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4 GUNA 4: The Great Indian Off Road Challenge | Cars N Bikes

2011-11-07T00:26:00.001+05:30

4 GUNA 4: The Great Indian Off Road Challenge | Cars N Bikes:

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Northern motorsport is organizing a recreational off-road driving challenge called the 4 GUNA 4, which means 4×4 in Hindi. The event involves tackling off-road challenges in jeeps and SUVs. The course will consist of a series of timed challenges to be attempted by the participants. The event will be held on October 9, 2011 at The Great India Place in Noida between 7.00am to 6.00pm.

The winner gets a free entry into the Malaysian Rain Forest Challenge 2011. For registration and more details on the 4 GUNA 4 you can call on 09910892281 or log on to www.motorsport.in. Here are the details The event is conceptualized on the lines of the legendary 4WD global events like the Camel Trophy Challenge which used to run till a few years back and the currently running Malaysia Rain Forest Challenge.

The 4WD vehicles and their drivers need to exhibit their vehicle capabilities and their driving skills over a man made technical obstacle course.

The event is conceptualized on the lines of the legendary 4WD global events like the Camel Trophy Challenge which used to run till a few years back and the currently running Malaysia Rain Forest Challenge. The 4WD vehicles and their drivers need to exhibit their vehicle capabilities and their driving skills over a man made technical obstacle course. The design of the course is such that it tests the car and driver on his and the vehicle’s capabilities over the following parameters:

Articulation

Maneuverability

Engine Torque

Acceleration

Handling

Traction

Wading & fording

The vehicles are to attempt nine challenges laid out on the course and they will be timed through each of these. The driver and vehicle combination which takes the best approach and the least time is the winner. A competitor may choose not to attempt a challenge and take a fixed penalty for the same. A competing vehicle may have a crew of two and some of the tests also test the crews compatibility and their ability to work together.

The winner of the 4 Guna 4 will be given a free entry into the Malaysian Rain Forest challenge as a special gesture, where in he is exempt from undergoing the trail test rounds nor does he pay any entry fee which is close to USD 3000. The competition is also open to teams which may attempt the challenges in tandem. In which case say a team of two vehicles may help each other through the competition and the cumulative time of both the vehicles may be counted .

The competitors seen at the start grid during the 2010 edition were a mix of Businessmen, Doctors, Students, IT professionals and housewives. There were ladies driving as well as navigating their male counterparts through the course. A similar mix and demographics is expected this year as well.

The Partners for the 4 GUNA 4 this year are, POLARIS the title sponsor, The Great India Place as the venue partner, Woodlands as the official apparel, Overdrive as the official Magazine, Slice of Italy as the F& B partner, Radio One as the official Radio partner, Malaysian Rain Forest Challenge as the overseas event partner and last but not the least Yokohama as the official tire partner.

This is the only such 4WD event in the country run on a stadium format to make it spectator and media friendly.

The idea is to showcase the amazing capabilities of the 4WD through a series of dramatic obstacles to a large spectator base. The international tie up is to further expose the Indian enthusiast to the best off road competitors in the world to take this sport to the next level here on.

The event is conceived and managed by XSO ( xtreme sports organisation ) a sister organsiation of Northern Motorsport, the outfit behind the Desert Storm and the Autocross. XSO has been involved with two international overland expeditions, one from Malaysia , THE PETRONAS SOUTH ASIA EXPEDITION and the other from Europe , THE HIMALAYAN TRAIL . XSO is partnering Mahindra & Mahindra on all their expeditions in North India as well as their Great Escapes for 4WD owners.

God of World Freestyle Biking comes to India

2011-03-17T11:07:00.000+05:30

The God of World Freestyle Biking comes to India, the second time. We share with you the complete schedule of Red Bull Chris Pfeiffer India Tour 2011. When he came to India, Chris covered only 5 cities in 2010 across 9 days. This time the show is grander and covers 10 cities in a span of 17 days all across the nation. Chris would kick off his play from Kolkata on 21st of March and Bangalore would be his final venue on 6th April.
Kolkata, Pune, Jaipur, Panchkula, Coimbatore, Ahmadabad and Cochin freestyle Chris’ lovers would get to see him perform in front of their eyes for the first time, whereas Hyderabad and Chennai have been missing from his last years visit.
The event would be sponsored by Red Bull and there would be no charges, fees or tickets for the shows. After creating a huge success in his last stint, this time the show seems to be more blasting with crowds pulling from all nooks and corners of the respective cities.

So whoever missed witnessing Pfieffer’s magic the last time, ensure you grab your seats before it gets jam packed. So see you there…!
To know more about Chris Pfieffer visit ChrisPfeiffer.com

Me, myself and the open road

2011-02-04T21:47:00.000+05:30

Me, myself and the open road

Theoretically, travelling alone can be scary, but people return to it over and over again. We find out what the big draw is to solo travel...

The comfort zone is firmly established for most people. Home, office, golf course, mall, supermarket, beach… we could probably list our most frequented places on the back of a credit card.

For most people life is lived within those familiar places and for many escape means a trip to London or Rome, en famille, with friends or a loved one; but for some, the only way of escaping normality, of being free from the comfort zone, is to go it alone in a strange land. The idea is anathema to most; a foolish venture into assured trouble, but for some intrepid souls it’s not just one way to travel — it’s the only way to travel.

Wknd. caught up with several committed solo travellers, some on the road, some planning their next departure, to get under the skin of what drives them. With extreme heat not far off, many UAE residents will already be planning their summer holidays, but it’s doubtful that solo travel is on their itineraries. The usual safe trip to the French Riviera or Greece will once again be booked, and whilst many people have to take family/group holidays, there’s an independent minority that might be thinking of change. Maybe all it needs is a little more understanding to encourage them to take that leap of faith into the unknown.

“Crazy, that’s what I hear often. Backpacking solo is a relatively unknown concept so I do get a lot of that, even from my family!” So says travel writer Anjaly Thomas, a committed solo traveller.

“I guess some people think I’m a bit crazy as I do it for long periods of time, and then others think I’m brave and strong,” says solo traveller Sana Rizvi.

These are strong reactions to a relatively simple concept. After all, it’s just a person taking off for travel and adventure, but choosing to go it alone. There’s a beauty in its simplicity, but the idea is unnatural for many as it goes against the grain of evolved human social interaction. But the naysayers are losing this battle. Solo travel is on the rise — and there are many convincing reasons why.

We need to start at an obvious place — the airport.

Often called the crossroads of the world, the airports of the UAE are tantalisingly close to tempting destinations throughout Asia, Europe, Africa and the rest of the Middle East. From here travel can be mastered; the options for intrepid travellers are fantastically varied. Anything from Kazakhstan to Kenya, Beirut to Bombay, is within a four- or five-hour flight.

So there are plenty of flight options to plenty of destinations. That much you already knew. That much was probably available to you whether you’re from Manchester, Mumbai or Melbourne; the UAE is just that much better located than any of those cities for its range of close options, but even so, would that prompt you to go it alone?

It’s a daunting prospect. Stuck in the airport and you need to visit the toilet; who’ll guard your bags? Walking through a foreign city after dark; who can you rely on for security? Or, more positively — who will you play cards with at a bus station in Kuala Lumpur? Who will you talk to in a bar in Brazil?

The issues are numerous, but veteran travellers are quick to point out the pros, along with the cons. Travel writer Tom Kevill-Davies, author of The Hungry Cyclist, an account of his two-a-half years cycling solo through the Americas, says, “The pros are independence, unpredictability, freedom and the chance to be treated very differently by those you meet along the way.

The only con is the loneliness.” His words are echoed by travel writer Anjaly Thomas who says, “travelling alone… is about the freedom of decision.”

It still sounds fairly daunting, though. Freedom and independence are valued when leaving school or flying the nest, but for many the idea of total independence is a terrifying prospect. So what else do they get out of it? Traveller and photographer Sana Rizvi says, “I just feel that choices and decisions are so much easier to make when you are alone. You see what you want to see, stay where you want, eat where you want. Travelling alone makes me really explore a place and its people.”

Spending time alone is clearly a part of independent travel, but for many that’s not such a bad thing. Busy lives in big cities are often (ironically) lonely, as people find themselves focused on work, glued to a computer, or living alone, surrounded by the muffled sounds of unknown neighbours. The idea of solo travel is therefore counter intuitive to the idea of a social holiday, but it can mean meeting many new people — as long as you put yourself ‘out there’.

Taimoor Khan, a long-time fan of solo travel, says, “You meet tons of people — what I call ‘temporary friends’ because essentially what you’re doing is changing the channel. One day you’re in this place, and the next day you’re in the next place, so it’s temporary. You’re just changing the channel.”

The transient nature of these relationships doesn’t scare Taimoor, though. In fact, he relishes the detached nature of solo travel — he actually seeks it out. “One thing that really empowered me was knowing that I could leave somewhere in five seconds. Then, all of a sudden I felt free. This is one of the great things about travelling alone; you are not committed to anything. If you want to go left and other people want to go right, then that’s your way. Off you go.”

So, freedom and loneliness, balanced by new friends and independence are your big draws, but what of the other considerations? For female solo travellers, there are added concerns, but that shouldn’t put you off. Anjaly Thomas says, “If you are a woman travelling alone, it’s advisable to be a little extra cautious; stick to a comfort group you may have created on your travels, namely with other travellers; be careful in selecting where you stay; do not blindly accept a drink from strangers; don’t flaunt too much money or jewellery. It is not hard to travel solo, but it pays to be safe. If you are sure and carry around some of that confidence, people will accept your decision and leave you alone. Learn to say NO.” Sana Rizvi adds, “You just have to be a bit more careful in certain situations and be alert of what is going on around you. Actually, people tend to be more protective of you when travelling alone as a girl and will help you a lot.”

Another concern are the extra expenses that solo travellers can face, but for most people that’s not going to be an issue — it’s budget accommodation all the way.

Tom Kevill-Davies says, “A single room is always more expensive, and food costs are better shared, but by travelling alone you are on the receiving end of so many acts of kindness it more than makes up for it both financially and spiritually.”

Sana adds, “Generally it’s much cheaper unless there isn’t a dorm, and you take a room and can’t split the costs. But everything else is cheaper as you can stick to your budget since you only have to decide for yourself.”

If solo travel appeals by now, then you may be looking into how to book your next trip. The Internet is, of course, where most people start, but you should also ask travel agents for help. It might seem that flights will always be cheaper through an airline’s own website, but that’s not actually accurate.

-----------------------------------Travel consultant Basel Abu Alrub of independent travel firm U Travel says that it’s more than just booking flights, though; it’s about looking after your client whilst they are on their travels. He explains, “We always look after solo travellers — if something goes wrong, or if someone wants a visa, or if there’s trouble with embassies, then they can shoot us an email and we’re there 24/7 for them.”

Basel explains that many travellers want to be free, but also to know that someone is there for them when they are out there on their own. “Often you travel alone as you don’t want any restrictions. You also want to live like a local, but not with local troubles involved. I can help you with that. I want to rule out the bad surprises but keep the good surprises.”

For first time solo travellers the idea of having the support of a company like U Travel is often critical to finally committing to a trip. Seasoned solo travellers also appreciate the support, like Taimoor Khan, who says he can call in the middle of the night from wherever he is and adapt his travel plans without needing to sit in an internet café for hours doing the research himself.

Once booked, either online or through a travel consultancy, you just have the open road and an unscripted adventure lying ahead. All of the travellers wknd. spoke to recommended it, with Tom Kevill-Davies saying, “Try it and see what happens. What’s the worst that can happen? The start is always hard, but once you’re going, the sense of freedom and living in the now is second to none.” Anjaly Thomas adds, “Leave now; don’t spend too much time over the whys and wherefores, for no matter how much you prepare beforehand, you can’t prepare enough for what you haven’t yet seen or experienced.”

Sana Rizvi echoes those words, “Do it! It’s addictive. Travelling solo opens so many doors and you enjoy things in a very unique way. It’s beautiful.”

charlie@khaleejtimes.com

Ecoride: Ride with xBhp to the lap of mighty Himalayas

2011-01-07T18:24:00.000+05:30

For a biker, there is no better way to enjoy the life than to ride on the serpentine roads of Himalayas in the day and sit in the company of fellow riders around the bonfire in the evening, far away from the hustle and bustle of hectic city, enjoying a cup of tea and talking about anything and everything under the sun.

In our endeavor to promote riding, xBhp has associated with Shunya Eco to create destination based rides. We have been able to get a special rate for xBhp rides and members. The whole resort will be blocked for our members during the ride, and a lot of activities are planned around experiencing the place.

The whole ride will be executed under the supervision of senior xBhp members.
The participants will have to get their own bike to participate in the ride. We can accommodate maximum of 15 riders in this ride and the seats will be allocated on first-come-first-serve basis.

The maiden Eco-Ride to the Himalayas.
xBhp in association with Shunya Eco brings an exciting
opportunity for you to experience riding like never before.

Dates : 21st, 22nd, 23rd January 2011
Grab your seat now for `3,999/rider*

For details/bookings, log on to xBhp.com/go/ecorides
or call Himanshu @ 9811164457 for more details

*Cost includes camping, all meals, lodging, bon-fire & jungle trail.
*Cost does not include bike, gear, fuel and other travel costs

Please log on to xBhp : Eco Ride to know more about ecoride.

Import Terms & Conditions:

Cost includes camping, all meals, lodging, bon-fire & jungle trail with a motorcycle guide from Delhi.
Cost does not include bike, gear, fuel and other travel cost
xBhp is not responsible for any physical injury, accident, damage to property or life or any other mishap to the rider during ECO RIDE.
The rider will have to bear the cost of food/refreshments and any other expenses during the ride from Delhi to Naldehra and from Naldehra to Delhi.

4 x 4 Competition in Kerala- Wonderful Videos

2010-12-30T19:52:00.000+05:30

World of Adventure - Bike Messengers

2010-12-11T19:54:00.000+05:30

Profile of 2006 Markus Cook Award winner Squid, with Team Puma and NYC messengers

race on World of Adventure Sports. Velo City Series Messenger Track Racing.

September 17, 2006

Royal Enfield Motorcycles, One Crazy Ride

2010-12-09T20:35:00.000+05:30

Royal Enfield Commercials

2010-12-08T20:03:00.002+05:30

Youth Hostels Association of India - West Bengal: PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION - NHTE 2010

2010-12-07T20:12:00.000+05:30

Youth Hostels Association of India - West Bengal: PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION - NHTE 2010: "In accordance to Centenary celebration of IYHF & 60 yrs. of YHA, 58 yrs. of YHAI, WB State Branch, we are organising photographic compe..."

PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION - NHTE 2010

In accordance to Centenary celebration of IYHF & 60 yrs. of YHA, 58 yrs. of YHAI, WB State Branch, we are organising photographic competition on under-noted themes :
a) Nature ( wild life, birds, flowers, sceneries)
b) Trekking

You may send your colour prints in the size 8” x 10”. Please mention details of location and date of photography, your name, group No. and address on the reverse of the photograph. Perhaps you may be the one to get a cash award or certificate of merit. YHAI, WB State Branch has the right to retain/ use even the entries, which are not selected for award with due acknowledgment/compensation. Last date for submitting entries is 31st December 2010.

