Journey to the Peaks: Riding the Ultraviolette F77 Day 11 Episode 14

 Ultraviolette F77 Ride

Journey to the Peaks

A Journey to Remember 💓

Panasonic Lumix S5

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Episode -14

DAY -11

I woke up and got ready, though it was raining lightly outside. I waited for updates on whether vehicles were being allowed through the Darcha check post, as heavy snowfall was reported at Baralacha La Pass. From my window, I could see vehicles lined up along the roads for several kilometers. Despite this, I decided to take a gamble and proceed towards Sarchu via Baralacha La Pass.

I checked in with my friends next door to see if they were prepared. They were also ready but had forgotten to carry backup fuel, crucial since there would be no fuel station for the next 400 kilometers. I advised them to buy fuel cans for backup, and they went back to the last fuel station. I decided to start my journey and ride slowly, allowing them to catch up with me later.

After thanking Lopzang for his hospitality and saying goodbye, I headed towards the check post, riding in the rain. A few minutes later, I reached Barsi Bridge and crossed it, arriving at the Darcha check post, which seemed to be closed. I was worried for a moment, but as soon as I parked to enquire, they started allowing bikes through. I was incredibly lucky and happy at that moment. The officers took my details and vehicle number, allowing me to pass. I believe I was the first bike to get through, and I continued riding on the empty roads, feeling a mix of exhilaration and relief.

The roads were in good condition, and I kept riding without much worry. I soon reached near Zing Zing Bar, encountering my first bad patch of roads and a water crossing. It was a scary moment, especially with heavy traffic and big vehicles honking aggressively. The stock tires of the F77 managed to grip adequately in the wet and snowy conditions, and I finally escaped that tricky patch, reaching Upper Zing Zing Bar. I stopped to inspect the bike as it was getting colder and started snowing. Seeing snowfall for the first time during the ride was a mesmerizing experience.

After the break, I headed towards the much-awaited Baralacha La Pass. The landscape was a winter wonderland, with snow covering everything except the black tarmac of the road. The Border Roads Organization (BRO) had done an excellent job of maintaining the roads and clearing the snow daily.

I stopped periodically to take pictures and soak in the beauty of nature, enjoying the pristine, snow-covered landscape. This ride was turning out to be an unforgettable adventure, filled with moments of awe and excitement.

By 11:30 am, I reached Baralacha La Pass. It was yet another remarkable achievement. The feeling was unparalleled, especially after ten days of travel from Chennai to this mesmerizing point. I never thought I would make it, and it was the very first time in my life I reached here on an electric bike (Ultraviolette F77), a feat no one had done before.

I got down, took some pictures with my mobile, and placed a UV sticker on the board to mark the achievement. It was snowing, and visibility was very low. Only a few people were there, enjoying and rejoicing in the moment. A few noticed my bike and started a conversation about the EV, intrigued by my journey.

After soaking in the moment and the incredible views, I moved on from there. The road was caved in between snow piles, which was a bit scary until I reached a safer, more open area. It took a long time before I saw the familiar sight of black rocks and grasslands again.

The sense of accomplishment was overwhelming, knowing I had navigated the challenging conditions and reached such a significant milestone in my journey. The beauty of the snow-covered landscape, combined with the thrill of riding through it on an electric bike, made for an unforgettable experience.

By 12 pm, I reached the plain areas and stopped near a beautifully frozen river. The scenery was stunning, and I couldn't resist a quick photography session to capture the breathtaking views. While I was there, a few people stopped by, intrigued by my Ultraviolette F77 and my journey. They inquired about the bike and my ride, expressed their best wishes, and we took some selfies together.

These interactions added to the joy of the moment, making me feel proud and happy about the journey and the milestones I was achieving. The support and curiosity from fellow travelers were heartwarming, reinforcing the sense of camaraderie that adventure brings. After a brief but fulfilling break, I was ready to continue my journey towards the next destination.

