Saddle Sore 1000 miles on YAMAHA RD350 in 2013 and KTM Duke 390 in 2014 Small Blog about my 2 Times Saddle Sore Ride, Please Spare some time to read. Last Year REAL STEEL & This Year LIGHT MACHINE INTRODUCTION RIDER Name: Karthik Manivannan Naidu Model: 1986 Date of Birth: 26/09/1986 Birth Place: K C General Hospital, Bangalore Name: YAMAHA RD350 (THE BEAST) Model: 1984 Date of Birth (Registered): 23/08/1984 Birth Place: YAMAHA Factory, Faridabad Name: KTM Duke 390 (Light Machine) Model: 2013 Date of Birth (Registered): 05/10/2013 Birth Place: KTM Factory, Chakan Hi this is Karthik Manivannan Naidu, I live in Yelakanka, Bangalore. Professionally in Travel industry but a passionate bike rider.”YAMAHA RD350, A Boy who grew up dreaming YAMAHA RD350. At the age of nineteen, in the year 2005, I finally managed to chase my dream and became the proud owner of “My BEAST. It was a moment of pride when I first looked at it and could not resist showing off my shiny bike all over my town. Perhaps I was introducing my new companion to the beautiful garden city Bangalore, my hometown. Years passed and I was never satisfied with just touring to my neighboring cities. My thirst for the ride grew stronger and stronger and it was then the Saddle sore” concept hit my mind. The idea was struck hard on my mind that I grew so restless trying to work it out. I gathered all information and realized that there was no official record of anyone successfully completing a Saddle Sore ride for 1000 miles in 24hrs on RD350. There has to be first for anything in life and I loved to be that first. Yes I wanted to create a new milestone. I was anxious to tell about the ride to my Dad and finally discussed about the idea with him. However I was highly disappointed to find that my Dad denied my request with no further discussions. Then I turned to my other motivator, my younger brother Badri Naidu .It was his enthusiasm and support that got a smile back on my face. I cannot forget the moment, when I disclosed about our Dads denial to him. He just turned to me and said with a firm voice Brother, Just chill. You are not about to run away from home to get married to a girl, in order to worry so much. All you are doing is following your passion, if not now when would you do it? There should never come a moment in your life when you look back with regrets “Those great words from my little brother shook me up from any doubts hiding in my spines. It was then my friend Vikram, who also owns a Yamaha RD350 came into picture. He and I discussed about the Saddle Sore ride for 1000 miles in 24hrs concept and he was also equally thrilled like me. What better than a friends company on a long ride. Yeah that did make my face bloom with joy. Decisions having made, it was time for preparing ourselves for the challenge. January 26th 2013, The Indian Republic day, it was also time for us to celebrate our freedom of following our dreams. We decided to have a trial ride to Davengere which is about 250 Kilometers from Bangalore .It was time to test the depth of still water, time to test our caliber. So the journey began with Vikram on his RD350, other friend Anil on his gladiator and me with my “Beast”. It was an easy and comfortable trip that made us more confident of our abilities. There were no more setbacks to our plan now. We set the date for the big ride on 20 February 13, a Wednesday having in mind that a weekday would be a day with lesser traffic on roads compared to a weekend. It was a countdown of my days until the big day however each passing day had me worrying with fear that my parents would learn about my great plan. That was a bigger challenge than the ride itself for me. I was sure by then that I would not be able to convince my parents about the ride however was determined to hide it from them. Just once I wanted to follow my dreams without restrictions and later worry about reciprocations. Every Night I use to sit next to my “Beast” (RD350) talk to it and motivating it that use to motivate me as well, When most of every rider discouraged me that Saddle Sore on RD350 is not possible as it’s close to 3 decades old and 2 stroke bike… those discouragement triggered me even more to prove the world that RD350 is never less than