Encounters with the masai and the king - Anjaly Thomas

2010-11-16T10:48:00.000+05:30

Reuben, my driver and guide for the next three days on my great African safari, arrived just as I was ending a very interesting conversation with a missionary from Ghana over breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant. In Arusha on business, he was about to launch into the tale of an attempted break-in in his room the night before, when Reuben interrupted.

‘‘Mambo. We will leave in 10 minutes’’, he declared.

I thought it rude to interrupt a conversation but clearly Tanzanians thought nothing of it. The missionary gave me a meaningful wink. Then with a warm hug and promises to keep in touch, I left in search of Reuben, who had, in the blink of an eye vanished into his large safari car.

Safari cars are built to accommodate four, including baggage, food stuff, tents and such like. However, I was alone, having suddenly decided to go on a safari as a treat for summitting Mt Kilimanjaro.

It began to rain as we pulled out of Arusha, and Reuben, despite his initial frostiness, thawed enough to launch into a stream of guide-talk.Arusha had a lot going for it. It was at a higher altitude than Moshi, was close to Mt Meru, had pleasant weather and was the gateway to all national parks in the northern circuit. In short, it was one rummy town that demanded attention. I decided to allot some time to it upon my return.

Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara

Our destination was Tarangire National Park. After two road surprises (Hakuna Matata, Reuben said, for it was normal) we reached a village before turning towards the park and had our third surprise. A flat. Hakuna Matata, repeated Reuben, brandishing a jack and calling out to villagers who promptly arrived to help. I took the time to familiarise myself with my surroundings.
I was a foreigner in their land. To them, I smelt of money. Masai women with necklace and bracelets pressed their wares on me. Children posed for pictures and demanded money for doing so. They stuck and refused to go till Reuben stepped in. The tyre had been fixed. We were off on the game drive. “Let’s play,’’ grinned Reuben. Tarangire National Park promised much adventure. It was also here that I first saw a baobab tree. The grass was tall which meant animal sighting would be difficult. We drove around, changing tracks, surprising hordes of gazelles and the occasional ostrich, while giraffe continued to strip trees of their green. In the distance, River Tarangire, muddy and swollen, snaked through the silent green landscape.It was exhilarating.
Out in the middle of nowhere, life took on a different meaning. I had been told that game drives were addictive. It was true. Not a bad day after a lousy start. I spent the night at Sun Bright campsite in Mosquito River town, close to Lake Manyara. The town lived up to its name. It was where I had my first taste of fried cassava and (acidic) fish from the lake Manyara. The next morning the folly of sampling exotic food made itself known. Hakuna Matata, I told myself, popping another pill as we drove towards the Lake. I would soon get used to the African ways!Unlike Tarangire, Lake Manyara was dense, and we drove straight into a herd of elephants! Reuben warned me to keep the roof shut while passing under trees, fearing snakes would drop into the car! I didn’t believe him till I saw a poisonous green mamba crawling up a branch above me. A few metres away, a warthog stood on the road, refusing to move. I hesitated to bring out my camera, fearing he would run. But not until I had taken a couple of shots, did he show any signs of moving. Who would think that warthogs loved showing off! Something above me then caught my attention. A monkey with a strange blue-coloured behind! ‘‘Vervet monkey,’’ explained Reuben, knowing well the sudden encounter with the blue-scrotum primate had left me wondering. The hippo pool was particularly fascinating. It was my first real close encounter with them. By that time, Reuben had decided that it was best to leave me alone, and didn’t utter a word as I inched closer to the pool. I didn’t get past the fence as the pool was flooded. The best shots I managed were from the top of the safari car.Lake Manyara, which made up most of the national park, was beautiful. Thousands of flamingoes stood on the water’s edge while giraffe, buffalo, zebra and deer grazed peacefully nearby. Mongooses scurried about looking for food and bright coloured birds broke into a cacophony. Manyara could easily be called an ornithologist’s paradise!

Masai Village, Ngrongoro Crater

Enough birds, I thought. I now wanted to meet the Masai people, get up close with them. But Reuben discouraged every attempt I made, as we drove along. “They are not very friendly,” he said. “You must pay them for their pictures or they may attack you.” I was kind of getting used to pay-for-pictures scheme. But I didn’t understand the Masai attitude. I had to wait till we got to the Village. Our destination of the day was Ngrongoro Crater and a visit to the Masai Village, where I could take pictures without being attacked. We passed through Ngrongoro Conservation Area (NCA). It was the end of tar roads. From here on it was dirt track. If we were lucky, we would find leopards sunning on the roads.
The NCA, I was told was unique as it was the only conservation area that allowed humans to co-habit with wildlife! However, the thought of waking up with a lion was not a pleasant one. The smell of dung directed us to a Masai Village, built in a circle. Tall, skinny men in traditional Masai shawls welcomed us. They even spoke English. Reuben warned me to leave money behind, for Masai, clever as they were with swords and sticks, also loved dollars!If it weren’t for the thrill of meeting the Masai, I would have stayed away from the village. It smelt of dung. Dark children in tattered clothing and running noses, women in colourful necklaces and earrings and smelling of the village eagerly surrounded me while the men tried to talk business. “You give sunglass, you take this,” said one, pushing a gourd decorated with plastic beads in my direction. They clearly didn’t know their math!Masai lived within the enclosure with cattle, their only source of income, that and the occasional dollar which came their way from generous tourists. (That morning there were a few.) We returned to the Crater. Time to greet the Big Five!Not so soon, for as we descended into the crater, thousands of zebra and wildebeest blocked our way! There was no hurrying them. We were in their territory, after all! I applied myself to the binoculars and was duly rewarded. At the edge of the water far away, sat a cheetah, a tiny speck, but even through the lens, he looked majestic. We drove slowly past buffaloes, zebra, gazelles, wildebeest, ostriches and the occasional elephant till we came upon the rare black rhino. He was coming straight for us! Reuben stiffened, but I wasn’t going to miss this opportunity. There were very few left. The rhino thundered his way through grass, passing few meters in front of us. It looked like he was marking his territory!The danger had passed.But I still hadn’t seen the Big Cat and was disappointed. “In the jungles, you need patience,’’ Reuben said. I suppose he was bored too, having no one but me to speak with. I could live with not seeing the tiger or the buffalo, but lions were something else. No game drive was complete without them. We drove around till we came upon other cars parked in a bunch close together. That could only mean one thing — The King had made an appearance.The Crater fell silent. I saw why.A few metres away, the royal couple was engaged in a private moment. The King, unmindful of watchers, let out satisfied roars. We must have stayed there for what seemed like an eternity, not breathing. It seemed vulgar to photograph them in their domain.

Reuben broke into my thoughts.‘‘It’s lucky to see a mating lion; you will get married soon.”I suppose it would take another trip to Ngrongoro Crater to make his prophesy come true! Hakuna Matata.

— Anjaly Thomas is a single Indian woman backpacker - thebackpacker76@hotmail.com

Our Tryst with Doodh Sagar Waterfall, Goa

2010-10-06T10:11:00.002+05:30

The following are the pictures of our recent Trip to Dudhsaagar waterfalls...
From Doodh-Ssagar 2010

Doodh Sagar Waterfall is one of the highest water falls in India, and among the hundred highest waterfalls in the world. It lies in the southern part of Goa at Mollem, towards the border with Karnataka state.
From Doodh-Ssagar 2010

Doodh Sagar, literally means a Sea of Milk in the local Konkanni language, and gets its name as it appears like an overflowing sea of milk. It has a total height of 306 meters and a width of 30 meters.
From Doodh-Ssagar 2010

HISTORY: Legend has it that a beautiful princess lived in the forest on the edge of the King's palace grounds. She enjoyed bathing in a lake nearby and ritually drank sweetened milk from a Golden Jug upon finishing with her bath. One day while enjoying her jug of milk she found herself being watched by a handsome prince standing amongst the trees. Red with embarrassment at her inadequate bathing attire, the Princess poured the jug of milk in front of her to form an improvised curtain to hide her body, while one of the maids rushed to cover her with a dress. The sweetened milk cascades down the mountain slope to this day as tribute to the virtue and modesty of the Princess.
From Doodh-Ssagar 2010

LOCATION: Doodh Sagar Waterfalls, Goa
The falls lie high up in the Mandovi River's watershed and so are not particularly spectacular during the dry season. During the monsoon season however, the falls are transformed into one of the most powerful falls in India. Dudhsagar Falls is listed as India's 5th tallest waterfall, and is 227th in the world at 310 m. Trek route starts from Castlerock railway station, which used to be the customs checkpoint when the Portugese used to rule Goa. There are 11 tunnels on the way to the waterfall.
From Doodh-Ssagar 2010

Some more Trek Stories :-

http://aravindgj.blogspot.com/2008/01/dudhsagar-waterfalls.html

http://dudhsagarbeauty.blogspot.com/

2008 Zirndorf Royal Enfield Trial

2010-10-05T20:49:00.000+05:30

7 Reasons Why the World is Best Explored on Foot

2010-09-29T11:00:00.000+05:30

Ritemail: 7 Reasons Why the World is Best Explored on Foot

We travel the world for pleasure, business or to meet family and friends, and mostly, we let ourselves be transported by planes, trains, cars and whatever means are appropriate. But, if we stop for a moment and think about the origin of the word 'travel' we will realize that we often neglect the most natural means of transport - our feet.

'Travel' derives from the Old French word 'travail' which means work. This in turn apparently goes back to the Latin word 'tripalium' which was a three-legged sort of whip used by the Romans to drive slaves. Being on the move was work, walking miles and miles to get from A to B, getting dirty and sweaty in the process.

No modern-day traveler is required to submit himself to torture, but a little bit of 'travail' by exploring our destinations on foot, as opposed to hopping on a tour bus and letting yourself be guided to pre-selected destinations, goes a long way to increasing the pleasure of travel. We travel to satisfy our curiosity and to discover the real side of the country of our choice. If we don't put in a bit of legwork we will miss out on all of the following:

Meeting the locals

You have arrived at your destination and the first thing you do is get your bearings. More after the break...

Plan in hand and shunning a guided tour, I made my way to the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. As inevitably happens, the map always looks different than the reality and I decided to ask directions of an elegant lady on the street. We fell into a conversation. "If you are looking for something really typical of Santiago," she said, "you should visit the statue of the 3 Marias, our local heroines."

She continued to explain that said Marias had been three sisters who, during the times of Franco, had suffered serious hardship. Bound on pulling themselves out of misery, they began to design and sew their own clothes and, every day at the dot of 3pm, set out on a walk around the city center, modeling their clothes and, as they had a lot of wit and a sharp tongue, flirting with the students and providing entertainment for an entire city during dreary times. After their death, a statue was erected in their honor and Galician poets even dedicated poems to them. No guidebook mentions this story, which I would not have discovered without taking to the street.

Beating the traffic

Have you ever thought how many taxis, buses and minibuses are needed to ferry tourists around and what that does to the environment? Take to your feet and you use the 'greenest' means of transport possible and, more often than not, you arrive faster than anybody on four wheels.

Our cruise ship had just docked in Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the Caribbean island of St. Thomas. I saw that the town center was approximately 2 miles away and decided to walk along the ocean front up to the 99 steps which I wanted to visit. My fellow passengers were not inclined to follow my example and headed for the buses and taxis. "Two miles," one gentleman huffed, "you can't walk that!!" No? I thought to myself. Watch me.

Charlotte Amalie is a small town and the roads are not equipped to accommodate the sudden influx of thousands and thousands of cruise ship passengers, all arriving at once and all headed for the same direction. Result: they got stuck in a traffic jam and looked slightly miffed when I overtook them on foot, happily waving at some very long faces. Moreover, I arrived at the 99 steps and the World Amber Museum well ahead of the crowd and had the place to myself.

Exercise while seeing the sights
There is yet another benefit to exploring on foot. Just think that even one hour of walking at a leisurely pace burns 38 calories at a body weight of 150 lbs. That allows for a little extra treat without fear of putting on the dreaded holiday pounds and beats a treadmill any day.

Avoiding the tourist crowds
Tourist guides and hotel staff will recommend restaurants full of other travelers, but I prefer to go and take a look at where the locals assuage their hunger.

I was richly rewarded for this in Kusadasi, a lovely Turkish port town on the Aegean Sea. Discarding the more elegant places, I opted for a small, half-open place called "Toro" where I saw a lot of Turkish businessmen having their lunch. It had long communal tables and benches and an open hot and cold buffet where you just pointed at what you wanted. Or you could ask for fish and then sit down by the waterfront and watch fisherman pulling out what you were about to eat a few minutes later. The lamb shanks I had were so tender that I didn't need a knife and a rich fruit platter came as free desert. The total bill was a lot cheaper than anywhere else, because if not, the locals would have protested.

Discovering curiosities
The real joy of travel is to come upon sites which aren't mentioned anywhere and that's only possible if you deviate from the beaten path - on foot. Another stop of my cruise was Tortola and its tiny capital Road Town. Meandering along Main Street, I happened upon a folklore museum which was the smallest museum I have ever seen - just one room and easy to miss. I was the only visitor and the curator told me a lot of local stories, which taught me a more about the island life and mentality than any guide book could have.

Seeing nature up close and personal
Taking to your feet allows you to enjoy tropical flora and fauna at close quarters. A botanical garden is fine, but a 'jungle walk' on your own is a much better adventure.

Again in St. Thomas, I saw the Skyride, a cable car going up and down Flag Hill to Paradise Point. I admit, I took it up, but when I discovered a path leading down, I decided to follow it. My first companion was a bright red butterfly which settled on my shoulder and stayed with me all the way. I saw colorful birds and lizards scuttling out of the way and enjoyed wonderful views of the island and the ocean peeking through the trees. Best of all, I was all alone.

Feeling like you belong
In my eyes, that's the best of all. Anybody moving in a group or climbing out of a tourist bus is instantly tagged as a tourist and treated as such. Walking the streets on your own gives you a real feel for the place and - at least for a while - you belong.

Cycle rally to popularize tourist spots

2010-09-28T20:09:00.002+05:30

Chief minister B S Yeddyurappa will inaugurate a cycle jatha on October 8 at Castle Rock, said B Mallesh, Haliyal deputy conservator of forest. Addressing reporters at Haliyal on Monday, Mallesh said the two-day cycle jatha is aimed to popularize important tourist locations like waterfalls, historical spots, places of pilgrimages and beaches in Uttara Kannada district.

The jatha, which is being carried out in connection with the Greater Canara Green Tourism, will cover 250 km from Dudhasagar Falls to Jog Falls. The jatha will begin at 8 am on October 8 and reach Jog on October 10.

He said the jatha will showcase the green tourist spots of the district, apart from conveying a message to protect the forests and environment. It will also give job opportunities for the youths, he added.

Cyclists of national and international fame will participate in the jatha, along with cadets of National School of Defence, Bijapur, for whom, a cycle race of 70 km will be arranged. The first three victorious candidates will be awarded the Greater Canara Parisarashri award.

Mallesh said it is mandatory for guards, foresters, forest officers and assistant conservator of forests to participate in the rally, while interested youths, college students can also join in, he added.

