We all travel fanatic Bengalis are known as the Most Fish Loving People on Earth and if it is Hilsa then we are simply irresistible. Almost everyone knows about the Hilsha festival in Sundarban tour, hence, how can we miss a great combination of a Weekend trip with mouth-watering foods including lots of Hilsa, Mutton, Chicken, and Prawns along with adventurous jungle exploration on a boat ride and witnessing local tribal dance, all this in surprisingly shoe-string budget.

So this monsoon you have to join us in Sundarban Hilsa Festival Special 2N/3D Tour.

Before revealing the unbelievable price, let me share all other details like Places to visit, Food, Stay, Package Inclusions & Exclusions.

Complete 2N/3D Sundarban Tour Itinerary

First Day

Sonakhali, Gosaba (Hamilton Bungalow & Rabindranath Tagore’s Bungalow), Bird Jungle, Night Stay at Hotel (Pakhiralay)

Second Day

Sajnekhali (Watch Tower), Sudhnyakhali (Watch Tower), Pirkhali, Banbibi Bharani, Chora Ghazikhali, Sundarkhali, Do Banki (Watch Tower) & Night Stay at Hotel

Third Day

Panchmukhani (Bay of Bengal Mohana), Jharkhali (Watch Tower) Parshe Mari & Return Sealdah via Canning

P.S. – Itinerary may change due to Bad Weather or Unavoidable Circumstances.

One of the most attractions of this Sundaban Tour is Food

First Day

• Welcome Drinks
• Kachuri Alurdam, Rasgolla (Breakfast)
• Amudi fish/vegetable pakoras with tea (Snacks)
• Basmati Rice, Dal with fish head, Beguni, Hilsa Puishak, Hilsha Bhapa, Begun Hilsha, Papad, Chatni (Lunch)
• Fruit (Afternoon)
• Chicken Pakora, Salad, Coffee (Evening Snacks)
• Jeera Rice, Dal, Bhaja, Mutton Kasha, Salad, Chutney, Papad (Dinner)

Second Day

• Tea & Biscuits
• Alu Paratha with pickle/raita or Luchi-Sabji & Sweet (Breakfast)
• Onion/Potato Pakora & Tea (Snacks)
• Basmati Rice, Mug dal, Jhuro Aluvaja, Kachu Shaak with Hilsa Head, Bagda Prawn Malaikari, Hilsa Paturi, Chutney & Papad (Lunch)
• Fruit (Afternoon)
• Vegetable Chop, Salad & Tea (Evening Snacks)
• Fried Rice, Chilli Chicken, Salad, Chutney, Papad (Dinner)

Third Day

• Tea & Biscuits
• Kachuri Alu kasha, Boiled Egg, Tea (Breakfast)
• Pakora, Tea (Snacks)
• Hilsa Biryani / Khichuri, Chicken Kasha, Salad (Lunch)
• Fruit (Afternoon)

Veg Food is also available (Please mention while booking)

2N/3D Sundarban Ilish Utsav Tour Costs Rs. 4200 Per Head, for children between 5 to 8 yrs Rs. 2100

Special Discount Available for Rider Escaped YouTube Channel Members (Family Members)

Sundarban Tour Package Inclusions

• Local Train Ticket from Sealdah to Canning & Vice Versa
• Canning to Ferry Ghat via Auto & Vice Versa
• Two Night Stay at Hotel (twin/double sharing basis non-ac room)
• All Food till Day 3 Afternoon
• Adventurous jungle trip
• Boat ride through the river for a greater chance of spotting wildlife
• Experienced tour manager
• Official Jungle Tour Guide (Day 2 Only)
• Required Government permission
• Tribal Dance
• Group Photo & Video will be Published on Our Rider Escaped YouTube Channel & Facebook Page

Sundarban Tour Package Exclusions

Personal expenses such as entrance fees, wines, mineral water, and food or drinks not listed in the menus are not covered
Any items or services not mentioned in the list of inclusions are not included

My Personal Experience on Sundarban Tour (For Reference)

For details and booking you can WhatsApp @ 9088025755 or DM @riderescaped on Instagram/Facebook or mail us @ riderescaped.yt.official@gmail.com.

Note: Exact time of departure, and meeting point will be shared after booking.

Cancellation Policy

Terms and Conditions

• Mandatory Documents: All guests must carry their Voter ID/Aadhar Card.
• Please note that hotels will not have lift facilities.
• The operation of this Tour is contingent upon a minimum number of people being booked.
• Under unavoidable circumstances, the tour itinerary may get altered.
• In case of booking of a single person, room assignment will be done on a double/triple sharing basis with other guests.

The post Unforgettable Sundarban Tour: 2N/3D Hilsa Festival Special appeared first on Rider Escaped

Kolkata Tyre Park is the latest addition to the city of joy. This is the first of its kind in India, where the main motive of this park is to reuse the waste tires. In general, people either throw away used tyres or some people burn them, which makes the air polluted.

Hence, WBTC (West Bengal Tram Corporation) came up with an innovative idea to use these waste tyres to decorate the park. The Kolkata Tyre Park was inaugurated on 13th November 2020. Although the entire park is pretty small, but well decorated with trees, fountains, and lots of items made with tyres. Even though there are seating arrangements and snacks available in case you want to spend time with your dearest ones.

1983 World Cup Model made with Tyres

Art Work with Tyres

Kolkata Tram Model Made with Tyres

Seating arrangements

How to Reach Kolkata Tyre Park

Kolkata Tyre Park is located just beside Calcutta Tram Depot (WBTC Terminal), Esplanade. It is a 2-minute walk from the Esplanade metro or bus stop. Being the central point, the esplanade is well-connected from every corner of the city. You can take a bus, taxi, OLA, UBER, metro, or even tram (specific routes only) to reach here.

Kolkata Tyre Park Timings & Entry Fees

Kolkata Tyre Park remains open every day except Thursday from 8 AM to 8 PM at a nominal cost of Rs. 20 as an entry fee. Whereas if you have plans to visit the adjacent Smaranika Tram Museum, you can buy a combo ticket for Rs. 30 (separate tickets will cost you Rs. 20 each and are only available between 12 PM to 6:30 PM).

