[drive.helios]

Biking was always something personal to me. I grew up among my elder cousins who taught me to ride a bike at age 14 (Class 7 school vacations) and always fancied owning a bike. My parents are the typical working class who would want you to earn everything in life, and their staunch belief in horoscopes and astrology meant they would never get me a bike, or will allow me if they are informed.

So It started in October 2013 when I surprised my family with a brand-new Royal Enfield Classic 350 after landing my first job. No test rides, no other options evaluated, and just went ahead and booked it. That first ride,the surprised face of my brother and parents, and my mom asking me to drop her at the school she worked the next day—it was everything I had dreamed of. In hindsight, I should have gone and got the Bullet 500 instead of the Classic 350.

Making the purchase was a tough affair especially given that I had just started working in Nov 2012 with a meagre in hand salary of 18000. Thankfully there was a wait time for the bike (nearly 6 months) and that allowed me to save the 35000 for the down payment and then HDFC bank processed my vehicle loan for the balance amount. 1,35,000 something was the on road price at that time.

But life had other plans.

Just two months later, in December 2013, I met with an accident—not while riding, but while crossing the road on foot. A biker hit me and drove off without stopping, the hospital misjudged the fracture and I was bedridden for 3 months and off the bike for nearly 6 months. Then something inside me changed. I still rode, but the carefree nature had shifted to being cautious on the road. It took about 3 months more to eventually build the confidence back to handle the weight of the bike again.

Then came 2019. A speeding taxi hit me at a four-way intersection. This time, it was bad. The accident wasn’t just physical—it shook my confidence to the core. I parked the bike at home, unable to bring myself to ride again. But even though I wasn’t riding, I couldn’t let go of it. I kept maintaining it, keeping it in perfect shape, telling myself that someday, I’d get back.

The Restoration

During the Covid years, with nothing but time on my hands, I decided to restore the bike completely. It was left unattended in an open parking lot in Bengaluru while covid started as i have moved down to Kannur, and after a few months, i got it transported to Kannur. It was stripped down, rebuilt piece by piece, brought back to life with new parts and fresh paint. Even then, it was just a project, not a return. The fear still lingered. I spent about nearly 40000 in the repair, repaint and labour charges, i also overpaid and experimented on a few things like the off road crash guard which i removed after a week, and kept the bike naked after.


Bike after the restoration job.

Then, something unexpected happened.

[drive.helios]

A New Beginning – With A Partner This Time

After getting married, my wife took an interest in biking. She wasn’t just curious—she wanted to ride. Watching her enthusiasm, I realized I couldn’t keep running from this. If she was ready to start from scratch, I had no excuse. We rented out a Thunderbird X where she learned to ride, and further polished her craft by attending a women only riding class in Bengaluru.

We fixed up the bike one more time, together. This time, it wasn’t just about repairs—it was about reclaiming what I had lost. I spend nearly 30000 this time fixing the bike, with the changes including a new RD350 handle bar ( the original handle bar had bend in the accident and i liked the raised handlebar a bit more), new set of suspension, new set of wheels, an overhauled wiring system, electrical parts, a new bend pipe (old one had started showing rust, thanks to the coastal air in Kannur) and the general maintenance. I also swapped the stock seats to ensure pillion comfort. During the covid break, I had switched to synthetic engine only and continued to use the same. And when the bike was ready, we took our first road trip.
It wasn’t just a ride—it was a moment of closure. Years of hesitation, self-doubt, and fear were finally left behind on the road.

Full Circle

What started as a solo journey turned into a shared passion. From buying the bike as a surprise in 2013, losing confidence over the years, rebuilding it during Covid, and finally returning to the road with my wife by my side, it all came full circle.

Biking was never just about the machine. It was about a dream, freedom, about overcoming fears, and about finding new reasons to ride. And this time, I knew—I was back for good.

[drive.helios]

Now, About the 865KM, 8-Day Coastal Ride we did – Food, Roads & A Big Milestone on Two Wheels

This trip was in the making for a while—a coastal ride to Udupi, some time off in Coorg, and then back to Bangalore. Over 860 km across 8 days, this journey had a bit of everything—beautiful roads, fantastic food, some riding firsts, and a whole lot of fun. Not rushing to get to anywhere, or trying to beat google maps and having enough time to build both our confidence to be on the road felt quite peaceful and calming.

Day 1: Kannur to Mangalore (188 km) – The Ride Begins

Started at 6:30 AM from Kannur, making our way to Nenapu Homestay in Mangalore. The first stop was at Bekal Fort, a quick break before breakfast at a small roadside restaurant—nothing fancy, but the idlis and vadas hit the spot. The highway widening work is in full swing, and December made the ride bearable. But with the current lack of green cover, I can't imagine doing this route in summer. There were some 15-minute traffic blocks near Kasaragod, but nothing that slowed us down too much.



