KHARDUNG LA - The Highest Motorable Pass (Part 2)

In my first post i shared information regarding how to prepare your bike for Khardung La.
In this blog I'll share information about what other thing you need for this tour and what difficulties u'll face and how to fight them and continue your trip without hassle. 


How to Prepare Yourself for this Tour:
Motorcycle touring has its share of thrills and spills. While for most nothing comes close to touring on their beloved motorcycle, for some touring may leave a bitter memories. So in this part i'll let you know  how to prepare for any eventualities and come back with a grin on your face and fond memories.


The first Phase of preparation for any Motorcycle trip is the Psychological Part: You have to make sure that you are prepared to take the leap into the world of motorcycle touring. The biggest thing to understand is your limitations as well as your motorcycle's, the sooner you learn this, the sooner you will understand what motorcycle touring is all about.


Route: Choose a route that suits your riding style and skills. Choosing a route which is beyond your ability can leave you with a dented ego or worse! Learn to recognize your limitations and only then will you be able to improve them.


Start off  Small: Start going for rides that are few hours long. This will not only teach you the basics of riding on the highway, but will also build up your stamina. Remember, in motorcycle touring saddle time counts more than riding fast.
Once you get accustomed to highway riding, choose a popular tourist destination for your first long ride. This way you can be assured that roads will be in slightly better condition (not always true) and there will be a plenty of information available regarding the destination. A popular tourist destination is also likely to have a good network of roads, petrol pumps, service centers, communication, hotels etc. This will prove beneficial in case there is a breakdown.
A couple of trips like these will make you understand your riding style and skills. This will also boost your confidence and give you practical knowledge that no amount of reading will. Once you hit this phase, the only limitation factor for your trips would be budget and work/studies.


Preparing your Motorcycle:
Preparing your motorcycle for an upcoming trip is as essential as breathing. Get your motorcycle serviced from an authorized service center, ask the mechanic to check your bike for any parts that are showing signs of age/wear. Replace these parts at least couple of days before leaving for the trip, ride your motorcycle at least a 100 kms after changing the part to ensure its working optimally. Get your bike washed before leaving for any trip, a clean bike not only runs cooler it is also easier to spot oil leakage on a clean bike. Never go on any long trip with an engine oil that is more then 1000 kms old!


For more details about How to prepare your Bike for Khardun La check out my blog
http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8015249445522547275#editor/target=post;postID=2265169659009384702

Medicines

1. Your motorcycle's first aid kit.
2. Medicines for fever, cold, stomach ailment, headache, painkillers
3. For high altitude areas carry Diamox to combat Acute Mountain Sickness.
4. Sun Screen Lotion: Essential for touring in high altitude places.

Documents and Other Items:

Driving license, Motorcycle's original registration and insurance papers and pollution under control certificate.

Carry clothes that don't get dirty easily, also in cold climate wearing layers is a better option then wearing one thick jacket.Layers will not only gives you more protection against the elements, they will also help to scale down/up the level of warmth based on weather. Carry a water proof jacket and lower. Don't forget gloves and if possible get knee protector and motorcycle jacket with inbuilt body Armour.

Carry good shoes, most trekking shoes provide decent protection and at the same time are easy to walk in.

Most important carry a good helmet. Well i am wrong, don't carry it, wear it throughout the trip.
carry at least a liter of water all time and drink water regularly.
Carry spare cash all the time, in a remote village you are unlikely to find an ATM.
Carry your mobile phone and with a Postpaid connection with  activated roaming.
Carry a good map and compass, but if a road exists on the map it doesn't mean it will on the ground.
Get a saddle bag, they can carry a lot of luggage efficiently and you will still have a empty rear seat. Always pack your clothes and things in plastic bags, that way even if the water penetrates your bag, you will still have dry clothes. Also carry small plastic pouches for your mobile phone, wallet, camera and documents.
Beside this, don't don't forget to carry things like comb, soap, face wash, shampoo pouch, toothbrush, tooth paste, ear buds, lip guard, cold cream, deodorant, toilet and tissue papers.
If possible ride in a group of 2-6 people, this way isn't too large and you can be assured in case of a break down or any other problem you will have friends to help you. However choosing the right riding partner is also essential. if your attitude and riding skills/style doesn't match, there is a bound to be some friction, whereas good riding buddies can become your best buddies.


