[raptor_diwan]

Well, attempting a 1000KM endurance ride on a lower cc engine and an uncomfortable vehicle for longrides like the Activa is like trying to climb Mount Everest in flip flops. It's possible, but you might end up questioning your life choices along the way!

Was it possible in the first place? That's a question that haunted me for so long, but in my youthful foolishness, I decided to give it a shot anyway. So I hopped on my trusty Activa 6g and set out to answer the age-old question of whether a low-powered scooter can handle a long-distance journey.

Wait, I should be prepared for such ride isn't?

I knew I had to prepare myself both mentally and physically for this long scooter ride. Mentally, I've been excited and eager for it, having thought about it for a long time. Physically, I'm a fitness enthusiast and did a lot of mobility and core exercises to strengthen my back for the ride.

Now, I have to choose the location for my upcoming weekend getaway. Yercaud, a charming mini hill station, is a popular choice among Chennai residents. The roads are in great shape, the weather is pleasant, and I need to check room availability. The distance to Yercaud is around 750-800 kilometers.

But wait, this is supposed to be a 1000 KM ride. How can I cover 1000 with just Yercaud? Now, for an additional 200 KM, I have a plan. On the return journey, I will take the Ponicherry route. Let's hope for the best and pray to the gods to help my poor back.

So, that's it - the ride is on with my trusty little Activa 6g! However, I need to establish some safety protocols since this isn't like my usual bike rides on my 400cc engine. I can't just zoom past other riders and cars on this scooter, as I might be a bit of a disturbance on the road.

Here are the protocols I've established for myself to ensure my safety during the ride:

1. Never push the engine harder than its limit (maximum speed of 80kmph and do not exceed it).
2. Overtake only when absolutely necessary.
3. No road rage - give way to other vehicles on the road.
4. Take frequent breaks - the destination is just a place to rest and refuel, not a race. So, keep calm and enjoy the ride.
5. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, which will automatically encourage more breaks.
6. Share my live location with my loved ones.
7. Fill up the tank before it reaches reserve.
8. Ride only when I feel alert, and if I feel even slightly drowsy, take a break.

Alright, let's see if my writing skills can match my scooter riding skills!

Day 1 :-

Time :- 06:15 AM - KM on Display at time of starting - ODO KM - 10094





After riding for an hour, I made my first pit stop and checked the odometer, which read 10,147 kilometers. I had covered a distance of 57 kilometers without any breaks.







Second, stop here for a quick tea break and sit here for almost 30 minutes watching all the vehicles go by, and put a biscuit out for the dog.





At last, it's time to refuel! I drove up to the gas station for the first time on this trip and filled my tank to the brim.



So far, my back and butt have been feeling fantastic on this trip. I was being cautious and didn't stop until I felt some pain, but I couldn't wait any longer. I found a great spot under a tree on the side of the highway, and you know what? I just love parking my bike in the shade and watching the madness unfold. It's like a show! I saw all kinds of cars, some driven like they were on a race track, some driven like they were in a traffic jam, and some interesting trucks with no driver in the driver's seat. Maybe they were ghost trucks!



After riding in Dominar and car through these places, I expected to cover more ground while riding the scooter. But I haven't even crossed Tindivanam yet! It feels like I'm still close to Chennai

And my energy is getting drained faster. It takes a lot of concentration, especially since the rearview mirror isn't big enough to cover my right side, creating a larger blind spot. With slow speeds and high-speed cars passing me illegally, one wrong hit could make things go south. That's why I was extra careful to keep myself in the corner of the street and not be an obstacle to anyone on the highway.



I'm starving at the moment and stopped at my favorite place for breakfast. Usually, I have breakfast here on most of my trips, but it's already 10 AM. Normally, I would have been here by 8 AM. I went in and ordered a dosa, and it was a delicious breakfast.





A few people understood that I was on a tour with my scooter by looking at my number plate and the way I was carrying myself. Some even went out of their way to check my vehicle after someone pointed me out to them. They kept staring at me, and maybe it was something on my face.



I was cruising down the highway, minding my own business when suddenly, I got lost! But wait, it wasn't the highway I lost myself in; it was my mind! I was so deep in thought, pondering about my future, past, present, and whatnot.





I think I've covered around 300 kilometers so far.

I stopped under the shades of a tree and had a great time walking around. This time, I got so lost in the moment that I forgot about time and ended up wandering for about 45 minutes!



It's time for the second fuel stop!





And my main hero, Mr. Activa 6G, was killing it! No jerking, no issues, just smooth sailing. I made sure to give him plenty of rest stops along the way, as well as for myself. I was focusing on both of our health throughout this journey. For Mr. Activa, fuel was the top priority, and for me, hydration was key. But let's be real, more water breaks meant more pit stops for me to relieve myself. So much for being a long-distance rider!

