GUIDEBOOKLEH

RIDES2019-20

CONTENT:

ITINERARY

PREPARING YOUR AVENGER

PREPARING YOURSELF

WHAT TO CARRY

GROUP RIDING BASICS

DO’s AND DON’Ts IN LEH

RIDING IN LEH

NECESSARY RIDING GEAR

RULES OF THE RIDE

Congratulations on being a part

of the Bajaj Avenger FLG ride to Leh. It’s going to be

a long and exciting journey of brotherhood.

To help you out, we’ve put together this handy booklet

which tells you everything you need, to prepare yourself for a

safe and enjoyable ride to Leh. Please read this booklet

carefully before commencing your ride, to avoid mishaps

on the way.

RIDES2019-20

ITINERARYDay 01:Delhi to Pathankot (500km/8hours)Start early from Delhi so that you can reachPathankot in time.

Day 02:Pathankot to Srinagar (330km/9hours)Get back to your bike to head for Srinagar.

Day 03:Srinagar to Kargil (200km/6hours)Pay homage to the martyrs of Kargil.

Day 04:Kargil to Leh (220km/6 hours)Find out why Leh is a synonym of dream.

Day 05: Leh Ride to various monasteries (100kms/5-6 hours)Explore monasteries to experience the tranquility in and around Leh.

Day 06:Leh to Nubra (130kms/-)Cruise to experience the magic of Nubra - The valley of �owers.

Day 07:Nubra to Leh (130kms/-)Ride back to get a recap of what you experienced before.

RIDES2019-20

ITINERARYDay 08:Leh to Pangong and back to Leh (220kms/6hours)Ride to the famous Pangong Lake and return with many unforgettable memories.

Day 09:Ride to explore Leh (220kms/6-7hours)Rafting in the Zanskar river will get you an adrenaline rush like never before.

Day 10: Leh to Sarchu (225kms/7hours)Get a mesmerizing view of the cold desert, which will leave you spellbound.

Day 11:Sarchu to Manali (250kms/8hours)Explore the beauty of snow-clapped mountains on your way to Manali.

Day 12: Manali to Chandigarh (300kms/6hours)Witness the transformations in the landscape around you during the journey.

Day 13:Chandigarh to Delhi (250kms/6hours) It’s time to return to Delhi after collecting a few souvenir memories.

RIDES2019-20

The key to a smooth ride is a smooth bike. So before setting out on the journey we recommend that you perform a thorough bike check andprepare your Avenger for the adventure ahead.

The most important check of all: The Engine Check. Go on a long ride to make sure your engine is smoothly running.

1. Tyres• Riding off-road in Leh will demand sturdy tyres that are in top condition. We recommend that you check the quality of your tyres. Install a new set of tyres and tubes and carry spare tubes aswell as a puncture kit.• The rubber strip inside the rim must be in good condition. • Make sure rims in the tyres are balanced and not protruding. It can puncture the tube. • Check your wheel hubs and rubber parts. Get them fixed at least 10 days before leaving.

2. Rubber parts and cables

• Check all the rubber components like carburettor hose, fuel lines, air filter rubber, etc. for cracks and tears. Replace if in doubt.• Assess the wear in rear swing-arm bush and sprocket. Get them replaced, if necessary.• Check all cables. Replace them if they are bent or frayed. Carry spares.

3. Forks, suspensions and chassis

• Inspect your shock absorbers. Check for sagging in the springs, or if the main tube has worn out.• Check the oil seals on the front forks. If it is time to top the fork oil up as per the service schedule, then get the same done at an authorised Bajaj Service Centre.• Check for play in the steering column and replace the ball race bearing if necessary.

4. Clutch

• Your bike’s clutch is crucial for this trip. Make sure your clutch is in good condition. Adjust it properly to avoid any drag or slip. Check the primary chain and the adjuster.

5. Others

• Get your battery and earthing connections checked. Protect all electrical connections and switches with adequate taping and waterproof sprays.• Check your chain and rear sprocket for wear. Practice removing and replacing the wheels and spark plugs of your motorcycle.• Carry essential spare parts and the original tool kit.