Dont's

• Don't ride rash
• Don't cut through traffic, when overtaking, honk more often than not, the vehicle ahead will make way for you.
• Don't insult any one.
• Don't believe a villager if he says road ahead is good, you might find other wise.
• Don't over strain yourself and your motorcycle.
• Don't leave garbage behind, especially plastic.
• Don't drink and ride.

Do's

• Click a lot of photos.
• Treat every one on the road respectfully, especially the sweet village folks you came across.
• Maintain a trip log.
• Use commonsense and have a sense of humor.

Information source: dcmtouring.com

KHARDUNG LA - Highest Motorable Pass of the World

In this post i am sharing the information regarding one of my dream to go to Khardung la (Leh) on my bike with friends. I have searched the internet and found several websites regarding how to reach there and how to plan your tour etc. But none of them gives you complete knowledge of the route and what precautions are to be taken while going on a Biking Trip to KHARDUNG LA. 

So I am trying to combine all the informations and give you a detailed overview, so that you can plan a safe and enjoyable trip.

Route and Map of Ladakh

As i belong to Jaipur(Rajasthan) i'll use Jaipur as the starting and ending point of the Journey.

STARTING POINT- JAIPUR

• JAIPUR - AMER - 11km
• AMER - SHAHPURA - 46km
• SHAHPURA - KOTPUTLI - 44km
• KOTPUTLI - BEHROR - 21km
• BEHROR - REWARI - 47km
• REWARI - GURGAON - 52km
• GURGAON - DELHI - 23km
• DELHI - SONIPATH - 47km
• SONIPATH - KURUKSHETRA - 113km
• KURUKSHETRA - AMBALA - 45km
• AMBALA - CHANDIGARH - 40km
• CHANDIGARH - PANCHKULA - 8km
• PANCHKULA - MANDI - 114km
• MANDI - KULU - 33km
• KULU - MANALI - 34km
• MANALI - ROHTANG JOT - 16km
• ROHTANG JOT - TANDI - 34km
• TANDI - JISPA - 21km
• JISPA - DARCHA - 7km
• DARCHA - SARCHU - 42km
• SARCHU - PANG - 32km
• PANG - UPSHI - 78km
• UPSHI - KARU - 12km
• KARU - LEH - 40km
• LEH - KHARDUNG LA - 37km

 This is the route from Jaipur To Khardung La.
Now i am describing the return journey. I have changed the route  so that you can expand your tour and explore new locations.
Return Journey- Khardung La to Jaipur

• Khardung La(Starting Point)
• Khardung La - Leh - 37km
• Leh - Magnetic Hills - 50km
• Leh - Kargil - 134km
• Kargil - Drass - 61km
• Drass - Srinagar - 140km
• Srinagar - Anantnag - 55km
• Anantnag - Udhampur - 181km
• Udhampur - Jammu - 66km
• Jammu - Pathankot - 107km
• Pathankot - Amritsar - 112km
• Amritsar - Jhalandhar - 83km
• Jhalandhar - Ludhiana - 59km
• Ludhiana - Ambala - 113km
• Ambala - Kurukshetra - 45km
• Kurukshetra - Sonipat - 143km
• Sonipat - Delhi - 47km
• Delhi - Jaipur - 258km

This will be the complete route of your Journey to KHARDUNG LA - THE HIGHEST MOTORABLE PASS OF THE WORLD. 

Now I'll will share about how to prepare your bike for this thrilling tour.

An arduous journey like Ladakh can take its toll, on not only the rider, bur also on the motorcycle.In places like Manali - Leh Highway, a mechanical failure can spell disaster. With Nearest town Kms away and a mechanic even further, it is a good idea to get the bike serviced properly and get the worn out parts replaced, before embarking upon a journey of this magnitude.

