::BlackBaron::

December 2009 is amazing for me, for couple of reasons. There is a lot of travel this month, including the Tour of Nilgiris for 8 days, covering 901 kms from Dec16th to Dec 23rd. In fact, there is an additional and powerful reason for me to celebrate is the arrival of my bullet electra, lemme name it as BlackBaron. I had an opportunity to ride down from Madras to Bangalore on Tuesday, the 8th December 2009. In the past, i have clocked 400+ in a day on my TVS bikes, but, this 360kms on the Madras – Bangalore Highway was awesome.

The ride day started with a chit-chat session at Prem’s house and a drive to Big C’s house with Prem. After signing some papers and cash delivery, i was just made a proud owner of the Black Baron. Though i felt little disappointed, when the self start didn’t work, as the bike was left unused for a while now, its all set after visiting a bullet mechanic at Kellys. After checking air and filling petrol, there is no turning back.

Guindy, Porur, Sriperumputhur, Kanchipuram, Ranipet, Vellore, Ambur, Vaniyambadi, Krishnagiri, Hosur and finally Bangalore, all crossed in time, with as many stops as I wanted, including the ones for tea, lunch, snack, pee, petrol etc. It was a great experience riding a bullet, with gear on the right side, unlike my previous TVS bike. Though i was careful, I was not conscious and picked up the gears just after 50kms.

The greens on both the sides, the clouds above and lakes and ponds on both sides, all welcomed me with a Black Tar Carpet. I really enjoyed the ride and as the altitude started building, the temperateness started dropping, post 6pm. And, i have managed to reach home in the evening and spent some time cleaning Black Baron. Its a real good feel, i ride a classical bullet, which has one of the best bullet engines so far. Thanks to BigC, who agreed to give me this giving me this bike to me. Special Thanks to Mr. Gopakrishna, father of Big C, for making all arrangements including NOC and name change. Thanks to guys, who supported me all along and i got to plan for some long trips in 2010.