A road that twists and turns through the forest, a road that is less taken. Turn the headlights off, and let the moon work its magic. That's what the full moon forest spin is all about.
I was invited by TBA to join for my first long ride (~80 k.m.). I was in a dilemma whether to go for it or skip since I was tired after office work and this was a night ride. I decided to join them and not to miss the fun we will have on the way.
For me the distance was much more than my early rides but I prepared my mind that I can do it. I left the office early since I had to get the headlights and taillights for my bike as it was the night ride. The twist came when the other riders told that you have to carry your dinner as there are no shop since route was passing through a forest. My parents couldn't sleep that night till I messaged them that I reached home safely.
Journey begin from TBA (The Bike Affair) @ 9:00 p.m. with 3 more riders along with me. One of the rider joined @ Miyapur junction. The route for the ride was well planned but we had to be careful with all the distances as one wrong turn may lead to adding more miles to our cycling summary :) Despite the fact that I was having my first long ride and others were experienced, I was able to maintain my speed with them for complete distance. We completed a stretch of initial 20 k.m. which was a smooth road with trucks on way as it was night time before we stopped for a first break. Pretty soon, the city was about to end and forest area was beginning. All open fields, cool breeze flowing through made me feel that I took right decision to come for my first ride at night time.
On the way, I was interacting with other riders. One of them told that he was from Delhi and our discussion increased all the way. The best part of these bike rides is that you meet awesome people, make new friends, remain fit and enjoy your life.
As we headed through the forest, moon light came into picture as it was full moon night and we turned off the lights of our bikes to drive under natural light which was an awesome experience. No more traffic on the road, only we 5 riders going all way along with lot of speed. After covering some ~ 15 more k.m. we decided to stop at a place with some rocks to have dinner. We shared the eatables everyone had, took snaps to store the kodak moments :D talked our experiences, cities we travelled in and much more. I called up at my home to tell them that I am enjoying and they don't worry about me and should sleep. By this time we were nearly half way of our ride. It was midnight by that time and all our bikes, helmets, bags, saddle were wet because of mist. The weather turned cold and even biking was not able to make our bodies warm. We started riding again from that place after cleaning up the mist. This was most interesting part of the ride where moon light was at full pitch, chilling weather and running nose as an after affect, chilly breeze gushing out.
The relief you get when you are ~60-70 km/h speed on hybrid bike with air talking to your ears and rejuvenating your soul. The ride was fun till the point we reached village after covering another 20 k.m. The problem driving on bike at night in city or village is dogs, which will try to chase you, bark at you, try to block your way and the big mistake you commit is to over speed your bike and making them sense your fear and chase you faster. This stretch was most painful, since village was not having proper roads, lot of speed breakers, pot holes making your hands and shoulders pain. For me it was even worse as my bag was full of 3L of water which I was carrying. We rode fast enough to reach ORR (outer ring road) and it ~ 1:30 a.m. in morning. We decided to take different routes in group of 2-3 since our homes were in different direction.
Still I was left with 20 odd k.m. to reach home. After covering ~ 10 k.m. on highway, chased by dogs, keeping on left because of trucks and heavy vehicles, cheered up by few people on motor bikes, I started feeling sleepy. I reduced the speed of my bike, stopped in way to have some biscuits to fill in my hunger and finally after 1 hour, I reached my home and the best experience of best ride so far was over. I ate the food at home along with the Manchow soup as I was again hungry by that time. I was so tired that even couldn't have a good sleep that night.
Truly it was a great experience which everyone who rides should have. I had companies of best riders and awesome persons who made this ride fun filled.
