Thanks for the response guys. I was waiting for the pics from someone else.
We initiated such meets few times earlier and none worked as people weren’t very serious about it. We probably don’t have Sethus, AppUs & RKs in that page. However, this time, a fellow member initiated it and I took it forward. Luckily, few showed up their interest and the numbers grew slowly.
I suggested Hessargetta Grassland as that’s a hotspot for Auto meets and photo shoots. Moreover, that’s been in my pending list for quite long time. As everyone agreed, we zeroed on the location, date and time as 6 AM. About 6 members confirmed their presence, though we have a big number from Bangalore. Anyways, that’s a decent number to start anything, isn’t it?
BTW, Special Thanks to Binoy, a fellow member and initiator of this meet, to print a banner for the meet and that's the one you see as teaser. Moreover, across India, we have been discussing about a logo for the page quite a long time and nothing has been materialized yet. Like our stickers ah?! This banner is liked by many in the page, but wasn't finalized as the logo yet. Will do it shortly. I am speculating, which will reach my Figo's bumper first? Will it be TAI???
It was suggested to start the voyage from Bayapanahalli as it was close for couple of members. I and another member met at Banaswadi signal as it was closer for us and the people from Bayapanahalli joined us there. Well, it was a sight not to miss! 5 Figos parked in line on the Service Road. 2 White, 2 Grey and mine stood out unique as Chill Metallic. The commonality was, all were First Model, Diesel One and Stock Fresh with no mods/upgrades.
We left for the spot trusting Google Maps GPS Navigation. The route we took was Banaswadi – Hebbal – HMT – Jalahalli – Hessarghatta Main Road. However, we were misguided and went beyond the spot missing a road which we should have taken. We went about 4 KMs and enquired someone on the road to find our spot. Thanks to Girish – I suddenly remembered he visited this place few months ago and I called him for directions. He was so kind enough to respond me quickly by checking the maps and guided me perfectly. Thanks again Girish, you were the savior that day!
Finally, we reached the spot! The view was amazing and makes one to wonder, is this a place just in Bangalore? It’s a plan valley with grass up to about a foot. I wish it was a monsoon, to have those grass lush green. Nevertheless, the brownish dried grasses were yet beautiful. Eucalyptus and other trees aside, leaving a barren land, with a pathway of red mud road. Yeah, though the red soil would mess up your cleaned & polished tyres, it complimented well the brown grass. In monsoon, I guess, the roads would be muddy, but the view would be breathtaking. So, you got to lose one to get one right? So, lesson learnt? Don’t dress up your tyres for this trip.
So, whatsup? We parked our rides and started the photo session. Here are few… As it was all Figos and stock fresh, we didn’t click pics on interiors etc.
1st Pitstop at Hessarghatta Main Road
Fellow Member, Varun, posing with the Banner.
Seeking directions, when we were lost. I was talking to Girish then.
Members posing with the banner.
What a sight!
The King, in the middle!
As it was already close to 9, everyone’s tummy was growling. So, what to eat and where? Nothing around there, except “Kuteeram by Taj” and “Our Native Village”. Thinking Taj would be an expensive affair, we called up the latter. The buffet breakfast was Rs. 600 per head! Whereas, the same in Kuteeram was 250. Well, that’s the choice.
That's Kuteeram, by Taj
The breakfast was kind of OK with Idlies, Vada, a small Masala Dosa, & Tea/Coffee. However, 250 for this? Hmmmm yeah, it’s Taj. We had a formal introduction and chat over the BF. All rides were 2 ½ to 3 ½ yrs old and the oldest one clocked 88K ODO. Per him, its stock fresh and nothing had to be changed including Clutches and Brakes. Two of the members got their family too and one of them had a child of 7 Months! It was commendable to see ladies too volunteered for such an Auto Meet and with a kid of that age.
Big Plans – Later, we were discussing about next meets and events and one of the members suggested a beautiful idea. He said, we can gather more members for the next and approach FASS for sponsorship. We can carry their banners for their promotion and utilize their sponsorship for some Services to the Society / Needy ones. Apart from NGOs, maybe, can visit nearby villages and do something of what they may need. Wow, that was thoughtful! Apart from fun and passion, we can do better thing for others too. I outrightly agreed and others too. I also thought to bring this idea to our forum. And frankly, that’s the whole idea of my creating this thread. Let’s think and plan something guys?
With that noble thought, we bid adieu, again with Google. But this time, we decided to take a different route, which I thought to be easier and it was. Kuteeram – Hessarghatta Main Road – Tumkur Road – Hebbal – Banaswadi. Though the distance wasn’t much different, the roads were better and we didn’t have to take a lot of small lanes and gullies with bad roads that we had to onward. It was simple and easy. I would suggest this route better.
One the whole, the meet was good, refreshing, and thought provoking, though it was small and short