The CM will inaugurate it at the Railway school ground at Castle Rock on October 8, along with cricketer Anil Kumble, vice-president of Karnataka Wildlife Suggestion Committee. Tourism minister Janardhana Reddy will inaugurate the adventure camp and forest minister C H Vijayashankar will participate in the rally, apart from ministers, MLAs, MP, other public representatives, environment experts and writers.

Read more: Cycle rally to popularize tourist spots - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubli/Cycle-rally-to-popularize-tourist-spots/articleshow/6638418.cms#ixzz10pqYRXK8

Trek to Yana (Karwar District, Karnataka)

2010-09-28T10:06:00.000+05:30

Yana

Location: India>Karnataka>Karwar
Nearest Towns: Sirsi, Kumta.
Distances:
From Bangalore: 400+ km From Sirsi: 40 km From Kumta: 25 km From Karwar :86 km

Image courtesy - www.Dreamroutes.org

Route: From Bangalore you come to Sirsi though Haveri where the major distance of the drive would be on NH4 else from Shimoga route, which is the Bangalore–Honnavar highway.

Route I: Take a bus from Sirsi which goes to Mattighatta,devanalli via hegadekatta.Get down at a stop called "vaddi cross" and walk 6+kms from there.Route II: Take a bus either from Sirsi or Kumta get down at a place called Anegundi near Kathagaal. This place is after the Devimane ghats if you are coming from Sirsi. From here it is around 16kms walk. Jeep is the best mode of transportation anywhere in North Kanara. You can hire a jeep either in Sirsi or anywhere your base camp is and take convenient drives.

Best Time To Visit: November to May
Worst Time To Visit: Monsoons - June to September

Summary: This place in thickets of the Sahyadri hills of the Western Ghats is around 45 km from Sirsi and about 25 km from Kumta. Two huge rocks are the center of attraction here. There are two temples, temple of Shiva inside a cave and a Ganesha temple nearby. The other places of interest are a small waterfall and the forest itself.
On Haveri route to Sirsi, one would arrived at the place called Vaddi cross. Earlier all the motor able roads would end here and the trek to Yana from here would be 17 km. Now we have roads, which take very close to Yana. The road ends 3 km from Yana. One can start the trek from Vaddi cross. There is well-defined path from here to the Yana used by devotees and trekkers here. After walking 3 km, two gigantic peaks towering around all the forests and mountains will appear, the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and the Mohini Shikhara. These two shikharas are the ones, which have made Yana distinct from other regions in the Sahyadri and have captured the imagination of generations of people. These two peaks are one of the mysteries of the Mother Nature yet to unraveled as two how there are here in the midst of forest terrain. The taller one, Bhairaveshwara Shikhara stands 120 meters and the slightly smaller one, Mohini Shikhara is 90 meters from its base. They are solid composition of black, crystalline limestone. At the base of the Bhairaveshwara shikhara is a cave temple, a natural formation where resides the Lord Shiva . Water drips from the projecting rocks over the linga, and devotees call it Gangodbhava. The cave also has a bronze icon of Chandika, an incarnation of mother Goddess Durga. Trickled from the rocks form a small river, 'Chandihole' which joins the Aghanashini river at Uppinapattana. There is a grand jatra held every year during Shivaratri for 10 days and is attended by around 10,000 people. Devotees are allowed inside the cave only on these days .These peaks have a myth associated with them as to be the place where Lord Vishnu as Mohini killed the Bhasmasura, a rakshasa. One can camp at the temple. Mind you this place is very sacred and the priests have to be notified about using the premises. Infact you are not allowed to walk with the footwear on the whole the Bhairaveshwara shikhara itself is revered and looked upon as Lord Shiva abode. Out of the temple starts out the steps, which lead to the Mohini Shikhara. There is a descent of around 30 to 40 feet. At the foot of the shikhara is Goddess Parvati’s udbhava murti. Here one can find many pitch dark caves and can hear the noise of bats. The rock formations are terrific. A guide is recommended as it is very easy to get lost in this area if we miss a turn. You may take a deviation into the forests and explore. The variety of flora is amazing. You can go around the shikhara and this place is a very good spot for Rock climbing. Many caves are present amongst these rocks and are a very good place for camping. The terrain makes it very difficult to walk in the darkness even with torches as it is very dicey with all the slopes covered by trees and shrubbery. One can camp near the temple and good thing about this place is that it has all the facilities for toilet and water. Next morning, you can go to see the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara, the place that beckons the people to Yana. There is a well charted route to take a pradakskina of the peak which on its own is the pradakshina of the temple as the lord Shiva is sanctified within the peak
After climb for some distance, you come across a huge cave with a opening at the top just enough to allow the light. From the mouth of the cave, you get a panoramic view of Yana forests and is a superb view. We climbed high up the peak as far as possible wherever the effort needed was less. These peaks are swarming with bees. After the peaks, you can pack lunch and go to the Vibhuti Falls. You need to trek back the 3 km to our van and take a ride to the falls. This road is very narrow and winding as it descends down the valley and ends 2 km from the falls. A jungle trail used by people goes to the falls and we took this track and trekked to the falls. This trail is very enchanting as there are agricultural field on the right and the jungle on the left. There is a big water falls of about 20 to 25 ft and a small one of 3 ft. This site is very good for camping and offers some mesmerizing sceneries down the valleys. This river streams forms many such waterfalls on its way down the valley.
References:
http://www.ourkarnataka.com/states/trek/trekking_yana.htm

The best of the Ford Focus WRC in the 2006

2010-09-24T19:44:00.000+05:30

Bicycles

2010-07-07T21:20:00.001+05:30

Bicycles

The DPW – Transportation Division provides staff support to the members of the Brookline Advisory Committee which was created by the Transportation Board to advise the Board on issues related to bicycling in Brookline. Members are appointed by the Board to serve three year terms. Meetings are usually held on the first Monday of the month in the library of the Edward Devotion School, 345 Harvard Street, Brookline. We welcome members of the public. For more information on the activities of the Bicycle Advisory Committee go towww.brooklinebikes.org

In order to improve bicycle safety and promote greater bicycle use, the Brookline Bicycle Advisory Committee developed a master plan for a network of safe bicycle routes. This plan should be complemented with other Town efforts to improve conditions for cycling, including provisions for bicycle parking, safety education, and ensuring that every street project undertaken by the Department of Public Works includes reasonable accommodation of bicycles and pedestrians. Click here to view the Safe Routes Plan

Think Safety First When Using the Public Way

As the Town continues to focus on building a strong multi-modal transportation network that encourages cycling and public transportation as reasonable alternatives to personal vehicle use, we strongly encourage all bicyclists and motorists to check out the new initiative "Same Roads. Same Rules.": a guide to safer bicycling and driving within Massachusetts launched by MassBike and Massachusetts Departments of Transportation, Public Safety & Security, and Conservation & Recreation.

Bicycling Safety

Bicycling is an important means of transportation used by many for traveling to work or school. To provide a safe travel environment, drivers must take special care to watch out for bicycle riders, and bicyclists must obey all traffic laws by riding in a responsible manner. Bicyclists are legally entitled to use the roads in Brookline, even though their slower speeds can pose problems for motorists. It’s easy to share the road when we all drive safely and are considerate of others. Here are some basic driving rules that motorists and bicyclists are encouraged to follow.

As a MOTORIST:
Always be aware of bicyclists that may be on the road. As motorists, we must all respect the rights of other road users, including bicyclists. Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles.

Reduce your speed when passing bicyclists, especially if the road is narrow.

Don’t blast your horn when approaching a bicyclist – you could startle them and cause an accident.

When a road is too narrow for cars and bikes to ride safely side by side, bicycles will move into the center of the travel lane.

Recognize obstacles that may be hazardous to bicyclist – such as potholes, debris, and drain grates – and give them adequate room to maneuver around them.

Do not pass bicyclists if oncoming traffic is near. Wait as you would with any slow-moving vehicle. Your patience could help prevent an accident.

In bad weather, give bicyclists extra trailing and passing room. Also use extra caution during the morning and evening hours when bicyclists are traveling and traffic is heaviest.

Give at least 3 feet of passing room space between the right side of your vehicle and a bicyclist, just as you would with a slow-moving car.

After passing a bicyclist on your right, check over your shoulder to make sure you have allowed enough room before moving over. Experienced riders often travel 25-30 mph and may be closer than you think.

Do not pass bicyclists if you will be making a right turn immediately afterwards. Always assume a bicyclist is traveling through unless they signal.

When turning left at an intersection always yield to oncoming bicyclists, just as your would to an oncoming motorist.

Before opening your car door, always look for bicyclists that may be approaching.

Children on bicyclists are unpredictable – expect the unexpected and proceed very cautiously.

As a BICYCLIST:
Maintain and regularly inspect your bike and always wear a helmet to prevent head injury.

Be visible and predictable when riding your bike. Wear bright colors, ride straight in a predicable manner, and signal before changing direction

Ride with traffic. Always ride on the right side and do not pass motorists on the right. If you approach an intersection with a right turn lane and want to continue straight, ride with through traffic. When a road is too narrow to ride side by side, take the travel lane.

Watch for potential hazards such as drains, potholes, train tracks, or debris. Allow time to maneuver safely around these obstacles while negotiating traffic. Avoid riding into open car doors by giving yourself 3-4 feet separation distance.

Signal all turns. Look back before your make a lane change or turn, and signal well in advance of your turning movement.

Make a left turn by either moving into the left travel lane (or turning lane) and turning with the traffic, or by stopping, dismounting, and walking across a crosswalk like a pedestrian.

Obey all traffic laws including stops signs, traffic lights, and other traffic controls. Bicyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles.

Ride in single file in traffic, except when passing others.

Bicyclists must yield to pedestrians. Be courteous when approaching others by a warning sound or signal.

Many sidewalks in Brookline are too narrow to accommodate 2-way pedestrian travel and bicycle travel. Please respect the safety of pedestrians by traveling on the street. State Law forbids riding a bicycle on the sidewalk in commercial districts where pedestrian travel is heaviest.

On Biking: some bike slang for beginners - Brookline - Your Town - Boston.com

2010-07-07T21:18:00.000+05:30

On Biking: some bike slang for beginners - Brookline - Your Town - Boston.com

By Jonathan Simmons, Guest Columnist

Worried you won’t be able to follow the water cooler chatter as your co-workers talk about the Tour de France, which starts Saturday? Here’s a short list of bicycle slang for beginners :

Animal is a strong rider.

Bail is to quit a race or a ride.

Bonk is to lose all your energy, usually from overexertion and a lack of food or fluid, it happens to the best of us, even Lance.

Broom wagon is a van that follows the race and picks up riders who are injured or unable to finish.

Cadence is how fast you pedal.

Cleat is the plastic on the bottom of your cycling shoe that clips into your pedals.

Crump is another word for bonk.

Cobblestones are roads paved with stones that jut out and look like cracked teeth, they are technically challenging to ride and usually result in a nasty crash.

Dialed in means your bike fits you perfectly.

DNF is did not finish, meaning you bonked, crashed or bailed.

Echelon is a line of cyclists that snakes across the road so that each rider blocks a crosswind for the biker behind him.

Domestique is a biker with no hope of winning, he’s only riding to assist the team leader.

Endo occurs when you crash and vault end over end across your handlebars, often you land on your head

Epic is a long ride that animals love.

Gap is the distance between you and the rider up ahead.

Grand Classification, or GC, is the overall winner, the rider with the lowest cumulative time; he’s the one he gets to wear the maillot jaune, or yellow jersey.

Green jersey is awarded to the rider who wins the most points for sprinting.

Grind is to use a hard gear and really push, it’s bad for your knees and you have to be built like a fullback to effectively ride this way.

Hammerfest is a ride where everyone grinds.

King of the mountains is the best climber of the Tour, he wears the polka dot jersey.

Lantern rouge is the last person to finish the Tour de France, like the red lamp on a caboose.

Peloton is a group of bikers riding together to block the wind for each other and make the pedaling easier.

Stage is a single day of a multi-day bike race.

Prologue is a short time trial that starts off a stage race.

Tacoed is when your wheel collapses and looks like a taco shell.

Toasted is when you are spent but you have not bonked.

Wheel sucker is someone who hangs onto your back wheel and uses your draft to get a free ride without sharing the load.

White jersey is given to the best young rider of the Tour.

Jonathan Simmons is a Brookline psychologist and avid cyclist. Read his column about the Tour de France here.

Yezdi Bindas Shoot

2010-05-12T18:46:00.000+05:30

Travel like a Journalist

2010-03-10T18:23:00.000+05:30

http://www.economist.com/blogs/gulliver/2010/03/packing_tips&fsrc=nlw%7Cgul%7C03-09-2010%7Cgulliver
by E.L. | LONDON

(Women readers will probably find this post rather annoying as convention dictates that they have to look smarter than men.)

I was recently talking to Charlemagne and we noticed that we were dressed identically—heavy cords, tweed jacket, brown shoes etc. That’s the ideal journalistic clothing: warm, presentable and clean, and easily made informal by discarding the tie.

The tie is a useful signalling device. Some people plan this carefully (eg, wearing blue-black-white when going to Estonia). I find it better to wear my university (LSE) tie. It often starts conversations at airports or on trains. LSE alumni are just the sort of people you want to meet.

Here are a few other tips from 25 years of life as a perpetual traveller.

You can manage for a week out of a laptop bag, so long as you fold your shirts neatly. It is good to have one with three compartments as it is embarrassing if you have to rummage for a pen and notebook at a meeting and find your dirty laundry emerging from the bag. The bag itself should ideally cost nothing—the kind given out at conferences are ideal, especially the World Economic Forum ones.

The sponge bag should be tiny and light. Key contents: an almost exhausted tube of toothpaste which weighs nothing and doesn’t show up at baggage control; a sliver of soap; a battery-powered razor, using the kind of AA batteries that you can recharge from a USB port on the computer. Then you can use them for your dictaphone as well. Also, a tiny sewing kit, a couple of pills (two sleeping pills, two pain-killers, two Imodium; a couple of sticking plasters (band-aids in American); spare cufflinks; an almost exhausted roll of sticky tape, a blob of Blu-Tack, a few yellow Post-it notes, spare fountain-pen cartridges. In backward places a film canister full of green tea leaves is handy. In travels round the ex-Soviet Union I used to carry another canister full of Marmite (a strange British food product that you spread on bread or dissolve in water). But it looks disconcertingly like raw opium and in these security-conscious days can attract unwelcome attention. However, a few sticks of biltong weigh nothing, keep for ever, and ward off hunger if you are stuck on the Moldovan-Transdniestrian border in an immobile queue for a couple of hours. I also keep pay-as-you-go SIM cards for the main countries that I cover and use them in a lightweight $20 mobile phone that I bought in Dubai: much cheaper than roaming charges, both for you and people wanting to call you. And it confuses the chekists.

Travel comfort: an inflatable neck cushion, a blindfold and earplugs are a lot cheaper than flying business class. Take off your shoes as soon as you get in the plane.

Electronics used to take up too much space but that’s getting better now that you can recharge things with a USB cable. That means no Blackberry or iPod chargers. If you know you are staying in a hotel with a kettle in the room you can even leave your laptop cable behind and use the one attached to the kettle. The little Sony ICF-100 radio is still useful sometimes, but increasingly I listen to radio on my laptop. (That way you get Ekho Moskvy as well as the BBC.) But it is well worth the extra weight to get an extended battery for your laptop.

