hills. After some rest and bath, I went on top for the Darshan of the lord, which was the best I have had till date. It is a very touching experience every time you get to see the lord. Those few seconds that we get to see Lord Venkateshwara, notwithstanding all the hardships - the long queues et al, makes it worthwhile and fulfilling. I came back to my room for the night. Early next morning, I rode to the hills for the third time within 24 hours and I should say it was a heavenly experience. I left back to home at about 11 AM. It was 4 PM before I reached Bangalore. All in all, the 700+ Km ride was an experience to cherish and there might be an another one coming soon !!!