BIKERS CLUB | MAGAZINE
I refused bluntly not because I already have done spiti-
ladakh twice but because of "Shreemayee." She was just
15 months old at that time and the thought of staying
away from her for almost 15-20 days were unimaginable
for me. Also I was bit scared for the safety of my
UNIDOS because all of them who wished for that ride
were novice for spiti-ladakh. But they were good riders
and still they are but spiti-ladakh is tough-rough and
unpredictable and except for me and few others no
body had the experience in riding there.
It's not just about riding but riding in spiti-ladakh drains
you physically and mentally.. One needs to have
accustomed adaptability as per the situation and that
was the reason I was reluctant to go for that ride. But
again I thought "there is always a first time - and once
upon a time I was also novice for spiti-ladakh. But as I
said I don't differentiate between UNIDOS and my
family, I was lil worried for the safety of all of them.
And yes I had my personal reasons too. I wouldn't say it
was selfishness but it was a love and affection of a
father to his 15 months old daughter.
I do understand that too much affection is harmful but
how can I forget that she came as a angel in my life and
made our family complete, although it took bit long
but it always takes time for best things to happen and I
thank God and my wife for that. Nevertheless I told
them I will think about it and let them know. We had
few drinks and left.
One morning I got a call from Mr. Naren Sharma (a
professional rider and a owner of Black Hawk
Adventure company - who organises spiti-ladakh
ride expedition every year) who was with me in
spiti-ladakh 2015 ride. He asked me straight "When are
you leaving for spiti-ladakh dada ? Now this made me
seriously re-think about taking up that ride. And I said
"Batata hu..."
Now it has created an emotional pressure on me. I
went home finishing my work and playing with
Shreemayee and my wife (Rani) came to me.. "Why
are you prolonging your decision ?" "Haan kyu
nahi bol dete." I looked at her and realized my
UNIDOS have started calling Rani for to convince me.
I was thinking only after a call from Naren that I would
speak to Rani about it but she only confronted me
saamne se...
Now that I was almost convinced and decided that I
will tell my UNIDOS tomorrow about the ride but
"Patience kaha hai logo mai..." Just after washing my
hands after dinner "Praveen ka phone aa gaya..."
"Dada kya socha hai aapne ?" and I was like...
PERSUASION
I left with the thought that people were bit drunk and
will forget about spiti-ladakh ride, but I was wrong in-
fact from very next day onwards my UNIDO members
started calling me about my decision and I was like
"Batata hu.." They started calling me one by one and
created a pressure on me and before I could say yes..
the word spreaded everywhere and all the friendly
clubs came to know that UNIDO is taking spiti-ladakh
ride this year. Riders from other clubs also started
calling me and one from that was Praveen sahu from
the club Wanderers. He expressed that, he wanted to
click a photo with me on "Khardungla Top" world's
highest motorable road, soon I realized many UNIDOS
were wishing the same.
"Soch raha hu ki tere saath selfie khichwaa hee lu
Khardungla Top pe" and we both laughed.