Feb 1, 2014

Bike Ride

"Its time we hit the roads again. Its been sometime now", said Raphae one day… We were in the process of buying the car and december being december 13, we drove to Vadodara on the Royal Enfield Electra…

I think Royal Enfield really thinks for the pillion rider…The seat is the most comfortable one, so far on a bike..

The roads are awesome and the traffic very sensible, maintaining rules all the way… It was chilling in the morning and winds gushed through us.. Fortunately we were pre-warned and had proper gear for the winter ride.

The roads are no longer a mystery to us, having driven a number of times on this stretch.. So, We stopped at our very usual Manor junction - The Silver Miles.. (1-1/2 hr ride from home).. We have been visiting this place ever since it was being constructed. Its a good hygienic place. On the bike, it becomes even more essential to take the brakes at regular intervals even if there is no tiredness so the small "bum-brakes", "by the way waterfall brakes" during the journey are a pleasure to stop for even if fatigue hasn't set in.

Our gear - The Saddle Bags, Gloves, Helmet, Balaclava, Leather Jacket and The Attitude to Live and Let Live
We continued our journey for our next main stop at Vapi. The Bharuch bridge was undergoing some repairs so we had planned for a de-tour. By the time we neared Ankleshwar, we were told to just go straight and not take a de-tour to Rajpipla.. Trusting the locals we went straight. The NHAI team was doing a good job of handling the traffic and diverting it wherever necessary.. so we had no trouble crossing the bridge. We reached Vadodara by 4pm.

Well constructed roads with proper banking and emergency facilities. It has improved a lot over the years. The landscape is undoubtedly beautiful and traveling on the bike is an added adventure.

Thats us, taking a short brake on our return trip to Mumbai. We anticipated a lot of traffic and couldn't have gone wrong with that judgement. So were trying to fill our lungs with fresh air to last us until the next trip out of Mumbai. LOL!

The one-way distance covered was 410 in 8 hours including the leisure brakes… It always ends us making us stronger, courageous and allowing us to face the world head-on.

In many ways the bigger transport vehicles, inspite of being the king-of-highways, have given way to the smaller cars…

Saw many accidents, and witnessed one right ahead of us… The 8 wheel truck- trailer that we were about to overtake, had an old tyre that blew off.. It blasted throwing a lot of debri and stones. Fortunately for us, it was the middle wheel so the truck didn't go off-balance, nor did the particles hit us.. they went sideways.. Raphae was attentive enough to move off its way… Later, a conversation with another bike rider made us realize the gravity of the situation.. Alls well that ends well.

When the mist (read pollution) encircles you at toll booth, you believe it's heaven, for you have come closer to home after a long challenging ride.. When you see the high rise buildings, and the green patch of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, you think life is good. When you see the planes take off and land right over your head, so low that if you jump high enough you can touch its base, you know its time to celebrate for home is just a hop away.. Ironically that hop took us 1-1/2 hour to reach… So close and yet so far. TRAAAFFFFICCCC!!!.

As they say - "The roads to success are always under construction"

All in all - A great ride, a successful trip to / from / in Baroda…

Next: Vacation Mode in e2o

Jan 30, 2014

Mahindra Reva e2o meets the Cops

Buying an e2o is an experience in itself and the beginning of enriching experiences to come..


Its been a pleasure so far to drive the 200 kms… and have received varied compliments from friends, colleagues and people around.

Just near our neighborhood one day, was stepping out of the car when a passerby asked. "nayi gadi che?" (is it your new car?), 
"Saari che, Ketla ma leedhi?" (its nice! how much did you buy it for?) 
I smiled and said 7 and a half. 
To which he raised his eyebrow, doing his calculations in his mind.. the very next question was the expected one - "Mileage ketlo aape che" (how much mileage does it give?)
Now my turn to surprise him. It runs on battery, I said.. He didn't know what to ask next as his calculations went for a toss.. Just passed by expressing that I bought a very expensive car. Saw him mumbling as he kept walking ahead.

Few days later at Andheri Check Post - The cops held out their hand to stop the car and I had to oblige not knowing which law I had broken.. (just had the insurance cover and rough registration papers then).. Skeptical about the cops not understanding that the car doesn't need a PUC, I was preparing for all the explanations I would have to give them and in someway have to pay the fine for whatever reason…
To my surprise they were interested in the car I was driving.. Having not seen one ever before on road… The usual questions; what the car was about and no gear, no fuel, no exhaust pipe, no PUC made the conversation interesting.. never had so much fun being interrogated…
For the first time in my life, I talked to the cops without having broken a law and without being fined.. LOL!

Then the e2o visited the fuel station… of course! not for refueling.. Gone are those days!!  :) We went there to fill nitrogen in our tubeless tyres… the 15 minutes there were hilarious.. visitors and onlookers gathered.. Interesting to find so many people feel for the car.. Their tit-bits - whether registration of an EV vehicle is required or not, about the pick up of the car, space and interiors, its body and the color (its not a paint).. 

I do think there is a big market for EVs… Just need to project it right..


Next: Bike Ride to Baroda...





Jan 28, 2014

Our new Car - The Mahindra Reva e2o

We finally decided to buy the electric vehicle as another step to our goal of Clean, Green and Responsible Lifestyle. Mahindra Reva E2O is also a clever and convenient vehicle. ;) You will soon know how and why.

On 12th Dec we got the possession of this exciting new creation and design by Mahindra Reva.. With a warm welcome and celebrations we were handed the keys by the manager of NBS International, Mahindra's Andheri showroom, Mumbai… Some memories…


Raphae chose the color and had kept it a surprise for all of us.. The anticipation to unveil the car was high. It took me sometime to let the feeling sink in.. What an amazing feeling that was :)

Keys being handed.. one for Raphae and the other one for me ;)


Were given gifts for the car. 

The staff at NBS joined us in our celebrations… Mr Anand Vaishya, Mr Adil and e2o manager Mr Subrodo went out of their way to help us solve our questions, doubts. Their support has been remarkable all the way.

Now the excitement begins… They gave us a quick photo frame as a token of remembrance of this landmark in life. 12-12-13 at 18:03pm.

Raphae drove the car back home. Our entire family had been awaiting the arrival of e2o and they heartily came forward with us for joy rides which lasted till 12 in the night.. Oh! what a memorable day..