sideblog: Sideburn India Trip

Showing posts with label Sideburn India Trip. Show all posts

Sunday, 23 October 2016

Travis of the Himalayas

From Anthony Brown who rode on the recent Sideburn x Helmet Stories Himalaya tour...

The riders on the Sideburn Himalaya trip were generous people.

Travis had packed light and we all set about kitting him up with some new riding gear

Newbold Wears:

Kufi Hat - purchased from hippy shop in Daramasala (£1.50)

Tibetian wool scarf - Purchased from a small shop in Killar (£3.00)

Sunglasses - Models Own

Axo original Finnish MX pants - Found on market still in small village close to Pangi Valley (£5.00 we didnt barter too much they were unworn)

Woolie Jumper- Colorado thrift store

Mandels - Models own

Backpack - Brought from outfitters enroute (£2.50)

We blew the £10 budget by 50p but I think the backpack bonds the whole outfit together.

Friday, 30 September 2016

The next instalment of Anthony Co-Built/DTRA Brown's reports from the Sideburn x Helmet Stories Himalaya trip from earlier in September.
The 2016 trip sold out in under three weeks. If you are interested in the September 2017 trip, get in touch via dirt @ sideburnmagazine.com See Part 1 of the 2016 tale.

Positive encouragement to use your horn on the back of every truck

Riding and camping in the Himalaya’s was epic. The Royal Enfield’s keep things right. 450 enduro bikes would have been fun but I am sure some of the riders would not have returned if we had faster bikes. The Enfield’s are asthmatic especially as you climb, stops are regular not for fuel but to re attach parts that fall off. Geoff (my Co-Built partner in crime) had packed a ton of cable ties. Geoff took his exhaust skills to new levels attaching pipes to frames with cable ties on an almost hourly basis. Those who have driven or ridden in India will know the horn is a major part of driving over there. It's constant and all the riders in the group picked up the hang of the horn pretty quickly, a couple of short beeps to approach anything and a kind of thank you bip once you have passed whatever it was.

Riding in a large group is not for everyone and I was pleased that as the ride took shape people set their own pace. Our mate Nick the plumber was always at the front grinding through the brake pedal on every tarmac corner and going through parts quicker than underpants. Positions in the mid pack changed as people stopped to take photographs or a leak. It was nice a feel you could set off ride with a friend for a while stop and then ride with someone else.

Temple on top of tarmac high pass on day 1 of riding

Truck descending the dirt side of the same pass on day 1 of riding

I am not going to write lots about the route, one of my favourite things about the trip was that Vir and Harsh didn’t tell you too much about what was coming. It was like a surprise, the scenes unfolded in front of us as we rode. When people asked questions (some more than others) the answers were never rude, but they did a brilliant job of keeping things simple and not building up expectations of what was to come. The ride is unforgettable if you want to know details discover it for yourself. The photos that I took feel flat in comparison to the experience.

Regular stops were a key part of riding, they enabled people to take a rest but also let the riders get a real slice of mountain village life. 18 riders descending on a small town or village is a big deal but I never felt unwelcome, in fact the opposite everyone was really welcoming.
Anthony Brown

Thursday, 22 September 2016

SB Himalayas 2016: Part 1

From Anthony Brown, Mr DTRA, having just returned from the second Sideburn Himalayas Trip.

This is the first of a short series of blog posts I am writing to try and give a flavour of what people should expect from sideburn promoted trips and in particular the Sideburn x Helmet stories trip we just completed in the Himalaya’s. Motorcycling to me is much more than just riding it’s about sharing experiences with a group of likeminded people and that’s why the guys at Helmet Stories love this collab with Sideburn. From the moment we all meet to the rushed goodbyes as we headed back to our planes we all got along and laughed together as we shared in a fantastic experience.