My wife rode on the highway for the first time after getting her riding license! She did about 25% of the riding, slowly getting comfortable with the bike’s weight. Braking was a bit tricky at first—coming from an Activa, this was a whole new game—but she was getting there.

Checked into Nenapu Homestay. This is a small but well maintained homestay available on AirBNB, and hosted by a very friendly owner who made sure our stay was comfortable and well taken care of. I wouldnt say the pricing if perfect but its not an unaffordable one.

After checking in, we rested a bit, and then headed to Machli for lunch—a must-visit for seafood lovers. Being a weekend, there was a long queue, but us being just 2 people helped in landing a table quicker. My wife had their fish thali, while I had to walk over to another place for vegetarian food. I did try their mushroom ghee roast, being an eggetarian.



Later, we dropped by Pabbas Ideal Café for their Ice Cream Thali—a platter loaded with multiple flavors and toppings. A one-time indulgence, and may not be to the liking of everyone.



The evening was spent at the beach, just taking it slow. Lunch was so heavy we skipped dinner and called it a day.

[drive.helios]

Day 2: Mangalore Local Exploration (57 km) – A Foodie's Day Out

Breakfast at Hotel Janatha Deluxe—we went straight for their Mangalore Buns and Neer Dosa, and the chutney and kuruma that came with it were pure magic. So good that we decided to come back again on the last day of our trip.




Post-breakfast, we spent a lazy morning at Nisargadhama, followed by lunch at Hotel Maharaja, where my wife tried the Mangalore-style crab while I went for roti and egg curry. The coastal spice blends never disappoint. She thoroughly enjoyed the good, battling with the crab shells. This is one of the reasons why we do a lot of eating out, as we do not cook enough meat at home, and it is a hassle for her to cook for just one person.





The afternoon heat called for another Pabbas visit—this time for a Falooda.



Later in the evening, we grabbed some Mangalore Goli Baje and pakoras from a local joint before heading to 24 Carat, a fine-dining spot with poolside seating and a great ambiance. Highly recommended, but its better to book in advance as the seats get filled pretty soon.



A view from the home stay:



In conversation with Jasper, our bike:

[drive.helios]

Day 3-6: Udupi (125 km total)

With the weekdays ahead, we moved to Udupi and checked into Paradise Isle Beach Resort.

Since work took up most of the daytime, we planned our outings for the mornings and evenings. Wanting a more private stay, we booked a cottage, but it turned out to be a bit of a disappointment—the view was completely blocked. If you're looking for a proper beachfront experience, it's better to book a room in the main building on the first floor, where you get an unobstructed view of the sea.

On the first day, we decided to have lunch at the resort itself, trying out some local specialties. My wife ordered the Kori Roti with Chicken, a classic coastal dish with crunchy roti soaked in a spicy, flavorful curry. I opted for a simple yet satisfying meal of Jeera Rice with Egg Curry. The food was good, but the stay experience could have been better with a better room choice.



After wrapping up work in the evening, we decided to head to the crowded beach. It was a perfect way to unwind after a long day. My wife, being the adventure junkie that she is, wanted to try parasailing on the beach, and off she went. She thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I waited by the shore, clicking photos of her adventure, like a true cheerleader.


For dinner, we headed to Aquateria Coastal Curries, a place nearby that looked neat and clean. My wife tried the local fish fry, while I stuck to vegetarian options. The flavors were authentic, and the restaurant had a nice coastal charm, making it a great way to end the day, nothing fancy again.



The next day, In the morning, we took a ferry to St. Mary’s Island, a unique geological wonder known for its hexagonal basalt rock formations. The boat ride was smooth, and the island itself was stunning, with its clear waters and rocky landscapes. We spent some time walking around, enjoying the views, clicking a lot of photos and soaking in the peaceful vibe before heading back.




After wrapping up work in the evening, we decided to explore the Maple Beach Walk Trail. This coastal pathway offered a relaxing stroll along the shore, with the sound of waves in the background and the cool breeze making it a refreshing experience. It leads a pathway where we can sit, relax, make conversations and watch the sunset and the fishing boats come back to the shore, or leave for the night.


With the past few days packed with activities, we decided to keep things light on Day 4, spending the morning simply enjoying the beach, clicking a few photos of the bike, and soaking in the relaxed coastal vibe. The slower pace was a welcome change, letting us take in the surroundings without rushing.




For lunch, we headed to Hotel Mahalakshmi, a local spot known for its fish curry meals. My wife stuck to the seafood/fish curry meals, while I played it safe with jeera rice and egg curry, my usual go-to. Unfortunately, food hygiene seemed to be an issue—they used chicken gravy for the egg curry, which was a huge letdown. I swapped my order for a simple dal curry instead and wrapped up the meal quickly.