any other modern bikes. I had my riding gears shifted to Vikrams place a week in advance to elimate any doubts that might spring up in my parents minds. Now having dealt with my parents, it was also time to think about our finance. My friend and I approached few sponsors but were not lucky enough. It was then with the help of my friends and colleagues that I managed to collect some money to fund my part of fuel expenses. Fuels don’t come easily, do they? I would hold my sincere gratitude to those wonderful people forever. With deepest regret I had to lie to my mom that I would be doing overtime at work and therefore have to stay back. Mom believed me completely and what more could I ask for expect for good night sleep. Well as unusual sleep was far away from me due the extreme excitement on my mind. It was my lifes biggest day the following morning. The wondrous day began with me having my lunch packed by my wonderful mother. Having the food and packed into my backpack, I left home with a big heart to Vikrams place. From there together Vikram, Anil and I left to a Ragavendra temple in our locality to offer our gratitude to lord and also receive his blessings to face the challenge. And outside stood my BEAST all set for the big ride. I could almost feel my bike winking at me signaling me Lets goooo... Then we left to Torque Motors (Atta Garage),took a case of Motul 800 off-road 2T oil 100% Fully synthetic .On the way to our start point, we had a nervous meal of chappatis and lots of water to keep us hydrated. Also I filled my saddle bags with 5 litres of Fuel and 3 litres 2T oil on each side of the saddle bag along with a pack of toast, toffees and adequate amount of water for the journey. We reached the start point to be welcomed by my dear friends and our senior most RD350 Rider Mr Chakravarthi an 82year old tough rider and Mr Dinesh sharma a 60 year old rider who had won the Overall 7th position on the Ride to Himalaya Rally 2012. Then the ride began.............. We were flagged off from shell Petrol near Iskon Temple, however was officially flagged from shell petrol pump near Peenya Industrial Area, outskirts of bangalore city in order to get rid of the maddening traffic in the city. The Hard Ride On a highway began with me cruising at a speed of 120kph on an average with full throttle of 140+ kmph. I kept riding with only a pit stop at Davengere for refueling and was back on the highway close to Hubli in no time. By that time it was twilight and my helmet Visor was completely covered with smashed insects .The visibility was turning poor as the night proceeded. Hunting for the next fuel station, we ended up at Ranibennur. There we got a little breather and was also assisted by our back up team who provided first aid was headed by Mr. Althaf Khan, Mr. Suhail and Mr. Syed. Mr. Suhail helped me clean my visors while I was Fueling my bike. We got back to the highway maintaining with a speed of 100-120 kmph, reached A HP Petrol Pump between Darward and Belgaum around 21:15 and refueled the bikes and I had pair of toast. It was after few hours when we reached Kolhapur that sleep started creeping into me turning my eyes soar. No sooner that, my ear started humming along with the harsh winds which had me screaming loud in head. The real challenge began then, me having to fight off my sleep and ride further and further. My beast became my only companion; I recall even having a conversation with my bike. It felt like ages by the time I reached SATARA when I stopped momentarily for refuelling and headed back non stop till we reached the entrance to the Pune tunnel. Vikram too joined me there at the same time. Excitement ran through us as we raced through the tunnel in full throttle till the exit. At the end of the tunnel laid a sharp right turn which freaked the life out of me. It was totally unexpected and to control the bike at that speed was an ultimate life time experience. Then Vikram and I managed to ride together I then reached Tathawade,Pune where I stopped for refueling at Sai Expressway Service. By then Vikram left further down the highway to take U turn to get back home (Bangalore). I was happy I got the Credit Card Receipt, Show my Turn around point to IBA (Iron Butt Association) Finally