The Inspiration!

If you have read my earlier post ‘The Calling’ you would have come across a certain person who is pretty much the inspiration to get me going on bike rides. He started riding in his early 50’s. Until then he was too busy trying to provide for a family of five. He managed to get himself a second hand Silver Plus. A 75cc 3 geared bike from Royal Enfield. He began his rides with a trip to Guntakal, Andra Pradesh. 330kms on a 75cc 3 geared bike. That did take some amount of determination for him and his bold friend who decided to accompany him. Yes yes… they decided to ride doubles on this little bike. From there on he knew he had to get something a little better if he has to fulfill his passion. So he got himself a Bajaj Scooter, it was a 12V electronic. That I must say served him well. He and his wife have covered entire south India. Doing trips to Guntakal, Chennai, Kodaikanal, Kanyakumari, Guruvayur, Cochi, Ooty, Pondicherry, and the list goes on. The person I am talking about is my dad, and my mom who accompanied him on most trips. I learnt from him that traveling should be as important as working. He showed us how to plan a trip and plan finances for it too. He is my inspiration for riding. He has been riding for the last 15 years. As recent as last year, he accompanied us, Sharon, then my fiancé and I to Muthathi as well as Hoganekal. I had the privilege of visiting Humpi and spending 18 days touring Spiti valley with dad. The last 5 years of his rides have been on his Honda Eterno. He cannot think of a better bike to do his rides. Even though I may not agree with it entirely, but what I strongly believe is, to each his own bike. And I am happy that at 64, my dad may have slowed down but has not stopped riding and traveling. So there you have it, he keeps me ticking to do more rides. And that’s the way it will be for as long as I can ride and hopefully the next generation will continue this love for travel and adventure. So for those who have not started riding, it is time!! if not riding, at least travel. Irrespective of the mode of transport.