On Day 5, In the morning, we rode to Mattu Beach, a lesser-known, peaceful stretch of sand away from the usual tourist crowds. The road leading to the beach less crowded, making the ride itself quite enjoyable. We spent some time just sitting by the shore, watching the waves, and taking in the quiet beauty of the place.

Later, we made our way to Sita River, another spot where we relaxed for a while before heading back. The calm waters and lush surroundings made it a nice place to unwind. And then we drove th the Delta Beach Backwater area. Since the sun was out already and the weather changing, we headed back quickly.



we ended up at Hotel Mahalakshmi again for lunch—my wife still wanted to have their non-veg meal and ordered their prawns curry this time. Given my experience the previous day, I decided to avoid any mix-ups and headed to a local vegetarian hotel for my lunch instead. Keeping things simple turned out to be the better choice.

With these two days being mostly relaxed, we had more energy for our final days in Udupi.

Partner taking control:

[drive.helios]

Day 7: Udupi to Coorg (210 km) – A Smooth Ride & A Rainy Arrival

With our time in Udupi coming to an end, we packed up and headed back to Hotel Janatha Deluxe for breakfast, revisiting the place one last time to enjoy their Mangalore buns and neer dosa. Satisfied with the meal, we set off for Coorg.

The first 30-40 km of the ride were rough thanks to the ongoing highway widening project, but once we crossed that stretch, the roads smoothed out, making for a pleasant ride. My wife took over the riding duties, and by now, she had really gotten comfortable with the bike—leaning into curves, handling the weight well, and riding like a natural. A big improvement from the first day!

Somewhere along the way, we were stopped by the local cops, but it was just a routine check. After verifying our documents, they let us go without any hassle.

As we reached Coorg, a slight downpour welcomed us, so we decided to skip any outdoor plans for the day. We checked into Hotel Mayura Valley View, had a relaxed lunch, and took it easy for the rest of the afternoon. A tea and snacks session followed before we wrapped up the day with an early dinner and sleep.



One small food-related observation—we might have had our first encounter with synthetic paneer at this restaurant. It lacked taste and had an oddly artificial texture. Can't confirm for sure, but it definitely didn't feel natural.
This was also the first time we encountered synthetic paneer. Not sure if it actually was, but it tasted completely off—no flavor, no texture, just weird.

Day 8: Coorg to Bangalore (282 km – The Longest Ride of the Trip)

Our journey was coming to an end, and it was time to head back to Bangalore. We started early, around 7 AM, but not without hesitation—the cold weather and overnight rains made getting out of bed a challenge.

We skipped breakfast initially, deciding to push through until we reached Empire on Mysore Road for a much-needed break. By then, hunger and exhaustion had caught up with us—this was our longest single-day ride of the trip, and we were feeling it. A good breakfast and Ashirwad Grand Hotel, Hunsur helped us recharge before getting back on the road.

Throughout the ride, we kept swapping riding duties, taking turns until we got closer to NICE Road, where I took over for the final stretch into the city.
And with that, our road trip came to an end—a journey filled with great food, scenic routes, and memorable firsts on the bike.

[drive.helios]

Final Thoughts

This trip had everything we wanted—great food, scenic coastal routes, and a mix of adventure and relaxation.

Mangalore and Udupi never disappoint when it comes to food—from the delicious Mangalore Buns and Neer Dosa to the flavorsome seafood curries, every meal was something to look forward to (except that paneer).

And the biggest highlight? Watching my wife go from cautiously handling the bike on the first day to confidently leaning into curves on the last. From figuring out braking to mastering smooth rides, this was her milestone trip on two wheels and at a personal level, find my confidence and courage to get back on the bike and ride it for more than an hour after 6+ years, and the bike handing it well, not breaking a sweat.

Coastal highways, food trails, long rides, and new experiences—this was one for the memories. Until the next ride!


Some quick numbers as i wrap this up:
Odo Start: 11500 ( 2nd Odo Meter for the bike, Total 32,000+)

11500 - 07/12/2024 start
11688 - 07/12/2024 night
-------------------------
188 kms on day 1

11688 - 08/12/2024 start
11745 - 08/12/2024 end
-------------------------
57 kms on day 2

11745 - 09/12/2024 start
11799 - 09/12/2024 end
-------------------------
44 kms on day 3

11799 - 10/12/2024 start
11812 - 10/12/2024 end
-------------------------
13kms on day 4

11812 - 11/12/2024 start
11840 -11/12/2024 end
-------------------------
38kms on day 5

11840 - 12/12/2024 start
11870 - 12/12/2024 end
-------------------------
30 on day 6

11870 - 13/12/2024 start
12080 - 13/12/2024 end
-------------------------
210 kms on day 7

12080 -14/12/2024 start
12362 - 14/12/2024 end
-------------------------
282 kms on day 8

Total Cost of trip: 28300
Total Petrol Cost: 2170
Average Mileage: 43KMPL

[Aditya]

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

[Ninja75]

Delighted to know that you have overcome all setbacks to get back to riding. Classic 350 is always a good buy, as it has more resale value than the Classic 500.
Riding gives you the freedom to get moving, no matter what happens in Life.

