BullAdi

The prelude:
Now that I have gotten myself a decent job, the first thing I want to do with my earnings is to buy MY bike  - much to my mom’s annoyance. A 2005 Bullet Electra ES.

Initiation to the Bullet
My initiation to the two-wheeled machines started when I was a little over 9 years, my all time favourites being the RD350, Yezdi 250/350, KB100 and of course the BULLET. I never missed a chance to rob a ride from my friends and cousins who chanced to visit my place. My liking for a Bullet turned into a passion when I was in my graduation back in Delhi. My friend used to bring his brothers Bullet to the Univ. and it was on this machine that I spent most of my bunked afternoons. The ‘ulta’ gear was irritating at first but you cannot help fall in love with this machine.
To possess some thing so close to your heart it was only apt that I buy one with my own earnings. My work demanded me to shift to Chennai – the birth place. Pleasant it was- the feeling of finally owning a motorcycle with an indomitable history – a Royal Enfield 350cc Bullet Electra ES.

Initiation of the ownership
On the day of the delivery, I reached the RE showroom to be greeted by the magnificent sight of my Bull shining in all its chromed glory under the afternoon sun. I knew it was mine even before they told me it was (well!! There was no other Electra ES with disc in Magic black).
The very first ride on my Bullet was from the showroom to the MadhyaKailash temple in Adayar to get the ‘Pooja’ done. During that short ride of 10 minutes I could feel the bystanders admiring and looking at us in awe (If a bike dressed up with flowers and a garland across the handle bar and a guy wearing a jacket and gloves in hot Chennai weather could not draw attention then what will??) Every stop at the signals drew gasps and enquires from the mortals around (how much did it cost?, Milage?), also got the congratulatory nods from fellow Bulleteers did no good to bring down my already inflated pride and ego. After the ‘Pooja’ took the Bull to the nearest petrol bunk to quench its thirst. Not wanting to go back to my empty apartment, took the Bull on an aimless but an enthusiastic ride across the city. That night saw me cleaning my already clean bike.


Initiation to the MadrasBulls
Even before my transfer to Chennai I was aware of the existing of this very eccentric BULLET club in Chennai who call them selves “MadBulls”. The popularity of this club was evident from the conversation I had with Mr. Krishnan of the Royal Enfield brand showroom in Adayar, Chennai. The anticipation of waiting for the delivery could only be matched with the eagerness to meet the MadrasBulls – because it is mandatory to ride a Royal Enfield Bullet, Thunderbird, 500, Machismo, A350 or Lightning to become a member of this elite club. The very evening I was handed over the keys, I registered my self at the Yahoo groups called “Newbie- MadrasBull” (Jan 28, 2005). This is a screening process put in place to gauge the passion and commitment of the potential new member. The MadBulls congregate every second Saturday of the month to meet the “Newbie” registered in the past 30 days. The satisfactory ones are accespected into the group and made a member of the main MadrasBull group hosted at the Yahoo groups. This is the only media through which the members communicate. The first meeting was at the WoodLands Drive Inn (has always been), I met with the group for the first time. I was asked to introduce myself to join the brotherhood. I was thus initiated into MadrasBulls in just a week’s time and have been an active member since.
This bunch of people who ride these retro motorcycles are not what one associates with a biker gang. The weekdays see them working in an MNC doing an IT job only to indulge in their passion on the weekends. The common forum is used to discuss every thing there is to know about the bikes, plan events, organize charity work and of course to schedule the long rides.

Initiation to the first ride
After being baptized into MadrasBulls, I was eagerly waiting for the first ride with the group – as riding in a group requires the basic understanding of the Group riding techniques and coordination with fellow bikers. It was decided that a ride be organized for the Newbies and the destination was to be Mahabalipuram (Mahabs for short). It’s a 70Km ride form Chennai connected by the ECR (East Coast Road) – a beautiful road on the costal line with the blue sea on the left and green fields on the right for the entire length. We were to start at 7.30 in the morning from the Beasent Nagar beach. The flag off saw 17 odd bikes thundering through the quiet lanes of Beasent Nagar to get on to the ECR. The average speed of the ride was 50Kmph with cool breeze blowing form the sea side. The pack was organized with an experienced rider leading the bunch followed by the ‘Newbies’ the rear of the pack was anchored by another experienced rider who could keep the track of the back markers. The leader would decide the formation of the riders according to the road ahead (Staggered on an open highway or a single file on narrow roads). He would also point out the obstacles to look out for, by hand signals which are passed on by the riders behind him. We stopped at the sunrise point to catch the early morning splendor. After having a fulfilling breakfast at Hotel Mamala we headed for Mahabs. The destination was Moonrakers restaurant located in the chaotic dwelling of Mahabalipuram. After spending a couple of hours and having had a heavy lunch, we decided to head back to the city.

Initiation to Off-Roading
On the way back, few of the daredevils suggested we go off-roading. The idea was to get on the sand and make it across the shore to the waves. The distance was about 900 meters with dry patches of grass marking the white sand. Not many wanted to venture further and decided to be spectators. Shamsher was the first to take off, revving his machine into the sand. Few others followed him with me still deciding whether to subject my month old bike to this brutality. Finally after some expert advice form the seniors on how to handle the machine in the sand, I threw caution to the wind (literally – it was blowing strongly) and took my bike down the steep ramp covered with gravel, in to the sand. The ONE thing I was told NOT to do was ride with a disengaged clutch. The secret mantra of riding in the sand is never to press down on the clutch (this will burn down the clutch plates in no time). It worked for me - with only accelerator to take care of, I concentrated my attention in keeping the bike steady and trying very hard not to fall. It was easier said than done because in sand what ever little control you have over the bike is through the accelerator and trying to keep the handle bar straight. With the front wheel navigating the small sand dunes and the rear wheel ever eager to sink down in to sand, the balancing of this 200 Kilo machine requires some amount of talent (wilt all modesty :-)). The dry patches of grass at regular intervals was a saving grace as it gave enough traction back to the wheels to regain the loosing balance. The achievement of finally making it to the water can be compared to the ‘Man on Moon’. After relishing the moment we headed back to join others who were enjoying the spectacle of a few who could not make with their bikes half submerged into the sand. Being a first timer it was an achievement for me to make it without even putting my foot down. It was a moment of realization of what my likes were. I knew for sure that this is what I have been longing to do. I was hooked to these new thrills which gave me a high that I am sure no amount of booze or drugs could.

The ride back to Chennai was a unrushed, pleasant ride with most of us thinking back to the days events. By dusk we were back in the city in time for dinner and some sleep – got office tomorrow!!