Note: You will get a maximum of 45 minutes to explore the place, though it is way more than what you will actually need.

Chair Made with Tyres

Cafeteria

Nearby places to visit

There are numerous places to visit nearby; a few are listed below:

• By Walk – Smaranika Tram Museum, Sahid Minar, Lal Dighi, Millennium Park, Metcalfe, St. Johns Church.
• By Bus/Cab – Princep Ghat, Victoria Memorial, M.P. Birla Planetarium, Howrah Bridge, Rabindra Sadan, Mohor Kunj, Indian Museum, Jawaharlal Nehru Children’s Museum,  etc. 

Conclusion

Kolkata Tyre Park is worth visiting if you are nearby or have come for shopping in the Esplanade area. Do not forget to check out the Smaranika Tram Museum as well. This park is so small that you can easily explore it within 5 to 10 minutes.

In case you are planning a day out in the city, especially near the Esplanade area, these two places, Kolkata Tyre Park and Smaranika Tram Museum could be a new experience for you.

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Although we are in the process of queuing up the next post shortly. Till then, subscribe to the Rider Escaped Newsletter and connect with us on Social platforms to get future updates quicker.

Don’t forget to check out our Kolkata City Tour Guide.

Certainly, if you loved the content, share this with your buddies. Also, if I missed out on anything, do let me know in the comments section. I will include it in the post.

Thanks! Have a great day ahead.

The post Kolkata Tyre Park, An Exceptional Initiative By WBTC appeared first on Rider Escaped

On 3rd December 2020, New Town got a Coffee House in its crown near Amity University. Although by its name it does not look like a branch of the famous “Indian Coffee House,” but still the name “Coffee House” itself holds a prestigious heritage and a nostalgic feel to all Bengalis.

Today, we will share details like how to reach, timings, food menus, and available facilities in Coffee House New Town.

Indian Coffee House is an emotional nostalgia for all Bengalis. Since it was established, people, including famous poets, artists, etc., visit this place to meet friends (আড্ডা), read books, or write. It has served many world-famous artists like Amartya Sen, Satyajit Ray, Aparna Sen, etc. and became a heritage by legendary singer Manna Dey through his song “কফি হাউসের সেই আড্ডাটা আজ আর নেই”.

Ambiance, Coffee House New Town

Coffee House at Night

History of Indian Coffee House

Indian Coffee House initially was Albert Hall, founded in April 1876, which was later converted to a cafe in 1942, followed by renaming to today’s famous Coffee House College Street in 1947.

Coffee House New Town Timings

Coffee House New Town is currently operating from 12 PM to 7 PM. As of now, due to a visitor spike, you may have to wait for 30 to 45 minutes for your turn to get inside. Even if you are planning to go single, you may need to share your table with others.

How to Reach Coffee House New Town

Coffee House New Town is located just opposite of Amity University near Eco Park. You can avail any bus to reach Rabindra Tirtha, Narkelbagan. From there HIDCO shuttle bus service (every 15-20 minutes) is available till Coffee House New Town for just 10 rupees. Otherwise, you can take your car or motorcycle or even a Taxi.

Decoration and Vibes

Indian Coffee House (College Street) is a nostalgic emotion to Bengalis, so the same kind of vibe is being replicated in a modern style. Similar to the old Coffee House, you can see the large hall, circular tables, long hanging fans, and even food menus. But to maintain the current standard of living, management has decided to add a few more amenities like AC, a library, a lift, and wall-hanging paintings. You can even feel the same kind of soothing but chaotic noise as the legendary college street Coffee House.

Paintings, Coffee House New Town

Library, Coffee House New Town

Food Menu in New Town Coffee House

The Food Menu is quite similar to the College Street Coffee House. If we talk about value for money, I would say it’s okay, although I will share my personal experience and detailed review shortly on Lily’s Infinity Blog.

Food Menu, Coffee House New Town

Infusion, Coffee House New Town

Fish Fry, Coffee House New Town

Available Facilities

• Very clean ladies’ and gentlemen’s restrooms are available
• Library Available
• Waiting Area, both outside and inside, is available
• Free Wi-Fi available
• Card payment is accepted

Parking Facility

As of now, free roadside parking for both motorcycles and cars is available. There are no other significant places nearby, hence parking availability will not be an issue.

Places to Visit Nearby

Eco Park, Eco Park Seven Wonders, Biswa Bangla Shilpi Haat, Mother’s Wax Museum, Biswa Bangla Gate are few nearby places worth visiting.

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Although we are in the process of queueing up the next post shortly. Until then, subscribe to the Rider Escaped Newsletter and connect with us on Social platforms to receive future updates more quickly.

Don’t forget to check out our Kolkata City Tour Guide.

Certainly, if you loved the content, share this with your buddies. Additionally, if I’ve missed anything, please let me know in the comments section. I will include it in the post.

Thanks! Have a great day ahead.

The post Coffee House New Town, Old Charm in Modern Wrapper? appeared first on Rider Escaped

Mousuni Island is comparatively a newer and slightly offbeat weekend destination from Kolkata, although it is gaining popularity quite rapidly. The nature of the Bay of Bengal at Mousuni Island is different than even its closest destination, Bakkhali, more calm and narrow. On a full moon, the sea looks very beautiful.

In this Mousuni Island Tour Guide, we will discuss Mousuni Island Hotels, Transportation options, the best time to visit the place, etc, so that you can easily plan a weekend trip from Kolkata. Also, there are a few tips at the end to make your experience better.

Being a remote island, this place offers a lot of greenery, less pollution, and a different flavor altogether. If you are tired of your regular hustle-bustle and want a very quick relaxation before joining work on Monday, just visit Mousuni Island on a Saturday, spend a night, and gather much-needed power rest to fuel another month or so.

How to Reach Mousuni Island

Mousuni Island is not that far from Kolkata, just 120 km. But there is no direct transport available from Kolkata, you have to break your journey several times before reaching Mousuni Island, and due to that fact, the traveling time is comparatively much longer, approx 5-6 hours. You have two options to start from Kolkata, either by Bus or Train.

