Sujit Kirpekar

May 27th, 2024: A Life-Changing Ride

This was supposed to be another classic Sierra passes loop—something we’ve done for years without a second thought (2011–2023). This time it was just Mahesh (BMW S1000XR), Ram (Honda Goldwing 1800), Anil (Yamaha FJR1300), Ayon (KTM Superduke 1290R) and me (Yamaha MT-09). Everything was normal at first. We took the usual side roads into the Sierra foothills, stopped for gas at the Chevron in Jamestown, and joked around like always.

Anil and I started riding ahead of the group after that, stopping at Donnell Vista to take in the view. But as the minutes passed and no one showed up, I started getting a bad feeling. Then Ayon pulled in about five minutes later, looking shaken.

“Mahesh crashed,” he said.

At the same time, I noticed a few missed calls from Akshay on my phone. My stomach sank. We rode back slowly, dreading what we’d find. When we got to the crash site, Ram was there. He told us what happened—Mahesh had T-boned a pickup truck that pulled into his right of way.

The scene was grim. Mahesh’s bike was destroyed, and while he later shared pictures of the crash, I can’t bring myself to post them here. What saved him was pure luck. There was a fire station nearby, so help arrived fast. The paramedics cut off his gear, stabilized him, and airlifted him to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto.

We rode to the hospital, hearts in our throats. Someone from SpeedMachis had already called his wife, and she was on her way. The initial news was rough: Mahesh had a cracked hip, injuries to his hands, legs, and knees. He stayed at the hospital for a few days before being transferred to a rehab center closer to home.

The recovery was brutal. It took months for Mahesh to heal—especially his torn ACL, which kept him limping the longest. I visited him as much as I could, but it was hard to shake the fear that had settled in. For weeks, I couldn’t even think about getting back on my bike without feeling sick.

That ride changed everything for all of us. It forced us to face how quickly things can go sideways. We know the risks—we’ve always known them—but this was different. Seeing one of us go down like that, so close to losing everything, hit hard.

Mahesh was lucky in so many ways. The fire station, the fast response, the fact that he was wearing all the gear—it all lined up in his favor. But it gave us all a reality check. Every ride carries risk, and every time we suit up, we’re trusting our skills, our gear, and maybe a bit of luck to get us home.

It’s worth noting that May 27th was Memorial Day, and the traffic was insane. Holiday weekends bring out more cars, more distractions, and more chances for things to go wrong. Looking back, we all agreed it was a mistake to plan a ride on such a busy day. In the future, we’ve decided to avoid riding on long weekends or holidays altogether—it’s just not worth the added risk.

Thinking about it all, I couldn’t help but feel terrible for the streak of bad luck Mahesh has faced recently. He lost his job before his trip to Ecuador, then his mother passed away not long ago—a loss that still weighs heavily—and now this crash on top of everything. To make matters worse, during our ride to Georgetown, Duncan Peak, and Foresthill, a bunch of his belongings were stolen including top box. It feels like the universe has been throwing shit at him, yet he’s faced it all without any complaints.

Even now, thinking back to that day gives me a long pause. It wasn’t just a ride—it was a reminder of how fragile this life is and how much we take for granted. Mahesh is back on his feet, and he’ll probably ride again, but none of us will ever forget that day.

On May 10, 2024 – a Friday – Mahesh and I decided it was time to hit the road. He rode his Ducati Scrambler 1100, while I took out the Tenere 700. The plan was simple: take Highway 26 through some quiet towns, grab a bite, and then climb up to Carson Pass on Highway 88.

Highway 26 was pretty smooth, winding through Valley Springs, Mokelumne Hill, and West Point – towns that feel like they’re frozen in time. When we got to West Point, we stopped at a local joint called “Pizza Plus” for lunch. Mediocre is putting it generously, but then again, when you’re in the middle of nowhere, you can’t expect a gourmet experience.

After fueling up, we hit Highway 88 and made our way up to Carson Pass. The ride became more scenic, and snow still coated the mountains, adding to the views as we climbed. The Tenere handled the twisties like a champ, steady and smooth, while Mahesh’s Scrambler tore through with that Ducati flair. Up at the pass, we took a break, enjoying the stillness and the cold mountain air.