Get done with all of this to prepare your Avenger for Leh well in advance.

PREPARING YOUR AVENGER

RIDES2019-20

It’s not just your bike that needs preparation. Adventure rides like these can be mentally and physically demanding as they require overall fitness and consistent focused attention. The air at Leh’s high altitude passes like Baralach La and Khardung La is really thin. Start excercising regularly to remain fit in those conditions.

In Leh, riders often suffer from loss of appetite, nausea, acute mountain sickness (AMS), fatigue, insomnia, shortness of breath, nosebleeds and drowsiness. These problems can be solved, only by increasing your strength and lung capacity. Breathing techniques play an important role for improving your performance on the trail.

These are a few things that one can practice to increase strengthand stamina.

Blow balloons: It increases lung capacity.Aerobic exercises: Improves breathing stamina.Rhythmic breathing: Try to breathe in an even rhythm to improve stamina.Mouth breathing: People suffering from any nasal problems such as sinusitis or nasal congestion, are suggested to practice breathing through the mouth at high altitude.This will help breathing in more oxygen.Exercises: Increase anaerobic capacity through exercises like ‘holding your breath’ for a short period of time.

PREPARINGYOURSELF

RIDES2019-20

Spares & Tools1. Carry a basic set of spares, cables, spark plugs, fuses, tubes, a puncture repair kit and a set of spanners and Allen keys. In Leh, even the simplest tools are hard to come by. 2. While you will have the back-up vehicle with all necessary tools and spares, it is always better to carry some of your own.

How to Pack1. Evaluate weight vs. utility of every item while packing. You would not want to carry a heavy bike through all the treacherous passes. 2. Carry your important and handy items in a waterproof tank or tail bag. 3. Large bags can be kept in our back-up vehicle (weight limit 10 kgs).

What to Pack

1. Basic repair tools 2. Torch3. Pocket knife4. Matches, lighter5. A basic first aid kit with essential medicines and prescribed medication6. Light, high energy snacks like nuts and chocolates7. Rope, wires and bungee cords8. Fuel canister9. Spare bike key10. Chargers, power banks11. Windcheater

What not to carry

1. Extra lights, mirrors, heavy additions to the motorcycle like exhaust or horns. Basically anything which can break on the way. 2. Non-standard high rise or low handlebars.

Don’t forget

1. Riding gear, jackets, gloves, knee guards, helmet and balaclava.2. Extra thermal liners, as you will experience bone chilling cold in some places.3. Rain covers for your bags and rain clothes.4. Toiletries like soaps, sunscreen, toothpaste and brush.5. Extra pair of shoes (avoid carrying sandals or chappals as it’s very cold out there).6. Valid ID proof and driving license.

WHAT TOCARRY

RIDES2019-20

1. Always have at least one rider in your line of sight at all times.2. Keep a safe and comfortable distance between the rider in front and yourself. This distance should allow you to stop your bike completely without any hassle.3. Indicate before overtaking; make your intent known well in advance to the rider ahead of your path.4. Avoid signalling by hand. Keep an eye on the speed and behaviour of the rider ahead – his turn signals, brake light, etc.5. Riding with a non-working brake light can be dangerous for you and your fellow riders.6. If there is a difficult stretch (like a steep climb, descent or a water crossing), wait for the rider ahead of you to clear it before taking it on yourself.7. Stay in sight of the rear-view mirror of the rider ahead, rather than being in his or her blind spot. Also, get yourself slightly askew from the rider in front, to get a better view.8. While parking keep other bikes in consideration. 9. In case you notice something unusual or dangerous in your riding group, notify your leader immediately.10. Do not overtake when the rider ahead is braking. He/she could be braking for a hazard and you could rush right into it.

GROUP RIDINGBASICS

In Leh, high altitude, lack of oxygen, extreme climate and an array of other factors can take a toll on your body. Whether or not you’re on a motorcycle, take the tips below seriously.