• By Bus: You can board Kolkata to Bakkhali Govt. Bus and get down at 10 Mile Bazaar. From there, take an e-rickshaw (Toto) to Putibunia Ghat. Then take a ferry to cross the river, and after that take another e-rickshaw (Toto) to reach Baliara (main spot).
• By Train: Take Sealdah – Namkhana Local and from Namkhana Station, you can reserve an e-rickshaw, Maruti van, motor van, or Maximo (depending upon your group size) for either Putibunia Ghat or Hujjuter Ghat. Then take a ferry to cross the river and take another e-rickshaw (Toto) to reach Baliara (main spot).

Namkhana Station

Hatania-Doania Bridge

Hujjuter Ferry Ghat

Ferry at Hujjuter Ghat

General Transportation Fare

• Kolkata to Namkhana train fare is Rs. 25/- per head.
• Kolkata to Bakkhali Bus Fare Rs. 105/- (non-AC) and Rs. 240/- (AC) per head.
• Namkhana Station to Patibunia/Hujjuter Ghat Rs. 40 to 60 per head, depending on your bargaining skill and season.
• 10-mile bazaar to Putibunia Ghat costs Rs. 15/- in an e-rickshaw or motor van.
• Hujjuter Ghat and Putibunia Ghat ferry costs Rs. 3/- and Rs. 5/- respectively. The ferry service will be available from 6 AM to 8:30 PM every 45 minutes. The express ferry is also available for Rs 10/-; it won’t wait that long.
• The E-rickshaw fare from Kusumtala Ghat (opposite of Hujjeter Ghat) and Saltlake Ghat (opposite of Patibuni Ghat) costs Rs. 35/- and 25/- respectively.

You can also visit Mousuni Island directly via motorcycle; you need to pay Rs. 60 to cross the river along with the motorcycle. Don’t worry the ferry guy will help you to transfer the motorcycle. I am planning to go there again on my motorcycle very soon.

In case you are planning a road trip to Mousuni Island by car, you have the option to safely park the car near Hujjuter Ghat, although I have no idea how much you need to pay for parking.

Accommodation in Mousuni Island

Due to government restrictions, building hotels is not allowed on Mosuni Island; hence, you can stay in either tents or mud houses. Any adventure seekers would love to stay in these seaside camps. Approximately, double stay tents, four-bedded tents, and Mud-house Rs. 900, Rs. 1000, and Rs. 1200 respectively (per head cost including food). But during peak season (December to February), they charge higher.

I have personally stayed at the Prantik Camp, as one of my relatives suggested. But that place was okayish, especially compared with other camps in terms of decoration and service. Although they told us, recent Amphan Cyclone did heavy damage to their camp, and before the season starts, they will decorate their camp too. But I must say the toilets and kitchen were very clean.

Apparently, Baliara Beach Tent, Backpacker’s Camp, Nil Nirjone, Jolphoring Beach Camp, and Baluka Bela are better, as I have seen many good reviews in multiple Facebook groups.

As per the COVID guidelines are concerned camp guys sanitized our tents and used masks all the time. As per them government has instructed to have a maximum of 30 guests at a time.

Family and Duo Camp

Inside Mudhouse, Prantik Camp

Toilet at Prantik Camp

Fooding in Mousuni Island

Food is included within accommodation, so don’t worry about paying extra. Generally, they serve food four times as follows

• Welcome Drinks: Coconut Water/lemon water
• Lunch: Rice, Dal, Alu Bhaja, Sabji, Fish/Egg curry
• Evening Snacks: Tea and Pakoda (Onion/Cauliflower)
• Dinner: Roti/Rice, Chicken Curry
• Breakfast: Tea, Puri, Sabji, and Boiled Egg

You can also have a barbecue in the evening for an additional cost. Generally, they will charge you Rs. 250-350 per kg of chicken, including salad.

Things to do in Mousuni Island

Frankly, Mousuni Island does not have any places to roam around except the seashore. This place is solely known for relaxation, spending time with oneself, friends, or family. You can watch the sunset from the camp or walk the beach, take a boat ride, or plan a Bar-B-Que evening with music. The night sky and full moon look great here. 

While returning from Mousing Island, you may consider visiting Bakkhali (approx 25 km) or Gangasagar (approx 72 km).

Sunset in Mousuni Island Beach

Mousuni Island Beach

Best Time to Visit

Mousuni Island is best visited in winter, but being very close to Kolkata, people now visit the place throughout the year. As I always said, if you love greenery and want to witness a different sea, you must visit in the monsoon too.

This place is just to get relaxation from the regular busy life, so you can visit any time whenever you feel saturated.

Tips

• Being a remote place, local tends to charge you extra for everything like packaged drinking water, snacks, cigarettes, liquor, etc. If possible, carry as much as possible.
• Always bargain in e-rickshaws and camps to get better rates.
• If you are not visiting  Mousuni Island during peak season, deciding your stay on spot will be a better idea, as you can choose as per your need. But if you are late and have not booked any camp, you may miss lunch.
• Airtel and Jio performed good, but still, every camp has Wi-Fi. You just need to ask for it.
• I have not noticed any ATM there, so carrying cash could be a good idea. Although most of the camps accept online payments through GPay, Phonepe, etc.
• There is no attached toilet available for the obvious reasons, but the shared toilets are clean enough. Generally, they allow large groups to have a separate toilet, just ask for it.

Conclusion

Mousuni Island is definitely a worth visiting weekend destination from Kolkata, provided you are ready for an approx 5 hours long journey (one side). If you like city life or a little bit congested places, then you may feel a little bored. Otherwise, someone who loves nature or spending time with him/herself will revisit again and again.

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Until we publish another useful content, you may consider subscribing to the Rider Escaped Newsletter and connecting with us on Social platforms to get future updates quicker.

Don’t forget to check out our other Weekend Trip guides.

Certainly, if you loved the content, share this Mousuni Island Tour Guide with your buddies. Also, if I missed out on anything, do let me know in the comments section. I will include it in the post.

