Dev Bhumi Ride II ( Chakrata )  | 25 - 27 Dec 2009

Thanks to the team who had been a wonderful co riders:

This prolog comes after completing the DBR-II with TEAM456. Now since I have completed the DBR-II, I can say that TEAM456 to the core justifies their motto, “WITH US YOU CAN”. These groups of avid riders (they are not just the bikers) provide amazing platform to bring different people from all walks of life to see a dream, chase it and fulfill it in style.

DBR-II evolved after a mammoth success of DBR-I. As DBR-I happened in the Lush green hills of Kumaon, DBR-II took place in the rocky mountains of Gharwal, as the destination was ever cathchy place-CHAKRATA.

DBR-II begun on the chilly & foggy morning on very auspicious day of Christmas. Since the start of the ride all knew down in there hearts that we are starting under the blessings of gods. We all assembled at Ghazipur Filling station. Vishal, Sandeep Tyagi, (we had two Sandeep in the lot which I came to know in the later stage) and Kshitij were among the first ones to reach indicating there singns of excitement and commitment for the ride. Once all of the riders saw the faces of TEAM456 member viz, Vinod, Parmesh, Sreejith, smiles floated on everyones faces. Done filling our bikes tanks and sending countless fags in the air (contributing our share of global warming) we all geared for the ride to begin with the excitement to match of a small kid. All eyes had a shine that morning anticiptating the ride to begin matching the gaze of starts in the sky.

We all kicked our bulls and started to follow our Team leader Sreejith. We all were as excited as we used to be when we moved from once class to another in our childhood days. We took the outer root to avoid the city traffic and chaos. Most of us did not know what was waiting for all of us. Initially the root was as smooth, but once we entered the countryside of Meerut and Muzafnagar. It was really hard to speed as we all were searching for road in potholes (thanks to our great politicians). Somehow we all manage to keep up the pace with our team lead, Sreejith. Siri showed us all what it is like to be the one of the most experienced campaigner among the lot. He drover as if he is riding over the silk. Seeing Siri driving on those roads, we all were spellbound. Even a F1 champ should see how he was dogging the pots and defying the curves. All doubts, (if anyone had any) mixed with fog instantly about him.

With tiny stops (longs ones still to come) we covered the first 90KM convincingly and reached Shymali for our b’fast. As we stopped all the travelers in their cozy cars and SUV’s were spellbound by the courage and determination displayed by TEAM456 riders. We had b’fast with shaking bodies and shivering hands as if the leafs shatter in autumn. I lost of count of how many teas I had in the b’fast. Reji, who never takes tea or coffee, was also seen sipping tea, courtesy of the chilling winter.

Riding with the mix lot of experience riders and loosing the ground rules in excitement came into reality once started from the b’fast break. I diligently followed Sirijth and soon to be chased by Reji. Now Reji had no choice coz he didn’t knew the root. Reji chased Sriji (TL) and me as if we both are the world beauties and he is in madly in love with us. He drove well with constant goose bumps of being lost.
Between this Sandeep and Mayank were driving as if they are in F1 race and Mayank was the defending champ challenged by the new kid on the block Sandeep Sharma. They both were blazing guns riding as if there is no tomorrow to come. Manish, (Parrot Guy) showed that is has abundance of patience. He almost drove alone (no one to follow him and he was not following anyone) the entire ride.

Till this point, one rider on his YAMAHA-R15 was riding like a surveillance cop. Zooming from tail to head making sure all are safe stopping ahead and letting pass every one. Yadu, showed tremendous display of speed and control while riding. He looked as if a ninja is on a mission with his typical helmet mask on his R15.

Subbu and Chander, the Jai & Veeru lookalike on their Karizma were like the romancing riders on wheels who just fell in love with each other (oops the ride). They were in there own world over the ride. Endless talk (no one knows what kind of talks) during the entire run. Chander made all go berserk with his most witty comments (no prize for guessing to whome they were for). This was Subbu’s first ride and he like an obedient student ensured that he follows the senior one’s. He drove coolly and was ably supported by Chander. Nitish and Chand, another dual riders where cruzing amazingly. Most of the ride Nitish was behind the wheels and Chand playing a role of committed Pelion.