The ride back was uneventful, but overall, it was a solid day out on the bikes. Great scenery, good company, and some fantastic stretches of road.

Sometimes, when you’re a rider, you get these moments. Boredom kicks in, and you just need a change of scenery – or, better yet, a nice, long stretch of road. So, that’s how I ended up on my Yamaha Tenere 700, heading down to Paso Robles. It was March 15, a Friday, and though there was nothing specific on the agenda, the open road felt like it was calling.

Taking Highway 25 both ways was a treat. That stretch of road is all about the views and less about the speed. The Tenere handles well – nice and smooth, eats up the miles without any fuss. It’s comfortable for these longer trips, though it’s no MT-09. I missed that sporty punch you get from a more aggressive bike. But that’s the trade-off with the Tenere: you get comfort and capability, just not the raw sportiness.

Once I reached Paso, I stopped at Firestone Walker Brewing Co. for a beer and a veggie burger. It was good, but the price was steep – $40 for a drink and a meal. Guess that’s just how things are these days.

Overall, the ride was solid, a good mix of solitude and scenery.

Took the TU250X out for a spin today, starting from home and heading towards San Francisco. I’ve done this ride a few times, but today was special—a February day with clear skies and warm sun. Not the usual gloomy Bay Area winter weather. The TU250X handled itself decently on the freeway, which I was slightly worried about, given its size. But it managed well enough, keeping pace without much fuss.

First stop was at Fort Point, right under the Golden Gate Bridge. I always find it a bit surreal, standing beneath such an engineering marvel. Took a few pictures—couldn’t resist. From there, crossed the bridge and made my way up into the Marin Headlands. Now, the views from there are something else. Clear day, blue skies, and the Pacific stretched out in front of me. Stopped again, took a few more shots of the bike and the surroundings.

After soaking in the scenery, I decided to head down to Sausalito. It’s a lovely little place, lively and vibrant, with the bay sparkling in the sun. Before anything else, I made a quick stop by the Record Plant. Not many people know about this place, but Fleetwood Mac recorded Rumours there—an iconic album in a modest, unassuming wooden building at 2200 Marinship Way. Always fun to imagine the music that flowed through those walls.

Rounded off the stop with a cup of coffee, sitting in downtown Sausalito and watching the world go by. The views of the bay were spectacular, as usual. There’s something calming about the water and the gentle buzz of the town.

The ride back was straightforward—freeway all the way. The TUX performed admirably, no complaints there. All in all, it was one of those rides where everything just fell into place. Sunny weather, smooth roads, and a great bike under me. Makes for a good day out.

Here are the miles I rode in 2023, not including the trip to Ecuador.

Versys-X 300 (now sold): 7,369 to 10,855 = 3,486 miles

MT-09: 5,016 to 6,800 = 1,784 miles

Tenere 700: 1,636 to 4,814 = 3,178 miles

TU250X: 13,886 to 14,959 = 1,073 miles

Total Miles in 2023: 9,521 miles

[This post has been written by ChatGPT – it is hideous, I know]

Exploring California’s Hidden Dirt Roads: A Winter Ride Adventure

On December 22, 2023, I embarked on a thrilling motorcycle journey through some of California’s most remote and scenic dirt roads, inspired by the “Five Great California Dirt Roads” thread on ADVrider. Of the five routes highlighted, I chose to tackle #2 Leesville Road and #3 Huffmaster Road. These routes took me deep into the rugged, uninhabited parts of Northern California, offering a perfect blend of adventure, solitude, and stunning scenery.

The Ride Begins

Starting in Fremont, I hopped onto I-5 and made my way north. The highway ride was long, but I was fueled by excitement, knowing that some wild terrain awaited me. Despite it being winter, the skies were clear, and the sun was shining—a rarity for late December. The temperature was crisp, but that golden sunlight kept me warm as I cruised up the freeway, with my trusty Yamaha Tenere 700 beneath me. The Tenere performed admirably, though as I’d soon find out, the stock tires had their limitations on the dirt roads ahead.