I was the Highway to get back Home. Now having half the hurdle faced it was time for the return ride to Bangalore. We had our refreshments refilled and got back on the road without further delay. Dawn was yet hours away ,and I had no complaints was admiring the cool night ,the dark blue sky filled with bright shining stars as I was riding up-hill heading towards the Tunnel. It was a moment of beauty, something not experienced on a normal day. I was back to the same tunnel which had welcomed us earlier and was speeding back when I suddenly noticed a crashed Volvo. Luckily I avoided crashing my bike there and thanking God for the escape ,started speeding at 90-110 kmph back to expressway reaching SATARA.There was a moment after crossing SATARA I refueled my bike again as I was taking exist from SATARA where I drowsed and went off the road. The sudden shake/Jerk when I went off Road woke me up .The fear of that realization kept me awake rest of the journey. I soon reached Kolhapur, had a short break and headed to Belgaum .Unfortunately my bikes chain sprocket had worn off and was completely loose. I could feel the pistons pounding and had to get my bike tuned up, till then had to maintain a speed of 80 kmph. I had to call Althaf fondly called as Atta from our back up car who had the neccressary equipments after getting tuned my Chain Sprocket, there was no slagging; my beast was re-energized and got my spirits high. Next few kilometers with full throttle managing a speed of 120-140+ kmph.The next stop was made at HAVERI and NELAMANGLA village it was non stop to the end point Shell petrol pump, Peenya Industrial area. I was back to where we started but not the same way we left. I had gained life time experiences, unforgettable memories, held much stronger minds. And above all I stood there with pride and tears of happiness in my eyes, being crowned as the first person to complete Saddle sore with my BEAST (YAMAHA RD350). Allas what a ride it was!!!! Karthik Manivannan Naidu: Start: 20/02/2013 15:26HRS – Finish 21/02/2013 15:06HRS Vikram Simha : Start: 20/02/2013 15:25HRS – Finish 21/02/2013 15:13HRS Anil B Prasad : Start: 20/02/2013 15:27HRs – Finish 21/02/2013 15:22HRS Finished Timing Karthik Manivannan Naidu: 23Hours 40Minutes Vikram Simha : 23Hours 48Minutes Anil B Prasad : 23Hours 55Minutes I love to Thank: Renu Kumar, Dempsy for sharing their experience on Saddle Sore with me and Also Ajay shared his Saddle Sore experience with Vikram, These Great Riders experience were with very Valuable Riding Tips for us to Ride safe. I love to Thank: My Friends and Colleagues for sponsoring me in doing Saddle Sore. I had approached Yamaha Dealer Orion Motors who sponsored 2 litres of 2T oil and Engine oil nothing more ( for both Riders) I found nothing working out as-per our plan with regards to sponsors. Then my friends and colleagues who sponsored me 70% of Fuel Expenses. None other than my Friends Mohana Ramaswamy, Ramesh, Vijay, Deepak, Syed, Lohith and My Colleagues from 247-inc Nanda Gopal (HOP), Vinay, Prathi, Bhanu, Manohar, Jerine and Ashwini Kotni. Last but not the least My Friend / Best Guide and God Father in my Life Dinesh sharma (59 years old) over all 7th position Ride de Himalaya 2012. I Thank Attaullah Baig, Suhail and Syed from Torque Motor for joining us all through the event as First Aid Crew, Also Vinit from Motor Cycle Components offering us at Net price (NO GAIN/NO LOSS) Motul 800 2T off-road. I would like Thank Ajay Kumar, Renu Kumar, Manjunath Acharya and Dempsy for Sharing their Saddle Sore experience which helped us to know the Dos and Donts. Last but not least I love to thank my Buddies Attaullah Baig, Suhail, Syed, Nithyanand, Harish, Barath Venkatesh, Sreedhar Kacchu, Shubham Singhal, Sandya & her Buddies, Also Our Honorable Mr. Chakravathy Sir and Mr. Dinesh Sharma For Flagging off. On the way back it was Surprise welcome back to us by Nityananda and Hareesh Copparam Paranandhaman Escorting us from Tumkur Road Kamat. Finally we were welcome back by our Honorable Chakravarty at the Finish Point. My Hearty Thanks to YAMAHA Japan for Introducing YAMAHA RD350 in India. *** Saddle Sore Ride is a life time experience for me*** *** The day 21-02-2013, 15:06 HRS is