Now it's 3:56 PM and I'm near Yercaud. I haven't been very hungry, and to be honest, there haven't been any interesting food stops on the stretch from Ulundurpet to Salem.







Oops, I made a mistake and forgot to close the fuel lid after filling up.

It's an important moment as it's the first time my scooter is going to climb a hill. I couldn't resist taking pictures along the way.









To my surprise, there was no problem in climbing the hill. The pulling power was more than enough for me to reach the top, which was a pleasant surprise. I had previously climbed hills on a 150cc Bajaj V15, which had struggled a bit. But this little guy, my Activa 6g, performed so well!



Finally, I spotted the first signboard of Yercaud in the middle of the route.







One of my favorite places in Yercaud, sitting here in peaceful quietness, thinking about the achievement of riding from there to here on a small vehicle. The sound of birds chirping fills the air, and there is no network in this specific spot on my mobile. Jio may work here, but I use Airtel, and I'm happy to not be distracted by technology. I'll just sit here and watch the beauty of nature and appreciate the little engineering marvel that is my Activa 6g.

[raptor_diwan]

Continuation :-









I kept on going up and taking pictures along the way. My phone is about to die as I have used it more during all the breaks. Now, it is working hard, being connected to the power bank as well as taking pictures.







I finally reached the top of the hill and took a moment to lie down. What a relief it was to finally make it here! Visiting this place on a scooter has been on my bucket list for a long time, and I'm glad I finally did it.

Before coming to my room, I bought some biriyani and had a good lunch. After a short break, I started wandering around and taking pictures. I then headed towards Manjakutai to see the sunset. Although it may not be very clear, the clouds would be a good sight to see in the evening from the hill.











Finally, I arrived at Manja Kuttai in Yercaud. This place offers a decent view, and in my opinion, it is perfect for children to sit and enjoy the scenery. Let's wait here until sunset and take some pictures by placing the mobile phone on the floor against the wall.













It was getting dark, and I realized that tomorrow is another day. I went back to the Town Hall.



I was roaming near the lake and had a few snacks on the go. A hill station ride wouldn't be complete without BBQ chicken.



And, most importantly, without Maggi in the mountains, it's a sin.



After having Maggi and chicken, I was waiting for the time to pass so that I could have my dinner. However, I was very relaxed and enjoyed every moment. There wasn't much crowd, so I sat near the lake and had a good time. The climate was also very chilly. Since I had a lot of time on my hands, I snacked every hour. I was so hungry that I even had some bajjis near the lakeside.









And sat by the lake, lost in thought, while feeling the chill in the air.











Well, well, well, look at me and my trusty two-wheeler! I parked my baby in the hotel parking lot, and we both posed for a snapshot. The odometer read 10488 KM, and I couldn't help but give my bike a well-deserved pat on the back (or should I say handlebars?). We covered a distance of 394 KM per day, and there were no issues, not even with my behind after all that riding!

I whispered 'good night' to my trusty two-wheeler and then buried myself in a mountain of blankets. I watched revanant movie for a while and as I scrolled through Instagram reels, my eyelids grew heavier and heavier until finally, I drifted off to sleep, dreaming of all the adventures my bike and I will have tomorrow.

[raptor_diwan]

On Day 2, I had all the time in the world and wasn't in a hurry to reach Chennai. Riding a scooter on the highway can be pretty dull, so I wanted to make my time in Yercaud memorable. That's when I stumbled upon a Peeku park online and decided to check it out.

I did some research and found out that it opens at 8 am. I wanted to get there as soon as possible because I heard that after a while, the birds won't come to you for food. Apparently, only the first batch of people get to touch more birds because they're the only ones the birds are hungry for. I don't know how true this is, but I didn't want to take any chances and miss out on the action. Plus, I wanted to beat the crowds and start my journey towards Chennai. Can't risk getting stuck in bird traffic!

I jumped on my bike, not too concerned about the chilly 16-degree weather. I mean, it's not like I was expecting my scooter to freeze over or anything! But my anxious mind couldn't help but wonder, "What if it doesn't start?" So, I took a deep breath and gave it a go. To my relief, it fired up like a pro on the first try! Feeling confident.





The room I was staying in is the usual hotel I used to stay at whenever I come to Yercaud.







I cruised into town to grab some breakfast before embarking on my exciting bird-watching expedition at Peeku Park. Gotta make sure I'm well-fed before facing those hungry birds!







