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The enduring echo of the machines still reverberates in our ears as we pen down these words.
Day 1: Kathmandu to Bhairahawa, 270km
On our maiden day of travel, we embarked on a convoy of 9 motorcycles, heading towards our first destination, Bhairahawa. The city which is located west of Kathmandu borders the Indian city of Sonauli in Maharajganj district of Uttar Pradesh.
The featured riders who embarked on this thrilling journey were Sangram Pudasaini, Suresh G.C, Michael Thapa, Rupesh Pandit, Rajkumar Kushwaha, Arjeet Maharjan, Rajkumar Karki, Tara Khadka, including the Marshal Pramod Shrestha.
The adventure started with a flag-off ceremony at Yamaha's Blue Square showroom in Naxal, Kathmandu. From there, the convoy roared to life, brimming with excitement on this historic ride to the inaugural IndianOil Grand Prix of India 2023. Along the way, we made a delightful pit stop for lunch in the charming town of Mugling, followed by our arrival in Naryanghat.
As we hit the winding roads en route to Chitwan, it was a spectacular sight– nine powerful machines slicing through the twists and turns of the Mugling-Narayanghat highway. The convoy was welcomed with a refreshing drizzle upon entering Narayanghat. In the vibrant town of Chitwan, the local dealer, Navin Auto Centre, gave us a warm welcome with refreshing drinks and snacks, and provided free technical inspection of the bikes. Revved up and ready, we continued our journey towards Bhairahawa.
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The road from Narayanghat to Butwal might not be in a good condition to travel with ongoing construction work and challenges unsuited for the Yamaha R15 supersport bikes. However, these determined riders conquered the rugged terrain with ease, manoeuvring through mud and off-road detours. After a well-deserved break in Dawanne, the convoy resumed its journey, descending towards Bardghat.
The first day's ride concluded in Bhairawaha, but the adventure was far from over as the team eagerly set their sights on Lucknow for the next leg.
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Day 2: Bhairahawa to Lucknow, 330km
Our adventure began at 9 a.m. as we revved up our bikes and bid farewell to Bhairahawa. The Indo-Nepal border crossing at Sonauli hit a slight delay, but it didn't dampen our spirits. The road towards Gorakhpur/Basti stretched out before us. The tarmac was flat but the traffic was clogged by heavy-laden trucks waiting piled for kilometers on the opposite lane.
Upon reaching Kolhui Bazaar, we couldn't resist the temptation of a roadside pakoda stall. Those crispy and flavorful varieties of potato, yellow moong daal and bottled gourd pakodas served with spicy coriander chutney were the perfect snacks for the road ahead. And, how could we miss out on the refreshing Limcas. Desi cravings satisfied!
With satisfied appetites, we continued our ride towards Basti. The tarmac was smooth, traffic was sparse, and the long, straight stretches were flanked by lush green fields and sparse human settlements. In Basti, we decided to take a much-needed lunch break at a Dhaba. Parathas, mutton curry, and rice filled our plates, offering a taste of Uttar Pradesh.
Little did we know that our pause in Basti would extend, as one of our bikes required unexpected repairs. Fortunately, a nearby Yamaha service network came to our rescue, however, getting us back on the road took us some time.
Nevertheless, our journey continued towards Lucknow, but as luck would have it, heavy rain greeted us upon reaching Ayodhya. The heavy downpour made the visibility poor and posed a challenge. But, we decided to ride slowly and steadily while navigating the wet surface. Thanks to our bikes' impressive performance, especially their braking capabilities in wet conditions, we navigated the slippery roads with confidence.
As the rain subsided, we decided to take a quick refreshment break at a roadside tea stall in Ayodhya. Sipping on cups of chai, we exchanged stories on how our ride to Lucknow has been a mix of challenges, unexpected repairs, and the joy of riding in the rain.
Finally, after a 330-kilometer journey, we arrived in Lucknow.
Day 3: Lucknow to Noida, 490km
Our journey from Lucknow to Noida was nothing short of exhilarating, as we embarked on the last stretch of our trip that would lead us to the heart of MotoGP in India, the Buddh International Circuit. This leg of the journey would require us to cover a staggering 490 kilometres, but the excitement of witnessing the Indian Grand Prix would make every kilometers worth it. The excitement was palpable as we hit the road, eager to experience the Lucknow-Agra Expressway and the Yamuna Expressway.
The Lucknow-Agra Expressway was our first taste of high-speed adventure. Stretching out before us was a world-class infrastructure that seemed tailor-made for supersports enthusiasts. The tarmac invited us to push our machines to the max, all while respecting the designated speed limits, of course.
The sheer thrill of riding on this engineering marvel quickly made us forget about the sweltering heat and humidity. The Lucknow-Agra Expressway offered a smooth, fatigue-free ride, a testament to the impeccable road quality. As we cruised along, the landscape transformed around us, taking us through the heart of the North Indian countryside.