It was 12:45 pm when I entered Sarchu, and the charge on the bike was halfway depleted. I decided to top up the recharge in Sarchu at a camp referred by Abhishek. Unfortunately, there was zero network, so I couldn't contact anyone, but I had already gathered the necessary details before leaving Jispa, including the location of the camp area.

I needed to find the Gold Drop campsite and Mr. Vijay. By 1:15 pm, I located the campsite and started searching for him. They directed me back to a campsite I had crossed earlier. I found Vijay and introduced myself and my ride. Unfortunately, he informed me that they didn't have the facility to charge the bike and advised me to go ahead and wait near the dhaba area across a river bridge. He suggested approaching BRO (Border Roads Organization) for help.

I left the campsite, crossed the checkpost, and reached the dhaba. The river bridge was under repair, and the temporary bridge was challenging for bikes to cross. With caution, I managed to cross it safely. At the dhaba, I took a break, had some noodles and chai, and got a juice for later. The place was crowded with bike travelers taking a break. I met a guy from Delhi who turned out to be an auto journalist. He was shocked to see an F77 there, and we had a conversation before he left.

After some time, Vijay arrived and took me to the BRO to seek help for charging. Unfortunately, the available voltage was insufficient for my booster charger, leading to electrical fluctuations. They advised me to unplug, and my charging attempt failed. I felt worried and considered discontinuing the ride, but I needed some charge even to return to Jispa.

I spoke to Abhishek about the situation, and he suggested approaching the Indian Army for help, located on the other side near the campsite. He guided me and asked me to come back. Following his advice, I headed back, crossing the bridge again.

Climbing uphill on a rough road with rocks and sand, the rear tire got stuck. I managed to get it out but then slipped and fell on the right side with the bike. Fortunately, nothing major happened to me or the bike, except for a slight crack in the right side mirror and the brake lever being intact. I shouted for help, and after some time, two guys came running to assist. They lifted me and pushed me to a safe place.

That was a terrifying moment, and I felt disheartened. My heart was pounding, and I experienced muscle cramps. After taking some time to relax, I ensured the bike was good to go, crossed the checkpost, and finally reached the Indian Army camp.

Upon reaching the Indian Army camp, I was initially nervous seeing the heavily armed guards at the gate. Vijay, who had already arrived and conversed with the officials, delivered some disheartening news. Charging the bike seemed impossible at the moment as they were awaiting approval from a higher official. Vijay had to leave and suggested I return to the camp to stay the night and plan in the morning.

The guard near the checkpost room called me over, asking me to park the bike nearby and come inside to warm up. Inside, I met Rakesh Bhai, who was incredibly friendly and made me feel comfortable. He offered me hot water and later, chai, which provided much-needed relaxation. We discussed my journey, and he showed me a plug point to try charging the bike. Unfortunately, it wasn’t sufficient, and the attempt failed.

Rakesh Bhai reassured me that he would talk to the Major and seek permission to charge the bike. However, he mentioned it would take 3 to 4 hours to get an answer. In the meantime, he provided me with Maggie and tea, keeping me warm and comfortable.

By 6 pm, I received a positive sign. The officials allowed me inside the camp to charge the bike. I felt immense relief as I moved the bike and charger to a suitable plug point. While waiting, I was invited inside a room to warm up. To my delight, I found two Tamil-speaking individuals working there. They were extremely hospitable, offering me tea and Maggie, and they were keen to learn about my ride.

By 8:30 pm, the bike was fully charged. I thanked everyone profusely and headed back to Vijay's camp, as night travel was not permitted. Vijay helped me check into a tent stay and provided food and accommodation at a very reasonable price.

I made new friends and even received assistance in finding a charging point at the next camp, Pang. This experience, despite the initial challenges, ended on a high note with immense support and hospitality from everyone I met.

Read more about my journey...... >

                                      DAY 11 :  Distance Covered : 93 Km 

Read More Episode 15

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