Day1 : Bangalore - Coimbatore - Palakkad

Main Post: South India trip by Bike
 
Day 1: Jan 31st 2013
Route map: Bangalore - Coimbatore - Palakkad
Odometer reading: 410Kms
 
    Starting day ride was challenging ride for us. As per our plan, we have to reach Thrissur-kerala by Sunset, which is 480KMs far from Bangalore.

    With lots of excitement we have started from Bangalore at 11AM on Jan 31st. Actually we have planned to leave Bangalore by 7AM, but due to some unexpected issues we were unable to start by planned time,

Our route map for Day1 was "Banglaore - Hosur(KA-TN Border) - Salem(200) - Coimbatore(362) - Palakkad(410) - Thrissur(480)"

Bangalore climate was very tempting and perfect for riding. We just had a hope for the same weather through out the trip (Impossible ;)). We have filled our bikes with fuel and re-checked Nitrogen level in tires and left Bangalore at 11AM, the traffic was very less till we reached Hosur. The ride was very smooth on NH7 with breaks for every 1Hour. As we crossed Krishnagiri we could feel raise in temperature.

After riding for 200Kms in 2nHalf hrs by 1.30 we have reached Salem. It was quite encouraging average speed for us :). We've finished our lunch in Salem outskirts.

The stretch was very nice till we reach outskirts of Coimbatore. As we entered into the city area, we've stuck in the city slow moving traffic and automatically our speed limit reduced to 10-20KMPH :( As almost all the sign boards were in Tamil we were unable to find-out the route to Palakkad.. We've missed the route and entered into the main city. After inquiring the route, it has taken 1Hr to get back to the correct route. The Sun was already settle down to WEST. Initially we planned to not to ride during night timings as it dangerous, but since we have started very late from Bangalore, So we thought of riding for next two hours and cover as much as possible distance.

Road from Coimbatore to Thrissur was very worst with ditches all the way.. Since the road was 2 lane, opposite vehicles high-beam lights were effecting me very much.. along with that unexpected ditches and uneven roads were irritating me very much. We have travelled just 50Kms in 2Hrs, by this you can imagine the roads condition and our situation... We were aware that, worst roads starts 50-60Kms before we arrive Thrissur. But this is height of worst... :(


I felt that, stop riding for the day will be good to us and bikes. So we've planned to halt in the next coming town. Within next 10Kms of ride, we have reached a town called "PALAKKAD". Thrissur is 70Kms far from Palakkad. Next day we have planned to start 2Hrs early to stick to our initial plan.

We didn't struggle much time to get the room in "Palakkad'. As it is in Kerala state, I have tasted Kerala food during first day itself. I could notice drinking water was in pink color. As Arun is Keralite, he told me that, usually in Kerala they dip a leaf which has high medical properties and which gives pink color to water.

Except last 50Kms stretch, remaining ride of Day1 was good.. We were 70KMS far from planned destination :( That's how our Day1's plan "B'lre - Thrissur" was changed to "Bangalore - Palakkad...."

For a guy who had just rode 400KMs, it was time for some well deserved nap ... So I said good night to Day1 and slept :)


Our rules for this trip were very simple.... "No night rides(Sunrise to Sunset ride), No alcohol, No rash riding , Have enough rest, Have healthy food, Have a back-up food, No heavy backpack, " :) Simple rules, which made us to be healthy and enjoy our whole trip. :)

Happy Reading :)

\m/ Happy Riding \m/