The Accident Zone

The Accident Zone:

Saturday Night: 11.30pm. 30/05/2009.

Place: Makarand’s Home, Dadar.
For what: Five people waiting for a vehicle to arrive… A climbing event was planned next day (Destination: Telbaila near Lonavala…to be precise near Amby Valley).

Finally we left from my home at 12.10 midnight. What a leisure time it was. We got an Innova that night. I still remember my old days of trekking when we used to travel (fight) in hell crowded trains & ST Buses. Gone are the old days... Everyone is earning & no one wants hectic travel any more. Just sit in a car & land directly at the starting point of trek/climb. No more “Dhakka bukki” in trains & buses.

A thought in my mind: Nothing seemed right since beginning of our trek. First the driver came late. Next police stopped us thinking we are drunk. Further we saw a horrifying accident on our way to belapur. A loaded passenger bus smashed a guy crossing the road at night (this belapur hill area is famous for such accidents since long; no street lights in this stretch).

Till the Amby Valley, road condition is obviously good. After taking right from the “Telbel Phata” (local name for Telbaila Diversion), the road goes terribly bad. It was like riding a monster truck on off-road track. We reached the village around 5.00am. We had nothing to do till the sunrise. I tried to sleep for some time, to take rest. My bro (Anish) took out his Mashaal (smoke). Grabbing this point everyone came out of the car, and we started chatting.

Sunday Morning: 05.15am. 31/05/2009.

We decided to start with the first ray of light so we could reach the climbing base before it gets too hot. It took us just 15 mins to reach the base of the Telbaila wall. It’s actually a base of two volcanic walls (Dike formation - you can see the photos in my previous blog). You will find a small temple at the base. Villagers have put a solar powered lamp near it.

Anish wanted to lead this climb as I have done this twice. I told him to continue till the difficult patch comes & then I was going to take over from him. We started preparing. Sarvesh and Anish emptied their sacks, and in next five mins all the equipment was set on the floor. Mean while I was busy clicking the real time photographs of the preparations. I have not yet touched my sack… containing hardware & “HELMETs”. Suddenly we heard some unusual sound… by the time we realized what it was; rock fall started from the top of the wall. Guys started running for shelter………..and then there was a big Tock! I looked at it, Anish was down on ground. Me & Sarvesh ran towards him despite the rock fall. We took him to the cave below. He was holding his head with his hand. When we took his hand off; there was blood running all over his head. We gave him first aid, washed his wound with fresh water. But, there were no signs of blood clotting, wound was bleeding heavily. Then we cleaned his wound with Savlon & put a bandage around his head. After half an hour the blood flow finally stopped, and we had to start our descent to the village.

Now it was time to inform at home. I informed his mother. I guess after my call the situation at his home must have gone really anxious/panicky. We directly headed to Lonavala Civil hospital where Anish’s uncle had already spoken to the doctor regarding this accident (he is Lonavala based). The ward-boy told us that his wound would require stitches. The doctor managed to close the wound in five stitches. Mean time our dear friend (Harshal) had a sweet nap outside the operation theatre on a stretcher!

We visited uncle’s place in Lonavala on our way back. But he was not ready to accept that this has happened accidently. I guess still he thinks that; it was our mistake & we did something wrong. Can’t help……………

When we reached at his home in Mumbai, his wife was waiting anxiously. Mom was worried. Positive point: Dad was sleeping when we reached. And, the situation was not as serious as we thought.

Bottom line of the Blog: Anish is safe with only external wound (as told by the doctor) & nothing serious happened. Thank god for this.

He had to shave his head due to the wound & the stitches.
Ghazini look you see…..……for two weeks.

Note: Each & everything mentioned here is TRUE. It is not to scare you but just to tell you that please take extra care while going for such activities. Your head is equally important as other Muscular parts.

30/08/2009.

Endurance Test No 196:

13th May 2009.

Around 2 months back Renny started a Discussion for Lonavala Trip on Weekend. People started posting their views & suggestions on it but no one came forward finalizing the date & time (everyone was concerned about the “May Heat” I guess…). Two weeks back Faisal opened the same discussion with some changes to it. He suggested to make 3/4 groups that will start from different locations & would meet in Lonavala. That day will be spent in Lonavala & next day everyone will return to Mumbai or their respective locations.