In Soviet days I never travelled without several thousand dollars in cash, just in case I needed suddenly to rent a satellite phone or buy an air ticket from a cash-only travel agent. However, it’s still useful to take postage stamps—I carry them for all the countries that I cover. Plus lots of passport photos—you never know when you will need some pointless accreditation or visa. Also handy: lots and lots of business cards, in wallet, jacket pockets and the bag. At a good conference you can get through hundreds. It’s annoying in this electronic age that these are still necessary, though if someone gives me theirs first I just get out my Blackberry and e-mail them my contacts, explaining that this is the modern thing to do. Also useful in the wallet is a tiny credit-card shaped torch.

Reading material: a photocopy of a good poem, preferably in Russian or some other foreign language that you have to think hard about, folded in the wallet just in case you are stuck with no electronic or other diversion.

GIRLS, all geared up

2010-01-27T17:11:00.001+05:30

GIRLS, all geared up

On heavy-duty bikes, driving big powerful sedans, or even trucks, on India’s highways and pot-holed village roads, negotiating unwarranted male attention and questions like why aren’t you at home taking care of your family, a new tribe of young and not-so-young Indian women are taking road trips. Their stories are interesting, often funny and sometimes a little scary. One tip for would-be women roadies: old male truckers are usually helpful
Negotiating potholed roads in India is easy; convincing parents, friends, lovers and the rest of middle-class India that women are in the driver’s seat is the hard part. Having said that, wanderlust is taking a handful of women onto Indian highways and this emerging tribe of roadies has traveller’s tales that are both hair-raising and exhilarating. Driving through cattle can be easier than arguing with irate male road hogs. Thumbing a ride with the average Indian male is a strict no-no.

“We picked south India since we continue to find the south safer for women,” says entrepreneur Rajvi Mariwala (29) who hooked up with best friend Shruti Chakravarty (29), a social worker. The trip ran down the peninsula: Mumbai-Goa-Shimoga-Bangalore-Ooty-Cochin-Kanyakumari-Kodaikanal-Pondicherry-Chennai-Vijayawada-Hyderabad-Pune-Mumbai. Mariwala convinced her father to swap her Maruti Swift with his heavier Honda Accord, a suitable car for their 5,000 km-in-three-weeks quest. “Given that we had already done road trips in Europe and Greece, it was a challenge to see if we could pull it off in India,” says Chakravarty.

In 2007, Moksha Jetley, a 47-year-old businesswoman, got to live the dream she had since the age of 17. Tearing across the country in a heavy-duty bike was stuff straight out of Hollywood films. “In the ’80s, middle-class Indian society refused to encourage girls to venture into so-called male terrain. But my father sensed my interest in two-wheelers and taught me how to ride a scooter,” says Jetley. She graduated from riding her Vespa to a Royale Enfield 350cc mo-bike when she rode from Manali to Leh-Ladakh. Jetley is a single parent who runs Back and Beyond, a travel company that organises biking trips across India. “After my daughter started working, I was free of responsibilities and obligations. I decided to realise my teenage dream,” she says.

Women often have to upgrade vehicles since they usually drive lighter cars, unsuitable for road trips. Chandigarh-based fashion designer Jas Lakhmana (34) is trading in her Skoda Octavia for a four-wheel drive to suit her upcoming trip to Leh-Ladakh.
Whether travelling with the boys or the girls, travel writer Puneet Inder Sidhu has been voted the best driver. She is always behind the wheel, on a gut-busting trip to Bhutan or a joyride in the German countryside in a sporty Mazda Cabriolet. Sidhu believes that the gender you travel with is not so important, though “taking instructions from a male navigator is admittedly hard”.

The travellers stress the importance of choosing the right vehicle and planning the trip well ahead. “My travel agent of five years books me safe hotels. I always research online before taking off,” says Lakhmana.
Of course, life throws those curved balls at you. Mariwala and Chakravarty found themselves lost in Karanataka, with language not on their side. “None of us speak Kannada and we were trying to find our way to Mandagade where our host for the night was putting us up. We saw a signboard that announced Mandagate, a village. We should have guessed it was the wrong one,” says Chakravarty. They were stuck on a narrow road, looking for a hospital, the landmark that their host had told them about. “With a bullock cart in front of us, all we could do was join the laughter of the occupants of the cart,” says Mariwala.

The locals proved helpful. An old man drew a map in the dust with his stick, the village pujari was called and he spoke a few lines in English. Finally, they found Mandagade a 100 km ahead. “In Sholapur, we had a stimulating conversation on marriage with an orange seller. He wondered why the two of us weren’t married or at home, taking care of our kids. But he was open to our ideas, especially when we told him our parents supported our decision to travel,” says Chakravarty. In Pondicherry, a Muslim family invited them home for a meal and in Kodaikanal, their home-stay host treated them as fellow travellers with whisky and tall tales.

“We only had one nasty incident with an urban, English-speaking man and his wife in Bangalore. We accidentally grazed their car’s bumper while parking and they kicked up a ruckus, demanding a ridiculous sum of money. They even questioned our character,” says Chakravarty.
Sidhu, who was behind the wheel in an old and trusted Maruti Esteem on a Patiala to Delhi trip with a woman friend, faced many stares from fellow travellers on the way. “Some of them made U-turns to race or unnerve us. We actually welcomed the dark, so no one could see who was driving,” she says.

At 43, Divya Tate, believes in the eco-friendly bicycle, and has travelled across France and Thailand alone. But she felt vulnerable on a solo trip from Pune to Goa. “A big group of half-naked drunk males in cars with their stereos blasting really bothered me,” she says. Once, a flasher stalked her along the highway to Goa, but she found a village and he was soon discouraged. “I found that ignoring his open fly was the biggest insult I could have thrown his way,” says Tate. Despite these scary moments, she found that rural people in India were very hospitable. A divorcee, she believes women travelling alone should be careful not to land themselves in vulnerable positions. “I try to keep it simple and flexible. I keep the door open for the unexpected,” she says.

Sometimes, confrontation works better. “Given my age, most eve-teasers have lost interest. Even then, a biker followed me. I ignored him but he persisted, so I called up the nearest police station and alerted them. Then I went up to him and confronted him,” says Jetley.

Sometimes there is safety in numbers. Nine women found no hurdles while hiring Honda Activas to make their way around Goa, a watered-down version of Hell’s Angels. “We were very diligent while driving down in our two cars from Mumbai—only music and no alcohol,” says Akshata Ravi (27), a BPO group trainer who has done frequent trips to Goa. Once there, the women ditched their cars and hit the beach. “On my 27th birthday, we were all so high, it took an hour to find our bikes. Then we tried to ride them. It was shakiest drive of my life,” says Ravi. “After bumping into a couple of trees, we decided to make it back to the cottage on foot!” she says.
The important thing about being with a group of girls is that there is no ‘head of the pack.’ “There is no man ‘in charge’ and that can be very liberating. The onus of taking care, fixing the vehicle or getting food and drinks was on all of us,” says Timsey Zaveri, (33), a techie who was also part of the Goa group.
She believes that women need to get over their technophobia. “I’ve never done road trips with guys but prefer the company of woman travellers. A lot of women are just scared to drive, my mum has learnt, but not my sister-in-law,” she says.

Sidhu, whose travelogue Adrift: A junket junkie in Europe (Frog Books, India) hits the stands this month, admits that despite being a seasoned traveller, she would never chance a ride with a stranger in India. “Safety comes before heroics,” she says. That’s advice from someone who has been driving since 18. “I’ve car-pooled my way across Europe with complete strangers without facing any kind of ugliness but it’s not worth risking the Indian male,” says Sidhu.

Another challenge women face on the road: “Unlike men who can stop wherever they want and pee, women have it tough,” says Lakhmana. On a recent trip to Ranthambore with a girlfriend, the two women were desperately looking for bushes. “Unfortunately, on this stretch, all we saw was parched land. We had a good laugh over it later,” says Lakhmana. Chakravarty has a solution: “The trick is to pee between car doors. Pull up to the side, open the front and back passenger doors and squat in between. The visibility from other moving vehicles is nil,” she says. Another valuable tip for women travellers: Do not get out of the car if someone is arguing with you.

Pioneers like Giti Thadani (48) set out with women friends across Western India in the late 1980s, when many of today’s women roadies were still in diapers. Thadani’s battered Honda truck was baptised Kali after a near-death experience with a boorish truck driver. Although she has traded it for a Maruti Gypsy, she swears by her truck. “When the truck driver saw three women in the Honda, he overtook us and then braked. Luckily, I managed to swerve and avoid a collision. On the same stretch, I met this incredibly helpful mechanic who fixed my vehicle, plying me with refreshments for free,” says Thadani, who encountered many good Samaritans while researching the Satki temples of India. “My journey along the dusty roads of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, UP and Rajasthan was a discovery of my roots,” says the historian, author and visual artist.

Her book Moebiustrip: Digressions from India’s Highways, published by Penguin in 2003, catalogues her travels. “While visiting a site in Old Mandu near Dhar Mahal, I met an ASI officer who converted his office table into a bed for me. I rested among priceless statues and artefacts,” says Thadani.

Sidhu loves taking off for Himachal Pradesh, which she says is extremely safe for women travellers. “I’m a bit worried about breakdowns. While I am adept at changing a wheel, I would need a more mechanical companion for the serious stuff,” she says. No points for guessing which gender usually fits that bill.
But if you are looking to seek help, here’s some tried-and-tested advice. “Look for old male truckers, they are more helpful and chances of it turning into a bad scene are remote,” says Lakhmana. She should know. She’s been sneaking out her dad’s car when she was all of 13. Today, Lakhmana is a safe, cautious driver who has travelled 55 cities spread out in 17 countries.

The rite of passage that has been essentially male requires bruising. “Many of my friends cannot leave their creature comforts behind and they cannot stand the long hours of driving. But the day they make roads safer you will find more women behind the wheel,” says Mariwala. Her accessories on the road are Kaya face wipes, lip balm and moisturiser. After all, who said bad skin had to accompany road trips?

Source - http://www.indianexpress.com/news/girls-all-geared-up/570568/0

YHAI conducts adventure training camp

2010-01-15T19:25:00.000+05:30

YHAI conducts adventure training camp

Countrys premier youth travel and adventure organisation Youth Hostels Association of India (YHAI) is conducting adventure sports training to students of Madhya Pradesh.

Gwalior, Jan 4 : Country's premier youth travel and adventure organisation Youth Hostels Association of India (YHAI) is conducting adventure sports training to students of Madhya Pradesh.

According to YHAI, the training is aimed at overall development of the youth and also to reduce internal fear. The students are trained in rock climbing, archery, shooting, wall climbing, night tracking and etc. The training not only enhances physical fitness but also the concentration level. The participants were excited to attend the training camp, as it would help them in pursuing their career.

"I want to join the armed forces for that I will have to undergo hard training. If I continue to undertake such exercise I would not face much problems in future," said Nishant Singh, a student.

According to organiser of the camp Shahnaz Khan training helps students to gain physical fitness and reduce their internal fear which is indeed required for coming generations. "We want that children should not sit at home. They should come forward and participate in these events," Khan said.

Source - http://www.andhranews.net/India/2010/January/4-YHAI-conducts-adventure-training-48610.asp

Art of Travel - How to See the World

2009-11-21T22:14:00.000+05:30

How to See the World
Art of Travel;
European and World Backpacking;

On $25 a Day or Less;
Read This Book
Copyright © John Gregory 2009

Here in 25 chapters, 100,000 words, and 120 illustrations is How to See the World. Written by an independent traveler of 35 countries via eight economical tours, this complete online guide has tips, commentary, and humor for travelers of every kind. It contains no advertising or commercial contracts.

Part One: Art of Travel

Part Two: Backpacking

Part Three: Compendium

Addendum

Introduction
I WROTE How to See the World because too many people are missing the experience of world travel, mainly because they don't realize how easy, fun, and economical it is to pack a bag and just go.

I also wrote this book because how one travels is more important than where one travels. Not only is low budget independent travel the best way to experience other cultures on an intimate, participatory level, but it's a great way to learn about yourself.
And while the subtitle On $25 a Day or Less suggests an unrealistic figure for many readers, it's there to make clear that world travel is at least a possibility for almost anyone living in a free society, and to describe the book I knew how to write after eight independent tours through thirty-five countries.
In Part One you will learn:

How to meet people
How to communicate simply and effectively
How to get cheap airline tickets
About all kinds of accommodation, including hostels, backpacker hotels, pensions, private homes, and campgrounds
About exchange rates, black markets, and other money issues
How pickpockets operate, and how to avoid them and other rip-offs
How to protect your health, including information on travel clinics, immunizations, women's concerns, water purification, travelers' diarrhea, twenty serious maladies such as malaria and yellow fever, how to avoid insect bites, foot care, skin wounds, heat and humidity, altitude sickness, and medical kits
About common pre-travel fears and concerns
Interesting passport and visa information, hitchhiking realities, and more

Part Two discusses:

Walking and backpacks
Efficient travel clothing, and tips for doing laundry on the road
Twenty essential items
How to select a good sleeping bag
For those who go the camping route, how to choose a tent and stove
How to organize for less stress and more fun

Part Three is a compendium of tips, considerations, and poems from myself, other travelers, and literature. Topics include street food, attitude, telephone and mail, hustlers, drugs, car travel, camels, trail tips, favorite countries, itineraries, etc.

There is also a bibliography of recommended reading, a comment form for your input, and eight useful checklists so you won't forget much or burden yourself unnecessarily.
This book will save you time and money, and help you travel more safely. It may also encourage you to have some of the best and greatest times of your life. I wish you informative reading and happy traveling.

Trial Biking - Julien Dupont

2009-11-11T07:13:00.000+05:30

It's new video of Julien Dupont in Lyon's streets in France !

Amazing Freestyle Trial $$ !!

Julien is a newcomer in the Redbull family and scott team.

Have a good moment !

Ride the World

2009-11-07T19:07:00.000+05:30

3gp Rally car crashes into water « Free 3gp Video

2009-11-01T16:45:00.000+05:30

3gp Rally car crashes into water « Free 3gp Video

Royal Enfield tour of Rajasthan

2009-10-01T13:37:00.003+05:30

Feel the sands, the desert heat and the night chill, ride the dunes in Thar and ride open roads that disappear into the horizon. Discover a Fort made from Jurassic stone, ancient trees that have turned to stone, Palace that some say is as beautiful (if not more) as Taj, hypnotic stunning Haveli, the Battle of Braves where a 100 defeated 1000s. Ride the road to Pakistan but be careful - don’t cross over, walk through a sea of rats, go flat out on salt flats, eat rich food, stay in the lap of luxury but don’t miss out on the camp, the folks and their dances and songs. Experience an age old culture in festive mood in all its splendor and colour… a Royal Ride through the Sands of Time.

Click here to download the registration form for Royal Enfield tour of Rajasthan.

Royal Enfield tour of Rajasthan | Bike preparation

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1. At ground level the most important thing is your tyres and your wheels. Ensure that you have adequate tread on them. We recommend you start the ride with a brand new set of tyres and tubes; you are less likely to face punctures etc.