The trip did not feel super curated or planned down to the last mile. Helmet stories do a great job of keeping things right without a feeling of formality, from the initial planning emails to the ride itself things were laid back and relaxed. For eighteen riders, some of whom have never meet before, to hang out together for a 6 days in what can be sometimes challenging circumstances things need to be right. If you have an urge to explore on motorcycles and the words above sound like your kind of fun then I would encourage you to get yourself signed up for the next trip.

GC45 (Geoff Cain hanging with the Suicide Squad taxi drivers

For those who have not been before, India is a headf*ck, as crazy as it is beautiful and as welcoming as it is chaotic. Ten hours in a suicide squad taxi from Chandigarh to Manali was a great way to break us in gently. Stops for chai and lunch gave a break from the crazy driving and the Indian music played by VK, our driver. Arriving in Manali down a dirt track to an amazing bungalow complex was a welcome treat. 21 Royal Enfield’s in a line ready for adventure was a great sight. Last showers and cold beers set the scene for a 190km ride the following day.

Main Men Vir and Harsh were riding the new Enfield Himalayans. They seemed to work really well on the roads we took over the trip. Read Vir launch report on this bike in Sideburn 25.

DTRA rider Brad Hardman gives the Trip the thumbs up

Another instalment coming soon....

If you're interested in going on the Helmet Stories x Sideburn Himalayas trip in September 2017, email us at dirt @ sideburnmagazine.com

Wednesday, 10 February 2016

Sideburn in the Himalayas 2016 Edition! UPDATE

UPDATE: Sorry, there was slight confusion over the dates. Now corrected. Please check carefully before booking flights.

Sideburn's inaugural 2015 Himalayan adventure with Helmet Stories was so fantastic we've decided to do it again in SEPTEMBER 2016.

Ride the unforgettable road of the Pangi Valley and the Himalayas in the far north of India with Sideburn's rep, 'Co-Built' Anthony Brown and respected local tour leaders, Helmet Stories

Seven days of riding, camping and feasting with India’s most fun motorcycle tour company and your favourite motorcycle magazine. Read all about it in Sideburn 23.

PRICE: 110,000 rupees (approx. £1100, US$1600, €1400, AU$ 2300 at current exchange rates).

INCLUDES: Royal Enfield 500 Bullet bike rental; meals and drinks on the road; all accommodation (twin sharing in hotels, individual tents when camping); sleeping bag; guides; back-up truck; full support of mechanics and catering staff.

WHEN: 11-19 September 2016 (see notes below)

WHERE: Chandigarh and Pangi Valley in Himachal.

WHICH FLIGHTS TO BOOK

You must be in New Delhi on Saturday 10 September 2016 , to be able to catch a train at 7.40am on Sunday 11th*. Fly home on 19 September 2016**. Helmet Stories can suggest hotels if you want to arrive before or leave later to have more time to acclimatise and relax.

* It is possible to get cheap internal flights, to avoid the train journey from Delhi to Chandigarh (though the train is a good experience) and the very long taxi journey back to Delhi (which is not such a good experience).
** Your flight home is dependent on choosing the road transfer (included in price) or booking your own internal flight back to Delhi. Vir at Helmet Stories can help advise internal flights.

12 places only.

HOW TO BOOK

Contact vir@helmetstories.com

The trip is run by the highly experienced Helmet Stories company.

All payments to Helmet Stories.

50% deposit on booking.

25% two weeks before trip

25% on arrival in Delhi

NOT INCLUDED: Flights to and from New Delhi; any accommodation before the 11^th or after the night of 18^th; transfer to Delhi railway station on day 1; Internal flights if you choose those over the organised transfer; Specialist personal insurance (highly recommended); Riding kit (bring your own); Tourist visa; Damage to the motorcycles.

ITINERARY*

Sunday 11 September, Day 1: Transfer from Delhi to Chandigarh by train, 250km. Train leaves at 7.40am so you will need to be in Delhi the day before.
Nice hotel in Chandigarh and time to explore by taxi.
Alternatively, book a cheap internal flight (at your own cost. About £50). Helmet Stories will supply details.

