TheLifeOfRider: MY SADDLESORE RIDE 1600K (IBA)

My White Horse (Apache RTR180)

One day I came to know about IBA-Iron Butt Association,USA which is meant only for the World's Toughest Motorcycle Riders. All My passion towards riding and my craze for travelling attracted me towards it. I fixed up my mind and said yeah, I want to be an Iron Butt. First step I have to complete Saddle-sore 1600k (1600km in less than 24 hours). I started to make myself fit enough both physically and mentally for the ride. Simultaneously I planned for the route and fixed it after many considerations. I decided to start from Kanyakumari towards Hyderabad via NH7. On 6th of April 2012 evening I started from Salem and next day early morning I reached Kanyakumari.

My ride started at Vivekanandapuram, Kanyakumari (Southernmost tip of India) at 8:31pm (GMT +5:30) after filling petrol at nearest IOC Outlet. The odometer was pounding with 41162.9 km, eager to achieve the feat. My initial plan was to attempt for both Saddle-sore 1600km along with Bun-burner 2600K, but deep inside I knew my bike has to support that though I had faith in my white horse – TVS APACHE RTR 180. I was equipped for the worst case as well having a complete tool kit and Engine oil in my back pack. After completing the formalities from the witnesses, I started with a thump from the place.

I had 2 bottles in my bag, one bottles with engine oil and another with water. My headlight was brimming with energy and I headed with full focus to the next checkpoint Bharat Petroleum, Vadipatti, Madurai where I wrongly drank ENGINE OIL instead of water which was the worst nightmare of my life. I started to feel dizziness in my eyes and started to take rest for some time, I can feel the bike’s waiting for me to start again. Keeping my head high, I started my horse at odo showing 41424.9 km. I reached Dharmapuri at 3:39am which was supposed to be my sluggish ride due to the effect of oil in my throat. My odo was showing 41694.6 km. At 5:26 am, I reached Bangalore elevated toll way where I had my horse displaying its fullest power. At 6:20 am, I was at Sai Sudha Indian Oil outlet for filling fuel.

Amidst the early morning sun, tranquil breeze my vehicle was cutting through the winds towards Anatapur. I went to Sreenivasa Filling Station for my fuel fill where my odometer was displaying 42078.5km. Then I covered 173 km in 2 hours reaching Itikalapadu at 10:39 AM which was my next checkpoint filling the fuel. It is summer in India and I was feeling the scorching sun at 12:54 pm which my next checkpoint at State Bank of India ATM Thimmapur, Hyderabad. My odometer was 42424.2 km which was magical. After collecting the receipt from the ATM, I kick started the bike to full speed and riding became an integral part of me. I arrived at Bharat Petroleum Bunk, OSIS RangareddyGuda Near Hyderabad.(“The petrol bunk guys refused to give me the receipt , I had to explain the whole IBA ride after which I received the same.”)

After the fuel fill, tremendous confidence was in me to achieve the goal. With that positive attitude, I drove 253.2 km in 3 hours. Suddenly it started raining with my bike steadily moving at 3:00pm. It rained incessantly for 45 min and I was constantly driving my bike till the end. I reached the Bharat Petroleum Bunk at Gooty, Anatapur at 4:36 pm where my odometer was showing me 42711.4 km. A bright ray of hope and energy was set in my mind, and with that confidence I was riding towards Bangalore.

The real challenge started when I was riding towards Bangalore. After all, my white horse has endured a lot as of now. This is what was running in my mind. But after some time, gear rod broke. I was equipped with tools, so I fixed it and started riding again. One after other, the vehicle was messing up as the exhaust got loose and lot of heat was generated. I was replacing with allen key and a proper nut and fastened it. After fixing this, I decided to drive at full pace heading to Indian Oil Outlet, Bellary Road, Bangalore at8:30 pm. My odometer displaying 43002.8 km made me drive more and more. Here my friends Vishal and Deepan were waiting for witness formalities and I quickly finished the same.

And I was heading towards Salem, having a slight thought of attempting Bun-burner. Unfortunately, my thoughts got backfired as my tyre busted near Salem, making my vehicle skid and land in a pit. I had applied the brakes and controlled it but my vehicle was thrashed into a pit and my Front Dome got battered into pieces. I jumped safely onto the side of the pit. After this, I was unable to continue my ride. Deep inside, I wanted to complete the consecutive record as well and I will surely do it in the near future….

Saddle Sore Ride – Sector Wise Break up

Oneway ride: TO

Kanyakumari to Madurai: 261 km 2hr 55min

Madurai to Dharmapuri: 270.6 km 4hr 10 min

Dharmapuri to Bangalore: 183.4 km 2hr 40min

Bangalore to Anantapur: 201km 2 hr 15 min

Anantapur to Hyderabad: 345.7km 4 hr 20 min

Hyderabad to RR-Guda: 34km 50 min

Total: 1295.7 km 17 hrs

Oneway ride: FROM

RR-Guda to Anantapur: 253.2km 2hr 50min

Anantapur to Bangalore : 291.4 km 3hr 55min