Thanks! Have a great day ahead.

Tell me

Have you ever visited Mousuni Island yet? If yes, how was your experience? What did you like the most?

The post Mousuni Island Tour Guide – Weekend Destinations Near Kolkata appeared first on Rider Escaped

Today, we will discuss and outline the ultimate motorcycle PDI checklist, also known as the Pre-Delivery Inspection checklist, so that you can eliminate most of the manufacturing defects on your new motorcycle and relax.

For a rider, Motorcycling is love. The very day we take it to our home, we get into a relationship with it emotionally. The process starts with either a need or a passion. We go through a lot of reviews, ask friends, compare the specifications, or evaluate our riding style to choose the perfect motorcycle. Then we finally arrange money and book our dream.

From booking to taking final delivery is one of the most anxious periods in our life. On the final day, we become so excited that we do not even check if it has problems or not. Only a few days or weeks later, we start to identify issues like a dent in the fuel tank or scratches in the headlight, or encounter a strange noise from the engine. It happens with almost everyone, even I faced this too.

My motorcycle (Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350) had problems with the self-start and petrol leakage. Later, I had to replace the clutch switch and carburetor in the first service (2016). I had to pay Rs. 90 for the clutch switch, and Royal Enfield replaced the carburetor for free under warranty.

My only point here is, if I had been thoroughly checked during the delivery, I could have identified the problems on the very first day. In my case, the issue was small, but for you, it might be very big. Even if you go through the owner’s manual, specifically the warranty terms, you may notice that there are a lot of clauses where the warranty is not applicable.

To be on the safe side, you must always do PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection) so that most of the manufacturing problems can be isolated.

P.S. This Motorcycle PDI Checklist below may become long but I can assure you it is comprehensive. Still, if you want a compact version, let me know in the comment section, and I will add a downloadable pdf checklist.

Two-Wheeler Basic and Cosmetics Checklist

You may be surprised, but on many occasions, a new motorcycle can have cosmetic faults like dents, color fading, poor welding joints, or scratches. Sometimes these faults are so minute that the showroom guy might ask you to wait till the first service when they will solve it. This happens because this motorcycle traveled a long way from the manufacturing site and was poorly handled all the way.

You might want to ignore cosmetic faults, although I would never suggest that. Never ignore faults in functional parts like the chassis, headlight, engine, etc.

Basically, you need to inspect your new motorcycle in good lighting thoroughly. Sometimes, even the side or main stand may have defects like uneven length, poor welding, or jamming.

• Check and note the engine & chassis serial number physically.
• Check for scratches or dents in the tank, handlebar ends, levers, chassis, engine, radiator, crash (leg) guards, and footpegs.
• Look for rust and welding joints in every metal part.
• Check for scratches or cracks in the visor, headlight, mirrors, switches, indicators, tail lights, or any other plastic/fiber parts.
• The handlebars should be free to move and not bent.
• If the motorcycle has a radiator, its fins should not have bends.
• Keep your motorcycle standing on both sides of the main stand and check for its stability.
• Your motorcycle seat should not have any cuts or be out of shape. If possible, ask them to remove the seat cover for inspection (note: some dealers do not provide seat covers).
• Check all screws & bolts for tightness, especially in the handlebars, engine, mudguard, exhaust, brakes, chains, etc. Also, check if any of those have rusted or are out of shape.

Motorcycle Engine, Brakes, and Transmission Checklist

Now you once you are done with cosmetic parts. Let’s move to the heart of the motorcycle, the Engine, Brakes, and Transmission section of the motorcycle PDI checklist. 

• Check the Engine & brake oil levels, colors, and leakage.
• Whether the chain is lubed or not. Generally, a new motorcycle gets chain waxed.
• Look for gear shifting for smoothness and unwanted noise or slack.
• Check if there are any visible dents, scratches, or cracks near the Engine and transmission area.
• For a liquid-cooled motorcycle, check the coolant level and color.

Tire Thread and Pattern Checklist

A tire is one of the most important parts of a motorcycle because it surfaces the road and provides the necessary grip. Look at tire threads and patterns for defects, speed rating, and manufacturing date. A sealed tire may last for a long but if it is attached to a motorcycle, probably not.

• Check for correct air pressures
• Look for its threads, cuts, shape-shifting, stones, or even nails.
• Check the age of tires, too old may not last long.
• Sometimes dealers change the tire, so verify with the owner’s manuals for its size and thread pattern.

Electrical and Electronics Checklist

These days, almost every motorcycle has a lot of electronics and electrical parts other than basic lights/indicators. Even a few electronic features like ABS, Traction Control, Side Stand sensor, and Fuel Injection are so important that without these, probably your motorcycle will never start.

• Turn on headlights, indicators, auxiliary light (if applicable), tail lights, and check.
• Switch on the motorcycle and look for the lights blinking on the console. If needed, start the motorcycle and check if everything is normal.
• Engage the side stand (applicable for side stand indicators only), and honk to check battery health.
• Ask them to open the battery panel and check for battery specs and leakage.

Motorcycle Accessories Checklist

Check all the accessories you must get with a motorcycle, like the main stand, saree guard, mirror,and crash (leg) guard (optional, depends on the brand and specific motorcycle).

Sometimes you may get freebies like a helmet, seat cover, keyring, chain lube/cleaner, motorcycle cover, etc.

Finally, Test Ride the Motorcycle

It is the most important section in the motorcycle PDI checklist where you will check and learn about your new motorcycle more.

• Start your motorcycle and notice if it sounds any different. Do the same with continuous and gentle throttle blipping. Also, look for ticking tappet noise.
• Check if white smoke is coming out of the exhaust.
• Self-start the motorcycle a couple of times to check battery health.
• Put the motorcycle in the main stand, give a light throttle in first gear, and check for tire wobbling or jamming or if the brakes are okay. Sometimes new brake pads may resist the wheel’s free rotation, look for that too.
• Check all the electronics and electricals thoroughly; the console indicators should be normal.
• Before you take a test ride of your motorcycle, check if the engine is struggling at low RPM (idling).

