An experience called the Royal Enfield Himalayan Odyssey 2013

DAY 2- IT’S PARTY TIME

It was a day to party, to rejoice…to celebrate the success of having made this far. A pride of a 100 riders from across the country and even beyond pouring into the venue with each having a different tale to tell of his journey. The festive mood has just started to build up to the main event- the Royal Enfield ReUnion 2013 with a backdrop sign that proudly read “ReUnion, 11562 feet above sea level- in other words, Home” and with everyone feeling a part as family, it did seem like one.

In the meanwhile things were getting ready, I decided to give my Thunderbird 500 a quick stroll on the blacktop in the spare time, riding to the famous Magnetic Hill and the stunning confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers on the Leh-Kargil Road. The green waters of Indus converging with the brownish shade of Zanskar- under a clear blue sky amidst vistas of barren mountains and a black strip of road running through. So much for contrast, yet so spectacularly aligned!

I was left rubbing my eyes in disbelief as to how can a place be so exquisite. Am sure the question would have remained unanswered even if I just stood there forever. It was time to return to Leh, but still a few minutes to spare for the Hall of Fame- a small museum setup by the Indian Army. The memorial displayed history and exhibits of Ladakhi culture and memories of wars with Pakistan- showering glory on the victorious and proffering tribute to the martyrs.

Back at the venue and the events started to fold in. From slow races to arm wrestling- there was entertainment for everyone with the spectators cheering for their favourites. A few found solace amidst the entire blare, sipping down a beer under a shade, gazing at the snow capped peaks in the distance. A tastefully decorated buffet lunch continued till late afternoon with everyone returning to the hotel to get themselves all recharged for the evening.

The sun-god went hiding behind the clouds and down the horizon waking up the stars on a clear night sky. If the afternoon event was a blare, the evening was an explosion. The DJ sending out scintillating numbers to the speakers, put everyone to a dancing groove. Fun, frolic and felicitations followed later with prizes to the winners. The party continued late into the night before everyone crash landed on their beds marking the end of an energetic day.

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