I was also planning some long trip since quite long. So this was a good opportunity for me. I am not a hardcore rider, but I like to take challenges like these one. I am always ready for new adventures………………

Faisal was in touch with me since he posted this “Tour Da Lonavala”. Since day one I have decided that I will Ride till Lonavala. But Faisal was somewhat apprehensive about this long ride. According the posts; I though around 10/15 will join us for Lonavala Ride. But as we were approaching the ride day…the number started decreasing. Finally when Faisal called me the day before the ride; he told me that only 7 guys are ready for Lonavala (including Him & me………). He told me that he is arranging a small pick-up vehicle as a back-up for riders. I told him to start the ride as early as possible to beat the traffic & day heat. All agreed to leave Mumbai by 2.30 at night.

Finally the day arrived & I left my home at 02.00 hours. The meeting point was the end of Chunabhatti Bridge. I reached there at 02.25 hrs. Faisal was the second to reach there………………oh no, he was alone………………no back-up vehicle. One more young guy “Aman’ was waiting for us with his father. The young Gun of the group – only 16 years of age, just through with his 10th exams was ready to ride with us till Lonavala. To my surprise Faisal told me that we are only 5 riders leaving for Lonavala…..rest all that shown interest on Cyclists.in dropped because of some or the other reasons………..Santy was the 4th to reach …………….but with a snapped belt of his back-pack……….first bad omen I guess. Faisal had some wire tags for him to tie that. Noel had some problem with his cycle & told us to move ahead; so he will be joining us on the way.

Finally we left at 03.45 hrs from Chunabhatti. Ride till Panvel was an ok ok ride. Riding slow………………we didn’t know anything about Aman’s riding & he was quite new to group also. Noel reach Panvel before us…..he is really a pace rider & he took all the flyovers to reach fast. When I got a call from him, he had already left Panvel & heading ahead thinking that we have also crossed Panvel. We met him just ahead of Panvel ST Stand & then had a heavy breakfast at Welcome Hotel (courtesy: Faisal). Now sun has come up, indicating that we will be facing problems riding in the Ghats. We left Welcome at around 07.00 hrs. Faisal was riding with his bike, but due to the operation he did last night……………..his bike was gearless today. Noel, Santy & me were riding pretty fast to reach khopoli & start the Borghat climb as early as possible. Mean time I got a call from Faisal……………………good news for him& Aman…they got lift from a Tempo & decided to go to Lonavala directly. So now we were only three Musketeers really riding to Lonavala. We reached khopoli around 08.00hrs. Some rest & we started again. We were at the base of the Borghat at 08.35 hrs. The climb was too bad. Till we meet the express-way we had stopped 4 times. After that point there is no shady place till you reach Khandala. Santy was far behind. Me & Noel were riding along……..everything in body was boiling due to heat. We saw a Huge truck standing on roadside. We took some rest in that Truck’s shadow………….it was so hot by that time, I took out my shirt for some time. Some was calling us……didn’t find anyone nearby………..the call was from Santy who also pick-up a small Tempo on the way. The tempo guy offered us lift…..but we decided to ride the last few kilometers. We crossed Khandala & then on the way to Lonavala we saw a “Neera Shop”. Believe us we had 4 glasses each (me & noel). We reached the RamKrishna Hotel, Lonavala by 10.55 hrs. The fully crowded hotel was shocked to see us riding all the way from Mumbai. The Ghat took around 2.30 hrs to climb.

We had some light food………no place in stomach to eat much because of that Neera. Then we headed in search of a Rest Point nearby. We found a good green spot near the Lonavala Dam. Some guys were busy with their cricket match. (this play ground was actually water reservoir area of the dam……..but now totally dry because of summer season. We took some rest in a good woody & shady area for an hour. Faisal used some Hot magazine papers to sleep. Then we left for Mumbai again. As we entered Lonavala again, we met some cyclists from Pune (these guys were supposed to meet us at 09.30 in morning & now it was 13.30). This was a great moment…….cyclist’s Meet………..riding from Mumbai & riding from Pune meet at Lonavala.