Now you should take at least a 1-2 kilometer long test ride to find out if everything is fine or not.

Motorcycle Papers and Documents Checklist

Let’s come to one of the most important points, papers and documents. First of all, you must know what documents your motorcycle should have, then we will discuss what documents you will get and when. Below are the required and must-have documents for a motorcycle

1. Registration Certificate
2. Tax token/Certificate
3. Insurance (Mandatory 5 years of insurance)
4. Pollution
5. Number Plate
6. Bill or Invoice of purchase

While you need to carry the first five documents all the time and the last one is for your proof, or if you want to sell the motorcycle later.

Please keep in mind, during delivery, you will only get the Insurance policy papers (Validity- 5 Years as per the latest Indian Government rules) and the Invoice. By default, any new vehicle has a non-pollution declaration sticker attached, but in many cities, police don’t consider that valid.

So, it is advisable not to take your motorcycle out before getting the number plate, Tax Token, PUC (Pollution Under Control Certificate), and RC (Registration Certificate).

In general, the number plate takes about 7-15 days, and the rest, like tax token & RC, may take up to 30 days. Keep in touch with the dealer or showroom guy to be updated. Once receive all the required documents, get yourself a PUC certificate.

Conclusion on Motorcycle PDI Checklist

Finally, I would say, taking a dream bike home is not easy at all. Starting from deciding the budget, selecting the perfect motorcycle, arranging money for it, so be sure you are taking your new motorcycle only not any problems.

Hope you find this motorcycle PDI checklist helpful. If yes or even otherwise, let us know in the comment section. 

Follow Us

Until we published another useful content, you may consider to subscribe to Rider Escaped Newsletter and connect with us on Social platforms to get future updates quicker.

Don’t forget to check out our other Motorcycle related information.

Certainly, if you loved the content, share this with your buddies. Also, if I missed out on anything, do let me know in the comments section. I will include it in the post.

Thanks! Have a great day ahead.

The post Perfect Motorcycle Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) Checklist appeared first on Rider Escaped

The most basic safety feature a motorcycle must have is ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), which prevents wheels from locking in panic or hard braking situations. Each year, hundreds of riders die on the road just because they lack safety features like a helmet, riding gear, or proper control of their motorcycle, although there are many other factors; still, we simply cannot neglect our faults.

Today, we will discuss what is Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is, how it works in motorcycles, and its importance in your safety. Skip risking your life!

How ABS works?

The working mechanism of an ABS is easily understandable by its name; whenever the rider applies the brake, it prevents the wheel from locking, but the question is, how?

An ABS electronic controller monitors the wheel rotation (rpm) and how much brake pressure (through brake fluid) is applied continuously so that it can automatically reduce brake pressure when it is about to lock the wheel, then immediately reapply again and continue to do so until the wheels stop. 

This happens so instantaneously that, from the rider’s perspective, he noticed nothing extra was happening behind the scenes, rather than simply engaging the brake, and the motorcycle stopped.

You can watch a small video clip explaining how ABS works and its benefits from the class leader, Bosch.

Note: Most of the motorcycle ABS systems work at speeds of 30-40 Kmph or above.

Why ABS is a must-have Safety Feature?

For a very experienced rider who probably learned motorcycle riding in drum brakes, they may feel ABS is overrated, but trust me, it is not, and here is why? Controlling a motorcycle during hard braking is always a difficult task because

1. Handling drastically reduces; otherwise rider may lose control and skid.
2. Due to wheel-locking, a motorcycle may become unstable in unpredictable patches like mud, sand, ice, rocky & slippery terrains.
3. Immediate stop for any reason from a good speed (more than 60 Kmph) could create more pressure on your legs, hands, neck, or even spine.

Now, I am 5.5 ft and own a Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 (2015) without ABS. Obviously, on many occasions, like in Ladakh, Nainital, and Sikkim, I felt out of control due to panic braking. To overcome this, I had to engage the brakes or pump the brakes, although this worked well, still having an extra set of safety features that will get your back is quite justified.

Lastly, most of today’s newbies lack patience & will to control the motorcycle power despite the fact, current motorcycles are getting more power and torque figures day by day, even applicable for smaller displacement (cc) motorcycles. That is why ABS became a must-have safety feature.

Advantage

1. ABS ensures great handling & maneuverability during hard braking, and even braking distance becomes shorter.
2. Boosts confidence to ride and control a motorcycle better.
3. ABS might enhance fuel economy due to controlled braking.

Disadvantage

1. As ABS needs extra components like sensors, controllers, etc., the cost of a motorcycle increases.
2. Many riders become reckless cause they think nothing wrong could happen to them.
3. The same version of the ABS-equipped motorcycle weighs more than its non-ABS version.
4. Replacing a faulty ABS may cost you more, but remember, life is more important than money.

Single-channel and Dual-channel ABS

ABS can be either a single-channel or dual-channel system. To simplify things, if a motorcycle has disc brakes in both wheels, it might have dual-channel; otherwise single-channel is only applicable for the front disc brake. 

Generally, front-wheel locking is considered to be more dangerous than rear-wheel locking as we steer through it. So, a single channel is the minimum you must have. But if a motorcycle has punchy brakes in its rear wheel too, then dual-channel ABS is always recommended.

Installing ABS on a non-ABS motorcycle?

The only prerequisite to have an ABS system is a Disc brake because it measures the brake oil pressure to work. Although aftermarket so-called mechanical ABS is available, those are of no use, literally NO USE. Hence, OEM-fitted ABS is the only way; also, please never try to convert your non-ABS motorcycle to an ABS system. They often lack integrity and fail; the last thing you may want is to risk your life.

Latest ABS-related rules in India

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had issued a mandatory rule stating that all two-wheelers having more than or equal of 125cc or below must have ABS (Anti-Brake Locking System) and CBS (Combi Braking System), respectively, in effect from April 2019.

Conclusion

ABS is a lifesaver, especially for two-wheeler, but it can also pamper your riding habits, although it is quite dependable, still you need to be more cautious with your braking patterns, in case it fails middle of nowhere, you might not want to meet with an accident.