I'd penned below thoughts long ago (2012) and felt it was appropriate to share here:

RIDING THE STORM

“4 wheels move the Body, 2 wheels move the Soul”
“Driving on 4 wheels is akin to watching a blockbuster thriller movie in a theatre, riding on
2 wheels is akin to starring in this thriller blockbuster.

These are some quotable quotes that you will hear from
every iron-butt rider. Is there any truth attached to it? OR
Is it a ruse to justify their passion for riding? Let’s hear out this ride – Riding the Storm
I’d several rides before this but this was my maiden ride on my new Classic Dessert Storm.
The latest 500cc Bullet from the stables of the Royal Enfield. Mission objective was to ride
the bike from the showroom in my hometown to my home in Blore– a distance of 1054kms.
Typically for long rides, as in a misson - careful preparation and planning goes in. I’d my
protective gear in terms of preparation. As for the plan, it was simple – get-set-go.
I set forth in the wee hrs. Much before the break of dawn to avoid the city traffic. With-in
30mins I was cruising on the 6-lane golden quadrilateral highway. The cool breeze rushing
through my helmet creating a din. This was like cosmic music to my ears. I cruised along the
long curving highway meandering through green fields and mountains of the Eastern Ghats.
Plains to one side, mountains on the other. The vast plains remind me that Life is a canvas,
Feel free to paint your own beautiful picture.
The mountains remind me to stand tall, undettered and serene through all turbulent times.
Soon I hear rumbling sounds – not from the overcast skies above but from my stomach
below. I scout for a roadside vendor serving hot breakfast. When I see one I stopped aside.
The aroma of the fresh piping hot sambar wafted into my nostrils and in agreement the
rumble grew louder. I’d steaming hot idlies, vada, pongal with hot sambar and spicy
chutneys. The constant cold winds from on one hand, hot steaming breakfast on the other is
a contrast set-up, culminating into an enjoyable experience. Often joy is derived from
simple, small contrasting things in life. After downing a cup of hot coffee, my body warmed up to the ride ahead into the cold winds. I looked up into the vast skies which were still dark at 8am. Then it struck me that there was severe typhoon forecasted lashing the east coast.

The excitement of this ride had overcast the previous day’s forecast. The day sky has
become as dark as new moon night. I was mumbling some tunes and set forth on my ride,
when SPLOCK something large splattered on my hand. Soon there were several such
SPLOCKS on me and around me. Cold raindrops, as big as fist of a child, falling around.
The impact mind you was much harder than a child’s punches. Soon, there was a heavy
downpour. Can’t say it was raining cats n dogs… this was more like riding through solid
curtains of continuous waterfalls. I was gasping for breath, as you would be, standing under a large waterfall. I was thoroughly drenched, as wet as fish or a soaked sponge, soaked to the bone. Yet, I rode on.
Regular traffic has soon ceased as cars, trucks, mini-trucks – everyone pulled off to the shoulder of the road flashing their hazard lights. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. I continued riding. Strong winds were lashing across and blowing away everything in it’s path. It was tearing my arms, trying to throw me off mybike. I struggled to wrestle control, enjoying every bit of this tussle with nature’s force.
While respecting it’s sheer strength and ferocity, I set forth calmly, without stopping,
holding on. Visibility was almost zero. Lightening flashes and the reflective paint of the road were my only guides.

I trusted and thanked God for even if he had created my twin, He would not have placed
him on the same road, in the same lane, on the same day. Thus convinced, the desert storm and it’s rider stormed through the cyclonic storm. In this tempest two things thumped loud, clear and strong in unison- the hearts of the bike and it’s rider – The Man, the Machine.

Thus after a grueling 26hrs ride, I reached home battered, bruised and brazen as a soldier
from the battlefield. When I parked the bike my legs felt as heavy as an elephant’s legs.
Every sinew in my body was trembling as a leaf in a storm. Yet, there were two things high
and dry throughout this stormy ride – one the silencer of my bike, the other my spirit -
singing tunes of life’s lessons – the soul song. “Go placidly amidst the noise and haste and know what peace there may be in silence”.

That day, I discovered how to Ride bigger storms in my life, that were to come -with calm, humility, courage, determination and faith - this too will pass away - Ride On

[batterylow]

I bet the trip must have been a food-gasm for both of you, especially for your partner!

Despite also being from North Kerala, I have never travelled to Mangalapuram (Indian railway station announcement) in my life.

The dishes look really tasty and I will wait till the highway is complete before making one food trip to Dakshina Kannada.

Happy tripping!