Back from the DEAD??

A typical sunday over the last couple of years - sleep in till late, laze around, walk around the house half eyed, munch on something all day and end the day with beers!!

"Last couple of years??", that makes one feel so old and even more lethargic on thinking of the same.

So, what was different about the last sunday (10/10/10)??

A passion that died in the year 2008 (the year a beautiful not so old classic motorcycle was sold, Black Venom*) came back alive. 3 days before this, a plan hatched in the back of one particular "old mans**" head. He was alive with thoughtful energy, and all that energy pointed out to his not so new modern day premium commuter motorcycle#. A conversation that bought this out was the thought of taking the plunge and riding one's own motorcycle to Leh-Ladakh. Incidentally this same old man was to take the plunge on a hired classic motorcycle in the month of September 2010, but a schedule at his work place changed all those plans. Disappoint galore, and this old man, grew older when he learnt he couldn't go.

Flowing thoughts of what, when, where, how and why were all abuzz, bouncing in that brain of his at 160kmph*** and a decision was taken. Let it be done!! Let the premium commuter become more than just what it is, but yet retaining its originality, class and overall feel. But here is where the problem is, ideas were galore, but what was really needed and what wasn't was the bigger issue and picture here.

So another idea bounced at the same rate and out came a plan, a Sunday Morning Ride!! It had been ages since this old man had pulled his motorcycle out to go on a sunday morning ride and the thought of it also brought alive the minds of other old men around him. A head count (in this case, more like a motorcycle count) was taken, the idea was spread to those like minded other older men in the same circle. A route was hatched, a schedule was put in and there was a transformation that took place amongst all these old men. The old man inside was shed and emerged energetic young men who were ready to roll.

Irrespective of the super early hour wake up on this sunday, to getting out in the relatively cold weather (even during the beginning of October 2010) and missing out on the warm cozy sleep in late routine, this Sunday was different. 6 motorcycles with riders set off on a rather simple ride, some busy highway and then serene arterial roads that most people probably do not even know off was the route. Great breakfast along the way, awesome conversation all the way, a really peaceful water canal along the way and an even more peaceful larger water body at the end made the ride totally an amazing experience.

As trivial as it may sound, young men do turn into old men and the thought of doing something with passion sheds the old man on the inside and brings them back to life. Its not a thought but a fact that is so true..

Everyday mundane routines and work allow this to to happen to not only the "old man and his friends" referred to here, but people all around you and me!!

*Black Venom - Bullet Machismo 350 5S, that got her make over to a retro stylized classic motorcycle.

** Old Man - A metaphor describing my mental age that comes from various factors of everyday mundane life.

***160kmph - The metric equivalent to 100mph, otherwise in the classic motorcycle era referred to as the "Magic Ton"

#Premium commuter motorcycle - A motorcycle that really isn't your janata two wheeler commuter's motorcycle. A typical definition of any motorcycle in India with an engine displacement of 150cc.