Day 2: Chandigarh – Manali transfer by 4x4 - 185 miles
Early start to reach Manali by late-afternoon. Last hot running water for four days in a luxury hotel. Meet the bikes.

Day 3: Manali – Urgos - 110 miles.

Very easy if the sun is out, very tough if the rain gods come out to play. There's perfect tarmac with hairpin after hairpin, mud to play in, wooded tracks running along feisty rivers and a campsite shaded by willows at the end of the day. A perfect start to come to terms with your motorcycle, a 500cc Royal Enfield.
Camp overnight.

Day 4: Urgos – Phindri - 55 miles.

Challenging riding on this ball-breaking road. Couple of chai stops along the way. Stunning camp on a lush mountain side. Time to hike to the gushing river of snow melt for a refreshing wash.

Day 5: Phindri – Sural Bhatori via Killar
70 miles of the same terrain as Day 4. Cliffside dirt roads. Rewarding riding.
Camp overnight with an unforgettable view (see below).

Day 6: Sural-Sach Pass– Satrundi - 75 miles.

Even more ball-breaking roads and crossing a 14,500ft (4500m) mountain pass. This is not a gentle blast down the Pacific Coast Highway.
Camp overnight in a forest clearing.

Day 7: Satrundi – Khajjiar - 75 miles
Tarmac begins (sort of...) We ride through the mini-Switzerland of India. Overnight in a hotel (with a huge monkey god statue in the grounds). Back to hot running water!

Day 8: Khajjiar – McLeodganj - 80 miles
The last day of riding is marked with scenic back roads, mainly tarmac and ending in the official home of the exiled Dalai Lama. Overnight in a hotel. Say goodbye to the bikes and the loyal mechanics.

Monday 19 September

Day 9: McLeodganj – New Delhi airport by van/bus (or optional internal flight) - 600km/370 miles. It is possible to fly home the same night if you arrange a late flight out of Delhi.

* Organisers reserve the right to change the itinerary without prior warning.

Sunday, 20 December 2015

If I had Indian MTV, I'd never get anything done

Dateline: 12 September 2015, Hotel Mini Swiss, Khajjiar, India

After four nights in a tent, sleeping in jawdropping locations in the Himalayas on the Sideburn x Helmet Stories trip, we were back in a hotel, a hotel that was something like a set of a Wes Anderson movie (see the swimming pool below. Unfortunately it was empty. That's a horse being led round it).

It was good to get a shower, but the camping had been such fun, and so memorable, that we weren't that fussed to be in a hotel, especially not one quite this weird. Still it was an experience.

The next morning, we met in reception, ready for the last day's riding. While I was waiting, my gaze fell on the TV the bored male receptionist was watching. The old set was showing Indian MTV. After days of riding, eating in shacks and pooping in a tent, I was mesmerised by this eye candy. Right there and then I thought, If I had Indian MTV at home, I'd never get anything done. This is the actual video that was on. It didn't take me long after getting home to hunt it down. I've watched it a few times and still wonder:

What. The. Hell. Is. Going. ON?

Read about this trip in Sideburn 23. By the way, the huge statue is Hanuman, the Hindu monkey god. G

Monday, 23 November 2015

Sideburn 23: The Details

Here are more details of the new issue, Sideburn 23.

COVER STAR: Sharon C on Jason's Borile

BIKES: Borile B50 Scrambler; Norton P11; Trackmaster Triumph 650 Nixon replica street tracker; Roland Sands Designs Indian Chieftain; Japanese vintage sand racers; Suicide Machine Co Sportster; Crosley Howerton 'Skinny' Kawasaki GNC racer; Royal Enfield Bullet

HOW TO: How to Draft to Victory (with Bryan Smith)

PEOPLE: Aidan Collins; Guy Martin; Ike Part; David Aldana

PORTFOLIO: Raid71

ADVENTURE: Riding the Himalayas on Enfields

PLACES: Aldeburgh; Brackney; Chirihama; Los Alamitos

PAGES: 100

Get it for £6 plus post from sideburn.bigcartel.com
OR buy subscribe to Sideburn for 8 issues and get a FREE Sideburn T-shirt worth £20

Friday, 20 November 2015

Sideburn x Himalaya Kit

Sideburn's Himalayan trip was a blast but packing for it was difficult. We were told to wear full-face helmets and expect rain. I wanted to travel as light as possible (but I never travel as light as some people).