Finally, we would always recommend purchasing a motorcycle with dual-channel ABS, and if it comes with ABS on/off functionality, do practice occasionally in ABS off mode so you don’t do wrong in case of ABS failure or riding a motorcycle without ABS.

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Thanks! Have a great day ahead. Always be safe on the road.

The post Why Motorcycle ABS is Important for Your Safety? appeared first on Rider Escaped

Riding gear is something many of us usually avoid, knowing we are ignoring our safety. Previously, we discussed why riding gear is so important that it may save you from the most brutal accident; if you missed that post, you may read it here.

Today, in this motorcycle riding jacket buying guide, we will discuss how to choose a good riding jacket, considering the most important factors like types, safety, features, comfort, price, brand, etc.

Note: This guide is not biased to any brand; all the inputs are as per my knowledge.

Types of Riding Jackets

Mostly, we have either the street-focused riding jacket or the touring riding jacket; by the name, you may have already understood their purpose. Basically, a street-focused jacket has a maximum mesh panel for better ventilation, comparatively more tighter fit, and another hand touring riding jacket, also known as an all-season riding jacket, comes with better safety protectors, coverable mesh panels & little bit comfortable fit.

Also, there is another category, a race suit, which fits very snug and protects you best.

Safety

Safety is the biggest factor while choosing a functional Riding Jacket; otherwise, there is no point in wasting money, correct? Let’s first discuss what parts are prone to impact in a crash or accident: the Elbow, the Shoulder, the Spinal Cord, and lastly the Chest. While getting chest protection may require you to shell out a few bucks more but you must not compromise.

You may have heard a lot of certification standards like SAS-TEC, CE, etc. Generally, in budget Riding Gears, especially jacket & pants companies provide CE Level 1/2 protectors, which cost less but provide basic safety. The more you spend, the more safety you usually get.

Features

For a good Riding jacket, below are the must-have points.

Material

The riding Jacket should be made of a minimum of 600D Polyester (heavy-duty fabric) material to protect you from abrasion in case of a crash. Some mid-range even provides Cordura reinforcement at abrasive zones. There are many brands that mix leather or denim for better styling.

Ventilation

In India, we mostly face scorching heat throughout the year; hence, ventilation plays an important role. Generally, you should choose mesh jackets that provide excellent airflow to keep you comfortable. We will discuss a little more in the Types of Riding Jacket Section.

Rain Liner

Most of the budget jacket includes an inner/outer rain liner, which may save you from light to moderate showers. Nowadays, even budget rain liners tend to get breathable material, but only a few feel as comfortable as Gore-Tex. If possible, choose a Riding Jacket with an outer Inner Liner so that you can wear or remove it quickly.

Thermal (Winter) Liner

Similar to a rain liner, this inner shell (mostly) provides a comfortable & cozy feeling in colder weather. In the case of sub-zero temperatures, you can additionally wear a rain liner too.

Removable Protectors for easy wash & Upgrade

Over time, Riding Jackets will get dirty, smell bad, and provide less airflow, so you need to wash them. And frankly, I feel you should have removable protectors for ease of washing. Also, if you wish to upgrade armor, you should have an option.

Waterproof Pocket/Compartment

You may use a rain liner or an external raincoat, but what about your essentials, like a mobile? For that, most of the Riding Jackets come with minimum one waterproof pocket.

Visibility

Lastly, it is very important to stay visible in the dark. Here, reflecting panels work great, although most of the riding jacket has them, so still look for it before you decide.

Comfort

One of the most driving factors to decide not to buy a riding jacket is comfort. It is true that it adds heft and sometimes may create irritation or feel quite uncomfortable because of comparatively thick, highly abrasive material and protectors, but trust me, things have changed a lot.

Today, most jackets come with lighter fabric and protectors. With continuous usage, you will get accustomed, and do not forget to check for cushioned trims on the cuff and collar area.

Also, keep in mind similar to the snug helmet fit mentioned in our helmet buying guide, the Riding Jacket must also fit well to protect you. Protectors should be in place (use the buckle to adjust). Initially, you may feel odd, but in a week, it will be comfortable.

Brand & Price

There are many brands in the Riding Jacket category, like Alpinestars, Rynox, Furygan, Aspida, Biking Brotherhood, Zeus, Solace, Royal Enfield, and many more. I feel in the 10K (INR 10000) range, Rynox can be your best pick. I have it, and I do not doubt that they are advancing their technology to provide better safety and quality at a very competitive price.

Recommendations

1. Always try to get light-colored Riding Gear for additional visibility at night, along with a reflective panel.
2. I prefer to shop Riding Jacket or any other Riding Gear offline because the correct size & fit is very important and you can even observe the product better. In case buying online, try to test it in an offline shop and then order the size you felt perfect.
3. Protectors are there to save you, so buy the best protection possible in your budget.
4. In a week or so, the Riding jacket will get comfortable, hence wear regularly (break-in).

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Don’t forget to check out our complete Ladakh Ride Blog series and Riding Gear related posts.

Certainly, if you loved this riding jacket buying guide, share this with your buddies. Additionally, if I’ve missed anything, please let me know in the comments section. I will include it in the post.

Thanks! Have a great day ahead.

The post Motorcycle Riding Jacket Buying Guide appeared first on Rider Escaped

A rider is not only someone who loves long rides or has a very expensive motorcycle either but also everyone who rides a motorcycle for any reason. As a rider, we often underestimate the value of our or our pillion’s life, whether we don’t wear a helmet or any other safety gear. 

Today we will discuss why you should invest in Riding Gears now; otherwise, things might go really bad.

Riding is a passion, a brotherhood, or an integral part of a rider’s life. Admit it or not, it gives us a thrill, a sense of freedom, community, happiness completely different perspective on life, and the list goes on.

In motorcycling, as a rider, we probably look after almost everything like bike specifications, servicing, ergonomics, places we can visit, insurance, modifications, etc, but still, most of us hardly concern ourselves with our own safety. 