We started our journey back to Mumbai at 14.30 hrs. The climb down to khopoli was an awesome experience of the ride. I actually managed to reach the speed of 60kmph (on my TREK 3700). When we reached khopoli sun was in Full-on burning mood. We had a prolonged drink break….again Courtesy: Faisal. We left khopoli & immediately stopped for lunch. The lunch session was also a good experience. We had full 3 course meal….with soups, rice, cold drinks. Now we were full, & no one was ready to start again. We started & rode till Chowk phata. Faisal again got back in a Tempo & left us behind. This time he had planned to get down at Turbhe. Aman Gun was still riding with us…….with no signs of retiring. All four were riding with a good pace. As we were approaching Panvel Santy took lead & I was behind him. Noel & Aman were riding along. Santy stopped at Datta Vada-Pav corner (Palaspe Phata). I reached there & got a call from Noel……he had flat tire. He & Aman came after some time dragging their bikes. Luckily we found a cycle shop nearby & Noel got the puncture cured. Now it was Aman’s turn. This young gun was now pretty tired & not ready to ride any more (this was his longest ride ever). He got a Tempo lift & Santy also stayed with him for a company…….as Aman was not familiar with the roads.

Back to square-one, again only two guys left behind for riding…..me & Noel. We started from Palaspe Phata……but we go too pissed off by the traffic. Finally started rash driving through the traffic…..sometimes Noel took the lead & some time I took the lead. We were moving very fast & riding tyre to tyre. We reached Vashi & Santy called me to ask our status. These 3 guys were having their dinner at Chembur. I crossed the Vashi Bridge & immediately got call from Noel saying that he had one more flat……….bad luck. I was waiting for him near the Octroi Naka police chowky. Surprisingly he came riding on his bike. He said; there is a small hole in the tube. He took out his hand-pump & filled his tube. Now you know friends ………..this guy Noel came till Sion the same way. Riding for some time, then getting down for pumping the tube & riding again.

We reached Sion at 2200 hrs. Noel left for bandra & I moved towards Dadar. SMS’ed Anil regarding the Sunday morning ride that he had arranged. I had promised Anil to attend the ride (Matunga & Wadala ride). Then I headed to Shivaji Park…….my regular spot. Met my friends & shared the Chikkis that I brought from Lonavala. Finally headed to my home. The speedo was showing 196kms & wrist watch was showing 22.35hrs. This was the longest distance that I have covered on my bike in a day. My previous was 175 kms in a day in Karnataka (on my Mumbai to Bangalore ride).

It was an endurance test of riding in such a worst condition of heat. But now I am happy that I managed it well & also attended the Sunday ride with Anil & gang the next day.

02/06/2009.

Mission Telbaila:

18 & 19 April 2009.

To start with this one; I will introduce you all with the terms I will be using hereafter……specifically for those who don’t know anything about these terms in mountaineering..

First one to add to the list is “Telbaila” - This is a fort near Lonavala, to be precise it’s very near the Amby Valley (the original old name is “Ambegaon”). Now some technical terms --- Carabiners aka Crab - this is device made-up of aluminum alloy and is used to lock oneself to rope using a Harness. Harness is support equipment used for climbing, rappelling like activities.

The plan was to climb the Telbaila wall on Friday & setup the anchors, ropes for the team that was to arrive on Saturday. But as usual cancellations made us stay back with this plan. Finally we started from Mumbai on Friday night around 20.00 hours. After finishing dinner at Lonavala we somehow managed to reach the base of Telbaila Fort by 01.30 hours at night (The last 10kms road to Telbaila is too bad for cars– reminded me of the dialogue in movie Chinagate “Tumhe uthana nahi sametana pade hai”). When we were about to enter the village – we saw some bikers approaching us & it was a shock for us. They were also there to climb the same face that was planned by us as a group activity. But fortunately he was a friend of someone in our group & so we planned to coordinate mutually for the climb.

Our next day started really early in the morning before the sunrise at around 05.30am. we had a “mast” tea made by Mangesh…our leader of the event & then headed for the climb. The Telbaila fort or you can say Telbaila Mountain is divided in two huge rock walls (geologically known as dike formation) & a small cave at the base/junction of the rock walls. We started gearing up for the climb. The last night’s group had already started their climb. Their group was of 9 + the lead climber. The advantage was that; their climbing program was only for one day & our Group event was next day. We all were here to prepare everything in advance for the group. All the anchoring, rope fixing was to be done today for the batch to climb tomorrow.

As usual Mangesh started the lead climb & he moved ahead of the climbing group before the first ledge/halt. Such a swift movements he has on Rock & that is also at such heights…..this is called confidence & it requires “Lots of Practice & Stamina”. The actual Telbaila wall height is not more than 200 fts; but the climbing route is not vertical & it is divided in many steps of horizontal movements (called as traverses). Total climbing height was around 450 fts. As we all started climbing the wall; we figured out a problem that will surely arise tomorrow; is time & participants management on the actual climbing route. So we planned one leader to stay at one shifting/Switchover point for whole day till the last participant passes him.

