The first 2 important points of a check list to start any journey are
- Destination
- Vehicle or Ride
Both of these check list items go hand in hand as both complement each other eventually. I had been to the North of Pakistan many times. Be it Naran or Muree, Shogran or Mahodhand Lake, Bhurban or Kashmir. All the times we travelled with my dad on our car. To Muree and Mahodhand I had been with friends and that too on vans and local transports. I had recently bought my GS-150 for commuting to office but we all know GS-150 that GS fans love its retro looks and it?s amazing touring capabilities. Hahahah, man the moment you buy it, you start itching to take it for a long ride . I had previously owned Sprinter Eco but that was 7 years ago and had never been outside Lahore on a bike. Though I did travel to Millat Tractors daily for work then but still, that?s not a tour.
So, I decided let?s just take some days off from work and just go where my nose will lead me, SOLO. When I discussed the idea with some of my friends and cousins, everyone was against it. ?bike par akelay? Or woh bhi Naraan??. I made up excuses probably cause I needed some time for my self and what better way to do than travelling on a bike!! To the North!!!.
Anyways, ultimately I consulted an old friend of mine who was running a travelling gig as his passion whenever he could and he travels a lot. Even he in NO WAY allowed me to do it alone. First, cause I never ridden my bike outside Lahore. Secondly, had no such experience of maintaining my own bike and if I had any sort of trouble, I would be stuck. Man my odometer this time around was just 1800 km! I had to accept his reasoning. So He asked around and found out that a few of his travel companions were also planning to do a bike tour and my friend, Mr. Hamza, was drafting a viable tour for them. (You can follow my friend on Facebook :). https://www.facebook.com/TravelandTours.Pakistan )
They were glad that I would join them.
So, it was decided that I would travel with them till Naran. They will travel further on towards touching China Border and I would return to Islamabad via a different route for my return journey. Why till Naran? They believed a novice biker like me can easily get help if my motor bike breaks down for any reason.
Destination? Check!
I believe in my own right that GS-150 is made for touring, especially to the North. Sure people go on 125 and 70s, but the sheer power that GS-150 provides while climbing, is second to none. I had my luggage with me and even then I got an average of 40 km/liter for my journey. The only problem I found, was my inexperiance, cause its a heavier bike than others which, when driving at almost 100 km/hr and still wanting to go more with luggage, is pure pleasure.
Ride? GS-150 CHECK!
Run Shadofax, show us the meaning of Haste!