Much like you, we are big fans of the trusty old scooter. And much like you, we like to put ourselves through awesome adventures every once in a while. So, when the inevitable ‘What’s next?’ question arose, it got us thinking. What is the last place you think the universally under-appreciated scooter would go?

And that’s when it struck us.

Every year, thousands from across the world come to conquer the Himalayas on their motorcycles. These mountains are tough as nails and there are serious bragging points at stake. We thought why not put the scooter to the ultimate test. Scale the gigantic Himalayas, cross rivers, face huge landslides and battle the endemic lack of oxygen. But why stop at that?

We then sat down to make it even more difficult. We chose some of the most incredible and remote spots in the region and added the condition that the scooters must also complete challenges at these spots. Whichever way your rally ends, you would have earned lifelong respect from everyone.

We invite you to the Wobbly Wheels Rally!

RALLY FORMAT
Uncompetitive. Unsupported. Unguided

THE RIDE
Scooter or a step-through moped with engine capacity below 125cc. Yes, sidecars are allowed

LAUNCH AND DURATION
The Rally will be flagged off on September 3, 2012 after 2 days of pre-rally activities. The launch will be preceded by some test riding on Indian roads, safety briefings by our experts, a friendly cricket match with a local team and a super mental party to put your head into a spin. Since this is not a competitive rally, there is no pressure on teams to finish first or at all! However, we reckon 3 weeks is good enough to get it all done. So, at the end of 3 weeks from flag off, we will host an awesome closing party to celebrate your adventures.

WHERE
The rally will be flagged off from Chandigarh in northern India. Participants will negotiate their way through 3,000 kms / 1,900 miles of treacherous Himalayan terrain, cruise through the final section on the plains to finish back at Chandigarh. See the attached map for reference.

How to reach: Most countries have direct flights to New Delhi (from NYC 15 hours, from London 9 hours). Chandigarh is an hour long flight north of New Delhi (250 kms / 155 miles) and lies at the foothills of the Himalayas. It is one of the larger cities in India and major shippers will provide direct connectivity there.

WHAT DO YOU NEED?
To participate, you must have the following items at the start of the event:
• Class A International Driving Permit (IDP) allowing the participant to ride 2-wheelers in India
• A scooter / moped meeting our requirements with proper registration and insurance (you can buy one cheaply in India, if you don’t want to ship yours all the way)
• Life and accident insurance valid for at least 45 days from the start date

SPECIAL OFFER
Women riders are entitled to a 15% discount on the entry fee

INTERESTED?
Visit http://www.unreasonablejourneys.com | Email Abhimanyu@unreasonablejourneys.com

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Unreasonable Journeys | The Wobbly Wheels Rally

Wow... I wish!

The Wobbly Wheels Rally 2012 has started climbing the Himalayan heights. Rain, mud and landslides - 6 days and we have already faced all this. We are tracking the rally's progress on this link. Check it out

Wobbly Wheels Rally 2012 | Live Updates

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Unreasonable Journeys | The Wobbly Wheels Rally

Let me take you on this trip with me....

Wobbly Wheels Rally 2012 | Live Updates













More tomorrow....

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Unreasonable Journeys | The Wobbly Wheels Rally

Heading into the mountains ....

Wobbly Wheels Rally | Live Updates

The Kullu Tunnel



That moment when you realize just how insignificant you are in the mountains



The river follows you all the way





First attempt to cross Rohtang Pass



Mud and slush everywhere



Yes, this was the surface!





More soon ...

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Unreasonable Journeys | The Wobbly Wheels Rally

Dude, you are my hero! Wish you a safe journey's end.

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Dana & her Buddy, "Miz Gilly"

Navendu, is that a stock Bajaj you're riding? Where is everyone else? Are there others making the same journey? Thanks for sharing your pictures. Safe travels!

<blushing slightly>



That's actually a 2004 Vespa manufactured in partnership with LML. There is no one else. This is a recce ride for the Wobbly Wheels Rally to be organized next year. We will be putting up the notice when the rally is announced. It is unlike anything you may have done before. If you like the idea of doing this, you should sign up for the newsletter.

Thanks for the wishes.

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Unreasonable Journeys | The Wobbly Wheels Rally

Wobbly Wheels Rally | Live Updates

The first approach to Rohtang Pass was marred by multiple landslides from the recent rains. There was mud everywhere. The road was slippery. The traffic jam was mammoth. Starting at 7 am in the morning, I kept waiting till 3 pm when the road finally opened. It was too late for today.



The biggest surprise waited for me back at Manali. I took the scoot for repairs and the guy made the usual enquiries about what I am doing with a scooter in these areas. Upon learning that I was going to Leh on that in this weather, he simply refused to take any money for the repairs.

Everyone loves a great adventure!