Reached Peeku Park and found out that the ticket price is Rs. 250/- per person. Since I was the first one to arrive, I had the whole place to myself for a while. However, soon after I entered, a family arrived too. I have to say, the place was really clean and the staff were incredibly friendly and caring towards their pets.



This is the entrance to Peeku Park. The place is so neat and clean. On the right-hand side, you can see a small canteen where you can have breakfast. However, they do not serve South Indian dishes. You can get burgers, pizza, coffee, and other items.



As you walk along this path, you'll come across a variety of farm animals on both sides - hens, pigeons, rabbits, and goats. It's the perfect spot for an early morning stroll, with the cool climate and the soothing sounds of chirping birds and bleating goats. The refreshing aroma of the countryside will envelop you, giving you a sense of tranquility and a break from the city's hustle and bustle

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCuxznHGaIk

I don't think having a Siberian Husky is suitable for this place since it's not air-conditioned and Yercaud isn't known to be a particularly cold area. During the morning, temperatures can reach up to 30 degrees Celsius.



Isn't it beautiful? This is the entrance to the bird sanctuary, and I spent a few minutes admiring the stunning scenery.

[raptor_diwan]

I had a fantastic time, but the only thing that worried me was the husky dog. I know that huskies are not suitable for India, yet some people keep them in air-conditioned rooms. However, in Yercaud, the climate is not as cold as Kodaikanal or Ooty. I took a picture of the husky which appeared to be suffering a lot in that climate.

The climate was absolutely delightful, and my time spent at Peeku Park was filled with such pleasant moments that my spirits were lifted for the entire day.

Alright, I went back to the room and packed everything and started now, long way back to chennai now.

Before hitting the road, I made sure to call my beloved mom and give her a heads up that I'd be on my way. She immediately insisted on keeping lunch ready, but also reminded me to take it easy and rest if needed. "If you're running late, don't worry about coming home for lunch," she said. "There are plenty of great spots to eat out. After all, a mother's love means putting her child's needs first.

I took several breaks during my downhill journey to fully appreciate the breathtaking scenery and savor every single moment. Riding a simple scooter on twisty hill roads in the morning, after a hearty breakfast, was an experience that truly must be felt to be believed. Wow!











As I approached the end of Yercaud and neared the Kuppnaur check post, a police officer flagged me down. But to my surprise, he didn't want to conduct a routine check - he simply asked for a lift. Without hesitation, I happily obliged and dropped him off on the way. He expressed his gratitude and then asked me where I was headed. When I told him I was going to Chennai, he burst into a joyful and genuine laughter that was infectious. It was clear that he was pleased with my response and was happy to have met me. I've always admired older individuals for their wisdom and encouragement, and this experience only solidified that admiration. Before we parted ways, the kind officer reminded me to take it slow and be safe on the road.

Each passing hour brought with it a surge of happiness, and I couldn't imagine the day getting any better than it already was.

As I reached the highway, I pulled out my phone and checked Google Maps to estimate my arrival time. To my surprise, it showed an abnormal delay. Upon zooming in, I noticed heavy traffic congestion on the Ponidhery route, as well as after Chengalpet. Hoping that it was simply regular morning traffic that would dissipate in a few hours, I resolved to wait it out.









After riding for around 45 kilometers, I decided to take a break and stopped at a nearby shop. There, I purchased three bottles of water, along with a few bars, candies, and chewing gum. As I resumed my journey, I couldn't help but notice the warmth of the sun on my skin, which was a welcome sensation despite the slight discomfort I was feeling in my back.

Of course, I am only human, after all. The poor seating position and uneven roads inside Kupanur were likely the cause of my discomfort. Interestingly, that was the only stretch of the journey where I encountered such bad road conditions.

It's like the back pain was trying to play a game of hide and seek with me, but it forgot the rules and showed up way too late! I mean, I started this journey in search of it, and now that it's finally here, it's just like, "Oh, hey! Did I miss anything?" Ugh, back pain, you always know how to ruin the party!













I was calmly cruising but felt a little bit of a shutter. I thought it might be due to a patch on the highway road or something else. Later, I realized that there was a puncture in my rear tubeless tire. Thankfully, I was not stranded in the middle of the road. I checked the air in the fuel pump and found that it was losing air, down to 16. I filled it back up to 35 for further running and asked for a puncture solution at the pump, but it was not available. I then decided to not go around Pondicherry and directly head back to Chennai, filling the air every now and then.

My dream of riding the bike for 1000KM has been shattered, but hey, completing this distance itself is an achievement, isn't it? And what's more, the bike and I performed better than I had expected and are still going strong.

I must say that the Activa is still running perfectly without any additional changes in the engine sound. The performance hasn't even slightly declined; it's still perfect and cruising smoothly at 80kmph on the highway all day, with multiple breaks.





