The Saurashtra Sojourn took place from 25th Jan 2011-1st Feb 2011
There were 7 riders:
1. Harsh Shah
2. Vivek Shah
3. Anand Dalal
4. Renu Mittal
5. Haresh Mevada
6. Tushar Patel
7. Vijay Chandrani
Write up by Harsh Shah:
Our deeds are suppose to create wonderful memories.
Easy things are not remembered long, but overcoming difficulties and
adversities create lasting memories.
This tour was about that - fighting winds, rough roads and at times hot sun.
It was a pleasure to see six other riders confiding in me to put themselves
through an "ordeal" in order to create these memories.
And I have thanked each of them form the bottom of my heart for trusting me.
I do the same to my patients also - thanking them for putting so much trust
in me - after all they have potentially much more to loose than me. And
these six put so much faith in me - that I had to live up to it.
Which sometimes meant putting strict guidelines of dos and donts in many
things. Some christened me "Kadaksing" in a lighter way - may be justifiably
so - but they would be disappointed in knowing that they were not the first
to give me this name. Perhaps I put too much restrictions on what they eat,
rest, sleep etc. This was uncomfortable for me as well. For example, when
were were enjoying the tremendous hospitality of Vijay Chandrani at his
residence in Virpur - there on the dinner table was most delicious smelling
Theplas and Ringan Shaak. I vehemently insisted that no one should eat that
because I know what a stomach cramp can do the next day. I have experienced
it and did not want anyone to ruin the tour for lure of taste buds.
And I had to play a spoil sport in the mornings too - getting every up
before the crack of the dawn, pushing them to get ready, load the cars, have
an early breakfast, check their cycles etc.
The pleasure was to see everyone enjoying the gruelling rides and
maintaining our perfect completion record.
They put their mind to it - and that is all what was required.
- Vivek has capacity to reach newer heights. I see him leading this pack
in future.
- I have never seen anyone having more grit and determination than Anand
Dalal. He is a living example how to turn a bad experience into a life style
change for better.
- Tushar and Haresh turned out to be fantastic riders - for speed,
tenacity and determination. With slightly more practice, I see them pushing
themselves into even better riders and giving Vivek a hard time - and be
spreading their technique for the benefit of others.
- I learned from Vijay - how to embrace adversity with wit, smile and
passion. There were a few comments by his acquaintances about him
undertaking all this at his age - well - those people could not have been
more wrong.
- Lastly, I salute Renu - who being a lone lady - knowing that she would
find it tough, knowing that she would be riding the whole journey almost
alone - had the guts to say "I will" and she did it with full colours. Words
are easy - but what she did, is better than one can imagine of such tours. I
salute her with both hands.
On the whole, good memories, satisfying the passion, knowing my limits and
on top of all - happiness to see others do well were the highlights for me.
Having said that, it really was not a big deal. Anyone can do this - just
need small amount of madness.
Harsh Shah