Do’s1. Drink lots of water. Avoid colas, aerated drinks and alcohol, as they work adversely.2. Eat moderately but regularly. Pack high-energy foods that are easy to carry.3. Breathe evenly and take more measured, deeper breaths than you normally would.

Don’ts1. Keep your physical movements to a minimum – don’t expend energy uselessly.2. Set out without an intensive stamina and strength-building physical regimen.

DO’S AND DON’TSIN LEH

RIDES2019-20

RIDES2019-20

BrakingStreet legal motorcycles have a front & a rear brake. The braking ratio from front to rear is approximately 70:30. However, locking the front wheel is more dangerous than locking the rear wheel. Don’t be afraid of the front brake, but use it wisely with the rear brake to have maximum stopping power.

TurningWhile turning on rough surfaces like snow, gravel, water, mud, etc, don’t tilt your bike like you regularly do. Instead, keep it as straight as possible to avoid slipping. Minimise use of front brakes while turning on rough or loose surfaces.

PostureDon’t grab the handlebars too tightly. Grip the fuel tank between your legs, with your elbows slightly bent. This will ease the load off your arms, allow you to ride long distances, and keep your upper body loose while giving you balance and stability.

RIDING ON ROUGH SURFACESWhile riding on a rough surface, keep your upper body loose, and use your legs to attach yourself to the bike.

Other key habits you need to remember are:1. Keeping the weight to the rear.2. Gripping your tank with your knees aids control. 3. On surfaces like ice where the traction is abysmally low, staying on an even throttle and keeping the speed slow ensures that you don’t fall.4. Don’t lock the front brakes; use rear brakes more often.

RIDINGIN LEH

RIDES2019-20

HelmetsWe recommend a well-fitting, full-face helmet. It should neither be too loose nor too stuffy. An additional visor (tinted) can protect you from the harsh sun of the mountains.

Neck ProtectionCarry buffs or mufflers, they will keep you warm in Leh’s cold conditions. It will also keep dust out and absorb sweat from your neck.

Protective JacketsWhile choosing a riding jacket make sure you have armour around shoulders, elbows and knees for protection from impact; an abrasion-resistant outer shell to protect you in case of a slide; enough warm layers to keep you cosy in the cold; and waterproof and breathable rain gear to keep you dry.

GlovesA good pair of gloves will allow flexibility for ease of movement. On impact it will provide protection on the knuckles. Make sure they don’t restrict feedback from the handlebars to your palms. Carry two pairs of gloves, a spare pair comes handy in case the other gets wet.

Protective PantsLook for pants that can withstand the rigour of different weather conditions and be comfortable enough to be worn for long hours.

BootsWeather proof protective boots are best when riding across unpredictable terrains of the Himalayas. Wear slightly roomy fit that can accommodate up to 2 layers of socks without making the boots too tight.

NECESSARYRIDING GEAR

1. Daily ride will start at 6 am in the morning. Strict follow-up of timelines is necessary to ensure safe arrival at destination.2. Riders can keep one bag in the back-up vehicle. Allowed limit: 10 kgs.3. Alcohol is not allowed throughout the ride.4. All riders are expected to conduct themselves to the best of their behaviour at all times. They must, at all times be considerate towards other riders, support staff and the locals we come across during our ride.5. Please be environmentally conscious during the ride. Do not litter.6. If you are under any medical treatment, please inform our support staff before we start the ride. We expect you to strictly follow your medication and medical advice at all times.7. Get your bike serviced and checked 10 days before the ride.8. No overtake allowed. Riders need to strictly follow the lead and marshal at all times.9. If for any reason you do not feel fit enough to concentrate and ride, inform the ride official about the same. It might be the small difference between life and death.

RULESOF THE RIDE

NOW THAT YOU HAVE GEARED

YOURSELF UP, WE WISH YOU GOOD

LUCK FOR THE ADVENTURE THAT

AWAITS. THANK YOU FOR RIDING

ALONG WITH US. WE PROMISE TO MAKE

IT AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE.

RIDES2019-20