While it is common to see Bullet enthusiasts going on challenging motorcycle expeditions, Srinivas Maadu from Vijayawada recently set off on a solo trip on an ordinary bike, the Apache 150cc. And indeed, his trip from Vijayawada to Srinagar turned out to be the adventure of a lifetime the 35-day expedition spanned across
8152 km. “The idea behind the expedition was to spread the message of world peace and awareness about child abuse,” says Srinivas, adding, “I was apprehensive that my bike was an ordinary one and unsuitable for long drives. Also, since I had not serviced it for long, I was worried that it would break down at any time.”
Mid-way into the ride, Srinivas admits that driving alone in remote places like Nubra, Pangong, Kargil, Baaltal, etc., was scary.
“Finding the proper route map and driving through tough terrains and Spiti Valley (600 km from Shimla) was hard. The route has several water crossings and the road is very poor and full of stones. Also, getting used to the freezing temperatures, travelling alone and sleeping during the nights was a bit tough,” he shares.
Srinivas did however, manage to reach the world’s highest motorable point, Khardungla. After meeting the jawans at the Kargil border, he went on the Amarnath yatra along with his friends.
But the religious trip that he undertook for spiritual satisfaction turned into a harrowing drama when they realised that they were caught in the midst of landslides!
Terming the experience as horrifying, the 34-year-old Srinivas, who eventually returned to Vijayawada on Wednesday, says, “We got stuck in the landslides. There was chaos everywhere, people were screaming and panicking. We saw debris falling on people with several casualties. The walkway was just 5 feet and if anything went wrong, it would have been certain death for us. Due to God’s grace, we were able to come back safely.”
