A Muddy Mayhem
Our Himalayan Adventure to Rajmachi Fort
By Prathamesh Patki
Last June, we received a message on our members group from Mr. Rohan Salian for an in impromptu off-road breakfast ride to Rajmachi, Lonavala. The excitement was at its peak as it was monsoon season and few of us with our new Himalayan 450 were ready to put their bike to the test. It had poured heavily across Mumbai and Lonavala the previous day, however, the rain gods decided to not bless us on the ride day leading to sunny and humid weather.
We reached the Fort base and realised that the previous day down pour had transformed the terrain into a slippery and muddy obstacle course. Undeterred we started our ride and ready to face the elements. For some of us the ride turned out to be extremely challenging as the Himalayan 450 weight was far more difficult to handle than expected, but for few pro riders it was a piece of cake. The thick layer of mud clung to the bikes, making every move a precarious balancing act. Many of us took a few tumbles, but we picked ourselves up, dusted ourselves off, and kept going.
A few seasoned riders, however, seemed to glide effortlessly through the muddy trails. Their experience and skill were evident as they navigated the challenging terrain with ease. It was inspiring to watch them tackle the obstacles with such confidence. They also ensured that rest of the guys were safe by constantly guiding them and helping them get out of a messy situation.
Reaching the top of Rajmachi Fort was a rewarding experience. The stunning views and the sense of accomplishment made the hard work and the occasional falls worthwhile. We rewarded ourselves with a delicious chai and garma garam vada pav, a perfect way to refuel and relax.
The descend was equally challenging with the slippery terrain, steep down slope and curves did not make our lives any easier. Sliding, tumbling, learning how to handle the bike, slowly but surely with help of our pro riders we all managed to reached back to the base. The brotherhood of Inddie Thumpers is what makes this bunch amazing people to ride with, no matter what we do not leave anyone behind and ensure everyone sticks together in case of any breakdowns or mishaps.
By the end of the ride, we were covered in mud, sporting a few bruises, but our faces were beaming with joy. This monsoon ride was a memorable adventure, filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a healthy dose of adrenaline. It was a true test of our skills and our resilience. As we look back on this experience, we can’t help but smile at the muddy memories and the friendships forged on the trail.