2. Get the rims balanced (this will prevent breaking of spokes and unnecessary wobbles that could spoil your bike's ride and handling). When you are getting your wheels balanced make sure that the spokes are not protruding from inside the rim. If they are they could puncture the tube from inside. After this, ensure that there is a rubber strip (good condition) around the inside of the rim. When you disassemble the wheels, check the wheel bearings as well.

3. Inspect and make sure that your bike has only genuine OE parts, especially hubs, spokes, rims and other engine components. We cannot provide support for modified items and in such case you are requested to carry your own spares. We can make arrangements to carry them in the service truck.

4. Get your shock absorbers inspected. They should be in top working order. Check the bushes for the rear shock absorbers and replace if necessary.

5. Check condition of front fork oil seals and replace if needed. Make sure that there is no crack on the fork bottom tube. If your springs have sagged or your main tube has worn out get them replaced.

6. Check the rear swing arm bush and replace if needed.

7. Check your chain and rear sprocket for wear. If you find that there are less than four notch adjustments to go on your chain adjuster cam, replace your chain and both your sprockets.

8. Your bike's clutch is really crucial for this trip, so make sure that your clutch is in good order and adjusted properly without the trace of any drag, slip etc. When you open your clutch cover, also check the primary chain and the adjuster. Do not use any kind of additional insert under the chain adjuster. If the adjuster has reached its limit replace the primary chain.

9. Check your battery and the earthing connections. If you have any history of electrical trouble, be sure that the problem is completely solved. The vibrations, dust and maybe water that riders are likely to encounter on the route could further accentuate existing problems.

10. Check for play in the steering column and replace the ball race joints if necessary.

11. Check all the rubber components like carburetor hose, fuel lines, air filter rubber etc for cracks and tears and replace if in doubt.

12. Check all cables and if found bent of frayed, replace immediately. Do not use oil in friction free cables.

13. Finally tighten all the nuts and bolts and if it is found to slip or the threads are damaged replace the relevant parts.

Engine

This is a very crucial part.

If your bike is working fine let it be. It would be a good idea to do a weekend trip to try it out and see how it behaves. It would be a good idea to ride a new bike and make sure that your bike is up to the mark. If there is any doubt please visit your Royal Enfield showroom. Do not leave the fixing of your bike to the last min and start the trip with an untested bike.

Things to avoid on the bike

1. Anything that is likely to take a beating from rough roads and vibrations, this includes:
â€¢ Extra lights
â€¢ Extra horns
â€¢ Extra mirrors
â€¢ Heavy after market horns
â€¢ Side boxes
â€¢ any other unnecessary add-ons

2. Non standard high rise or low handlebars.

3. Alloy wheels.

4. Some number plates fitted on the front mudguard are likely to break the headlamp at full travel.

5. Smaller wheels if they drastically reduce your ground clearance.

6. Imported street tyres, as these could puncture and suffer for grip on dirt surfaces.

7. Extended front forks.

8. Modified swing arms.

9. Shortened or extended chassis, chain.

10. You should either remove any non standard item from your bike or be prepared to service it on your own.

Same Day, Same Name, Totally Different Sports

2009-09-22T18:48:00.002+05:30

Same Day, Same Name, Totally Different Sports

“Mountain Biking” is too big a term.

Consider this. Last Saturday, a small group of friends — Dug, Kenny, Dan, Racer — and I went mountain biking. It was a seven-hour epic circumnavigation of Mount Timpanogos: thirty seven miles, the first 22 of which took almost six hours (yes, we averaged about four miles per hour) because it was so brutally steep.

Dug and Racer had their cameraphones with them, and so got a few pictures.

The ride starts with a ride along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, which connects to Grove — a narrow, steep, shale-strewn trail with a clff going up to your left and, often, a cliff going down to your right.

Continue reading here....

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Island Expedition 2009 - Udupi YHAI Unit

2009-08-12T21:10:00.003+05:30

Udupi YHAI Unit is organising a State Level Island Expedition on October 30, 31 and November 1st of 2009.

Full details in the Brochure....

Prior Registration Compulsory.... Limited seats only !

National Motor Bike Expedition by YHAI

2009-05-12T19:49:00.003+05:30

Pic source - http://himalayanbiketours.se

Dates:

Last date for Registration is 31th May 2009. The YHAI reserves the right to close the registration early or extend the date of registration.
Date of announcement for selected Participants:- 6th June 2009
Last date of submission of the Participation fee:- 15th June 2009
Expedition starts on: August 24th.

EVENT:
100 Motor Cyclists will undertake about 2500 km journey starting from New Delhi to Chandigarh, Kullu-Manali, Leh & Khardungla Pass covering the most challenging mountain route via Rohtang Pass (13,051 ft.) (3978mtr.), Bara Lacha Pass (16,040 ft.) (4890 mtr), Lachung La Pass ( 16,600 ft.) (5059 mtr.) and Tanglang La Pass ( 17,582 ft) (5359 mtr.) and finally to
world’s highest Motorable road reaching Khardungla Pass (5602 mtr, 18380 ft.). They will return via Kargil, Drass through Zozila Pass (3528 mt, 11575 ft ), Srinagar, Jammu & Ludhiana, Delhi.

ROUTE:
Delhi-Panipat-Ambala-Chandigarh-Kullu-Manali -Tandi- Sarchu – Upshi- Leh-Khardungla-Leh--Kargil-Drass –Zozila Pass- Srinagar-Jammu-Ludhiana-Karnal-Delhi.

The actual route may change depending upon geographical, social and environmental conditions.
Duration: 17 days. Participants will report at Base Camp, International Youth Hostel, New Delhi on 24th August 2009. After expedition, they will leave from New Delhi on 09th September 2009.

Criteria for Selection:
• Preferred Age Group: 20 Years – 50 years
• The participant (male/female) should be in excellent physical and medical fitness.
• They must have a taste for adventure and willing to live life in the rough and tough terrain.

Fees:
Rs. 9,500/- per participant (USD 225 for foreign national)

Registration & More inforamtion:
http://www.yhaindia.org/files/forms/yhai_motorbike.pdf

National Mountain Biking Expedition from YHAI, 19th August 2009

2009-05-11T10:22:00.002+05:30

EVENT:
100 mountain bikers will undertake about 600 kms of cycling through world’s most hazardous and difficult terrain on Mountain Bikes starting from 19th August, 09. They will cover this distance in 17 days climbing Rohtang Pass (13,051 ft.) (3978mtr.), Bara Lacha Pass (16,040 ft.) (4890 mtr), Lachung La Pass ( 16,600 ft. ) (5059 mtr.) and Tanglang La Pass ( 17,582 ft.) (5359 mtr.) and finally to world’s highest Motorable Khardung La Pass (18,380 ft.)(5602 mtr).

ROUTE:
Kullu-Manali - Solang Nala-Marhi-Rohtang Pass-Sishu-Jispa-Zing Zing Bar-Sarchu-Whisky Nala-Pang- Debring-Rumtse-Choglamsar-Leh - South Pullu - Khardungla Pass-Leh
The actual route may change depending upon geographical, social and environmental conditions.

Duration: 17 days. Participants will reach at Base Camp, Seobagh, Kullu on 19th August 2009. After concluding the expedition, they will leave from Leh on 04th September 2009.

How to reach Base Camp at Seobagh,Kullu-Manali
Kullu-Manali is well connected from Delhi, Chandigarh & Pathankot by Bus, Train & Air. Nearest Railway station is Chandigarh & the nearest Airport is Bhuntar(Kullu). The base camp at Youth Hostel Seobagh is 3 km from Kullu bus stand on left bank, near Jairu Mineral Water Plant. Tel. no. +91-1902-230113.

Criteria for Selection:
Preferred Age Group: 20 Years – 50 years
The participant (male/female) should be in excellent physical and medical fitness.

Participation Fee:
Rs. 4,500/- per participant.

ROUTE FOR NATIONAL MOUNTAIN BIKING EXPEDITION
KULLU (1230 mt.) – LEH (3500 mt.) – KHARDUNGLA PASS (5606 mt.) ‐LEH
Day 1: 19.08.2009 Reporting at Seobagh(Kullu) Base Camp & Orientation.
Day 2: 20.08.2009 Bike Acclimatization, Equipment distribution
Day 3: 21.08.2009 Kullu to Solang Nala (52 km)
Day 4: 22.08.2009 Solang Nala to Marhi (3320 mt.)( 23 km)
Day 5: 23.08.2009 Marhi – Sishu (3100 mt.) (43 km)
Day 6: 24.08.2009 Sishu – Jispa(3142 mt.) (58 km)
Day 7: 25.08.2009 Jispa ‐ Zing zing bar (4150 mt.) ( 31 km )
Day 8: 26.08.2009 Zing zing bar –Sarchu Plain (4253 mt.) (54 km)
Day 9: 27.08.2009 Sarchu Plain ‐ Whisky Nala(4700 mt.) (46 km)
Day 10: 28.08.2009 Whisky Nala – Pang (4240 mt.)( 29 km)
Day 11: 29.08.2009 Pang – Debring(4572 mt.) (43 km)
Day 12: 30.08.2009 Debring ‐ Rumtse (48 km)
Day 13: 31.08.2009 Rumtse ‐ Choglamsar ( 57 km)
Day 14: 01.09.2009 Choglamsar – Leh( 3500 mt.) (08 km)
Participating in Ladakh Festival, Leh.
Day 15: 02.09.2009 Leh to South Pulu(4636 mt.) ( 26km)
Day 16: 03.09.2009 South Pulu to Khardungla (5606 mt.) ( 12 km)
03.09.2009 Khardungla to Leh , (50 km) Valedictory Function.
Day 17: 04.09.2009 Group breaks after Lunch.
Note: There may be changes in the mountain biking route and final programm due to any
unforeseen event.

Registration & more information:
http://www.yhaindia.org/files/forms/yhai_mountainbike.pdf

Source - http://treksncamps.blogspot.com/2009/05/national-mountain-biking-expedition.html

Karwar Wild Life Endangered

2009-02-27T11:35:00.001+05:30

The death of a leopard near Amdalli village in Karwar taluk, which was noticed on Saturday by the forest officials, clearly indicates that wildlife is threatened in Uttara Kannada district.

In fact, continued human interference in the forest has made life miserable for wild animals in their natural habitat.

Cases of wild animals sneaking into the human habitat in search of food are on the rise. These animals are either killed by people before being noticed by the forest officials or die of starvation or disease.

The forest region of Uttara Kannada district is no longer safe for wildlife. The rich vegetation of the district is under heavy pressure today than ever before. For instance the once beautiful wooded hills between Karwar and Honnavar have been mercilessly mutilated.

According to the Uttara Kannada Gazetteer, the rate of denudation of forest is four times the rate of replanting in the district.

Large forest areas had been destroyed in the past three decades in the district licitly and illicitly. The statistics provided by the forest department indicate that around 10.5 lakh hectares of forest area had been lost for various reasons.

This included nearly 20,000 hectares of area lost under the Kali hydel project, 50,000 hectares released for agriculture and 26,713 hectares for iron ore mining. These lost regions provided a safe shelter for elephants, bison, tigers, king cobras, leopards, black panthers and spotted deer to name a few. These statistics exclude the forest encroachment, which is about 26,000 hectares and also illicit felling by poachers. In fact at least once in a week the local papers carry reports on forest smuggling. Added to these, indiscriminate poaching of animals has proved disastrous for the survival of these animals.The forest officials complain there are not enough staff. One guard has to manage around 10 sq km of forest region. Moreover, the staff are not provided modern weapons to match those of smugglers.

People allege that many forest officials are hand in glove with the smugglers and funds provided for forestation are misused.

The forest development programme launched under the assistance of Overseas Development Agency of UK, which envisaged the joint management of the forest by the forest department and the villagers, proved a failure.

The village forest panchayats formed under the programme have become defunct today, thanks to the apathy of the forest officials, who did not want others to participate in the management of the forest.

Source

Top Gear Vietnam Adventure Scootering/Biking/Mopeding...

2009-01-01T10:28:00.001+05:30

Top Gear Vietnam Special - Part 1

Top Gear Vietnam Special - Part 2

New Year Wishes to All !!

2008-12-31T21:49:00.000+05:30

urban and freestyle trial in Lyon

2008-11-10T13:09:00.001+05:30

2008 BMW R1200GS - Adventure Motorcycles

2008-11-06T10:26:00.001+05:30

Aquarium Clock

2008-09-11T20:02:00.001+05:30

Aquarium Clockgreat free widgetsWidgetbox

BIKING EXPEDITION in Goa by YHAI

2008-08-05T13:06:00.001+05:30

NO IFS AND BUTS JUST HAVE THE GUTS TO EXPLORE THE THRILL OF BIKING ACROSS THE REMOTE BEAUTY OF GOA A RIDE TO EXCITEMENT,ADVENTURE & NATURE THROUGH BEACHES, FOREST & HISTORICAL PLACES OF GOA

The bikers will enjoy a splendid panorama of hills, sandy beaches, refreshing waterfalls,lush landscapes, serene mangroves, breath taking palm trees,sun kissed waterways, the Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Dudhsagar falls.....

Continued here...

Mountain Biking Expedition in Leh - Ladakh by YHAI

2008-08-02T13:02:00.000+05:30

A 10 day mountain biking expedition in Leh-Ladakh organized by Youth Hostels Association of India.
Starts from Aug 22nd. Limited entries. [10 batches of 15 ppl] The batches leave the base camp everyday from 22nd Aug to Sept 8.

Day 1 Reporting at Base Camp (Semnet Guest House) - Leh- (Height: 11,480 Ft.)
Day 2 Rest
Day 3 Acclimatization
Day 4 Acclimatization
Day 5 Biking to Nimo- ( 36 Km, 6 Hrs, Height:10500 Ft.)
Day 6 Biking to Nurla - (49 Km, 7 Hrs, Height : 10030 Ft)
Day 7 Biking to Lamayuru- ( 35 Km, 6 Hrs, Height : 11800 Ft)
Day 8 Biking to Nurla – (35 Km, 6 Hrs, Height : 11800 Ft)
Day 9 Biking to Nimo- (49 Km, 7 Hrs, Height : 10030 Ft)
Day 10 Biking to Leh - (36 Km, 6 Hrs, Height:10500 Ft.)
Day 11 Group breaks after Breakfast.

YHAI will provide the bike, helmet, knee/elbow guards, gloves
Fees:
Rs. 4700/- per head will cover use of bicycle for the expedition, stay in tented/Guest house , simple nutritious vegetarian meals, other equipments, guidance and insurance. Participants will bear to and fro travel expenses from their home to base camp.

Details :: http://www.yhaindia.org/mountainbikingleh_ladakh.htm

Navy ship to be immortalised as artificial reef - Karwar News - Economic Times

2008-07-10T20:50:00.001+05:30

A decommissioned Indian Navy ship has become part of an environmental project to showcase the country's marine life - offering adventure tourists opportunities for underwater tours of the vessel.

The ship, which has been sunk off the Karnataka coast in the Arabian sea, will serve as an artificial reef and over time become a natural home to weeds, sea plants, fishes and other creatures of the sea.

The ship, Seaward Defence Boat T-54, had guarded the country's maritime borders for 23 years from the time it was commissioned in September 1982.

