Ladakh Trip: Day 1 (Pune->Surat)

Ride Summary: Distance 420 km   Time: 7 hr 40 min

After 2 night long sessions of packing, I was able to get ready for the long awaited Ladakh Trip! The bike had given me a few nightmares; especially with the flat tires. Fingers crossed; I may have paid my dues.

Using the same luggage setup from my US cross country trip, I was able to fit most of my stuff into 2 saddle bags and the tank bag. All the bags weigh approx. 15 pounds each.

Thanks to my manager, I was able to wrap up my work and started from Pune at 12:34 pm. The plan was to reach Vapi, Gujarat by sunset. After some feedback on the traffic jam near Ghodbandar Junction, I decided to bypass it and took the route via Bhiwandi. I was able to get a no-traffic pass :) and the cloudy conditions made it an awesome day for riding.

I just stopped for tea near Bhiwandi and somehow managed to lose my sun glasses. The riding gear is a pain in the azz to wear every time and trying to leave in a haste led to my losing them. Anyways. The machine was performing pretty well overall and I got a feeling that I may be able to get ahead of Vapi. I took a call at Charoti Naka -- where I had early dinner (around 5:30ish) -- that I will stop over at Surat instead.

Gujarat's roads are awesome. Sign boards everywhere, even digital! Service lane indications for merge checks! Fly overs at every intersection. Modi-Land does make an impression on you. I filled up my tank at Vapi and headed towards Surat. It's amazing how people point at you when you are riding in full gear. An Innova driver asked me to stop on the highway. Spoke with me for a few minutes as he was impressed to see a solo rider; riding all the way from Pune to Ladakh. Offered me company for a night session if I was up for it. I kindly declined the offer as I was not in a mood for rushing. I reached Surat around 8:15 where I bought a new pair of sun glasses. Would be a torture to ride in this heat without them; especially when the Rajasthan ride awaits tomorrow! This is my 1st time in the Diamond and Silk city of Surat. I plan to pass out as I write these final words for today. See you tomorrow! I hope to do justice to that 5 am alarm :)