So I decided to ride in trousers I could fly out in and take lightweight ex-British army waterproofs to put on over the top when needed. I never needed them. This is what I chose to ride in for the six days we were on the Enfields.

Icon 1000 Beltway jacket
$600
Four pocket coated canvas with leather reinforcement panels. Tough, tons of pockets, zip-out satin body liner, clever magnetic storm flap closing. Mine is a pre-production sample I got when I visited Icon HQ and it's showerproof rather than waterproof, but Icon 1000 don't make claims that it is waterproof. Tough coat.

Icon 1000 Cheeter gloves
$35
Felt much more lightweight than I would normally wear, but I was expecting to wear heavyweight Dainese winter gloves for most of the trip. Instead I wore these every day for 8 to 10 hours in our kit and they were the comfiest ever. No callouses, despite the rough going. Not sure how much protection the fabric back and goat leather palm would offer, and only a crash will tell me, so I'm putting that off. There is additional D30 (Icon's own armour) knuckle protection.
http://www.icon1000.com/

AGV AX8 Evo
£250
I'm spoilt for choice when it comes to helmets and would normally have ridden in an open-face Davida on a tour like this, but Vir, the tour leader, made it clear full-face was the way to go and all but one of our tour group listened to him.
This AGV is the lightest race helmet I've ever worn or even felt. It weighs just 1.15kg (2.5lb). Comfortable all day, every day.

100% Barstow x Ornamental Conifer goggles
$95
These road goggles have big frames (and lens) and look better with a full-face than open-face lid. Well made, lovely strap design from our mate Nico, with leather detailing. Comes with spare lenses to change for different conditions. Quality feel, but the top end of goggle price range.

Dainese TRQ-Tour Gore-Tex Boots
€250
High-tech touring boot with the protection of a Dainese raceboot. Fits under slim trousers (with a bit of wrangling) and very waterproof. Again, all-day comfortable. These are hardcore touring boots. I did 20 days straight in them, from coast-to-coast-to-coast of the USA - 8000 miles and they were faultless.

Kriega R35
£145
Possibly the best piece of motorcycle kit I've ever owned. I've only ever heard one complaint about Kriega packs and that was from someone who reckoned they were too big for the adjustment the straps offered, so if you're the size of a bear, perhaps try one before buying.

Edwin 55 Chino
£90
Not riding trousers, but I rode in them. And love them. Got them in a bit of a state too.

Thursday, 22 October 2015

Sideburn in the Himalayas

It's been a month since I returned from the Himalayas and I haven't mentioned it once on the blog, which even strikes me as weird. The main reason was I didn't want to post any photos that Ben ended up using in Sideburn 23, that we're working on right now. That article is laid out now, so I can share a few of my own snaps.

This Himalayan adventure was the second Sideburn-endorsed fly-ride road trip. The first was our desert and mountain trip to Morocco that Ben took (with the excellent MotoAventures) back in the Spring. Read about it in Sideburn 21. We're running another Morocco trip in October 2016, and all 12 places sold out in six days to riders from Australia, USA, UK and Kuwait. If there are people who missed out on this trip we could run another in October 2016, with a special guest Sideburn representative, so get in touch.

And we're also almost definitely doing another Himalayan trip to the Pangi Valley next September. So if you fancy that, email us for details. The date is likely to be September 10 - 18. Same route as this year's, same Helmet Stories crew.

The idea for doing these trips is simply Motorcycle Fun Times. To bring a group of like-minded people together (like-minded because they all read Sideburn - or that was the idea, but the word spreads and we've had a few people on the trips who didn't know anything about the magazine and were told about the trip by mates, which was unexpected but not a bad thing). It's also so we can work with and promote small companies we like.

