From irrationally rational to rationally irrational – Prologue

Ladakh

From irrationally rational to rationally irrational – A Road Travelogue

If one is a keen traveler and more so an adventurer at heart with a specific love for two wheels there is nothing that can be as joyous as a cross country ride across India. A country so widely divergent in geographies, cultures, religions and the peoples themselves it is a marvel to ride through just a state in India and see how different things get in how small a span of time and how small a distance! Now just imagine doing that through 10’s of states and Union Territories!!

As is it commonly said about travelling, it is the journey that truly defines the travel and not the destination. The Leh route via Manali is the most adventurous of all biking routes passing through two of the three highest motorable roads enroute! That apart, it is a lesson in geography replete with sky-high mountains, vast and expansive plains, treacherous passes, distended rivers and the works. What makes it all the more remarkable is the stunning and captivating visuals the journey provides. WOW!!

Another surprise the route throws along the way is the element of spirituality that it provides, partly engendering from the sheer magnificence of nature and largely from our own inability to be at home amidst Mother Nature.

There are many ways in which the journey can be undertaken mainly Air and Road. But there is only one way to do it if u are a natural born vagabond. BY 2wheels which are the only known transport to man capable of moving a soul. Someone told me there is a thin line between madness and courage, and i am still undecided as to a 7000+ kms road trip all by one self qualifies on what side?!! I always loved two wheels more than flying or driving or the railroads, but little did i know what am i getting myself into wen i started d trip. All i had was a desire to bike up to Ladakh from Mumbai and return hopefully on d same set of 2 wheels...

My journey spanned 37 days and appx 7300 kms and yet not a single day was planned at the outset. All i intended to do was ride on instinct and ride till i didnt feel lik it any longer. Basically stop to eat when you are hungry and sleep when you tired. Had always desired this though never done it. I was kicked up and just hoped to have an exciting trip.

The journey spanned Maharastra, GUjarat,Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, Himachal pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. Riding through rivers,deserts,snow and some spectacular highways.. A ride through heaven and hell!!