The 162-tonne vessel, also known as 'The Ever Vigilant', was sunk off Karwar Port January 30. Prior to this, it was brought for "final preparations" to Karwar, where the Indian Navy is developing a major base.

The electrical wiring and the communication system were removed from the ship and traces of oil cleaned from the fuel tanks. The ship was then towed out, mines were fitted on the vessel and detonated, causing it to sink.

"The mines exploded and sea water rushed into the compartmets. After two blasts, the ship started sinking slowly - stern first and then the bow," an official said.

A survey conducted by a diver revealed the vessel was nestled on the seabed.

The area has initially been opened to professional divers as the underwater visibility has to improve to about six metres before it is possible to view the ship from glass-bottomed boats. The ship will also promote scuba diving as a sport.

Being a first of its kind of project for the Indian Navy, a lot of deliberation had gone into the identification of the site, and the planning and execution of the project.

"The weapon systems and most of the ship's machinery were removed after it was decommissioned. For the project, relevant parts of the ship which had to be cut away to give access were carefully photographed and demarcated," an official said describing the preparations before the ship was sunk.

"Moreover, in view of the strict naval guidelines for dismantling and cleaning the ship, all potential contaminants that could adversely effect marine life were removed to make T-54 as environmentally safe as possible," the official added.

Technorati : Navy ship to be immortalised as artificial reef - News - Economic Times Karwar

Swimming at the edge of Victoria Falls

2008-06-09T20:43:00.001+05:30

It may look insane, but the guy at the picture is not a Photoshoped silhouette placed over a fake landscape. He's swimming at the Devil’s Pool, a natural rock pool at the very top of the Victoria Falls, at Zimbabwe, with a height of about 100 metres.

From Wikitravel: You will have the opportunity to stand in shallow water, 2 inches (literally) from where the water gushes over the edge of the falls, and swim in Devil's Pool, a reasonable current-free pool a couple of feet from the top of the falls, close enough to lean over the edge. This makes fantastic photo opportunities with a permanent rainbow from the mist of the falls behind you".
Source Link - http://fogonazos.blogspot.com/2008/02/swimming-at-edge-of-victoria-falls.html

Kaiga Trip - Three Water falls, Forest, Nuclear Plant...

2007-11-30T19:23:00.000+05:30

Route :- Karwar-40km-Kadra-5km-Mallapur-16km-Kaiga -via-Hartuga-15km-Baare-6km-Maavalli(Yellapur Taluk)

It had rained the preceding night, when at 3a.m. my friend Devrath Hanehali, Devu for short, landed up at Karwar Railway Station, for this visit. Left Karwar with a tank full petrol in my LML Vespa NV at 9-15a.m. Stopped at Gotegali village to view a bunch of kids enjoying their holidays, flying a kite, and then headed through Kadra village took the Kaiga Cross at Mallapur. Reached the Kaiga Check Post, where one road heads into the Nuclear Power Plant and the other heads up the hills to Maavalli, which is the subject of this trip. One has to pass before the Kadra Dam, and

After a brief "check-up" with the Police at the check post, we started up the hill on the Vespa....
We saw this view of the Nuclear Power Plant from the top... Looks so insecure, if this is what our system means by "National Security" then breaching it may be kids'play.. It is said that the road will be widened for free movement of traffic, and then God save us from Terror threats !!
The Road is a single Road, ravaged by heavy rainfall, and as one heads up the road, you can come across three water-falls on the road side, and one huge waterfall that is slightly down the road. The place is infested with blood-sucking Leeches, that appear from nowhere to draw blood, and you wont even know it.

Along the road you can find three pristine waterfalls, and as you near the peak of the mountain, there is a huge waterfall that you will come to know by hearing its roar... Devu had been to this waterfall even before the Nuclear Power Plant was completed, and this is said to be visible from the Plant. The Views there are capable to making it to your Desktop Screens as wallpapers. Such is the pristine greenery and natural beauty of the Rain Forest.
As you reach the plateau (main land) you are immediately greeted by paddy fields (it was October) and then later the Village starts. This is a massive country-side house that we came across just beside the Road. The house not less than 4000sq.ft carpet area is owned by a Farmer - Bella Kunabi. Check out the slide show for more pictures of the house.

How to Package Your Passion Into Your Adventure Travel Tours? - by Joyce Leong

2007-11-20T21:30:00.000+05:30

Ideas to help you on thinking and planning for your adventure travel vacation.

People often ask: What would you think of a certain adventure travel tour? But it order to answer to this question, you will need to boil down to one thing: What is your definition of adventure?

If you were to flip through and look into the dictionary for the meaning of adventure, you will find out that it could mean anything from an unusual or exciting experience to taking a bold risk just for fun. Though everyone's idea of adventure is different, but it should not be deviate too far from the explanation.

What is Your Definition of Adventure Travel Tour?
So, the first step is to identify what adventure means to you? Like I said, everyone's definition of adventure is not going to be similar. A person may think that having to tour around haunted houses or bird watching is an adventure, while others may think that sky diving or bungee jumping can be considered as an adventure. Hence it is pretty much on how you would definite your adventure which may be different from others.

What is Your Passion?
Before getting too far, ask yourself what is your passion? What would you like to do? Think for a moment, what would you think of as a passion that is appealing enough to turn into an adventurous vacation?
Let's say for an example, if you love to go trekking. And most often, you would only be going hiking in the forest of your state or within your country. This is your passion. How about having it together with your vacation, going beyond the forests in your country? It is going to be a different experience altogether.

Packing Your Passion With Adventure Travel Vacation
Now you have found exactly what your passion is, we will translate this passion into an adventure travel tour. Here are some examples that you could take into consideration for your adventure travel package.

If you love backpacking, your adventure could take you into Appalachian Mountains or even to Machu Pichhu in Peru.
If you are into archaeological or culinary interests, you can take up adventure travel tours to the ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico, or exploit on the cooking classes on a vineyard tour in France.
Now, if these do not interest you, and being a sporty person, you prefer more exciting and thrilling action adventure travel tours, these are what you can think of - extreme sports adventure travel tours.
How about going for a ride against the white water rapids at the Colorado River? Otherwise, think about the excitement that you are going to get from the cage diving with Great White sharks in Australia or Africa.
Regardless of your, your interest is, adventures that you would like to venture, or extreme sport that you like to try out, there is always an adventure waiting just for you.

Source :- http://www.trifter.com/Practical-Travel/Adventure-Travel/How-to-Package-Your-Passion-Into-Your-Adventure-Travel-Tours.37087

10 Most Affordable Extreme Things To Do Before You Die - by Nelson Doyle

2007-11-20T21:26:00.000+05:30

Wow, get an adrenaline rush without having to sell your firstborn to go on a vacation of a lifetime.
Everyone deep down inside wants to experience the thrills of adventure before they die and these “10 most affordable extreme things to do before you die” are the ultimate adventures for the average person. Staring death in the face does not have to cost you your firstborn child anymore.

DRIVE A PROFESSIONAL NASCAR STOCK CAR
NASCAR is considered to be one of the most widely viewed sporting competitions in the USA and due to its popularity a cottage industry was created to fuel the ultimate fan demands. Now fans can visit a racing school to learn how the car(s) work and learn how to actually drive them under racing conditions. After several hours of classroom time and a few quick laps around the racetrack with an instructor, then you will be let loose on the track to take your solo laps. Can you even imagine the pure excitement you will get pushing the petal to the metal and racing around the racetrack at 160 mph.
There are racing schools located all over the United States and prices do vary depending on which racing package that the customer chooses. Prices typically range from $399.00 (8 laps) - $2899.00 (100 solo laps) and there is even a package for the people who would prefer to ride and not do any driving starting at $129.00.
This extreme sport is not only affordable, but also extremely dangerous in an exciting way.

GO SKYDIVING
Skydiving is a high-speed aerial sport that exposes its participants to the real risk of injury and death, however it is this kind of risk coupled with the sensation of diving towards the earth at over 200 mph makes this extreme sport worth doing.
Prices do vary depending on what package the client selects, but you can expect to cough up about $85 to $200 (for a static line jump) and up to $300 for a tandem jump (that's with an instructor attached to your back). Skydiving equipment, airplane ride and instruction is usually included in these prices. Always ask travel agents or skydiving instructors about all associated costs before reserving a seat on the plane.

BUNGEE JUMP OFF OF THE BLOUKRANS BRIDGE
Bloukrans is the largest and highest bridge in Africa, the third highest bridge and the largest single span arch bridge in the world. The Guinness World Records has recognized the Bloukrans Bridge as the Highest Commercially Operating Bungee in the World suspended at 216 meters (708.6614 feet) over the Bloukrans River.
Bungee jumping from these heights requires a life and death attitude even before stepping out onto the specially designed catwalk located just beneath the road surface. Whether you decide to make the leap on your own accordance or you are like me and will need a gentle nudge off of the platform, the heart-pounding rush of adrenaline must be unimaginably freeing to the soul.
Taking a leap of faith like this is not all that expensive if you are already visiting Africa. Again, prices do very depending on which package is selected, but an inexpensive package generally starts at R580.00 (USD $85.08466 currency rate on October 09, 2007).
More about this bridge, then checkout this site that I had found while doing research. After I discovered David Barrett's website and blog, I was totally impressed and engaged with his travels and experiences that he shares with the world.

SHOT OVER JET BOAT RIDE (NEW ZEALAND)
If you are a boating enthusiast, then taking a Shot Over Jet Boat Ride is absolutely an insane water thrill ride. The Shot Over Jet Boat hydroplanes across water only a few inches deep, barely avoiding sharp rocks and canyon walls all the while reaching top speeds of 55 mph. You tell me that this ride would not be a total mind-blowing ride of a lifetime.
Not including travel expenses to New Zealand, reserving a seat on board a Shot Over Jet Boat starts at $69.00 (for children 5 to 15 years old) and $109 (For Adults) and for more information go to Shotoverjet.com.

WHITEWATER RAFTING (THE OCOEE RIVER)
Whitewater rafting is one of the most thrilling water activities on the planet. The Ocoee River is no tame beast by any stretch of the imagination as rafters are repeatedly faced with a new set of terrifying challenges around every bend. Experienced whitewater rafters are the only ones allowed to paddle this river solo and everyone else must attend a short safety course usually lasting about one-hour, then everyone is issued life jackets and paddles, before boarding the raft. A raft can carry 6 or 7 people including the river guide, but some outfitters do have larger boats that carry more people.
“The Ocoee River offers two separate sections of big waves, large drops and surging whitewater. This Tennessee River was the site for the whitewater canoe and kayaking events of the 1996 Olympic games. The Ocoee River produces the most continuous stretch of Class III and IV rapids of any river in the country”, according to Rolling Thunder River Company.
Price Range: $38.00 per person to $80.00 per person (depending on package type)

HIKE THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL (THRU-HIKING)
Hiking in general is not considered to be an extreme sport, but that old clique goes right out the window as soon as hiking the entire distance of the Appalachian Trail comes into play. The Appalachian Trail covers a distance of 2,175 miles from Maine to Georgia and hiking the entire length of the trail is a mammoth feat of endurance and skill. Hiking this distance usually takes six months navigating various types of terrains and overcoming all that Mother Nature has to throw at you along the way. Only 1 out of every 4 hikers ever finish this extreme hiking experience.
Depending on how much hiking and camping gear that the hikers already own, then the cost of this trip will vary from $3000.00 to $5000.00 per individual hiker to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. Along the trail hikers can visit towns and cities that dot the landscape and take a hot shower, purchase more supplies and send out mail.

HANG GLIDING
Flying like a bird and soaring through the sky while skillfully navigating the unseen wind is one of the coolest places to be. Hang gliding is a sport that can cost an estimated $6000.00 in training to gain the required skills to fly as high as 10,000 feet, but there are places around the country that offer tandem flights for as little as $120.00. This is an adventure that will deliver the adrenaline at an affordable price.

ICE SAILING ACROSS A FROZEN LAKE
This is undeniably one of the most insanely fast land sports (without wheels) that an individual can do. Blazing across a frozen lake bed at speeds approaching 100 mph riding on nothing more than a blade-supported sailboat, just a few inches from the ground sounds frighteningly exciting. Let's not even think about wiping out at these high speeds.
Equipment Rental Price Range: $50.00 (half-day rental) - $120.00 (full-day rental)

ALPINE DOWNHILL SKIING
Whoosh to the right and swoosh to the left and lift-off over that slope. Tuck the arms in and bend the legs and speed over the cold, white snow at over 60 mph. Ok, maybe not that fast just starting out, but plenty of spills along the way while getting use to your ski legs. The great thing about skiing is that there is a bunny hill for the beginners and that there will always be that one guy who will blindly try the big hill, before he's ready. Look out for that tree!
Price rates vary according the ski package selected. Skiing still decently affordable for most middle income Americans and tourists.

STORM CHASING ADVENTURE
We have all seen those crazy people who chase after devastatingly powerful tornados and storms. Usually parked a few hundred yards from an approaching funnel cloud, then slowly and suddenly a tornado starts to twist the storm clouds about and the mighty wind bouts about everything that stands in its way. Now this experience can be yours for the low price of $2500 for 6 fun-filled days of tempting fate one tornado at a time.
Yes, it is totally true. There are several companies on the Internet that offer storm chasing tours that are designed for the public. Of course, these are professional storm chasing outfits and safety is the number one goal, so relax and enjoy a storm.
Source :- http://www.trifter.com/Practical-Travel/Adventure-Travel/10-Most-Affordable-Extreme-Things-To-Do-Before-You-Die.50999

White Water Rafting in India

2007-11-07T19:39:00.001+05:30

INTRODUCTION

If you want to get some kick, some change in life, or just to have some fun, river rafting can satisfy most of your desires. If you have the zeal, then go for the challenge and show others that you can do it. White-water rafting is not for fashionable thrill seekers, but for those who thrive on hair-soaking risks, which keep the adrenalin flowing overtime! The thrill of rushing down fast-flowing mountain streams a froth with huge waves, dashing against dangerous boulders and dizzy rapids, while you cling for dear life dependent on a fragile, inflatable rubber raft or dinghy.

Battle with the raging rapids and torrents as the rivers flow through picturesque mountains and icy waters froth over the boulders and cut their way through deep gorges. Or, alternately, sit back and enjoy floating on the river.
White-water rafting has come of age in India. With its numerous rivers, mostly in the Himalayas, providing perfect destinations for this sport, India has a natural advantage over the other countries in the world calling the adventurous in you to unwind yourself.

River rafting as an adventure sports is not quite old for India; in fact, most of the people have come to know about it only in the last two decades.

General Information
Type
White-water rafting is a high-altitude, water adventure

Levels of Difficulty
Rivers are graded on a scale of 1 to 6 depending on the state of the water and the skill required to navigate them-level 1 being for the beginners while level 6 for persons who have lost love for life.

Physical Requirements
Persons suffering from a weak heart, epilepsy, diabetes, or any other serous ailments or expecting mothers are not permitted on the rapids. The lower age limit for white-water rafting is 14 years on all sections expect the float trips where it is relaxed to 10 years. Non-swimmers may be restricted to certain sections of the river on the advice of the river guide

EQUIPMENT
The main equipment is a raft made of special materials, which lend both strength and lightness. Usually, rafts have inflatable compartments with vulcanized rubber bodies reinforced by nylon fabric and neoprene. This enables the raft to go over sharp rocks without tearing. The raft is commonly made available by the clubs and organizers through which you participate in this program. Other kits include life jackets and helmets.