This is the last stop I made on the highway. This place is actually famous for the trees that cast a shadow on the road from both sides. I stood here, thinking again. I still have time to reach the Pondicherry route or at least go via Mamallapuram, but I haven't come across any puncture shop yet. After the puncture, my mind is not clear. While riding, I keep thinking about the rear tyre, not putting much weight on the backside of the vehicle, and avoiding any patches on the road that may cause it to lose more air. In my search for a puncture shop and fuel station, I have now become hungry.





Finally, I've made it home on my trusty scooter, and my odometer reads 10857 KM.

Starting ODO - 10094KM
Ending ODO - 10857 KM
Covered - 763KM in 33 hours
Vehicle Damage - Puncture, but let's be real, my scooter was just trying to slow me down
Driver Damage - A puncture in my butt! Looks like my scooter wanted to give me a taste of its pain.

The total cost of my trip was 4053 rupees, which included 1324 rupees for the hotel room. I booked the hotel through Goibibo as it was cheaper than the direct check-in price. I spent a total of 1909 rupees on fuel, with individual expenses of 320, 356, 381, 390, and 462 rupees. Additionally, I spent 520 rupees on food during the trip and 250 rupees at Peeku park and 50 rupees for Yercaud entrance fees.

The bike performed exceptionally well, exceeding my expectations. I had initial concerns about how a CVT scooter would handle the hill station terrain, but I was pleasantly surprised by its effortless climb and comfortable cruising. Even when going downhill, I could feel the engine braking effect, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride. It was apparent that the CVT transmission was a perfect fit for a scooter in this setting.

It was one hell of a trip, to be honest. The way I feel at this moment, seeing my bike after it took me around 800 KM safely through hill terrain and highways, just standing there for a while felt good. I went home and told my mom that I couldn't complete 1000KM, but she stopped me and asked me to refresh and come for lunch.

I came back and told her that I could only complete 763 KM. She responded with a hint of sarcasm and said, "Wow, I've never seen you so worried about your score since your school days when you scored 35 out of 100. I would have been ecstatic if you had said this during your exams! But hey, it's not like you're getting graded on this. Just the fact that you made it all the way to Yercaud on an Activa is a big achievement!"

That's the love of a mother; she doesn't judge me for my successes or failures. She made me realize that what's important is whether I enjoyed the ride and had a good time, rather than just focusing on the end result. And I did have a good time. After having lunch, I grabbed my Activa key and told my mom I'd be back. She was surprised and asked if I wasn't going to take a rest after such a long ride. My Activa had a puncture and needed to be fixed, so I replied that I wanted to fix it today, as I might need it for a short ride tomorrow.



After quickly getting my reliable Activa fixed at the puncture shop, I slept soundly until the next morning.

[Aditya]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!

[GreyNomad]

@raptor_diwan you sir are certified crazy! Throughout the piece I kept shaking my head in amazement. What you’ve done on a scooter, I’ve only imagined doing it on my much bigger bike. After the initial hit of inspiration peters out, I’ll be able to figure if I can do something about my desire or live vicariously through such TBHP 2-wheeler travelogues.

A slow clap for the Activa. I’m deadly scared of riding scooters due to the much smaller wheels which make me feel I’m about to fall off any moment. Anytime that I’ve ridden my friends’ Activa’s I’ve always found the ride bone-jarring and unsteady. Also must say most of their scooters aren’t really enthusiastically maintained which makes me believe that scooters aren’t solidly built. But this little one’s performance was praiseworthy.

[tatafanatic]

Excellent Travelogue !!

Scooter in maroon reminisces me of some memorable old times, during a recent road trip to Goa i came across a couple from TN on their Yamha Aerox, they were planning the entire South India stretch on it, asked them if they are finding the going good and to my surprise they said they had done same stretch on a TVS Jupiter pre covid times.

Hopefully a Scooter with touring capabilities will come around someday but till then will be reading your travelogue and encouraging myself to go for something similar.

Excellent read, wish you the best

[MotoDrive]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I like it when people enjoy the long rides on scooter, what's the hurry in life enjoy the slow pace! Its totally doable. I do regular trips on my access 125, on highway I can comfortably cruise between 60-75kmph. Next time when I go on long ride on scooter I shall the experience.

[minzanurag]

Bravo raptor_diwan

Thanks for sharing the experience. Well written!

These are exactly the kind of travelogues I look forward to reading on Team-BHP, borderline crazy and testing the limits of man and machine. This also motivates me to ditch my car and try touring more on my Aerox when going solo. I recently did BLR-GOA run on the Aerox and look forward to doing some more scooter trips and sharing them here.