CLUTCH PLATES: For the steep and hilly terrain of Ladakh, it is best to ensure that your bikes clutch plates have enough life left in them, to see you through the trip. So when you are getting the bike serviced, ask the mechanic to check the clutch plates and replace if necessary.

PISTON RINGS: Another thing to watch out for is the health of piston rings, if your bike has been drinking engine oil lately; it is best to get the piston-cylinder kit checked for wear and tear and while you are at it, get the valves checked as well.

Timing Chain: Another thing you need to pay close attention is to a loose/worn out timing chain which end up spoiling your trip by reducing your bikes power output. So do make sure that you get the timing chain inspected at the time of service.

Drive Chain and Sprockets: Check drive chain and sprockets for wear, if the chain and/or sprockets are on the last lease of life, change the entire chain-sprocket Set. Else get them Cleaned and lubricated.

Suspensions: Riding on the harsh terrain of Ladakh with a bike loaded with rider and luggage can take a toll on the suspension of your motorcycle. Get the front and rear suspension checked, and the need be, get them repaired/changed. 

Air Filter/Spark Plug: If your filter and/or spark plug is over 10000 kms old or approaching that figure,get them changed. Don't throw the old ones out, keep them as spares.

Clutch and Accelerator Wires: If your clutch and Accelerator wires are over 10000 kms old, get them changed and keep the old ones as spare. If they are not in the need of a change then get them lubricated.

Swing arm bush: Get the swing arm bus checked for slackness, change if there is a need. 

Brake Shoes/Pads: Get the brake pads and shoes checked for wear, if they can't last for 5000 kms, get them changed. Also get the brake fluid changed or top it up, if you changed it recently.

Con Set: Con set is an essential par of the bike and if it's loose or worn out, it can affect the handling of your bike. At the time of service get it checked and change it if the need be.


Engine Oil/Filter: If the engine oil is over 500kms old, get it changed. Also change the oil filter. In case your bike uses an oil strainer, get it cleaned.

Electrical: Get all the electrical wiring checked, check all bulbs to see if they are functioning properly. Also clean the headlights seal beam and brake light to ensure better visibility.


Fasten all nuts and bolts: Get all the nuts and bolts fastened properly, in case any is missing, get it installed.


Carburetor Tuning: Keep the carburetor tuning as close stock as possible. Running it rich will cause problem in high altitude areas and running it lean would lead to overheating in plains.

General Check: Give every thing a once over, ensure every thing is working properly. And all the fluids are topped up, i.e. battery water, engine oil, brake fluids, etc. Ensure all fuel lines are intact and there is no leakage anywhere.


Tyres: Check both the tyres for wear and signs of cuts and cranks. If either of them is nearing the end of their life, get them changed.

Wheel Alignment  In case your motorcycle has spoke wheels, get them checked, and if the need be, get them aligned before you begin your trip.


Learn Minor Repair/Servicing:
If you have gone through the above routine, your bike should hold through for the entire trip,but its good idea to ask your motorcycle mechanic to teach you minor chores like tightening rear brakes, adjusting clutch and accelerator play, adjusting chain, fixing punctures, replacing bulbs and changing accelerator/clutch cable/levers.


Final Checks on the D-Day and beyond:
Now that you have prepared your motorcycle, and are ready to embark upon your trip, these are few checks that you need to perform.

• Check if all lights, horn and indicators are working.
• Double check fluid levels such as engine oil,brake oil,battery water etc.
• Check tires for air pressure as well as look for any signs of any nails, rocks etc. lodged in Tyre tread.
• Check if chain is lubricated properly and isn't too tight or too loose.
• Check for any leakages.

These checks should be performed each day before you start your journey, this should ensure there is no surprise in the middle of the trip.

List of  essential tools, spares and motorcycle documents :

Although it is recommended to learn basic repair of your motorcycle,even if you don't know much, it is generally a good idea to carry necessary tools and spares. Since sometimes even in the smallest of town you can find a mechanic or some one who know how to do basic repair, but might not have the required tool and spares to go through it.

