My IBA Saddlesore 1000 - A great start to 2014

With blood red eyes, dust covered skin, sprained neck, numb fingers, aching calves and a sore butt, I sit down to write about how I spent my new year’s party of 2014. My idea of a New Year’s Eve is pretty much the same every year, drink, dance, catch up with friends and start the New Year with a terrible hangover. The eve of 2014 was the time to break this tradition. It was time to celebrate with Petrol rather than Alcohol. It is this small cost that I paid to achieve my life’s dream of achieving the Saddlesore 1000 by Iron Butt Association. It was the first thing I had to do in 2014 in order to welcome it. Ironically, I never managed to gather all the photos, receipts, logs and compile this post. And now on 1st January 2015, I finally managed to edit and compile everything! 

Prep for the Ride 
I learnt about the Saddlesore 1000 in September 2011 from a fellow biker during a ride. Being an endurance junkie both in motor biking and cycling, it took me no time to add it on to my list. Two years later, I started planning the ride which was scheduled for 2014. Upon checking all road conditions, I finally decided on the route. It was Chennai – Krishnagiri – Kanyakumari – Krishnagiri – Chennai totalling upto around 1680 Kilometers which I had to complete within 24 hours. This route follows the two main National Highways of India, the NH4 and the NH7. So with all the necessary items packed and set, I started from home at 3am to proceed to the start point.

Route Map with Route Link:

Start of the Ride

Within 10 minutes of riding on the road, I immediately knew I had the wrong choice of clothing for this. I was wearing a shorts and a T shirt which is highly inappropriate for the winters with the chill winds and dew. The second mistake, which I realized 10 minutes later, was that the helmet which I was wearing did not have a visor! And soon after this, I realized my third and last mistake, finding a witness. From shop to shop, fuel stations, cafes, etc. Searched everywhere for a witness but nobody was willing to vouch for me. After an hour of searching, finally found a coffee shop owner Baskar, who was decent in speaking English and offered to volunteer. So after a Photograph with him, went to the Fuel station to fill up the tank for the ride

Photo with Bhaskar as Start Eye Witness

Time 05.50am (Jan 1, 2014) 
Odometer – 24027 kms
Elapsed Kilometers - 0kms
Elapsed time - 0 hr 0 mins
Lat Long Marker - 12.999211, 79.992936

Proof Images:

Ride to Krishnagiri
After the start, all the excitement and enthusiasm shifted to the bike. From two separate entities, we became one. We were cruising at 100-120 kmph and slowly witnessed a cloudy sunrise. To my surprise, after crossing Ambur, it had even started raining. At a traffic intersection, I had to immediately brake from 80 kmph for a speed breaker and diversion. The rear wheel started skidding due to the hard braking and wet surface. Though this was not a close encounter but nonetheless a risky one. Hence I decided to cut down my speed till the roads were dry. “You have to live to tell the tale” was the running through my mind. But luckily the rains were limited to that particular place and stopped soon after. I stopped for a small tea break and again we picked up speed.

Photo - Mid way to Krishnagiri

Time 01/01/2014 - 7.47 AM
Odometer – 24195 kms
Elapsed Kilometers - 169 kms
Elapsed time - 1 hr 57 min

Proof Images:

The road from Chennai to Krishnagiri is NH4. It is around 200kms of newly laid road with a few diversions where work is in progress. After reaching Krishnagiri, I had to turn left on the NH7 till kanyakumari. This road was an absolute delight to ride on. Though it is a 4 laned highway (compared to 6 laned NH7) the traffic on this road is comparatively less and I could extract good speeds out of my bike. The top speed that I clocked was here where my odometer showed 132 kmph. The road passed through scenic hills and lush green plains. Mesmerized by the nature’s beauty, I passed Krishnagiri. But since it was a turning point, I had to take an ATM receipt so I took it from a nearby town called Kaveripattam/Kariamangalam.

Photo at Krishnagiri - The T point which has roads to bangalore and Salem
Time 01/01/2014 - 8.28 AM
Odometer – 24242 kms
Elapsed Kilometers - 217kms
Elapsed Time - 2 hr 38 min
Lat Long Marker - 12.507847, 78.222875
Proof Images:

ATM Receipts at a small town Karimangalam

Time 01/01/2014 - 9.03 AM
Odometer – 24270 kms
Elapsed Kilometers - 244kms
Elapsed Time - 3 hr 13 min

Lat Long Marker - 12.310197, 78.203299

Proof Images:

Ride to Salem

After getting the receipt, it was just me and my bike and we cruised at good speeds to reach Salem. By this time the sun had come out in full glory and it was getting really hot. As a preventive measure, I filled up my tank again in Salem and stopped for a break here as well. The much needed coffee and bread was such a delight and in no time we were back on the roads.

Photo at Salem

Time 01/01/2014 - 10.15 AM
Odometer – 24373 kms
Elapsed Kilometers - 347 kms
Elapsed Time - 4 hr 39 mins

Lat Long Marker - 11.621396, 78.145425

Proof Images:

Ride to Madurai

After Salem, the next stop was Madurai. It was getting hot and hot but I had the least to complain. It was the cold and rain that was scaring me. The next stop was in Dindigul which is the last of the biggest towns before Madurai.

