Rider Mania ‘06
Every year, riders from across the country meet at one place to celebrate the Rider Mania (which was initially started by a bunch of like minded “Bulleteers”) for two days of games, events, competitions and of course non-stop muzik n booze.
This year ultimate riders’ showdown happened on the 20 & 21st of Jan in Chennai – aptly named “thinder down under” or “south calling”. Riding clubs and individuals alike rode down from all over the country to take part.
Madras Bulls Motorcycling Club were the hosts with Royal Enfield and United Beverages sponsoring the event. More than 300 bikes were registered at the event. Being one of the “organ-raisers” I was responsible for various tasks including parking, security and escorting the inbound riders from the city out-skirts to the venue – Casuarina Bay – a beach resort on the East Coast Road.
The fun started no sooner the first of the bikes rolled in. Below is the list of the clubs who participated in strong numbers
Madras Bulls Motorcycling Club – Chenai
Road Survivors – Chandigarh
Rolling Thunder Motorcycling Club – Bangalore
The Wanderers – Hyderabad
Indie Thumppers – Bombay
Road Shakers – Pune
Royal Beasts – Delhi
The main event was the custom bike competition, which saw no less than 8 entries. These gorgeous machines were hand crafted by their owners and were what you call “absolute droooooool maaal”.
"Sexy Babe" the winner
The 2 lac Harley look alike from Baroda
Prashi on his Cafe` racer
Leon's Beast
Karn's ride
Edifice - the granite bike
The two days saw the riders rocking with the music, reunions with old pals, making new friends, lazing on the beach with Bay of Bengal lapping at their feat and do what comes naturally – bike talk.
Royal Enfield gave out the prizes (designer leather saddle bags, tool kits and GP1 helmets) for the different competitions that were conducted.
Karn was awarded the Varun memorial trophy. This 19 year old kid has done a mammoth ride by riding through all the 29 states of India in 39 days.
Karn receiving the Varun trophy from Dodo
For the first time ever, the RM was extended to the third day to accommodate the Track event. Spent a very memorable day at the track. Kept lapping till the fuel ran into reserve. Took some knee scrapping bends leaning way farther into the turns than I ever did. I was only one running on a cast-iron engine but managed to put up the tenth fastest lap. It was all the more special considering the fact that the rest were all AVL machines (the first was an AVL500cc). RE is going to post up the result on their website shortly.
Me on the track. Pics courtsey: Freya (thanks a )
Track day results (Courtsey: Abhi-RTMC)
I’ll let the pictures tell the story which went on for 3 days
The security
incharge
The parking incharge
The mega ride on the ECR
The MadBulls
The RTMC'ers
Anukaran casting his spell
posted by Addy @ 10:01 PM
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