a Glorious day of my life *** Finally I would like to conclude with my Request to God: No matter how many bikes I would own in future but I should be able to Ride the Amazing Beast (YAMAHA RD350) till my last breath. Guys do you think this is end of it ………………………… NO Journey Continues... This Year 2014 Saddle sore on KTM Duke 390 Indias most advanced Machine in the current Market. After a year saddle sore on RD350... I always wanted to try on D390 ever since I Bought it, hence decided to do saddle sore on KTM Duke 390 as I Felt It would be a piece of cake on D390. As expected Duke 390 Performed really well all the way from Bangalore - Pune - Bangalore. The Bike was just amazing apart from the front suspension during uneven roads on the highway... I was dual minded to take up the challenge again which took me approximately 2 weeks to gear up. Also tangled with multiple thoughts since my parents were against such events, since it is life Risking task, but I never gave-up my Passion towards biking even after 3 high speed crashes... I get some kind of Peace in my mind, body and Soul, whenever I Ride my bike. Finally I decided this is it... Am gonna do Saddle sore again No matter what may come... Date: 22 March 2014 anytime after 15:00hrs and Return back home with-in Next 24hrs. I shared about the Ride with all my Good Friends ,but most of them cautioned me not to do this again as it’s not safe doing alone, but still my Mind and Soul did not give-up. Then I approched KTM for Sponsor on Saddle Sore Ride but They Denied as its Beyond their Policy but Ms. Jaya and Mr. Prakar were Really Kind to offer me free Service and Shared contact details of KTM in Belguam, Kolhapur and Pune if in case of any Help when I am on my way towards the Cities Mentioned above. As I believe in God and am Little spiritual, I offered Pooja to my D390 the day before Saddle sore, for Safe return as am doing it alone hahaha... I was just waiting for the sunrise and all Excited for the Saddle sore. Trust me because of the Excitement I could’nt sleep all night ;-). Now Its time for action 22 March 2014 @ 14:30hrs all my friends and The most inspiring person of all upcoming riders Mr. Dinesh Sharma (I always considered him as my God-father) Ride de Himalaya over-all 7th position @ 60 years Young, also came for flag-off.... All my friends wished me safe Return. Now the real action Begins..... I fueled my bike and left Shell Petrol pump, 8th mile, Peenya, Bangalore.... I started at 15:44hrs cruising 130-140kmph I couldnt believe myself as I was eating Miles like a piece of yummy pastries... Soon by 17:19hrs I reached Chitra-Durga for first Fuel stop... there I gained complete confidence that I will be able to accomplish effortlessly. Once I crossed Ranebennur I got a company to Race with Wolkswagen Polo the Young Driver in the car provoking me for a race, I didn’t consider as I had a better motto was to Ride safe and accomplish my mission, soon after that I reached Hubli further covering Dharwad, Belgaum, I stopped for fueling in Kolhapur then a BMW car also came in for fueling, People in the car had chat with me and they also said in one of the occasions I over took them and within no time I was vanished, they were not comfortable cruising over 100kmph after Dark ,mentioned by driver. Then I explained about Saddle Sore They Took Picture of mine n bike, left from there and then I had 2 bars of Snickers. Then started back on Highway heading towards Pune, soon after passing Satara , the roads were not even and couple of divisions hence I had to Ride slow for few kilometers, as I was getting close to the first Tunnel Road , it was getting better, but I was not excited looking at the tunnel due to my last year experience as I lost control once I exit the tunnel there was an immediate turn towards left as I was over speeding with Full throttle last time on RD350 had panic attack. This time I was more cautious and enjoyed the Ride as well. Soon after reaching turn around point Took rest about 15mins and left back home with whole lot of confidence… I know everyone might think didn’t I feel sleepy. Yes I did, I always kept myself Hydrated with lot of water and chocolates, Soon after reaching SATARA I started feeling sleepy then I