Let my riding speek for me. This was the mantra of Sumit S. Sarkar, riding on his Pulsar.
Sumit drove really well. He was in total control the entire trip. Most of the time he was silent and spoke only when he wanted or when he was asked for. We both had a good conversation in Chakrata sharing some of our unknown truths of life over a cup of tea.

DBR-II will be known for another reason, Vishal. Team456 lovingly call him as NRI (he is very reliable Indian). Vishal got this name as he has worked in UK (not Uttarakhand), United Kingdom. Vishal was a nice rider to ride along. He had his own share of few hiccups in this ride. He drove well as all did. He had his own fundas; he wanted coffee when there were no signs of even tea. He displayed true colors of an Indian, savoring Bidi instead of Marlboros.

Once we all were in Chakrata we learned what it is to be in hills during the winters. As soon as we spotted the bourn fire we gathered all around it as if we all found the Ali Baba’s treasure. Gradually every one started knowing each other and rounds-n-rounds of laughter started to echo in and around.

Next day started with the sight seeing of Devban, an astonishing place over a hilltop. Reaching Devban was different ball game all together. Right from the beginning, the road was messy beyond the imagination. We all drove dual riding to save the fuel. Reaching Devban hilltop tested stamina of everyone. Once at the top, all the riders were stunned by the panoramic view of the great Himalayas. Luckily we were blessed by sunny day displaying all the peeks right from the Badri Vishal to all.


We returned back to the resort for lunch. Once done we all geared for the Tiger fall. Most of us did not know that Tiger Fall is one of the Asia’s highest falls. Reji and Sumit backed off as not feeling well, they both stayed back (hope in there respective rooms).
Reaching tiger fall was another challenge as it was on the foothill. We descended all most 600ft to see the nature’s miracle. Back from Tiger fall, we attacked food as if US had attacked over Afghanistan. Over the high sprit of few drinks and ecstasy of being in Chakrata few challenges were thrown, followed by the body building show, thanks to Sandeep Tyagi and Nitish (don’t know how many drooled over there muscular physic).

Next morning we all started our return journey to Delhi. This time Team decided that we will be driving back viz Saharanpur. Reji and I exchanged the bikes. I was on his Thunderbird fully loaded with luggage (Reji almost had Electra before moving to TB). Descend was going well until; the moment came, which changed the entire ride back. Saurabh closely followed Sreejith and not familiar with the conditions he skidded really badly over the frozen ice on the road. Luckily the footrest and leg guard of his bike took all the brunt of the fall sparing him with few minor scratches. After this everyone became really cautious. During the descent I became the fuel saving activist, driving neutral. Here my experience of riding in hills earlier came well handy. Root back to Delhi was good with few patches, which really gave pain.

In this entire trip our Backup team; consisting of another stalwarts-Vinod, Parmesh, Tinu Bhai (still I don’t his real name) Manoj (mechanic) played a fantabalous role. This team so diligently ensured no one is left behind them. These riders ensured the true nature of ownership and responsibility. Vinod & Parmesh are another veterans and experienced campaigners and this added ultimate surety in each of our hearts.

This entire trip gave me a new way of living life. I was blessed with lifetime friends and amazing riders. Each rider of this lot was unique and was inspirational for me. I earned a nickname of “ Rocket Singh”. This is the best compliment in my entire life and best gift ever. With many unforgettable instances, were Reji, Saurabh, Vishal became the victim of black ice (search Google for details) to body building show of Sandeep Tyagi and Nitish to witty comment of Chander to Tinu Bhai bike’s tires getting flat and many such more this trip goes into history as another feather in TEAM456 cap.

If DBR-I was huge, DBR-II was humongous. I look forward again riding with same TEAM456 and fellow rider. I thanks TEAM456 for providing me this memorable opportunity for chasing and fulfilling my Dream.

I urge all the riders to be safe, follow ground rules and drive safely.

Abhishek Thakur
Member - Team 456