Leh, July 8 (Inditop.com) Riding a motorcycle through rough mountain terrain is never easy, but it helps to be well prepared and carry a riding kit that is a safeguard against injury, as the participants of a trip from Delhi to Leh will vouch for.
All 50 participants of Himalayan Odyssey 2009, a 15-day road trip to Leh in Jammu and Kashmir via Keylong, Sarchu, Rumse from June 13-27, were instructed to carry their riding gear and take proper precaution. This IANS correspondent was the only woman accompanying the all-men team.
A good riding kit comprises an armoured or a mesh jacket that has inbuilt elbow and shoulder guards, knee guards, shin guards, good water-proof boots, good quality gloves and a well-fitted helmet.
Captain Deepak Shrikrishan Rao Satam, 55, one of the participants, was uncomfortable wearing the kit till his bike skidded on the way to Manali and he realised that his knee guards had protected him from serious injury.
“Earlier I used to think: how could one wear the kit and ride? Everyone used to look like robots in them but after the fall I realised that they are of utmost importance while riding in difficult terrain. Initially one does feel uncomfortable but slowly they become part of your ride,” Satam, who is from Mumbai, told IANS.
Like Satam there were other participants who fell or had small accidents but because of the kit they were largely unhurt.
Arun Saigal, 26, who had falls from day one of the odyssey, invested around Rs.30,000 in his riding kit and says that now he will invest in a kit for the pillion rider too.
“What I have learnt from this trip is to ride safely and with proper gear. If I am well-equipped and my pillion is not, then there would be a question on his safety. Hence I would at least get the basic necessary kit for the pillion to ensure a smooth and safe ride,” Saigal said.
One can get a decent riding kit for around Rs.10,000 that includes an armoured jacket, knee and shin guards, as well as the helmet. Depending on the amount of travelling one does and the climatic conditions, riders can customise their kit.
Forty-two-year-old businessman Rajinder Chauhan, who during the trip was known for his fast and neat riding, managed to complete the odyssey without any fall or accident and says that apart from the riding kit, one should know the rules and regulations to prevent accidents.
“These riding kits are no substitute for a good rider. So the rider should first have knowledge of the rules and regulations and only then can he ride anywhere,” Chauhan said.
“This trip takes you to through the toughest roads of the country and tremendous concentration is required on these roads; otherwise you can land in serious trouble. Riding kits are an advantage but basic riding ethics are a must too,” he added.
Chauhan also said that wearing a helmet is like wearing a safety belt in the car.
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