had RED BULL which was really refreshing, from there started riding ,reached Kolhapur fueled my bike, Then hit straight to Hubli I found a petrol pump, but no fuel then finally I ended up using my Emergency fuel which I carried from there ,little further I found a Petrol pump I refueled complete tank… Once after reaching Devangere my fuel gage started showing low I was worried where I would end up with emptying the fuel and no one to help either, I started praying very Hard that fuel should not get drained out completely finally I was lucky to reach back same Fuel station in ChitraDurga and the person who fueled my bike last evening was really excited to see me back safe and wished me and spoke about my achievement to other people in Fuel station, all were shocked to hear that I rode the bike from Bangalore - Pune - Bangalore within 24hrs then I was really happy and proud that I almost achieved it. Then I called up my friend Vikram informed him that I will be arriving in 2 hours to finish point also informed Suvarna News channel as well, I reached Bangalore and felt It was a rebirth after riding for 21hours and 30 minutes. Later my friend Vikram, Sharath and Anil they arrived to finish point they were all excited and happy to see me back. I was just top of the world… I know it’s nothing when we compare to Golden Quadrilateral Ride or World Tour on a bike. But Saddle sore is a stepping stone for all Endurance biking. Soon Suvarna News Channel Crew arrived did a small interview on the same day at 22:30hrs and the same was relayed. Thanks to Suvarna News and Crew members. *** The day 21-02-2013, 13:14 HRS is a Second Glorious day of my life *** Cities Covered : ODO meter: Time Bangalore : 7622kms: 15:44hrs (Flag off, 22Mar2014) Chitradurga : 7817kms: 17:16hrs Ranebennur : 7921kms: 18:21hrs Dharwad : 8055kms: 20:21hrs Kolhapur : 8242kms: 22:44hrs Sarola, Pune : 8414kms: 01:16hrs (23Mar2014) Tathawade, Pune : 8476kms: 02:35hrs (Turn Around point) Satara, Pune : 8531kms: 03:52hrs Perle : 8633kms: 05:40hrs Kolhapur : 8730kms: 07:05hrs Hubli : 8921kms: 09:24hrs ChitraDurga : 9136kms: 11:16hrs Bangalore : 9332kms: 13:14hrs (Finish, 23Mar2014) Total distance covered 1710kms in 21 hours and 30 minutes How can I forget to review on KTM Duke 390? KTM Duke 390 Its Super Performance Machine at affordable price in Current market, Even Though cruising at 130-140kmph at times 150kmph aswell :-) No vibration, breaking is simply the Best in couple of occasions I ended up breaking hard but never felt I did a hard breaking thanks to ABS system, Suspensions rear is super smooth but front is quite hard on Uneven Roads. Last but not the Least as I always say to my friends, Colleagues and Relatives KTM Duke 390 is the safest bike in Country. My Hearty Thanks to KTM Austria and Bajaj for Introducing DUKE 390 in India. Once again I would like to thank Anil from 6000 miles to Isle of Man TT, Ms. Jaya KTM Sales Head Bangalore, Mr. Prakar KTM Sales Head (South India) and also Mr. Petse Sales Manager KTM Mekhri. Important message: Please wear full cover Helmet not the Half it’s not necessarily Head injury will lead to Death. Even part of face like chin when you hit to ground will send shock waves to brain it might lead to brain damage, Nose damage will result severe pain and Blood lose, Final Eye brow spots are very delicate this will also lead serious injury, heavy blood lose and if victim survives, scars on face will remain rest of the life, not everyone can afford Plastic Surgery. So please spread the message to all your loved ones to wear full cover Helmet. Note: This Blog might be very inspiring, if anyone planning to do Saddle Sore? Please plan the Ride properly and be Cautious, we are all gifted to have this life, so enjoy it to the core ,not to encounter Accidents and ending up with no more bikes that’s very painful than anything else, as we are all passionate towards biking. Please Ride safe. I would like thank you for taking time to read this Blog. Will be back soon with another exciting experience on KTM Duke 390. Karthik Manivannan Naidu 09886323894 ****@@@**** LIVE LONG TO RIDE!!! SO RIDE SAFE!!! ****@@@****
Posted on: Mon, 04 Aug 2014 02:29:01 +0000
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