Leesville Road: Wet, Muddy, and Rugged

The first dirt road on my list was Leesville Road. This part of the ride immediately tested both my skills and my bike’s capabilities. The rains earlier in the week had left the road wet and muddy, which made for a challenging but exhilarating ride. Mud splattered everywhere, and before long, my tires were caked in it, significantly reducing my traction. The Tenere 700 soldiered on, but I had to be extra cautious on the slick sections. Still, the wet conditions only added to the adventure, and I felt a great sense of accomplishment as I navigated through the slippery mess.

Despite the challenging terrain, the beauty of Leesville Road in the winter was undeniable. Rolling hills stretched out as far as the eye could see, untouched by civilization. The road meandered through these peaceful landscapes, with no signs of human habitation for miles.

Huffmaster Road: A Serendipitous Encounter

After conquering Leesville Road, I headed towards Huffmaster Road. This route, known for its desolate and rugged beauty, lived up to its reputation. The landscape was wild and uninhabited, offering a real sense of solitude. As I rode along, I encountered only a handful of vehicles—mostly ranchers going about their day.

At one point, my journey came to a halt when I came across a locked gate. For a moment, I thought my ride might be cut short, but luck was on my side. I noticed a nearby rancher and decided to strike up a conversation. After a friendly chat, he was kind enough to open the gate for me and allow me to pass through. It was a simple gesture, but it reinforced the sense of camaraderie that often comes with adventure riding. The rancher’s openness turned a potential roadblock into one of the more memorable moments of the trip.

As I continued along Huffmaster Road, I couldn’t help but marvel at the raw, untamed beauty of the area. The road was rough, the landscape barren, and the experience felt like a true escape from the hustle of daily life. It’s moments like these that make adventure riding so special—pushing through adversity and discovering something extraordinary along the way.

Heading Home

After Huffmaster Road, I made my way to Maxwell Sties Road, which would lead me back to I-5 for the ride home. Maxwell Sties Road was a bit more forgiving, offering a smoother and more relaxed ride after the challenges of the day. It was a long haul back down the highway to Fremont, but the satisfaction of a day well-spent on the bike made every mile worthwhile.

Reflections on the Ride

The combination of dirt, mud, and scenic backroads made for an unforgettable day of riding. The stock tires on my Tenere 700 struggled in the muddy conditions, so next time, I might opt for more aggressive, off-road tires to handle the terrain better. But even with the occasional slip and slide, the bike handled the adventure admirably. The wet, unpredictable nature of Leesville Road, the remote beauty of Huffmaster Road, and the unexpected hospitality from a rancher—each aspect of this trip contributed to a perfect winter ride.

Adventure riding isn’t just about the destination; it’s about the journey, the challenges you face, and the people you meet along the way. I’ll definitely be back to explore more of California’s dirt roads, and next time, maybe I’ll tackle the remaining routes on the list.

Until then, the memories of this winter ride will keep me dreaming of the next great adventure.

So it’s the end of 2023 and I’ve owned 14 bikes so far. Maybe a good time to review the latest one – a 2009 TU250X

• 2005 Suzuki DR650SE
• 2002 Suzuki SV650
• 2003 Kawasaki ZZR1200
• 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 1000
• 2004 Kawasaki ZRX1200R
• 2011 Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa
• 2015 KTM 1290 Super Duke R
• 2008 KTM 990 Adventure S
• 2007 Ducati SportClassic 1000S
• 2001 Kawasaki W650
• 2019 Kawasaki Versys-X 300
• 2021 Yamaha MT-09
• 2021 Yamaha Tenere 700
• 2009 Suzuki TU250X

After spending three months and clocking about a thousand miles on the Suzuki TU250X, I find myself thoroughly impressed by this bike’s unique blend of classic charm and modern functionality. From the get-go, the charming retro aesthetics were what caught my eye, and they haven’t disappointed. The 249cc single-cylinder engine strikes a good balance, offering a smooth and enjoyable experience for both city commuting and leisurely rides through scenic routes, evoking a truly nostalgic feel.

While it’s still early to pass judgment on long-term reliability, the TU250X has proven itself as a reliable companion on the road. The classic design, complete with chrome accents and a timeless silhouette, consistently turns heads – particularly noticeable when parked at iconic spots like Alice’s Restaurant. Every time I am there, it becomes a bit of a talking point among fellow riders, sparking conversations with those who share an appreciation for the charming and nostalgic elements of motorcycles.