Leaving Agra behind, we set our course for Noida via the Yamuna Expressway. This engineering marvel offered a riding experience like no other. The wide, open road seemed to stretch into infinity, and the well-maintained lanes were a testament to India's progress in infrastructure. As we rode along the Yamuna Expressway, the sensation of speed was unparalleled.
Our journey from Lucknow to Noida via the Lucknow-Agra and Yamuna Expressways was a testament to India's prowess in creating world-class road networks. Despite the scorching heat, the thrill of open roads, the promise of the IndianOil Grand Prix of India, and the stunning infrastructure of these expressways kept us energized and enthusiastic throughout the ride.
As we approached Noida, the anticipation of witnessing the biggest names in motorcycle racing at the Buddh International Circuit reached its peak. Our unforgettable journey on these expressways was a fitting prelude to the high-octane excitement that awaited us at the track. With memories of this ride etched in our hearts, we couldn't wait to embrace the thrill of MotoGP Bharat.
Sprint Day:
The anticipation building up to the Indian MotoGP experience was nothing short of extraordinary. Every one of us was brimming with excitement since the early morning. We finished our breakfast early and hopped onto the vans that would take us to the Buddh International Circuit. Stepping off our vans, our ears were immediately engulfed in the symphony of race bikes, sending shivers down our spines, and setting the tone for an unforgettable day.
Upon presenting our passes and making our way to the designated stand, the thrill only intensified. The Moto3 bikes zoomed past during the qualifying session, their sounds echoing through the air. To add a surprising twist, heavy rain poured down, providing a welcome relief from the earlier sweltering heat. The Moto2 qualifying session followed, and the distinctive Triumph triple engines added a melodic quality to the auditory experience. Although we missed the MotoGP qualifying session, the pinnacle of excitement awaited us with the main event—the MotoGP Sprint race.
As the premier-class bikes graced the track, the entire stadium erupted in cheers. Seated at the Premium Stand North, courtesy of Yamaha India, we had an unobtrusive view of Turn 1, a sharp right-hander where riders need to brake hard. This stand also offered views up to the run into the crucial turn 3 – an uphill right-hander with a blind apex.
When the sprint race kicked off, our expectations rocketed sky-high. The deafening roar of these high-performance machines and the on-track action unfolded before with a frenzy, leaving us captivated. It was an indescribable experience, a rollercoaster of emotions.
Riding his Prima Pramac Racing Ducati, Jorge Martin won the 11-lap sprint race. Defending World Champion Francesco Bagnaia was the runner-up on his Lenovo Team Ducati, and six-time MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez clinched the third position on his Repsol Honda RC213V. The laps were reduced to 11 from the original 12 due to the intense Delhi heat.
Even as we exited the stadium after the sprint race, the echoes of revving engines and the vivid imagery of our favourite riders lingered in our minds. We couldn't help but eagerly anticipate the main race day tomorrow.
Main Race Day:
The much-anticipated D-Day arrived, marking the culmination of our incredible adventure from Kathmandu to Noida. This was the moment we had eagerly traversed hundreds of kilometers for – the main race day.
The atmosphere on the morning of the main race day was nothing short of electric. The excitement resonated in the air. As we embarked on the final stretch to the Buddh International Circuit, the roads were clogged with heavy traffic, a clear indication that this was no ordinary day. The Buddh International Circuit was full of passionate fans and enthusiasts alike. The focal point of the day was, of course, the main race. This was more than just a race; to say that it was a dream come true would be an understatement, it was an experience of a lifetime.
Marco Bezzecchi delivered an impeccable performance to secure victory in the first-ever MotoGP Indian Grand Prix held at the Buddh International Circuit. In an exhilarating race, title contenders Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin engaged in a fierce duel for the second position, with Bagnaia unfortunately crashing out. Martin ultimately clinched second place, while Fabio Quartararo secured the third spot with a remarkable performance on Indian soil.
As we reflect on the journey, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the support of Yamaha Nepal, for inviting us to be a part of this unforgettable adventure - Ride To MotoGP. This experience serves as a testament to the power of collaboration between passionate companies and dedicated fans. The success of this extraordinary adventure owes much to the invaluable support and enthusiasm extended by Yamaha Nepal.
In a landscape where several companies participate in MotoGP, it was Yamaha that seized the initiative to organize this once-in-a-lifetime event. Their commitment to bringing the thrill of MotoGP to enthusiasts like us is indeed commendable.
Yamaha's determination to share the exhilarating world of MotoGP with Nepalese fans has left an indelible mark on our memories. The roar of the engines, the camaraderie among fellow enthusiasts, and the sheer joy of being a part of such a monumental event—these are moments that will be cherished for a lifetime.