For a tiny company Sideburn tries to do a lot - make and sell magazines and merch; organise Dirt Quakes and other events, videos; attend other people's events; pay artists, writers and photographers; sponsor races and now run trips. We are massively appreciative of everyone who supports us and makes all these things happen. Please keep doing it because no one's getting rich making niche magazines and we want to keep going.

Here's some more info about the Indian trip...

It's a long way down in the Pangi Valley. No barriers, dirt roads... Up ahead is Mark from the Jerkyls, the Australian dirt track club. I'd never met him before and now I love him like one of own eyes. That's what these trips can do. In turn, Mark enjoyed the trip so much he signed up for our 2016 Morocco as soon as it went on sale. He's bringing five other Jerkyls with him. It's going to be carnage.

Young Dan getting a move on at dusk to get the tents up before sunset.

We rode along valleys for days. It was hard at times, but never boring.

A lot of the rest of the time was going up and down mountain passes. Look at this photo. Who wouldn't want to do this trip?

Four nights in a hotel, four nights free camping. One night the field the guides had used previously had been 'stolen' by another tour company, almost unbelievably. The guides spoke to the locals, and one of the guides jumped in a car with them and drove off. We hung around for half-an-hour or so, tired and wondering what was going to happen. Then the car reappeared and we rode 15 minutes up a mountain track, in a long conga line of Royal Enfields, until we came to this heli-pad, at 10,000ft. We camped around the side, gathered wood for a massive fire, washed in the stream running down the mountain side and had one of the wildest nights of the trip.

Motorcycle fun times!

If our trips don't work with your schedule Helmet Stories run other trips in India.

MotoAventures run tours in Portugal, South Africa, Greece and Morocco on KTMs and BMW twins. Quote SB23 when booking to get a discount on any MotoAventures trip. G

Thursday, 26 February 2015

Ride the Himalayas with Sideburn

Ride the challenging roads of the Pangi Valley and the Himalayas in the far north of India with Sideburn's editor Gary Inman and respected tour leaders, Helmet Stories.

Seven days of riding, camping and feasting with India’s most fun motorcycle tour company and your favourite motorcycle magazine.

PRICE: 100,000 rupees (approx. £1000, US$1600, €1400, AU$ 2000 at current exchange rates).

INCLUDES: Royal Enfield bike rental, transfers to and from New Delhi International airport; meals and drinks on the road; all accommodation (twin sharing in hotels, individual tents when camping); sleeping bag; guides; back-up truck; mechanic and kitchen staff.

WHEN: 10-18 September 2015.

WHERE: Chandigarh and Pangi Valley in Himachal.

WHICH FLIGHTS TO BOOK

You must be in New Delhi before midday on 10 September 2015. Fly home after 8pm on 18 September 2015. Helmet Stories can suggest hotels if you want to arrive before or leave later to have more time to acclimatise and relax.

13 places only.

HOW TO BOOK

Contact vir@helmetstories.com

The trip is run by the highly experienced Helmet Stories company.

All payments to Helmet Stories.

50% deposit on booking.

25% two weeks before trip.

25% on arrival in Delhi

NOT INCLUDED: Flights to and from Delhi; any accommodation before the 10^th or after the 18^th; personal insurance; riding kit (bring your own).

ITINERARY*

10 Sept, day 1: Arrive New Delhi, transfer to Chandigarh by van/bus, 250km. Overnight in hotel.

Day 2: Chandigarh – Manali by van/bus - 185 miles

Hotel overnight.

6am start to reach Manali by afternoon. Last hot running water for four days. Collect bikes.

Day 3: Manali – Urgos - 110 miles.

Camp overnight.

Very easy if the sun is out, very tough if the rain gods come out to play. There's perfect tarmac, mud to play in, wooded tracks running along feisty rivers and a campsite shaded by willows at the end of the day. A perfect start to come to terms with your motorcycle, a 500cc Royal Enfield.