Break near Dindigul

Time 01/01/2014 - 12.08 PM
Odometer – 24519
Elapsed Kilometers - 492
Elapsed Time - 6 hr 18 mins

Lat Long Marker - 10.399614, 77.959410

Proof Images:

After riding at a brisk pace, on came Madurai and that meant time for another coffee and bun. The ATM was an SBI ATM that can be identified with the SIDCO industries in the pictures below.

Photo at Madurai

Time 01/01/2014 - 01.18 PM
Odometer – 24589
Elapsed Kilometers - 562
Elapsed Time - 7 hr 28 mins

Lat Long Marker - 9.861347, 78.021034

Proof Images:

Ride to Kanyakumari

I am a day person. I like riding during the day. Especially in this case as my helmet did not have a visor and my sunglasses have lot of scratches to be used at night. So to get the most out of the day, I pushed on to Tirunelveli which was the final break before heading to Kanyakumari.

Photo Break near Tirunelveli

Time 01/01/2014 - 03.21 PM
Odometer – 24757
Elapsed Kilometers - 720
Elapsed Time - 7 hr 28 mins

Lat Long Marker - 

Proof Images:

The ride from Tirunelveli to Kanyakumari was just exotic. The roads passed through vast plains of lush green outfields. There was hill which was perfectly cut in half to let the road pass through. As soon as you enter that gateway, up ahead lies a farm. But guess what, it’s no ordinary farm but a Wind Farm! There were windmills all over the place till my eyes could see on the horizon and all of them were spinning as if they were in tune with the rhythm. It was one of the best sights for the day. For a moment, a thought passed in my head to forget about the time constraints and start taking photographs everywhere.

Photo on the way to Kanyakumari

But the clock was running and I had to move on. After taking the turn to Kanyakumari, I realized the true profound meaning of the saying, “journey is more important than the destination”. I took the ATM receipts and photos as there was very little daylight left. On the way, I even topped up the petrol near Kanyakumari. I was feeling excited as I had reached the halfway mark of the ride within 10.5 hours, which leaves me 13.5 hours to cover the rest of the distance. But mind was telling me the famous words of Greg Mallory “No mountain is conquered until you complete the descent”.

Photo Break in KANYAKUMARI

Time 01/01/2014 - 04.30 PM
Odometer – 24817
Elapsed Kilometers - 790
Elapsed Time - 10 hr 40 mins

Lat Long Marker - 8.091252, 77.549436

Proof Images:

Ride back to Madurai

Winds are highly underestimated during the bike rides. On the return journey, with the same amount of throttle I could barely get my speeds upto 100 as compared to the 120s I was cruising onward. Hence I was left with no other choice but to keep my throttle full to get speeds close to 100kmph. This worried me a lot as I generally never keep full throttle on my bike. The impact of the winds reduced to an extent when I reached Thirunelveli. But after taking a few photos, I went on to Madurai without even killing the engine during the break.

Petrol Refill near Levenchipuram/Tirunelveli

Time 01/01/2014 - 04.46 PM
Odometer – 24856.4
Elapsed Kilometers - 829
Elapsed Time - 10 hr 56 mins

Lat Long Marker - 8.141628, 77.566454

Proof Images:

Break Near Tirunelveli

Time 01/01/2014 - 05.41 PM
Odometer – 24926
Elapsed Kilometers - 899
Elapsed Time - 11 hr 51 mins

Lat Long Marker - 8.836648, 77.764978

Proof Images:

Break after crossing Tirunelveli

Time 01/01/2014 - 06.11 PM
Odometer – 24960
Elapsed Kilometers - 933
Elapsed Time - 12 hr 21 mins

Lat Long Marker - 9.136908, 77.826184

Proof Images:

The Failed Spark Plug
For a couple of hours, I kept on thinking about the headwinds and time and in the process, forgot the rest which my bike deserved. After crossing a small town, suddenly I got jerks and pulls from the bike like the kind we get when the fuel dries up. The fuel level was good but still the bike was suffering. After choking, the engine finally gave up and refused to start at all! I found some shops still open and went to the nearby shop to ask about a mechanic. They informed me that one would be 3 kilometers behind or 9 kilometers ahead. I was calculating options and thinking of pushing the bike all the way. The thought of failure and giving up crossed my mind. With lost hope, I pressed the ignition button one last time. It STARTED! Immediately, I hopped on and rode struggling at low speed to a town 9kms ahead called Thirumangalam. The engine started jerking and pulling again when I entered the city and finally gave up. I think the small break where I was enquiring the people gave it time to cool down and I could ride those 9 kilometers.