Many of us are actually aware of how these riding gears might save our lives in case of any unfortunate event. Still, they don’t opt for it.

What are Riding Gears?

Riding Gears are nothing but the best possible protection for our body, but are made in such a way that it doesn’t feel uncomfortable. A helmet is a well-known riding gear; similarly, purpose-built gloves, jackets, trousers, boots, etc, also exist.

Is it true that Riding Gears are mostly uncomfortable?

Yes, almost every budget riding gear won’t feel comfortable for most of you. But trust me, within a week or two of continuous usage, this will change dramatically. It will not only become a style statement for you, but you will also start feeling uncomfortable without those; it is a fact.

In my case, I always used a helmet only, no riding jackets, trousers, boots, or gloves, not even for 4000+ km rides. Although I had gloves, I never used them as they hurt.

During the Leh Ladakh ride, I had no choice but to wear gloves because of the cold, and surprisingly, after a few hundred kilometers, it became a habit, and now I feel uncomfortable without gloves.

Riding Gears is not expensive than your life!

True, Riding Gears are in general expensive, if not super expensive. Tell me, how much does your life cost? I might sound very funny to you, right, because life is precious, so why are you leaving your life unsafe, exposing it to unfortunate events?

You can purchase a complete standard riding gear set, including a Helmet, jacket, trousers, gloves, and boots, for about 13k to 20k INR. For better or best options, you may need to shell out more than 50k, also.

You may check out our comprehensive guide on How to buy a good Helmet. Also, I will share similar guides for each riding gear category soon, outlining different aspects you must check before purchase.

My sole motive is to help you buy the best possible product at every price point.

Why are Riding Gears super Important?

An accident can happen anytime; no one can predict it, correct? Suppose you are riding on an open highway at a constant speed of 80 kmph or riding to the office through the busiest traffic of your city. Now, what if someone hit you, maybe due to rash driving, electrical failure, unconsciousness, or at the worst, you lose control and fall?

You were maintaining traffic rules, still, shit happens in life. Frankly speaking, this happens frequently.

I too had faced a similar, but the scariest accident in my life, just because of someone else.

Now, wearing riding gear does not guarantee that you will return home without a scratch, but it can absorb maximum impact in case of an accident, and mostly you will be safe & alive.

Let me tell you, when someone meets with an accident, his/her head, palm, elbow, shoulder, spinal cord, hips, knees, ankles, and toes are the most prone to take almost 100% of the impact. That is why most of the riding gears provide protection at these critical points. Additionally, good riding gear is always made of highly durable & abrasion-resistant material like Cordura.

We will discuss riding gear material and other important aspects more comprehensively in How to choose and buying guide article.

Conclusion

Finally, I would say, it is your life and you can obviously do whatever you want, even risking it to death also. 

But still, I would request you to thoroughly read How a Helmet saved my life from the scariest accident I can possibly ever meet and then decide.

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Don’t forget to check out our Riding Gear information section.

Certainly, if you loved the content, share this with your buddies. Also, if I missed out on anything, do let me know in the comments section. I will include it in the post.

Thanks! Have a great day ahead.

The post Why Riding Gear can be a lifesaver for you appeared first on Rider Escaped

Coronavirus and its disease COVID-19 are seriously hampering people’s daily lives, the country’s economy, etc. People are so disturbed and depressed that they want to go outside, maybe for work or just for the sake of refreshment from long-term quarantine boredom.

Stop. If you too feel the same, read the article first. Here, I have mentioned some Coronavirus tips you may like to follow, especially if you want to be safe.

First, let’s see the current COVID-19 figures

While the recovery rate across the world is approximately 42%, we cannot say the dangerousness of the coronavirus variant is fading away. Rather, due to its constant mutation, it is changing drastically; in a few regions, the effectiveness became low, somewhere it became higher.

The only workaround we have as of now is social distancing, and obviously, in public roads and malls, we will not have that. Hence, if you are really feeling bored, my first advice would be to sit tight for a couple of more days. 

In case you have determined that you will go out for whatever reason, maybe for work or just a stroll, follow the coronavirus tips below.

Social Distancing is the key

If there is a way to avoid going out during rush hours, do that. Maybe in the early morning, noon, or afternoon, roads will be less crowded and then you will be less prone to getting the infection. 

• In case you are traveling through public transport, maintain at least a 1-meter gap.
• Always wear a mask while outside, and if possible, use surgical gloves.
• Don’t consume unhygienic foods or drinks.
• You should not handshake or hug someone; instead, you may wave.
• Try to avoid public toilets as much as possible.
• Avoid common touchpoints like handles, grab rails, or anything publicly exposed.
• Lastly, never spit in public places.

Mask, Hand Sanitizer, and Gloves are your current armor

Wearing a mask and gloves might keep you safe, but washing, sanitizing, or changing them at times is important too. I would always recommend using a single-use mask and gloves, so that you can dispose in the bin at the end.

• Don’t throw used masks and gloves in open trash bins or public places.
• Every time you wear a mask or remove it, sanitize your hands, especially palms and fingers, properly.

Take care of yourself and others

Should you feel a cough, fever, or breathing problem, call 1075, the helpline number, immediately. For other health issues, don’t ignore; call your doctor at the earliest.

A few more general coronavirus tips to follow, like

• Always cover your nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing.
• Never participate in any kind of mass gatherings like protests, religious events, etc.
• Wash your hands as frequently as possible, especially before touching your nose, mouth, or eyes.
• If you ever feel suspicious but there are no symptoms, self-quarantine yourself.
• Keep yourself updated through the Aarogya Setu app and news.
• Always follow the guidelines prescribed by local authorities.

Finally, I would again request you not to go outside until you have no choice. 

Important Contacts and Apps

• The Helpline Email ID for coronavirus: ncov2019@gov.in
• The Helpline Number for coronavirus: +91-11-23978046
• Toll-Free No: 1075
• Aarogya Setu App link: Android & IOS

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We are planning to post a weekly update on COVID-19, considering the fact that the news is constantly updating. Till then, subscribe to the Rider Escaped Newsletter and connect with us on Social platforms to get future updates quicker.

