Planning the Journey: Bangalore to Vijayawada
Recently, a motorcycle enthusiast shared exciting plans for an open-ended ride from Bangalore. This journey marks two significant milestones: reaching 25,000 kilometers with a Royal Enfield Meteor and celebrating a personal milestone of turning 50 years old. With only a few weeks to embark on this adventure, the rider outlined a plan to head east from Bangalore, following NH16 until either time runs out or boredom sets in.
Preparation for the Ride
Before hitting the road, careful planning went into ensuring a smooth trip. The rider completed the following preparations:
- Bike Maintenance: A complete service of the motorcycle was performed to ensure it was road-ready.
- Research: Various travel threads on motorcycle forums provided useful tips about the routes and necessary paperwork for trips to northeastern India, Bhutan, and Nepal.
The rider’s intention is to keep a travel journal, sharing experiences from each day’s ride for fellow enthusiasts.
Day 1: Departing from Bangalore to Vijayawada
With everything packed the night before, the only task left was to secure the luggage. The rider opted for:
- Viaterra Claw Tail Bag: For storing clothes.
- Guardian Gear Tank Bag: For carrying a laptop and camera.
Departure Time
The adventure began early. At 4:25 AM, the rider woke up, and by 5:55 AM, he was on the road. A send-off from his wife and son added a comforting touch to his journey. Riding in the early morning darkness made for smooth travel initially, with the aim to cover approximately 700 kilometers that day.
Encountering Challenges
Shortly before reaching Kolar, dense fog rolled in, drastically reducing visibility to mere meters and slowing speed to around 20 km/h. The rider faced the challenge of blurred vision, with both glasses and visor fogging up.
Finding a Solution
To overcome the fog issue, an effective strategy emerged:
- Follow Larger Vehicles: By tailing trucks or buses at a safe distance, the rider could better navigate through the fog, as their lights offered improved visibility and helped reduce fogging.
Scenic Stops and Breaks
After a while, the fog began to lift, and the sun cautiously peeked through. The first pit stop came at the Mulbagal toll booth, where a refreshing cup of tea and a couple of biscuits provided a much-needed break. One biscuit was even offered to a stray dog that approached hopefully.
As the journey continued, the rider made another stop at the Heritage Milk Parlor along the Tirupati highway, treating himself to cold coffee and a small snack. The terrain around Tirupati presented a mix of busy traffic followed by open stretches where riding became more enjoyable.
Milestone Moment
After navigating through Naidupet, the rider celebrated reaching the 25,000-kilometer milestone on the Royal Enfield Meteor. The route along NH16, surrounded by golden fields of ripening crops, offered beautiful scenery that revitalized the spirit.
Lunch Break
As hunger struck again, a quick stop for lunch was made at a roadside shed before Kavali. The break lasted around 15 minutes, allowing the rider to refuel both the bike and himself.
Progress Check
By 3 PM, a progress check showed the rider was approximately 100 kilometers from Vijayawada and about 30 kilometers from Guntur. Despite considering a stop at Guntur, the decision was made to press onward to Vijayawada.
A hotel room was booked through an online platform, and as the rider entered Vijayawada, heavy traffic slowed progress, leading to a later than expected arrival at around 5 PM.
Settling In and Discovering Local Cuisine
After resting a bit in the hotel, the next priority was to find a mobile repair shop since the phone had stopped charging the previous night. At the repair shop, the owner introduced the rider to local cuisine beyond the famous biryani.
Local Delicacy
The recommendation for Upma Pesarattu turned out to be a delightful surprise. Although a bit spicier than preferred, the dish was a delicious experience, perfectly ending the day. With the day’s journey covering over 645 kilometers, the rider retired for the night, feeling accomplished and eager for the adventures that lay ahead.
Conclusion: Excitement for the Road Ahead
The first day of the ride from Bangalore to Vijayawada offered a mix of challenges, scenic beauty, and unexpected culinary delights. As the journey continues, the rider looks forward to exploring new destinations, sharing experiences, and savoring the freedom that comes with open-road travels on a motorcycle. This adventure is not just a celebration of milestones but also a tribute to the joy of riding and discovering new horizons.