The miracle mechanic and Ride resumed to Karur
After finding 3 Bike mechanics closed, I managed to find a shop selling Bike spare parts. On listening to my ride story, he suggested it could be a problem with the spark plug since the bike is not starting. Usually I pack very light, but for this ride, I had all the set of tools with me to remove the plug. So it was the Spark plug indeed as it had melted and burned not able to sustain the constant heat all day. I immediately bough a new spark plug and installed it. The bike started with the first try and I immediately hugged the shopkeeper! After thanking the shopkeeper 7 times, kissing the Bike on petrol tank, I restarted my journey to stop at Karur for topping up fuel.

Photo at KARUR

Time 01/01/2014 - 10.34 PM
Odometer – 25223
Elapsed Kilometers - 1196
Elapsed Time - 14 hr 44 mins

Lat Long Marker - 10.935236, 78.054739

Proof Images:

Ride to Krishnagiri

After the Spark plug incident, I decided to cut down on the speed to 90-100 and cut down on the breaks. But it seemed impossible to ride on without a coffee. The Saddlesore was all about endurance and I knew why then. The cold weather, burning eyes and dense sleep were pusing me to take small breaks every now and then.

Photo at Krishnagiri

Time 01/02/2014 - 02.31 AM
Odometer – 25442
Elapsed Kilometers - 1415
Elapsed Time - 14 hr 44 mins

Lat Long Marker - 12.511607, 78.219657

Proof Images:

Ride back Home - Chennai

After reaching Krishnagiri, I had to take the NH4 again to reach Chennai. Since it is a newly laid road, all the signboards, reflectors and lights were yet to be installed. The only thing for guidance was the white paint on road. My sleep deprived mind needed a coffee every half an hour. I would shiver and fight sleep while riding. Even music did not help much. After reaching Vellore I almost slept for 5 minutes in a coffee shop. I startled awake on hearing the sound of a lorry passing through and immediately checked time and resumed riding. After another coffee break, I managed to cross the 1600 kms mark! A sense of relief swept through my body. The joy of completing the saddlesore got me rid of my sleep. I stopped at a fuel station to get the receipts. I checked my watch, and I had 30 minutes more.  To ensure that I complete a few extra kilometres, I kept on riding till I reached the 24 hour mark. In the end of 24 hours, my Odometer read 1638 Kilometers. With a sense of satisfaction, I went back to Bhaskar, the coffee shop owner who had agreed to be my end of ride witness as well.

Photo in Chennai

Time 01/02/2014 - 05.16 AM
Odometer – 25641
Elapsed Kilometers - 1614
Elapsed Time - 23 hr 26 mins

Lat Long Marker - 12.977602, 79.960405

Proof Images:

Photo at end of 24 hours

Time 01/02/2014 - 05.46 AM
Odometer – 25665
Elapsed Kilometers - 1638
Elapsed Time - 24 hr 56 mins

Lat Long Marker - 12.999211, 79.992936

Proof Images:

Photo with Bhaskar

Time 01/02/2014 - 06.16 AM
Proof Images:

The finish and learnings!

After the end of Ride now, I still regard NH7 as one of the best roads I have ridden in India. Lush green and scenic views which are a delight to witness and ride through. When I try to remember now, It was during the ride I spent quality time with myself. Thinking, Talking, Singing, blabbering etc. with no one but the Bike and winds at high speeds around my ear. This ride is where I sorted out some big priorities of my life and had some self realization moments. To all those wondering why I wanted to do a Saddlesore in the first place, this is why! It is a feeling only a fellow biker will understand.

All the photos from the ride in the below link:
https://plus.google.com/photos/105195880159278368677/albums/5968726510521875937?authkey=CKnZ1aWQ09m0xwE

Sector-wise Breakup

Date	Time	Location	Odo (Kms)	Net Kms
1/1/2014	05:50am (UTC+05:30)	Chennai, India	24027	0
1/1/2014	07:47am (UTC+05:30)	Mid Way to Krishnagiri, India	24195	168
1/1/2014	08:28am (UTC+05:30)	Krishnagiri, India	24242	215
1/1/2014	09:03am (UTC+05:30)	Kaveripattam/Kariamangalam	24270	243
1/1/2014	10:15am (UTC+05:30)	Salem, India	24373	346
1/1/2014	12:08pm (UTC+05:30)	Dindigul, India	24519	492
1/1/2014	01:18pm (UTC+05:30)	Madurai, India	24589	562
1/1/2014	03:21pm (UTC+05:30)	Near Tirunelveli, India	24757	730
1/1/2014	04:30pm (UTC+05:30)	Kanyakumari	24817	790
1/1/2014	04:45pm (UTC+05:30)	Levenchipuram, India	24856	829
1/1/2014	05:41pm (UTC+05:30)	Break Near Tirunelveli India	24926	899
1/1/2014	06:11pm (UTC+05:30)	After Tirunelveli, India	24960	933
1/1/2014	10:34pm (UTC+05:30)	Karur, India	25223	1196
1/2/2014	02:31am (UTC+05:30)	Krishnagiri, India	25442	1415
1/2/2014	05:16am (UTC+05:30)	Sriperambdur, India	25641	1614
1/2/2014	05:46am (UTC+05:30)	Chennai, India	25665	1638