A4000+ Kms long motorcycle journey across Pakistan

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lovebikes (lovebikes) 2009-08-21 14:48:00 +0600 #81

An old fort

lovebikes (lovebikes) 2009-08-21 14:52:00 +0600 #82

lovebikes (lovebikes) 2009-08-21 14:54:00 +0600 #83

lovebikes (lovebikes) 2009-08-21 14:55:00 +0600 #84

lovebikes (lovebikes) 2009-08-21 14:57:00 +0600 #85

Though it is hard to see in the pics due to clouds and fog but the mountain walls were quite high

lovebikes (lovebikes) 2009-08-21 14:58:00 +0600 #86

lovebikes (lovebikes) 2009-08-21 15:00:00 +0600 #87

lovebikes (lovebikes) 2009-08-21 15:05:00 +0600 #88

Nearing plains

As the D I Khan got nearer, the scenery and weather started changing. As I left mountains behind and entered the plains, things started to heat up. Here something happened that is one of those things that could happen only in Pakistan. Here is what happened, as I was about to enter city limits of D I Khan, was stopped at a police check post. After usual documents check and other formalities, I mounted the bike and started it one of the policemen came to me and said that I cannot enter city limits as due to sectarian violence and terrorist activities motorcycle riding was banned within city limits. I asked him if there was a way to bypass the city and continue my journey. The answer was no, I had to pass the city if I continued the present course. After lot of discussion he agreed to escort me to police station where I could meet the in charge and get permission. After some waiting at police station the in charge came and finally was allowed to continue.

Left the mountains behind and into plains now

lovebikes (lovebikes) 2009-08-21 16:04:00 +0600 #89

Chashma road

lovebikes (lovebikes) 2009-08-21 16:06:00 +0600 #90

Near Chashma barrage

lovebikes (lovebikes) 2009-08-22 17:15:00 +0600 #91

By the time I got to Mianwali, temperature got way over 40 degrees and the traffic on the road increased. At Talagang decided that couldnt go any further like that, so stopped there and had lunch and long rest although didnt feel like eating at all due to extreme heat. Couple of hours rest did enable me to move on but still the conditions were very hard. Made it to Rawalpindi before sundown despite the hard conditions and quite a few delays.

Lunch at Talagang

lovebikes (lovebikes) 2009-08-22 17:22:00 +0600 #92

I reached Rawalpindi couple of days earlier than scheduled due to change in the route. It was an oppurtunity to look around and explore the twin cities but it was so hot even in the evenings that couldnt make up my mind to leave the hotel room and go out, so nothing much to do other than read book or watch TV till rest of the gang from PBC joined me for next part of the tour.

RZ (RZ) 2009-08-22 18:27:00 +0600 #93

@lovebikes

Assalam Alaikum. I had this wish of exploring my country on bike. Once I almost finalised a GS750 for the purpose (some 15 years ago). The wish is still a dream but Insha Allah someday I will do it. I really enjoyed your narration and felt like I am riding an HD Vrod or Suzuki Hayabusa with you through the scenes. Thanks to you and Pakwheels.com.

As for the DI Khan scene, we all must pray to Allah to help us ending this dilemma.

Best wishes for your tour and dua for safe journey.

lovebikes (lovebikes) 2009-08-24 10:30:00 +0600 #94

DAY12 TO DAY16, JULY12-16,2009.

Rawalpindi-Islamabad(No count of Kms)

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DAY 17, JULY 17,2009.

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Islamabad To Balakot(220 kms)

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Other members of PBC reached Pindi in the morning via train. After brekfast we left for Islamabad and there two of our members changed oil of their bikes. We decided to take Marri, Nathiagali route to Abbotabad and Mansehra.

Though it is my ride report but for this next part real hero of the story is someone else. It was his persistance, determination and endurance that made this trip possible. I considered myself quite a tough person but this man made me rethink.

Here he is

Dr Omar Khan

He also paid for accommodation and food on more than one occassion.
Thank you Khan sb with out you it would have been difficult if not imposible.

lovebikes (lovebikes) 2009-08-24 10:34:00 +0600 #95

Changing oil

On the way to Marri AbdulSattar on Ravi and Khan sb on GS

lovebikes (lovebikes) 2009-08-24 10:48:00 +0600 #96

All other members who joined me

Left to Right--Imran Shah,Imran Bhatti (Suzuki GSX 750, Bhatti drove), Dr Omar Khan(Suzuki GS150),AbdulSattar(Ravi Piaggio Storm 125), Tahir Salim (Honda CG125) Tahir is from Islamabad all the rest r from Lahore

GSX was giving trouble despite oil change so decided to change the oil again in Marri.

Rest while the oil was changed(overnight train journey without seats taking its toll)

lovebikes (lovebikes) 2009-08-24 17:26:00 +0600 #97

This time it worked and later GSX didnt give much trouble

Nice road and good weather

We had planned to camp at lake Saiful maluk but by the time we reached Balakot all the members from Lahore were tired. 220 kms after a tiring overnight train journey was enough for the day so night stay in Balakot. Found this hotel by the river bank and the decision was easy.

At hotel

lovebikes (lovebikes) 2009-08-24 17:28:00 +0600 #98

View from the hotel

HanifBhatti (Hanif Bhatti) 2009-08-24 17:44:00 +0600 #99

@lovebikes
Excellent Coverage (Y)
Can we go togehter on a road trip "Explore pakistan" sometime next year.

HanifBhatti (Hanif Bhatti) 2009-08-24 17:56:00 +0600 #100

Waiting for more pix.