Day 1 : Ghaziabad - Delhi - Ludhiana

DAY 1 : Events (Aug 15)

• Slept well and got up at 6:30 am and started packing my saddle bags
• Realized my helmet padding is missing, must have left it at home in Bangalore
• Once packing was done, went downstairs (10-12 floors) to unwrap the bike
• Unwrapped the layers of bubble wrap, tapes, and carton sheets, amidst the truckload of dust settled on the bike
• Found some damage to the tank, the fog lamp, etc, took pictures of the same to share with GATI
• Took the bikes to bunk, filled enough for Delhi
• Couldn't find a decent helmet shop in Ghaziabad to source padding for my LS2, so finally bought a half helmet for 400 bucks and continued riding.
• Filled the fuel tank till the brim (literally) as petrol was cheaper in Delhi, and continued towards Jalandhar, the planned location for night halt
• Reached Ludhiana by late at night (9 pm) and decided to call it a day, as Jalandhar was still 60kms and many people were struggling to ride at night
• A few Punjabi youth insisted us to experience stay at a nearby Gurdwara instead of a hotel and I kind of liked the idea
• So stayed in Gurdwara for the night, with bikes safely parked inside the premises

Route:

New Delhi - Sonepat - Panipat - Karnal - Patiala - Ludhiana

Road condition:

Punjab's 90% (or more) highways are in really good condition. I maintained 80kph on average, except for the part when I crossed busy cities on the way, but that was for short periods.

Climate/Weather:

Extremely hot and humid. Make sure the riding jackets and helmet has ventilation. The good part is, as the roads are good, once I started riding, the wind kept me cool all through.

Fuel Stops:

Ghaziabad : 

Rs 200 /  = 2 Ltrs

Delhi:

Rs 1400 / 70.13 pl = 19 Ltrs (Full Tank)

Good Morning Ghaziabad :)

A leisurely halt on the way to Ludhiana.

Coconut water - The best, most healthy, and safe refreshment while riding in hotter Indian states.

A beautiful view of the fields, where children were working and playing.

Taking a break on the side of the highway.

Rode all the way to Ludhiana and reached it by night.

Travel route for this day.

Night Halt:

Place                  : Ludhiana

Accommodation: Gurudwara next to the highway to Jalandhar

Cost per room    : Rs 200 (just a cover charge)

Room Capacity  : 6 people with luggage

Other Details      :

- One has to wear something on the head (bandanna/handkerchief/buff) while entering the premises

- Strictly no alcohol/cigarettes in possession

- Rooms are neat and tidy with attached bathroom

- Peaceful environment

- Breakfast is served in the morning as part of Gurudwara rituals

View the Main Post for this ride