You need to carry with you a sleeping bag, sneakers, light synthetic quick drying clothes for the river, swimsuit, shorts and T-shirts, sun shades/glasses, suntan lotion, a torch and two pairs of shoes.

MAJOR DESTINATIONS
The mighty river Ganga plays host to river running. The 70-km stretch from Devprayag to Rishikesh is the venue of this relatively young sport. In the last few years, river rafting has become increasingly popular and several camps have come up along this stretch. The rapids have been graded according to the difficulty of the run.

Uttar Pradesh has many other sites where one can go river rafting. In Garhwal, the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, the main tributaries of the Ganga, meet at Devprayag, where their foaming waters provide excellent river-rafting opportunities. As the Ganga traverses down from Devprayag, it offers some fine stretches for the amateur rafter. In Kumaon, the river Sharda (or Kali Ganga) flows down from Nepal to meet the Gori River at Jauljivi. This stretch of water is suited for more experienced river rafters, as the rapids are grade 4 or above. However, in the lower reaches, the waters are calmer and even novices can enjoy this stretch.

Other sites for white-water rafting that have been identified include Barkot to Lakha Mandal and Damta to Yamuna Bridge on the river Yamuna, Mori to Tuni on the river Tons, Kalisor to Srinagar and Srinagar to Bagwan on river Alaknanda, Ghansali to Gadolia on the river Bhilangana, Chandrapuri to Rudraprayag on the river Mandakini, and many stretches along the river Bhagirathi, both for professionals and amateurs.

River rafting is also organized in the other parts of India. The Indus and Zanskar rivers, which flow through the arid ranges of Ladakh, offer gentler trips with gradations ranging from one to two. River Chenab has a 130-km stretch from Kishtwar to Ramban where the rapids are graded from one to six.

Sikkim also offers good river stretches for rafting. The Teesta and Rangeet are two major rivers on which river rafting is possible in this tiny state of eastern India. Two major stretches are Makha-Sirwani-Bardang-Rongpo on the Teesta and Sikip-Jorethang-Majitar-Melli on the Rangeet.

Best Time
There is no fixed time to indulge in this sport. India being a large country, most of the rivers provide different times of the year to participate in it. Practically you have a stretch of around 8 months starting from May to November to participate in your favorite pastime.
Alaknanda October to November
Bhagirathi Mid-September to mid-May
Ganga Mid-September to mid-May
Beas May to June
Indus July to September
Zanskar July to September

THE PROCESS
River rafting can be a child’s play if you know how to go for it but it can also become a devil’s game if you don’t. Safety is the key to a successful river-rafting expedition. Don’t go for it in a hurry. If you are a first timer, start with Grade 1 and learn the tricks of the trade under the guidance of expert rafters. Believe it, this may prove to be the experience of a lifetime. The raft is navigated by an experienced helmsman who is familiar with the topography. Sometimes, every member pitches in the rowing in order to match the river’s might. Though beginners can also enjoy white-water rafting, all precautions such as wearing life jackets and crash helmet must be taken. The guides and organizers usually make all back-up arrangements for evacuation and medical attention in case of a mishap.

IMPORTANT EVENTS
Indian River Running Association organizes Four Square White-Water Rafting Challenge every year in the months of March/April at Rishikesh. Many teams from all over India participate in the competition to give a display of their talents. Any person who is medically fit can participate in this competition, by paying an entry fee of Rs. 1,000.

RESOURCES
Institutes
No formal training is required to participate in this sport. All you need is to know a bit of swimming (even this can be dispensed with if you are not going to participate in grades above 2 or 3) and some amount of madness! The Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports provide some basic courses in water sports at Manali, but they are not exactly structured for this sport
Permits and Government Agencies
Many regions in India have been put under restricted area list and special permits are required for undertaking white-water rafting in these areas. In most cases, the Ministry of Home Affairs, consulates/embassies/high commissions of Government of India and foreign residents’ registration offices can provide these permits. Given below is a list of these areas in the states concerned with names of the authorities to contact for permits.

Himachal Pradesh
1. Poo-Khab-Sumdho-Dhankar-Tabo Gompa-Kaza circuit
2. Morang-Dabling circuit

The district magistrate and director general of police of the state are entitled to grant these permits, apart from the regular channels listed above. The Special Commissioner (Tourism) and Resident Commissioner, Government of Himachal Pradesh, Himachal Bhawan, New Delhi also grant such permits. Inner-line permits for the districts of Lahaul and Spiti can be taken from Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Block II, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110 003. Special permits are required for trekking only. Individual tourists are not permitted to visit these areas.

Sikkim
1. Gangtok
2. Rumtek
3. Phodong
4. Pemayangtse Khecheperi
5. Tashigang

Individual tourists are permitted in these circuits. A maximum of 15 days is allowed. The state government, if necessary, can grant an extension of 15 days on request in the written form.

6. Dzongri in West Sikkim

Individual tourists are not permitted to visit this place. Tourists groups can stay for a period of 16 days.

7. Tsangu (Changu Lake in East Sikkim)

Individual tourists are not permitted. Permit is valid for day visit only. Tourist groups are expected to travel on identified tour circuits only.

8. Mangan, Tong, Singhik, Changthang, Lachung and Yumthang

Individual tourists are not permitted in these circuits. Tourist groups are allowed to stay for five days only.

For more information on getting permits inside Sikkim, tourists may contact Commissioner and Resident Deputy Director (Tourism), Sikkim House, 12 Panchsheel Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi (Phone: 011-3010747, 3013026).

In Gangtok, one can contact the offices of Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, and Secretary (Tourism) of the Government of Sikkim.

Jammu and Kashmir

1. Khaltse Subdivision (Drokahpa Area): Khaltse-Dunkhar-Skroduchan-Hanudo-Biana-Dha
2. Nubra Subdivision
a) Leh-Khardung La-Khalsar-Tirit up to Panasik
b) Leh-Khardung La-Khalsar up to Hunder
c) Leh-Sabo-Digar La-Digar-Labab-Khungru Gompa-Tangar (only for trekking conducted by approved tour operators and accompanied by state police personnel)
3. Nyona Subdivision
a) Leh-Upshi-Chumathang-Mahe-Puga-Tso-Moari Lake/Korzok
b) Leh-Upshi-Debring-Puga-Tso-Moari Lake/Korzok
c) Leh-Karu-Chang La-Durbuk-Tangtse-Lukung-Spankmik
d) Pangong Lake up to Spankmik

The Ministry of Home Affairs and the district magistrates of the respective areas grant permits.

PRECAUTIONS

1. Always verify the credentials of the organizers: whether they are recognized or not and how much experience they have in organizing such events. Try to go for the operators who are recognized by the government.
2. Your navigator should have enough experience of conducting such expeditions and he should be qualified enough.
3. An oar boat can generally take a maximum of eight persons; do not try to accommodate more people on to the boat, as it can prove hazardous.
4. Try to study the river stretch from the land to decide on the grade.
5. You should have enough rations to survive and all the regular medicines that may be required in the journey. A first-aid box should also be at hand and 2-3 persons of the group must know how to handle if some accidents occur.
6. All the members of the group should be briefed about environmental protection and its importance. Do not use detergents or any chemical in the river; do not cut any tree, or leave anything that degrades the quality of the environment.
7. Rescue jackets and safety helmets should be worn by all with enough backup resources and medical facilities on the bank.
8. Do not defecate in the 30-m range of the river at places where no toilet facilities are available. Try your best to bury or cover the waste.
9. Avoid breathing when you are going under a rapid or when you are submerged.
10. Do not wear synthetic clothes, saris, or dupattas that may create problems during the rafting. Try to wear natural cotton products that will prove helpful.

Top Five Tips for Hiking with Children

2007-10-19T20:11:00.000+05:30

Top Five Tips for Hiking with Children
by Melanie Schwear, Jul 8, 2007

It is fun to get out in nature with the family. It provides some quality alone time and a good dose of important exercise. Hiking with your children is a wonderful thing.

Below are five tips on how to have a safe and enjoyable hike with children.

1. Proper Clothing and Shoes
All members of the family should wear proper clothing and shoes on a hike. For short hikes, sneakers or cross-trainers will probably suffice. For longer hikes, however, both adults and children will benefit from properly fitting hiking boots.
When hiking with children, it is important to dress them in comfortable, non-binding or chafing clothing. Children will complain readily if their collar is too tight or their waistband rubs their belly. Long pants thick enough to deter thorns and insects are a must for hiking children.

2. Hiking Sticks for Everyone
Hiking sticks can help with balance and support on tricky hiking trails. When hiking with children, provide hiking sticks that are the right size and weight for them. Hiking sticks can either be found wooden branches that are smooth and sturdy, or man made, purchased varieties. The hiking stick for children should be narrow enough for them to grip and not to heavy.

3. Planning the Route
If a hiking trip is too long, children are apt to complain. Be sure to plan the route before you set out. Either plan to hike in a loop that will take you back to the car or campsites, or hike half the distance out and half back. When hiking with children, it is a great idea to map out the route with them beforehand. They will enjoy following the map and knowing how far they still have to go.

4. Drinks and Snacks
Everyone needs some nourishing drinks and snacks while hiking. The most important thing to carry along when hiking with children is plenty of water. You could also bring sports drink. When hiking with children, it is also a great idea to bring fun snacks that can be carried along. GORP (good old raisins and peanuts), or trail mix is the ultimate hiking snack. Dried fruit, peanut butter crackers, and granola bars are other good choices. Hiking with children takes a lot of energy, and healthy carbohydrates give a burst when you need it.

5. First Aid
When hiking with children, be sure to pack a first aid kit. Of course, adults can also be injured, but small children are more susceptible to cuts and scrapes. A small injury may make a child feel as if they cannot go on. An adult ready with the first aid kit will keep the hiking day more pleasant for children.
Hiking with children is important for physical exercise, appreciation of nature, and family together time. If you want a safe and fun experience, there are certain things you must remember. Staying within the bounds of ability and comfort is important when hiking with children.

Source :- http://www.trifter.com/Practical-Travel/Travel-with-Kids/Top-Five-Tips-for-Hiking-with-Children.33560

10 Most Affordable Extreme Things To Do Before You Die

2007-10-19T20:03:00.001+05:30

10 Most Affordable Extreme Things To Do Before You Die
by Nelson Doyle, Oct 10, 2007

Wow, get an adrenaline rush without having to sell your firstborn to go on a vacation of a lifetime.

Everyone deep down inside wants to experience the thrills of adventure before they die and these “10 most affordable extreme things to do before you die” are the ultimate adventures for the average person. Staring death in the face does not have to cost you your firstborn child anymore.

DRIVE A PROFESSIONAL NASCAR STOCK CAR
NASCAR is considered to be one of the most widely viewed sporting competitions in the USA and due to its popularity a cottage industry was created to fuel the ultimate fan demands. Now fans can visit a racing school to learn how the car(s) work and learn how to actually drive them under racing conditions. After several hours of classroom time and a few quick laps around the racetrack with an instructor, then you will be let loose on the track to take your solo laps. Can you even imagine the pure excitement you will get pushing the petal to the metal and racing around the racetrack at 160 mph.
There are racing schools located all over the United States and prices do vary depending on which racing package that the customer chooses. Prices typically range from $399.00 (8 laps) - $2899.00 (100 solo laps) and there is even a package for the people who would prefer to ride and not do any driving starting at $129.00.
This extreme sport is not only affordable, but also extremely dangerous in an exciting way.

GO SKYDIVING
Skydiving is a high-speed aerial sport that exposes its participants to the real risk of injury and death, however it is this kind of risk coupled with the sensation of diving towards the earth at over 200 mph makes this extreme sport worth doing.
Prices do vary depending on what package the client selects, but you can expect to cough up about $85 to $200 (for a static line jump) and up to $300 for a tandem jump (that's with an instructor attached to your back). Skydiving equipment, airplane ride and instruction is usually included in these prices. Always ask travel agents or skydiving instructors about all associated costs before reserving a seat on the plane.

BUNGEE JUMP OFF OF THE BLOUKRANS BRIDGE
Bloukrans is the largest and highest bridge in Africa, the third highest bridge and the largest single span arch bridge in the world. The Guinness World Records has recognized the Bloukrans Bridge as the Highest Commercially Operating Bungee in the World suspended at 216 meters (708.6614 feet) over the Bloukrans River.
Bungee jumping from these heights requires a life and death attitude even before stepping out onto the specially designed catwalk located just beneath the road surface. Whether you decide to make the leap on your own accordance or you are like me and will need a gentle nudge off of the platform, the heart-pounding rush of adrenaline must be unimaginably freeing to the soul.
Taking a leap of faith like this is not all that expensive if you are already visiting Africa. Again, prices do very depending on which package is selected, but an inexpensive package generally starts at R580.00 (USD $85.08466 currency rate on October 09, 2007).
More about this bridge, then checkout this site that I had found while doing research. After I discovered David Barrett's website and blog, I was totally impressed and engaged with his travels and experiences that he shares with the world.

SHOT OVER JET BOAT RIDE (NEW ZEALAND)
If you are a boating enthusiast, then taking a Shot Over Jet Boat Ride is absolutely an insane water thrill ride. The Shot Over Jet Boat hydroplanes across water only a few inches deep, barely avoiding sharp rocks and canyon walls all the while reaching top speeds of 55 mph. You tell me that this ride would not be a total mind-blowing ride of a lifetime.
Not including travel expenses to New Zealand, reserving a seat on board a Shot Over Jet Boat starts at $69.00 (for children 5 to 15 years old) and $109 (For Adults) and for more information go to Shotoverjet.com.

WHITEWATER RAFTING (THE OCOEE RIVER)
Whitewater rafting is one of the most thrilling water activities on the planet. The Ocoee River is no tame beast by any stretch of the imagination as rafters are repeatedly faced with a new set of terrifying challenges around every bend. Experienced whitewater rafters are the only ones allowed to paddle this river solo and everyone else must attend a short safety course usually lasting about one-hour, then everyone is issued life jackets and paddles, before boarding the raft. A raft can carry 6 or 7 people including the river guide, but some outfitters do have larger boats that carry more people.
“The Ocoee River offers two separate sections of big waves, large drops and surging whitewater. This Tennessee River was the site for the whitewater canoe and kayaking events of the 1996 Olympic games. The Ocoee River produces the most continuous stretch of Class III and IV rapids of any river in the country”, according to Rolling Thunder River Company.
Price Range: $38.00 per person to $80.00 per person (depending on package type)

HIKE THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL (THRU-HIKING)
Hiking in general is not considered to be an extreme sport, but that old clique goes right out the window as soon as hiking the entire distance of the Appalachian Trail comes into play. The Appalachian Trail covers a distance of 2,175 miles from Maine to Georgia and hiking the entire length of the trail is a mammoth feat of endurance and skill. Hiking this distance usually takes six months navigating various types of terrains and overcoming all that Mother Nature has to throw at you along the way. Only 1 out of every 4 hikers ever finish this extreme hiking experience.
Depending on how much hiking and camping gear that the hikers already own, then the cost of this trip will vary from $3000.00 to $5000.00 per individual hiker to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. Along the trail hikers can visit towns and cities that dot the landscape and take a hot shower, purchase more supplies and send out mail.

