VETERANS RALLY – 2021

                                           

The Whimsical Veterans are a group of Tri-Services retired officers settled in Dehradun. These officers are :

1.      IC 37178 N - COLONEL RAKESH SINGH SIDHU, SM (VETERAN), MECH INF, 65 YEARS

2.      SS 29128 N – CAPTAIN NANDAN SINGH BISHT (VETERAN), 8 GR, 65 YEARS

3.      03062 H - COMMODORE RAVI NAUTIAL (VETERAN), INDIAN NAVY, 57 YEARS

4.      41092 R - CAPTAIN ANOOP CHAUHAN (VETERAN), INDIAN NAVY, 57 YEARS

 

The group is undertaking a motorcycle expedition from Dehradun to Northern Ladakh which is being flagged off by GOC, Uttarakhand Sub Area on 04 August 2021 at 0800 hrs. The planned itinerary is “Dehradun-Bilaspur-Keylong-Sarchu-Leh-Chushul-Darbuk-Siachen Base Camp-Kargil-Gulmarg-Udhampur-Jalandhar-Dehradun”

We will be negotiating some of the highest motorable mountain passes during this trip viz: Baralach La (16043 ft), Nakee La (15540 ft), Lachung La (16500 ft), Tanglang La (17480 ft), Khardung La (17582 ft) and Chang La (17590 ft). The inhospitable weather at high altitudes and the rough terrain (some of which falls in areas not accessible to civilian tourists) will be the ultimate test for us as well as our motorcycles. The trip covering a total of 3400 kms will last 18 days and end on 21 Aug 2021 at Dehradun.

For me this will be the second outing in this area. I had participated in the ‘Northern Command High Altitude Jonga & Motorcycle Rally’ in September 1985 while I was in service in J&K. That rally was conducted when the route from Manali to Leh was not open to Civil traffic and the road was not fully built by the Border Roads Organization. It covered a major portion of the route we now propose to undertake after 36 years. A sense of deja-vu pervades my consciousness as I am keen to witness and record the changes in the kaleidoscopic landscape of Ladakh region.

During the said period I am not sure if I will be available on any social media platform owing to rigours of the journey and connectivity issues. Will try to catch up and post updates whenever possible. Otherwise, catch up after we return from the trip.  Jai Hind!

Group Flag for the Proposed Ladakh Ride

 

Preparations for Ladakh Trip - IV - Essential Spares

Essential Spares Required for Long Rides

1- Engine oil: For your safety carry at least half a liter of engine oil recommended by your motorcycle manufacturer, daily check engine oil level and top up if necessary.

2- Chain Lubricant: Can be used to lubricate drive chain, in case you prefer to use WD 40 or any other lube please carry that.

3- Chain links: There might be chances that your chain might break in between your trip so carry couple of chain links, so that you can fix it and ride on.

4- Clutch and front brake lever: In case of a fall clutch/front brake lever can break, which might be a great problem while you ride. Hence it is best to carry each of these as spare, to ensure you can ride with ease.

5- Clutch and accelerator wires: Clutch and Accelerator wires have a habit of snapping in the middle of nowhere, so please carry a spare clutch and accelerator wire.

6- Spare tube for front and rear tyre: In case of any puncture always carry spare tube for both the tyres. If you want to save some time on your journey you can simply change the tube instead of repairing it.

7- Puncture Repair Kit: For tubeless tyres

8- Spark plug: Although spark plugs of modern motorcycles rarely give problem, it is a good idea to carry a spare one.

9- Spare key of your motorcycle: Always carry a spare key of your motorcycle and never put both the keys in the same place!

10- Electrical wire: There can be chances of faulty wires during your trip so carry electrical wire which you can easily replace it.

11- Spare Fuse: A blown fuse can leave your motorcycle without headlight and/or horn, so don’t forget to carry one with you.

12- Nylon Rope: Can be used for tying together various parts of your motorcycle or to help you tow your friend’s motorcycle or help someone else tow yours.

13- Few nuts and bolts of various sizes: Based on your motorcycles make, carry nuts and bolts which hold parts like exhaust, leg guard, foot pegs etc.

14- Petrol pipe: If you run out of petrol and come across someone who is willing to lend some petrol to you, you will need it to take petrol out of their petrol tank.

15- Electrical & Scotch tape: If you want to be a bit more careful then don’t forget to carry some electrical and scotch tape with you. This can be used for tying together various parts and insulating damaged wires.

 

Preparations for Ladakh Trip - III - Medicines, Emergency Rations & Documentation

MEDICINES

1.  Avomine tabs

2.  Crocin/Paracetamol tabs

3.  Drotin or Drotin Plus tabs

4.  Diclofenac tabs

5.  Antiseptic cream Betadine

6.  Sinarest tabs

7.  Crepe bandage

8.  Band Aid strips

9.  Gauze strips

10. Bandages and adhesive tape

11. Itch Guard

12. Pain Spray/Gel

13. SunScreen (SPF +40 or above)

14. Hand Sanitiser

15. Digene tabs

16. Lomotil tabs

17. Disprin tabs

18. Diamox tabs

 

EMERGENCY RATIONS

1.  Snickers/5 Star bars

2.  Toffees

3.  Biscuits

4.  Energy Bars

5.  Namkeens small pkts

6.  Salted Nuts assorted

 

DOCUMENTS & PHOTOCOPIES

1.  Aadhar Card

2.  Driving Licence

3.  Vehicle Registration

4.  Vehicle Insurance

5.  PUC Certificate

6.  Ex-Servicemen I Card

7.  Passport size photos

8.  Inner Line Permits (With 5-6 photocopies)

 

NAVIGATIONAL AIDS & SIM

Smartphone with GPS will do. There will not be any network coverage in many areas, but you can pre-download google maps. Applications like NavFree, OSMAND, Navit do fine. Just download India map beforehand.

Get a postpaid BSNL Sim to connect with friends and family as other networks don’t work in Ladakh.

 

Preparations for Ladakh Trip - II - Essential Tools

Essential Tools

 

1- Vehicle Tool Kit:  OEM tool kit that comes with the motorcycle is an essential item that every biker should carry.

2- Spanners ring size: For tightening of any nuts and bolts on your bike you should carry a ring spanner with size 8 to 10 which will come handy during your trip.

3- Screw Driver set: Carry a screwdriver set which has multiple attachments.

4- Allen keys set

5- Cutting Plier

6- Adjustable Wrench

5- Steel wire: For your bike trip it is always good to be an extra cautious. For safety carry steel wires which can be later used to tie together bike parts in case of any breakage.

6- Torch:

7- Foot or Electric air pump: Since motorcyclists don’t have the advantage of conveying an extra tire, an electric or foot pump consolidated with a cut repair unit and extra tube can end up being a lifeline.