The next day, I started again. The weather and road surface was no better. But the landslides had been cleared. Just take a look...







On the other side, things were much better.









Next report... The incredible Manali Leh Highway!

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Unreasonable Journeys | The Wobbly Wheels Rally

Wobbly Wheels Rally | Live Updates

On the other side of Rohtang Pass, the weather was much better. It was bright and sunny and just the right amount of cold. The scooter was doing alright even after the battering received on that godforsaken mountain pass. Keylong was in sight.

In Keylong, the first bout of health problems cropped up. I had difficulty breathing and blood pressure was fluctuating from time to time. Eventually, I headed to a doctor. He mentioned this is a common problems among bicycle and motorcycle riders in these areas. That didn't help much. Anyway, the next morning I was on the road again.

The road surface fluctuated between awesome to nightmarish to everything in between. Flat tar roads were interspersed with gravel filled surfaces. I spent two nights in a massive deserted institute out of a horror movie and a tent in the middle of nowhere. The fog lamp fell off. The mirror turned the other way. There was much rattling. But the incredible views of Ladakh more than made up for the pain of riding.



































I stayed a day in Leh and decided to visit two of my targets over the next three days.

Khardung La is considered the highest motorable road in the world. At an elevation of 18380ft/5602m, this is one of the most extreme points of the world. The scoot, however, made it without any whimpering. It did show signs of slowing down and giving up but the little warrior kept going.

On the downhill journey, the headlight gave up. It was dark. The road was slippery from rain and recent blasting to create a new road. I found a little space in the middle of an army convoy to ensure I can see through the creeping darkness. One lovely ride.











The next stop was Pangong Tso. One of the most fantastically located and largest lakes in the world. Over 140kms in length and straddling two countries, the thing you will never forget about this lake is the colour of the water. Its a shade of blue I have never seen before. It is fantastic.

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Unreasonable Journeys | The Wobbly Wheels Rally

The doctor's report concerns me. You're having a great adventure, but be sure and continue to take care of yourself!

Beautiful pictures! thanks for sharing! This is the closest I'LL ever come to doing something like that! I would be absolutely terrified doing that! The 'what ifs' would petrify me and I'd never move!!

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Scooter Jo
*******
Lovin' it!!


As you go to bed tonight, will Someone upstairs say you've won another tomorrow by what you've done today? - Harry H. Browne

Having gone around Leh for the last one week, I decided to explore new grounds. Leh is a barren, moon-like, high altitude desert. Very little grows here and even the most fantastic views are stark.

In contrast, the Kashmir Valley is as green as they come. Full of chinar trees, flowers of every colour and size and babbling brooks everywhere, Kashmir is the stuff of dreams. However, the chequered past of Kashmir has always prevented too many people from visiting. Though this may sound insensitive, but thanks to the security issues, Kashmir is still largely unspoilt. Things have changed for the better in the last few years. No attacks have been reported in years. Army has slowly withdrawn from the city and has dismantled bunkers. There is still massive presence of the armed forces but the city and the valley is no longer on the tenterhooks.

To get to Kashmir from Ladakh, one crosses Kargil. A town on the crossroads of the old Silk Route from the middle east to China, Kargil is stamped on the map of India after the Kargil War of 1999 with Pakishtan. Barely a stone's throw away from the international border, Dras is probably the most dramatic stop along the way. A massive, well maintained war memorial stands in the middle of nowhere and overlooks the international border. Sign posts declaring "You are under observation by the enemy" ensue that your journey is never boring.

The Journey From Ladakh To Kargil























This is what happens to the hands inside the gloves after an hour of continuous rain.



There is so much stuff to be carried along, it is like I am on a honeymoon with my equipment

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Unreasonable Journeys | The Wobbly Wheels Rally

Thankfully health has kept improving over time and hasn't bothered me much.

I did however met a few brash youngsters from Delhi who were motorcycling with complete abandon - drinking through the night, hardly sleeping, no water. They got severely dehydrated. To make it worse, they slept in a rather well insulated tent with a lantern. The lantern sucked up all the oxygen and they had to be rushed to the hospital in Leh in the middle of the night. The hospital is close to 150 kms away but the army doctors at the camp nearby made sure they had oxygen being provided through the trip.

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Unreasonable Journeys | The Wobbly Wheels Rally

Oh don't say that! Let me tell you about two women from opposite sides of the world.

Riina from Finland is RIGHT NOW on this trip - solo! She flew in to India, touched a geared scooter for the first time in her life, trained for 3 weeks and rode away to the mountains. And she has done great! All it needs is a little confidence.

Another lady from New Zealand has already asked us to reserve a space on the 2013 rally for her. She will be riding along with another lady from New Zealand. The scarier the pictures, the more excited she gets.

Give it a shot!

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Unreasonable Journeys | The Wobbly Wheels Rally