Monsoon Circuit ride with Honda Africa Twin & BMW R 1250 GS in MH

It was more an introspective ride this time around - lot to do with letting go of the past and being grateful for the present.

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Loop Lapeta Varandha (SEPTEMBER 2024)

The months of July, August and September are usually the ‘monsoon months’ for us Mumbai folks. This year though, the rains didn’t want to leave - till about last week; when we could finally step out without the fear of an untimely cloudburst! What this monsoon also left behind - potholes, craters and basic destruction of anything resembling a ‘road’.

Monsoon riding is something that I’ve always loved - and this coming from someone who hates to get wet! July and August saw some of the most torrential and dangerous spell with Tamhini Ghat setting the record for the ‘wettest point in Maharashtra’ (Cherrapunji who?!) Since we had done the Tamhini circuit earlier in May and with July/August being washed out - we (Pawan and me) decided to do a slightly longer monsoon circuit ride (one we had done back in 2022 on our Tigers).

The route taken was:
Mumbai - Pune bypass - Katraj bypass - Kapurhol - Necklace Point - Bhor - Nira Deoghar Dam - Varandha Ghat - Mahad - Mangaon - Nizampur - Pali - Khalapur - Mumbai

If you look closely, this is almost a longer loop of the 'Tamhini ghat' circuit.

We had left Mumbai at 6am and hadn't set any fixed time for return. This was going to be a "leisure/cruise at your own pace" type of ride!

Our usual pitstop for a quick photo.

Tigers at Necklace Point (2022)

Necklace Point (2024)

This time around there were a lot of Activas and Pulsar riders, creating a ruckus as they were shooting a reel for social media. We weren't in the mood to recreate a 'before-after' here, so soaked in the view, clicked a few pics and we were off.

Post crossing Bhor, en-route Varandha Ghat is the NIRA-DEOGHAR DAM

Back in 2022, the roads were decent all the way up to Varandha. It wasn't the case this time around with lot of undulations and loose stones - making the rear tyre slip a few times triggering the (ultra-sensitive) TC on the Africa Twin!

Tigers from 2022 overlooking the Nira River

Ze German and Jap in 2024 at the same spot!

Rains were on and off at this point as the twisties took us above towards Varandha. Ironically, the temperature kept rising as we were making it towards the top!

Had a nice, quiet moment here - 360 degree majestic views!

Thankfully it wasn't foggy, so we could soak in the views!

End of days for the Pirelli STR!

Had some chai and pakodas at the stall nearby. The rain had completely stopped at this point and despite the cloud and altitude, it was quite smug and humid. We decided to ride ahead towards Mahad and then catch the dreaded NH66 onwards till Panvel. But here's the thing with Team BHP - "you are always two steps ahead" . I happened to chance upon the 'NH66 road condition' thread (in the "Route/Travel Queries" section) and came across the information that the road from Mangaon towards Nagothane-Pen was broken. Alternate route suggested was via Nizampur towards Khalapur (crossing Pali). At Mahad, spoke to a few locals who concurred with the above route and off we went - looping almost across the foothills of Tamhini Ghat.

Some photo-ops on the Nizampur to Pali stretch. Beautiful roads without absolutely no traffic whatsoever! And excellent weather too.

To be submitted to Shaadi dot com!

Another submission for Shaadi dot com

BEAK-Y Blinders

EYE OF THE ...

The rest of the ride was pretty uneventful - oscillating between heavy showers to bright sunshine. Stopped for a late lunch at our usual lunch spot on the Khalapur-Panvel highway. Reached home by 5pm, chilled and replayed the entire ride experience over a cup of coffee!

**

To be honest, a couple of days before this ride - I suffered a personal setback. And my mind wasn’t able to focus or make sense of a lot of things. So when Pawan checked with me for a weekend ride - I hesitantly agreed. And looking back - it was a good decision. The bleak monsoon season was further enabling the darkness within me - the ride and some fresh air (read: noise) through the helmet, gave me a newer perspective on things; helping me to cope with the issue at hand with a lighter mind and heart. It was more an introspective ride this time around - lot to do with letting go of the past and being grateful for the present.

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