[Rocky_Balboa]

Brave attempt given the dynamics of a scooter
Time for You, to upgrade to a full-face helmet.

[dicor]

Originally Posted by raptor_diwan

Well, attempting a 1000KM endurance ride on a lower cc engine and an uncomfortable vehicle for longrides like the Activa is like trying to climb Mount Everest in flip flops. It's possible, but you might end up questioning your life choices along the way!

Was it possible in the first place?
Here are the protocols I have established for myself to ensure my safety during the ride:

1. Never push the engine harder than its limit (maximum speed of 80kmph and do not exceed it).
2. Overtake only when absolutely necessary.
3. No road rage - give way to other vehicles on the road.
4. Take frequent breaks - the destination is just a place to rest and refuel, not a race. So, keep calm and enjoy the ride.
5. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, which will automatically encourage more breaks.
6. Share my live location with my loved ones.
7. Fill up the tank before it reaches reserve.
8. Ride only when I feel alert, and if I feel even slightly drowsy, take a break.

Wow!!! Wow!!! Wow!!!
I am planning to take 1200 KMs trip on my scooter for long time but unable to gather courage. I feel it is easier to hop on and hop off on scooter than a bike.

Is it possible? It was answered by a mother few years ago.

Covid-19 lockdown: Woman rides 1,400km on scooter to bring son homes

However, the lady did not have luxury to think, and plan like us.

[raptor_diwan]

Originally Posted by GreyNomad

@raptor_diwan you sir are certified crazy! Throughout the piece I kept shaking my head in amazement.
A slow clap for the Activa. I’m deadly scared of riding scooters due to the much smaller wheels which make me feel I’m about to fall off any moment.

Thank you so much for your kind words! I always have to be extra careful and stay focused on the road and my surroundings. Despite this, I found the performance of the bike to be perfect, and I'm glad to hear that you also found the little one's performance to be praiseworthy.

Originally Posted by tatafanatic

Excellent Travelogue !!
Hopefully a Scooter with touring capabilities will come around someday but till then will be reading your travelogue and encouraging myself to go for something similar.

Excellent read, wish you the best

Thank you! I have been eagerly awaiting the launch of the Honda Forza in India because its powerful and gearless features would make it very convenient for riding on highways. I hope it will be launched soon, and perhaps one day we'll run into each other on the road!

Originally Posted by MotoDrive

Thanks for sharing your experience. I like it when people enjoy the long rides on scooter, what's the hurry in life enjoy the slow pace!

That's an excellent quote. It really resonates with me. Seriously, where is the fun in just heading directly to your destination, speeding all the way, and then just sitting in your hotel room.

Originally Posted by minzanurag

Bravo raptor_diwan

These are exactly the kind of travelogues I look forward to reading on Team-BHP, borderline crazy and testing the limits of man and machine.

Haha, welcome to the club! I also love reading about and trying out this type of action.

Originally Posted by Rocky_Balboa

Brave attempt given the dynamics of a scooter
Time for You, to upgrade to a full-face helmet.

Haha, who needs a full-face helmet when you have a half-face helmet and a thirst for adventure? Just kidding, kidding. Safety is important.I do have a full-face helmet, I wanted to experience the same thrill as other scooter riders in the city, but on the highway, so I let my adrenaline run wild. But I promise to be more responsible in the future and wear my full-face helmet. Thank you for your kind words!

Originally Posted by dicor

Wow!!! Wow!!! Wow!!!
I am planning to take 1200 KMs trip on my scooter for long time but unable to gather courage. I feel it is easier to hop on and hop off on scooter than a bike.

I appreciate your understanding about the challenges of riding an Activa on the highway. I think you should go for a ride soon as well.

[AtheK]

What a journey and kudos to you for puling this off and even better penning it down for us to experience it. I really enjoyed reading every bit of it and my admiration for you only grew with every single post.

You clearly prove that if you have the will and appetite for it, then the mode of transport can be anything. Kudos to Activa also for completing this journey with you without a single hiccup, and establishing the fact that why it is the most loved scooter in India.

[sukhbirST]

Excellent show and it is a no mean feat. Shows that if there is will, there is a way. Wishing you more miles on 4 wheels now.

[shancz]

Originally Posted by raptor_diwan

It was one hell of a trip, to be honest.

I concur
Congrats, well ridden, interesting and quite economical.
While there will always be talks of "which bike" or "how many cc", what matters is whether the journey was made and was it enjoyed to the fullest. Your journey scores on both counts and drives home the point of the journey being the most important.

Special kudos to your mother for being on board with your journey.