10,000 km solo journey on motorcycle across India, a milestone for this Madurai sexagenarian
Covering over 10,000 km in 35 days on a motorcycle, 66-year-old S.V. Subrahmanian of Madurai recently completed a solo ride through some of the country’s
Covering over 10,000 km in 35 days on a motorcycle, 66-year-old S.V. Subrahmanian of Madurai recently completed a solo ride through some of the country’s most challenging terrains, including Umling La, the highest mountain pass located at Ladakh, situated at an altitude of 19,024 feet. Subrahmanian began the journey on June 12 and completed it on July 16. Riding a 2014 Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 350, he travelled through many places before reaching Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, He has crossed high-altitude passes such as Khardung La, Tanglang La and Photila Pass. Months of planning went into the expedition. Apart from preparing the motorcycle, he planned his route, accommodation, and finances well in advance.
“Petrol alone cost around ₹40,000, while accommodation expenses ranged from ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 per night”, he says. He says, “The ride was not without challenges. Yet, the most memorable part of the journey was the kindness shown by the people.” During the trip, he had a minor problem with his bike; a mechanic repaired it and refused to accept any payment. The incident reminded him that people were willing to help without expecting anything in return. Subrahmanian also visited several museums and war memorials during the journey. At a museum near Kargil, he found a building locked because of the lack of visitors.
He believes that improving access to such places would encourage more tourists to learn about the region’s history and culture. The journey also gave him an opportunity to visit remote border villages such as Turtuk, Tang and Panamik. He found the villages surrounded by snow-capped mountains, streams and apricots, but with only a few employment opportunities. One aspect that particularly impressed him was the role played by the Indian Army in supporting these villages. Besides guarding the borders, the Army helps provide drinking water facilities, supports schools, creates employment for residents and assists in maintaining essential facilities. He says the Army and the local communities share a close relationship that helps sustain life in these remote areas.
Despite riding through extreme weather, he completed the journey without major setbacks. He said careful preparation, regular vehicle maintenance and respecting the road signs were essential for undertaking long-distance rides. Looking back, he says the journey was not just about covering kilometres. It helped him understand how people live in different parts of the country and reminded him that kindness could still be found wherever one travels.
The BriefWire