Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Shafa’s ‘Free-wheel Burning’ Road Trip to Rajasthan:Part 1- The Ranthambore Safari

On March 21st a dozen bikers embarked on a 3 day road trip to Rajasthan.  Shafa has already set a precedent of being a pioneer of innovative treatment modalities. After the success of “survival in the wild-camping trips”, the next level of social reintegration was obviously a road trip. So we clubbed together some of best minds from our senior residents to chart up a trip on the national highways of India.  The month’s long planning’s and logistics for the event bore fruit in the form of a three day bike tour from New Delhi to Ranthambore and jaipur.
As the sun rays kissed the Delhi sky, the Harley ridden by our CEO, Mr. Ranjan Dhar, thundered thru the streets of Delhi towards NH8, followed by Rakesh ji, Piyush ji, Nitesh, Neelabh, Anuj, Prashant, Deepak, Dhanur,Chetan, Gaurav and Sangeeta ji.  The reason we chose motor bikes was simple. One of the most distinct things about riding is that nothing feels quite like a motorcycle; the thrill of being at one with a two-wheeled machine that weighs only a few hundred pounds is one of the purest ways to get from point A to B, and the risks involve sometimes even heighten that enjoyment. Perhaps Robert Pirsig said it best in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: "You’re completely in contact with it all. You’re in the scene, not just watching it any more, and the sense of presence is overwhelming.” If you're a rider you know all about "the wave," the pointed finger or wave of the hand that acknowledges another rider as he or she passes. Motorcyclists often feel like they belong to a big community, and that sensation gives them something in common. What better way to escape than on a motorcycle? The sense of freedom feels more complete on two wheels, and riding doesn't transport you to a destination; it is the destination.

Covering a distance of around 1000 km over 3 days, our first stoppage was the rugged Ranthambore. We reached Sawai Madhopur in 10 hours straight. To our surprise, every one’s face had a shining smile instead of tired or worn out looks. Well, the next day’s Safari trip to the wild forest reserve of Ranthambore sure had us on the edge of excitement. For the night we stayed at hotel Green Valley, and after taking a shower and a quick rest, we hit the streets of Sawai Madhopur. Ah, the smell and the air of rugged town were infectious. We fell in love with ways of locals. After dining out at one of the famous eateries at Madhopur we hit the beds for well deserved rest.
Next day, we woke up early for the safari. Our canter took us on wild, national geographic style open safari thru the forest of Ranthambore. It was our lucky day, as we were able to spot a tiger, that too with our eyes. It was a spectacular sight!!! The royal tiger was enjoying some quality time in the sun- and we were privy to it. It was a special moment for us all. The ride thru the tiger reserve was an experience of the life time for some of us, as we had only seen such a scene on Nat Geo or Discovery Channels.
The innovative social reintegration trip of the day two came to a close with all of us saying farewell to all at Ranthambore and gearing up for our next stop at Jaipur. Our trip to Jaipur and all the excitements that unfolded is coming up in next post. In it we disclose our tryst with the Royal Rajasthan in Jaipur, our night out at Choki Dhani and the visit ot Hawamahal and the Lake Palace.

(To be continued) 

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