The climb till the first cave was a good experience with a traverse at the start itself. Then again a flat horizontal gentle walk & you will reach to the first cave. After the first cave again some horizontal walk & some steps (yes guys…..there are some steps still remaining…………..all the steps were blown down by Angrezzzz>… but still some are there as a remnants). Just imagine guys; the fort we are climbing now with all the ropes & gadgets was climbed long back without all these……..just following the steps). Kya jamana aa gaya hai..... Mangesh told me to lead after the first cave. The reach to the second cave was a great satisfaction; as there was a water tank just near the cave. Really cool water……..amazing creations by our ancestors. Now the rock patch just above the cave was a tricky one. I looked back at Mangesh….. he said “Jaaa re….Hoil easily”..Moral boost……Solid rock patch it was; around 20/25 feet. After that again some more steps towards the top. Then Mangesh came up with me; just above the cave. This really was going to be a tricky patch for tomorrow…at-least for those who will be climbing for the first time. So we decided to fix a wire ladder for next day. Mean time the other group was also approaching us. All 9 of them have reached the first cave & were waiting for their leader to start the next route.

After the ladder wala rock patch it was a scree till the top of the pinnacle. But easy route it was. We managed to reach the top by 10.15am. After me came Mangesh & then Rajan. He reached the top & immediately called the guys down at base camp on walky talky & informed them “Sagalyana sanga Rajan Maharaj gadavar pohochale”. Great time we had on top with all the participants from the puna wala Group. We started our descent after them; as we were supposed to fix-up all the ropes & anchors for tomorrow. This was the worst activity of the day. The final rope fixing till the base while climbing took more than 3 hours, & we reached the base cave by 4.30pm.

Overall a good experience as a lead climb but the tension was still there in mind……………………………………..we were not there only to climb but to guide all the climbers/participants coming tomorrow morning..
Nothing special to write about the second day event…….it was totally horrifying……nothing wrong happened. But all the leaders were stuck on their respective locations for the whole day.
Interesting part of next day was the wind-up activity in dark. We managed to send all the participants at base by 6.30pm. After that we started winding-up. Sharang – one of our leaders realized one more thing………as it was a day climbing he was there with his goggles on, but now it was turning dark and he needed his high powered glasses………….which were kept down in his sack…can’t help now. He started climbing down without his specs. As all were down; myself, Mangesh & Shantanu still struggling for the final patch wind-up. We reached the base at 9.45pm……gosh………...finally all touched down safe & sound….to celebrate this success…..surprise presence made by the Rain Gods………slights showers & everyone was delighted.

The event was a great success without any mishap…. :) All credit goes to each & every leader stationed whole day at their respective spots. I would like to share the names with you all …… Mangesh, Pinak, Sukhada, Shantanu. Rajan, Sharang, Vilas Kaka, Gautami & Sudip…..the last two names mentioned here were at the top whole day (Just imagine……mid April sun without a shelter…………..hats off)………………hats off to everyone.

** some of the snaps used here are taken by Ravi Vaidyanathan. **
** My special Thanks to Ravi Anna for sharing his snaps with us **

Some more adventures awaiting my way…………. still to come some more journeys & some more stories for all of you.

05/05/2009.

Weekend 103:

Friday Night: 11.30pm– 01.35am.
I am attempting to “Blog” first time in my Net life. Till date I was thinking on what to Blog On??? Finally this weekend inspired me to write something & share my ride experience with you all guys.

My post on cyclists.in for a night ride was a normal call for members to accompany me. But as days past without a single HIT on my call for ride; I started thinking that this ride will turn out in nightmare as I will have to ride alone. But on the proposed ride day I got a call from a guy & shown interest in joining me for the night ride. I was bit relaxed.
As I was leaving my home at night; again rang my phone from the same guy. My enthusiasm reached top level as I got confirmation from that guy. I met this guy at the CM Starting point, Shivaji Park…Mallik. I was about to ask him his full name & he told me his name is Mallikarjun & he is basically from Patna but is settled in Mumbai since 8 years. On the way to the posted route – we decided to change the route as we have started quite early at 11.30 (traffic was still in full swing). The older route was from Shivaji Park to NCPA & then from there to VT – Sion –BKC & was supposed to end again at Shivaji Park. We decided to return back from NCPA & ride to BKC. As we were riding with traffic I noticed one thing that I am riding at very high speed (Not very high but this was not the speed at which you will enjoy the night ride). Actually when I was trying to slow down I noticed one more thing; this speed is because of Mallik. He is really a pace rider. We were about to reach Worli Naka & I finally asked him "Mallik, kisake saath race lagai hai hamne?" he smiled & slowed down.