Don’t forget to check out our Ultimate Gangtok Tour Guide.

Thank you!

Could you please spare a moment to share these tips with your friends and family, and help them to use the Aarogya Setu Application too.

Lastly, spread out the correct information & awareness to all friends, family, and everyone. Let us fight together. We will try to update the info on a regular basis, so you may like to subscribe to our push notifications also.

Thanks! Have a great day ahead.

The post Coronavirus Tips: Don’t Go Out Or Be Alert appeared first on Rider Escaped

Hope you are safe after the Amphan Cyclone!

Everyone slowly started coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. Suddenly we got the Amphan Cyclone alert, especially for West Bengal and Odisha people it was nothing but like tends to end.

Generally Kolkata gets moderate loss in any cyclone like Bulbul, Hudhud, Fani, etc. But this time Amphan Cyclone seems to be horribly destructive in Kolkata. Hundreds of big trees are uprooted into roads, wires, homes, small shops, even cars. Many buildings previously marked as “Dangerous Building”, already lost a few of its parts, homes without casting lost its asbestos sheet or tile roof (টালির ছাদ). Traffic signal post, roadside light post almost everything took a severe hit.

What is Amphan Cyclone?

Super Cyclonic Storm Amphan (/ˈʊmpʊnˈ/) was a powerful tropical cyclone that caused widespread damage over Eastern India and Bangladesh on 20th and 21st May 2020. Cyclone Amphan is also the costliest cyclone ever recorded, shattering The 12 Year 12-year-long record of Cyclone Nargis. Amphan Cyclone originated from a low-pressure area persisting a couple of hundred miles east of Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 13 May 2020.

Quick facts about Amphan Cyclone

1. Wind speeds of 140 knots (160 mph; 260 km/h) sustained for 1 minute.
2. Wind speeds of 130 knots (150 mph; 240 km/h) sustained for 3 minutes.
3. A minimum central barometric pressure of 925 mbar (27.32 in Hg).
4. Kolkata faced an average of 100-120 km/h cyclonic storm, and the maximum speed reached 133 km/h at 7:20 PM, 20th May 2020.

Kolkata, Hooghly, Howrah, East Midnapur, North, South 24 Parganas, and the Coastal areas in Odisha were badly affected by the Amphan cyclone. It also caused significant destruction in Bangladesh.

Amphan effect in my area, Kolkata

Although electricity in my exact area is not that badly affected, thanks to God. But in places, there are different dangerous incidents that happened as electricity wire fell into water-logging and road caused few casualties. Many people are out of electricity since 20th May 2020 even within a kilometer of my locality.

Internet, cable line and cellphone services are also severely affected due to losing multiple towers, wire cut, and electricity loss. Currently, in my area Jio is working fine but Airtel and Vodafone users are facing very frequent disconnection issues. Most of the cable operators are trying to restore cable connection so that people can at least watch television during this lockdown.

According to the News, 60% of cell phone towers are affected in 8 districts where Amphan entered.

In the current COVID-19 lockdown, almost everyone prefers to be at home, many of us are doing work from home or simply consuming social media a lot. But due to these few hours of Cyclone Amphan, everything changed. No entertainment, no work, not even getting news on the current situation. Lastly, due to the mobile signal issue, we cannot talk to our loved ones, all of this makes this a huge mess, literally a panicked-like scenario.

This horrible cyclone Amphan happened on 20th May and the next day I just got shocked to see many roads are blocked by uprooted trees. In a few sections, multiple trees have fallen like a jungle between city roads. Cars, small shops, light posts, trams, and other wires were laid down like hell.

It is better to say that Nature finally answered to all our bad works.

Amphan Cyclone effect, Bethun College Hedua, 21st May 2020

Amphan Cyclone effect, road block for uprooted tree, 21st May 2020

Amphan Cyclone effect, tree uprooted in Bidhan Sarani, 21st May 2020

Amphan Cyclone effect in Bidhan Sarani, 21st May 2020

Amphan Cyclone effect water-logging, 21st May 2020

As per the state government, almost 1 lakh crore worth of damage occurred, and also more than 72 people were found dead (more than 150 in India) due to Cyclone Amphan. Currently, due to the COVID lockdown, many people are not earning money, in this cyclone really made everything more devastating.

Thanks to the Chief Minister of West Bengal and every frontliner

Truly speaking State Government, especially the Honorable Chief Minister of West Bengal, Smt. Mamata Banerjee tried a lot. For example, moving approximately 6 Lakh people from roads, Jhupris, weak or raw homes to the nearest shelter including all fisheries. She repeatedly requested everyone to stay home and also monitored the situation herself from the control room throughout the time.

• As a preventive measurement, The state government turned off electricity in many places to avoid collateral damage through wire cut.
• Repetitive announcements through SMS the news seem to reach the maximum people.

As a human being, we do not harness any power to withhold natural calamity or a disaster like Amphan cyclone. But she did an outstanding job and Thank You for whatever we all can save under her leadership and guidance. Readers, please don’t be political, this is a perfect example of humanity we all should learn or maintain and every person including influencers like politicians should also do the same.

Lastly, I would like to thank you, news channels like ABP Ananda, Zee 24 ghanta, News 18, and their respective news reporters, anchors. They really gave us timely updates, which helped a lot to save ourselves; they made the impossible possible.

We should be ready next time

Definitely, this kind of natural calamity can never be stopped nor can we guarantee zero casualties, but we can take proactive measures to minimize the effect.

1. All the electrical, cable TV and telephonic wires should go underground just like water lines.
2. Drainage systems need to be cleaned frequently. Although this is already evident in many places.
3. All large and high hoarding, banner, and advertisement boards should go through integrity inspection regularly.
4. The State Government should mark and enforce immediate repair to all dangerous buildings.

Important Link

• Amphan Cyclone Wikipedia

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Thanks! Have a great day ahead.

Tell Us

How was your experience in the Amphan Cyclone? How much are you or your nearest ones affected?

The post Amphan Cyclone effect in Kolkata, 20th May 2020 appeared first on Rider Escaped