HANG GLIDING
Flying like a bird and soaring through the sky while skillfully navigating the unseen wind is one of the coolest places to be. Hang gliding is a sport that can cost an estimated $6000.00 in training to gain the required skills to fly as high as 10,000 feet, but there are places around the country that offer tandem flights for as little as $120.00. This is an adventure that will deliver the adrenaline at an affordable price.

ICE SAILING ACROSS A FROZEN LAKE
This is undeniably one of the most insanely fast land sports (without wheels) that an individual can do. Blazing across a frozen lake bed at speeds approaching 100 mph riding on nothing more than a blade-supported sailboat, just a few inches from the ground sounds frighteningly exciting. Let's not even think about wiping out at these high speeds.
Equipment Rental Price Range: $50.00 (half-day rental) - $120.00 (full-day rental)

ALPINE DOWNHILL SKIING
Whoosh to the right and swoosh to the left and lift-off over that slope. Tuck the arms in and bend the legs and speed over the cold, white snow at over 60 mph. Ok, maybe not that fast just starting out, but plenty of spills along the way while getting use to your ski legs. The great thing about skiing is that there is a bunny hill for the beginners and that there will always be that one guy who will blindly try the big hill, before he's ready. Look out for that tree!
Price rates vary according the ski package selected. Skiing still decently affordable for most middle income Americans and tourists.

STORM CHASING ADVENTURE
We have all seen those crazy people who chase after devastatingly powerful tornados and storms. Usually parked a few hundred yards from an approaching funnel cloud, then slowly and suddenly a tornado starts to twist the storm clouds about and the mighty wind bouts about everything that stands in its way. Now this experience can be yours for the low price of $2500 for 6 fun-filled days of tempting fate one tornado at a time.
Yes, it is totally true. There are several companies on the Internet that offer storm chasing tours that are designed for the public. Of course, these are professional storm chasing outfits and safety is the number one goal, so relax and enjoy a storm.

Source :- http://www.trifter.com/Practical-Travel/Adventure-Travel/10-Most-Affordable-Extreme-Things-To-Do-Before-You-Die.50999/2

How to Package Your Passion Into Your Adventure Travel Tours?

2007-10-19T19:55:00.000+05:30

How to Package Your Passion Into Your Adventure Travel Tours?
by Joyce Leong, Jul 29, 2007

Ideas to help you on thinking and planning for your adventure travel vacation.
People often ask: What would you think of a certain adventure travel tour? But it order to answer to this question, you will need to boil down to one thing:

What is your definition of adventure?
If you were to flip through and look into the dictionary for the meaning of adventure, you will find out that it could mean anything from an unusual or exciting experience to taking a bold risk just for fun. Though everyone's idea of adventure is different, but it should not be deviate too far from the explanation.

What is Your Definition of Adventure Travel Tour?
So, the first step is to identify what adventure means to you? Like I said, everyone's definition of adventure is not going to be similar. A person may think that having to tour around haunted houses or bird watching is an adventure, while others may think that sky diving or bungee jumping can be considered as an adventure. Hence it is pretty much on how you would definite your adventure which may be different from others.

What is Your Passion?
Before getting too far, ask yourself what is your passion? What would you like to do? Think for a moment, what would you think of as a passion that is appealing enough to turn into an adventurous vacation?
Let's say for an example, if you love to go trekking. And most often, you would only be going hiking in the forest of your state or within your country. This is your passion. How about having it together with your vacation, going beyond the forests in your country? It is going to be a different experience altogether.
Packing Your Passion With Adventure Travel Vacation
Now you have found exactly what your passion is, we will translate this passion into an adventure travel tour. Here are some examples that you could take into consideration for your adventure travel package.
If you love backpacking, your adventure could take you into Appalachian Mountains or even to Machu Pichhu in Peru.
If you are into archaeological or culinary interests, you can take up adventure travel tours to the ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico, or exploit on the cooking classes on a vineyard tour in France.
Now, if these do not interest you, and being a sporty person, you prefer more exciting and thrilling action adventure travel tours, these are what you can think of - extreme sports adventure travel tours.
How about going for a ride against the white water rapids at the Colorado River? Otherwise, think about the excitement that you are going to get from the cage diving with Great White sharks in Australia or Africa.
Regardless of your, your interest is, adventures that you would like to venture, or extreme sport that you like to try out, there is always an adventure waiting just for you.

Source :- http://www.trifter.com/Practical-Travel/Adventure-Travel/How-to-Package-Your-Passion-Into-Your-Adventure-Travel-Tours.37087

10 Most Affordable Extreme Things To Do Before You Die

2007-10-19T19:49:00.000+05:30

10 Most Affordable Extreme Things To Do Before You Die
- by Nelson Doyle, Oct 10, 2007

Wow, get an adrenaline rush without having to sell your firstborn to go on a vacation of a lifetime.
Everyone deep down inside wants to experience the thrills of adventure before they die and these “10 most affordable extreme things to do before you die” are the ultimate adventures for the average person. Staring death in the face does not have to cost you your firstborn child anymore.

DRIVE A PROFESSIONAL NASCAR STOCK CAR
NASCAR is considered to be one of the most widely viewed sporting competitions in the USA and due to its popularity a cottage industry was created to fuel the ultimate fan demands. Now fans can visit a racing school to learn how the car(s) work and learn how to actually drive them under racing conditions. After several hours of classroom time and a few quick laps around the racetrack with an instructor, then you will be let loose on the track to take your solo laps. Can you even imagine the pure excitement you will get pushing the petal to the metal and racing around the racetrack at 160 mph.
There are racing schools located all over the United States and prices do vary depending on which racing package that the customer chooses. Prices typically range from $399.00 (8 laps) - $2899.00 (100 solo laps) and there is even a package for the people who would prefer to ride and not do any driving starting at $129.00.
This extreme sport is not only affordable, but also extremely dangerous in an exciting way.

GO SKYDIVING
Skydiving is a high-speed aerial sport that exposes its participants to the real risk of injury and death, however it is this kind of risk coupled with the sensation of diving towards the earth at over 200 mph makes this extreme sport worth doing.
Prices do vary depending on what package the client selects, but you can expect to cough up about $85 to $200 (for a static line jump) and up to $300 for a tandem jump (that's with an instructor attached to your back). Skydiving equipment, airplane ride and instruction is usually included in these prices. Always ask travel agents or skydiving instructors about all associated costs before reserving a seat on the plane.

BUNGEE JUMP OFF OF THE BLOUKRANS BRIDGE
Bloukrans is the largest and highest bridge in Africa, the third highest bridge and the largest single span arch bridge in the world. The Guinness World Records has recognized the Bloukrans Bridge as the Highest Commercially Operating Bungee in the World suspended at 216 meters (708.6614 feet) over the Bloukrans River.
Bungee jumping from these heights requires a life and death attitude even before stepping out onto the specially designed catwalk located just beneath the road surface. Whether you decide to make the leap on your own accordance or you are like me and will need a gentle nudge off of the platform, the heart-pounding rush of adrenaline must be unimaginably freeing to the soul.
Taking a leap of faith like this is not all that expensive if you are already visiting Africa. Again, prices do very depending on which package is selected, but an inexpensive package generally starts at R580.00 (USD $85.08466 currency rate on October 09, 2007).
More about this bridge, then checkout this site that I had found while doing research. After I discovered David Barrett's website and blog, I was totally impressed and engaged with his travels and experiences that he shares with the world.

SHOT OVER JET BOAT RIDE (NEW ZEALAND)
If you are a boating enthusiast, then taking a Shot Over Jet Boat Ride is absolutely an insane water thrill ride. The Shot Over Jet Boat hydroplanes across water only a few inches deep, barely avoiding sharp rocks and canyon walls all the while reaching top speeds of 55 mph. You tell me that this ride would not be a total mind-blowing ride of a lifetime.
Not including travel expenses to New Zealand, reserving a seat on board a Shot Over Jet Boat starts at $69.00 (for children 5 to 15 years old) and $109 (For Adults) and for more information go to Shotoverjet.com.

WHITEWATER RAFTING (THE OCOEE RIVER)
Whitewater rafting is one of the most thrilling water activities on the planet. The Ocoee River is no tame beast by any stretch of the imagination as rafters are repeatedly faced with a new set of terrifying challenges around every bend. Experienced whitewater rafters are the only ones allowed to paddle this river solo and everyone else must attend a short safety course usually lasting about one-hour, then everyone is issued life jackets and paddles, before boarding the raft. A raft can carry 6 or 7 people including the river guide, but some outfitters do have larger boats that carry more people.
“The Ocoee River offers two separate sections of big waves, large drops and surging whitewater. This Tennessee River was the site for the whitewater canoe and kayaking events of the 1996 Olympic games. The Ocoee River produces the most continuous stretch of Class III and IV rapids of any river in the country”, according to Rolling Thunder River Company.
Price Range: $38.00 per person to $80.00 per person (depending on package type)

HIKE THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL (THRU-HIKING)
Hiking in general is not considered to be an extreme sport, but that old clique goes right out the window as soon as hiking the entire distance of the Appalachian Trail comes into play. The Appalachian Trail covers a distance of 2,175 miles from Maine to Georgia and hiking the entire length of the trail is a mammoth feat of endurance and skill. Hiking this distance usually takes six months navigating various types of terrains and overcoming all that Mother Nature has to throw at you along the way. Only 1 out of every 4 hikers ever finish this extreme hiking experience.
Depending on how much hiking and camping gear that the hikers already own, then the cost of this trip will vary from $3000.00 to $5000.00 per individual hiker to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. Along the trail hikers can visit towns and cities that dot the landscape and take a hot shower, purchase more supplies and send out mail.

HANG GLIDING
Flying like a bird and soaring through the sky while skillfully navigating the unseen wind is one of the coolest places to be. Hang gliding is a sport that can cost an estimated $6000.00 in training to gain the required skills to fly as high as 10,000 feet, but there are places around the country that offer tandem flights for as little as $120.00. This is an adventure that will deliver the adrenaline at an affordable price.

ICE SAILING ACROSS A FROZEN LAKE
This is undeniably one of the most insanely fast land sports (without wheels) that an individual can do. Blazing across a frozen lake bed at speeds approaching 100 mph riding on nothing more than a blade-supported sailboat, just a few inches from the ground sounds frighteningly exciting. Let's not even think about wiping out at these high speeds.
Equipment Rental Price Range: $50.00 (half-day rental) - $120.00 (full-day rental)

ALPINE DOWNHILL SKIING
Whoosh to the right and swoosh to the left and lift-off over that slope. Tuck the arms in and bend the legs and speed over the cold, white snow at over 60 mph. Ok, maybe not that fast just starting out, but plenty of spills along the way while getting use to your ski legs. The great thing about skiing is that there is a bunny hill for the beginners and that there will always be that one guy who will blindly try the big hill, before he's ready. Look out for that tree!
Price rates vary according the ski package selected. Skiing still decently affordable for most middle income Americans and tourists.

STORM CHASING ADVENTURE
We have all seen those crazy people who chase after devastatingly powerful tornados and storms. Usually parked a few hundred yards from an approaching funnel cloud, then slowly and suddenly a tornado starts to twist the storm clouds about and the mighty wind bouts about everything that stands in its way. Now this experience can be yours for the low price of $2500 for 6 fun-filled days of tempting fate one tornado at a time.
Yes, it is totally true. There are several companies on the Internet that offer storm chasing tours that are designed for the public. Of course, these are professional storm chasing outfits and safety is the number one goal, so relax and enjoy a storm.

Source :- http://www.trifter.com/Practical-Travel/Adventure-Travel/10-Most-Affordable-Extreme-Things-To-Do-Before-You-Die.50999

Trans Adventure

4 GUNA 4: The Great Indian Off Road Challenge | Cars N Bikes

God of World Freestyle Biking comes to India

Me, myself and the open road

Ecoride: Ride with xBhp to the lap of mighty Himalayas

4 x 4 Competition in Kerala- Wonderful Videos

World of Adventure - Bike Messengers

Royal Enfield Motorcycles, One Crazy Ride

Royal Enfield Commercials

Youth Hostels Association of India - West Bengal: PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION - NHTE 2010

PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION - NHTE 2010

Encounters with the masai and the king - Anjaly Thomas

Our Tryst with Doodh Sagar Waterfall, Goa

2008 Zirndorf Royal Enfield Trial

7 Reasons Why the World is Best Explored on Foot

Cycle rally to popularize tourist spots

Trek to Yana (Karwar District, Karnataka)

Yana

Location: India>Karnataka>KarwarNearest Towns: Sirsi, Kumta.Distances:From Bangalore: 400+ km From Sirsi: 40 km From Kumta: 25 km From Karwar :86 km

The best of the Ford Focus WRC in the 2006

Bicycles

Think Safety First When Using the Public Way

Bicycling Safety

On Biking: some bike slang for beginners - Brookline - Your Town - Boston.com

Yezdi Bindas Shoot

Travel like a Journalist

GIRLS, all geared up

YHAI conducts adventure training camp

Art of Travel - How to See the World

Table of Contents

Part One: Art of Travel

Part Two: Backpacking

Part Three: Compendium

Addendum

IntroductionI WROTE How to See the World because too many people are missing the experience of world travel, mainly because they don't realize how easy, fun, and economical it is to pack a bag and just go.

Trial Biking - Julien Dupont

Ride the World

3gp Rally car crashes into water « Free 3gp Video

Royal Enfield tour of Rajasthan

Same Day, Same Name, Totally Different Sports

Island Expedition 2009 - Udupi YHAI Unit

National Motor Bike Expedition by YHAI

Dates:

National Mountain Biking Expedition from YHAI, 19th August 2009

Karwar Wild Life Endangered

Top Gear Vietnam Adventure Scootering/Biking/Mopeding...

New Year Wishes to All !!

urban and freestyle trial in Lyon

2008 BMW R1200GS - Adventure Motorcycles

Aquarium Clock

BIKING EXPEDITION in Goa by YHAI

Mountain Biking Expedition in Leh - Ladakh by YHAI

Navy ship to be immortalised as artificial reef - Karwar News - Economic Times

Swimming at the edge of Victoria Falls

Kaiga Trip - Three Water falls, Forest, Nuclear Plant...

How to Package Your Passion Into Your Adventure Travel Tours? - by Joyce Leong

10 Most Affordable Extreme Things To Do Before You Die - by Nelson Doyle

White Water Rafting in India

Top Five Tips for Hiking with Children

10 Most Affordable Extreme Things To Do Before You Die

How to Package Your Passion Into Your Adventure Travel Tours?

10 Most Affordable Extreme Things To Do Before You Die

Location: India>Karnataka>Karwar
Nearest Towns: Sirsi, Kumta.
Distances:
From Bangalore: 400+ km From Sirsi: 40 km From Kumta: 25 km From Karwar :86 km

Introduction
I WROTE How to See the World because too many people are missing the experience of world travel, mainly because they don't realize how easy, fun, and economical it is to pack a bag and just go.