The 104 days of strike not only damaged our economy, peace and normalcy but also a lot of machines.
Obviously because of the strike, the movement of vehicles/bikes were restricted and also all shops shut including fuel stations. Most of the machines got damaged because it was not used regularly. On the other hand some like me, managed to take a ride every once in a while however I was buying petrol in the black market which was mixed with kerosene maybe. Really bad fuel but had to still buy them even if was overpriced.
That horrible fuel killed my machine, finally after the strike being withdrawn I visited maila daju’s workshop. He’s garage is definitely the best place to go for Enfield bike maintenance. Shrawan, immediately started work on my bike and did all the necessary maintenance.
Took a day ride to Darjeeling yesterday, with the weather not being favourable, I got into my waterproof gear. The first ride from Kalimpong to Teesta, downhill all the way was fun. Got a bit of rain but that was alright.
Soon after I was making the climb up to Darjeeling via Lopchu. Loved the feel of how the bike was working, shifting gears navigating the steep turns, going full throttle on some patches felt incredible. Can’t beat the feeling of having the crisp wind hit your face.
Just a little ahead, saw this accident that had taken place. I couldn’t figure if the vehicle was going up or coming down when it crashed. I do hope that the people survived it though.
The steep curves & gradient make it an interesting and a challenging ride/drive to some extent. Guess it’s not everyone’s preference of roads to enjoy. Surely, you can’t be drinking and riding/driving on these roads.
The views got more scenic as the clouds started to clear. I had to make a quick pit stop to take a
moment to enjoy the mountain views. The high peaks of the Kanchenjunga himalayan ranges were just about visible.
As I sat on the bike, the weather got bad again. The fog set in, reducing the visibility to almost just 5 metres. It was a slow ride then, concentrating on the road and vehicles coming from ahead. The moisture in the air didn’t do good either as my glasses kept clouding. It’s just an eerie experience of not being able to see anything ahead of you, covered with thick fog and riding through cryptomeria forests. All in all the ride to Darjeeling went well.
Coming back I had the same problem to deal with, a blanket of thick fog for half the section. The steel downhill didn’t go well with my bike as by the time I had descended, it started to choke. Something was not going right, with the fuel injector I suppose…as it would not throttle at a single go without choking. I had to drain out some fuel and it finally kick-started after that. The uphill ride continued to Kalimpong and the bike was as good as ever.
All in all was a good day of riding! Jai Bullet!
Twelfth Mile 