Essential tools:

1. Tool Kit: OEM tool kit that comes with motorcycle is an essential part of the tool kit that every tourer should carry.
2. Ring spanners size 8 to 17, Should come in handy for tightening nuts and bolts of various sizes.
3. Screw Driver Set: Try to carry a screwdriver set which has multiple attachments, a set which also includes a set of allen keys is a good choice. While purchasing screwdriver set, ensure you get one which is the sturdiest of the lot and wont break while you are tightening or opening something.
4. Steel Wire: Can be used to tie together bike parts in case of any breakage.
5. Electricians & Scotch Tape: Can be used for tying together various parts and insulating damaged wires.
6. Torch Light: In case of break down in the evening or early in the morning you will need it to see your bike, even once you are off your bike it can prove quite useful.
7. Foot or Electric Air Pump: Since motorcyclists don't have the luxury of carrying a spare Tyre, an electric or foot pump combined with a puncture repair kit and spare tube can turn out to be life saver.
8. Puncture repair Kit: Puncture repair kit for tires with tubes should consist of, rubber patches, solutions for pasting the patches on tube and Tyre iron for taking off the Tyre from rim. In case of tubeless tires, purchase a tubeless puncture repair kit.

Essential Spares:

1. Engine Oil: Carry at least half a liter of engine oil recommended by your motorcycle manufacturer, daily check engine oil level and top up if necessary.
2. 90w Gear oil: Oil can be used to lubricate drive chain, in case you prefer to use WD40 or chain spray, please carry that.
3. Headlight and brake light bulb: Always carry a headlight and brake light bulb.
4. Chain Links: Carry couple of chain links, in case your drive chain breaks due to some thing, you can fix it and ride on.
5. Clutch and Front Brake lever: In case of a fall clutch/front brake lever can break leaving you with small piece to try and control your motorcycle with. Its best to carry each of these as spares to ensure you can ride with ease.
6. Clutch and Accelerator Wires: Clutch and Accelerator wires have a habit of snapping in the middle of nowhere, carry each of them to ensure in case one of them snaps, you can still carry on with your tour.
7. Spare tube for front and rear Tyre: Carrying a spare tube for both the tyres will ensure that in case of a puncture you wouldn't have to waste your time trying to repair the punctured tube and can simply change the tube and continue riding.
8. Spark Plug: Although spark plug of modern motorcycles rarely give problem, it is a good idea to carry a spare one.
9. Spare Key of the Motorcycle: Always carry a spare key of your motorcycle and never put both keys in the same place.
10. Spare Fuse: A blown fuse can leave motorcycle without headlight and/or horn, so don't forget to carry one with you.
11. WD 40: Can be used to lubricate and clean various mechanical and electrical parts of the motorcycle.
12. Nylon Rope: Can be used for tying together various parts of your motorcycle or to help you tow your friend's motorcycle or help some one else tow yours.
13. Bungee Cords: Helps in tying the luggage, always carry couple of spare ones since they can snap under pressure.
14. Electrical Wires: Can be used to replace faulty electrical wire in the wiring.
15. Few Nuts and Bolts of Various size: Based on your motorcycle make, carry nuts and bolts which hold parts like exhaust, leg gurad, foot pegs etc.
16. Petrol Pipe 1-2 meter long: If you run out of petrol and come across some one who is willing to lend some petrol to you, you will need it to take petrol out of their petrol tank.
17. If you own a Royal En field Bullet, also carry 250ml clutch oil and a decompressor cable.
18. In case any of your motorcycle parts have a history of ditching you in the middle of nowhere, it would be a wise to carry it as spare.

Essential Documents:

1. Driving License
2. Registration Papers of the bike
3. Insurance Certificate
4. Pollution Under Control Certificate

Carry two-three copies of the above mentioned documents, generally you should have photocopies of registration certificate and Insurance certificate handy, while the original should be kept  in safe yet accessible place. In case of photocopies, they would have to be attested by a gazetted officer in order to hold any value. You should always have your original license and PUC certificate handy as well.

By using these checks you can complete your trip without any problem.

I'll tell about health precautions, Tour Gears, and about the journey in my next blog.

Do comment on this blog so that i get encouragement to write the next one.

Information courtesy: bcmtouring.com