Till we reached Marine Drive; crossing the Wilson College; traffic was still On. After that we actually started enjoying the ride. On our way to NCPA many mama’s (Police on night Patrol) were staring at us suspiciously (or surprisingly…can’t say). Finally we reached the last point of our ride; the NCPA Apartments at the end of the Marine Drive. We took a small Water break of 5/10 mins. Mean while one huge family was sitting next to us enjoying the cool breeze at the beach. The little guy shouted suddenly” Abboo, machaliya kood rahi hai, muzhe dikh rahi hai” whole family started laughing & so we.

We started our return journey after some time & headed straight towards BKC. Again plan was changed (again by me) & we decided that we will not take the BKC route instead head towards the Dharavi T-junction. This was the last point where We split to end the night ride. Mallik took the Dharavi – Sion way to his home near Priyadarshini & I took the same way back to my home. I was about to reach home & was just near Portuguese Church & god…… suddenly from nowhere appeared Aalap in his car. He said he saw me riding back & he just came behind me to say Hi……..We crossed almost 42kms in these 2 hours. That was really a fast ride. This was the day end for me & now time to sleep…Good Night Everyone.


Saturday Afternoon: 05.17pm – 06.40pm.
I have started my journey to thane quite late in the evening just to save myself from de-hydration in this Heat. Start from Dadar was as usual. But when I reach the Maheshwari Udyan, there started the problem of Heavy traffic & smoke. I decided to ride whenever & wherever I will get chance. May it be from right of the road or left. I was trying to cross the stretch till Priyadarshini as early as possible. somehow I managed to cross the path in 15 mins. Riding the Eastern Express Highway was a real fun with cool breeze throughout the way. Finally I reached my destination, Teen Haat Naka. My cousin stays there. I was bit apprehensive to park my bike in the society parking lot. But he said not to worry as there are many cyclists (school boys) in building. Know one thing – they have 3 well conditioned Cycle Stands in the society….Amazing. This was the end of my 2nd ride. The third was supposed to start next morning.


Sunday earllllllly morning: 07.45am -09.30am.
I messaged Renny at night asking the meeting point for Yeoor Ride. He gave me some idea & some landmarks for the same. But still the timing was missing in his SMS, so I sms’ed him again asking for time???. Then may be in frustration he directly call me & gave me the time & place to meet. Wow what a sleep that night I had (managed to sleep at 01.30 at night, had a good time chatting with cousin & his family). Early in the morning I phone rang…it was not a call it was my early morning Alarm. As usual I snoozed it. Again after some time I was about to snooze it one more time & I understood that ..this time it was a call from Renny. I was actually in bed & told Renny that I am ready & just on my way to leave home. Got up fast & finally left for Yeoor Hill. Both the thigh muscles were not ready to cooperate at all. But somehow I managed to gain speed after some time. On one signal I asked one Dabbawala uncle the way to Yeoor Hill (strange…what he was carrying on Sunday early morning ??), he told me to take the next signal. I reached the Yeoor Hill gate & surprised to see some of buddies already reached there. One guy …Sunil….came all the way from Santacruz via LBS Road. After waiting some more time & for some more calls. The remaining team members appeared from Upvan Road. Then they had a stretched Juice Break (as they all have came riding from Charkop/Borivali). One more moral boost & all started the up-hill climb of Yeoor Hill. It was real fun to ride non-stop to the hill top.

Our guys decided to move somewhat ahead to take some rest. Cycle comparisons & discussion was on full mood ……. Kaustubh, Prabuddha & Hemant. Rest all were busy taking pics from every possible corner (Mallik managed to take one resting his camera on the wall). Then some 4 footed animals joined us. Great time that was ….actually for them……as everyone was running here & there……away from them. Then came the best part of the ride – going downhill in full pace. Awesome experience. Thanks a ton to Renny for this ride. I was fresh for whole day only because of this down-hill experience.


Sunday evening: 07.00pm – 08.20pm
A routine come back home ride was with lots of traffic on. Nothing special to write about it. But the last 2 days were really worth calling Holyday this time………..totaling the 103kms.


06/04/2009.