Chikmagalur at a distance of about 250 kms from Bangalore was suited to be one of my very first trips ever, on a bike.
What drew me here was that the roads are fantastic, I know these roads having done this route many times on work. The climate was perfect for riding and last but not the least I just love this place.So with full riding gears and all the riding paraphernalia, the first time these were being put to the its intended use. I left home, early to exit the city at Nelamangala and get on to the Hassan Road and from there to Chikmagalur.
Winding roads, wind on the face, the constant roar of my bike’s engine and the sound of me breathing, were my companions for a very long time. The difference with driving a car and then taking the bike is that I felt that much more exposed to everything around me.
The car tended to make me lazy and drowsy after some time. That I couldn’t afford here. Breakfast & Smoke stops at regular intervals made my ride feel that much longer. The need to ride into some of the fields that passed me by, stopped me and take that detour. It was something that I hadn’t done before. And something that I was truly excited about.
There was something to riding a motorcycle for the very first time on a long route that got me. It was the sheer rawness of it. The state of being one types with a lot of things. And that is what took me all the way to Chikmagalur.
Passing Belur and Halebeedu, temple towns en-route or the town of Hassan, a bustling
agricultural town stops there either for a coffee or even lunch. A sense of Smallness, a
claustrophobic feel crept into you when you stop at places like these the restaurants, the
tea/ coffee shops the tiny benches to sit on at these restaurant/tea shop is what made the
experience that much more beautiful.
Fellow bikers, travellers all at he same place gave a sense of togetherness. It was
something that one will remember for a long time to come.
Chikmagalur as always welcomed me the very same way. That smell of Coffee, the
greenery and a dash of town to garnish it. It tasted just the same as always. With the roar
of the engine I left behind I quickly rode to one of my favourite haunts there. A place
where I could rest for the day and ride up to Mulliangiri along coffee plantations the next
day.