What truly surprised me, though, is how well this bike handles in the twisties. The nimble and responsive nature of the TU250X allows it to maintain an impressive pace through winding roads, almost outperforming some of the bigger bikes (literbikes lol). The sheer joy of railing through turns at full throttle not only highlights the bike’s agility but also brings a genuine smile to my face.

In essence, the Suzuki TU250X has successfully merged aesthetic charm with unexpected performance. Whether I’m cruising on straight highways or carving through winding mountain roads, this bike has exceeded my expectations and created a charming and nostalgic experience that captures the essence of classic styling while delivering an exhilarating ride. While time will reveal more about its long-term reliability, the TU250X has, without a doubt, become a special and enjoyable part of my riding journey.

This was an adv ride to Georgetown and Foresthill, Mahesh was on his Ducati Scrambler 1100 and I rode the Yamaha Tenere 700. This was Thanksgiving week and the kids were off from school. Shruti has work meetings in November and December (“Peak”) starting at 6:30AM, so we were doing 5AM classes at Elite Performance Gym. So I’d had a pretty early start to the day and I was also feeling a bit under the weather, but in spite of all this, I decided to head out for the ride.

I met Mahesh at the Mission gas station and we took the highways to the central valley. We took Hwy 88 and then Hwy 124 through Ione. After riding the nice twisties on Hwy 49, we cut over Hwy 50 to Hwy 193 towards Georgetown. We gassed up in Georgetown and took the amazing Wentworth Springs Road towards the Rubicon trail. WSR was a lot of fun, I was riding it after a long time (2016) and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The pavement is still perfect, the turns are perfectly banked and there was no traffic whatsoever.

From WSR we turned off on 11 Pines Road and were greeted by some amazing vistas. We crossed the scenic bridge across the Rubicon river and eventually made our way to the French Meadows Reservoir. The weather was perfect at this point, not very cold and not hot at all.

From French Meadows we took Mosquito Ridge Road heading back towards Foresthill. MRR is also an amazing road and had a lot of fun on the twisty parts. Currently (November 2023), MRR was closed 7 miles from the Robinson Flat Rd intersection. We used Robinson Flat Road to cut over to Foresthill Rd. This was a nice ~6 mile dirt road mostly double-track and easy work for the Tenere. About a half mile from the Foresthill Rd intersection is Duncan Peak Lookout which we wanted to visit but it was closed for the season.

Along the dirt road Mahesh realized that his GIV top box was coming loose. He took it off at the side of the trail and road the short distance to the Duncan Peak trail gate. We inspected the bike and realized that the bolts that hold the muffler and rear rack to the subframe had sheared off. I pulled out a few zip ties and secured it in place and then also added a bungee cord and a lashing strap. Mahesh was able to make it home without further incident, but unfortunately somebody took the GIVI top box that he had left on the side of the trail. Someone stole his top box, in a matter of 20 minutes, and he was really bummed about it.

We rode back to Foresthill had a late lunch at Dragon Boat Chinese Restaurant. The food was great, the hot chowmein, rice and veggies felt great on the cold day. The portion sizes were HUGE.

From Foresthill we made a straight shot home on I-80 and I was home by 7pm. It was a long freeway ride back, but the Tenere is a roomy and comfortable bike.

This was an adv ride where the goal was to take dirt roads into Yosemite. I did some research on Advrider and mapped out a route into Yosemite, with a stop at Pilot’s Peak. Akshay was on his (new) Husqvarna Norden 901, Mahesh on his Ducati Scrambler 110 and me on my Yamaha Tenere 700.

We met at the intersection of Tesla and Mines in Livermore and took the usual twisty roads out of the Bay Area. We stopped for a big & heavy breakfast at Hula’s in Escalon. The longish breakfast delayed us a bit, but we enjoyed the awesome meal. After the usual Oakdale bypass, we turned off Hwy 108 on to Hwy 120 towards Yosemite. We turned off Hwy 49 at Coulterville and took Greeley Hill Road towards Yosemite. If you keep going straight, the road becomes Old Yosemite Road and turns to dirt.

The dirt road was relatively easy at the beginning and a lot of fun on the Tenere. It became a little rocky and steep in a few miles, but it was still manageable. We turned off to Pilot Peak and got to the locked gate. The lookout cabin was just a short walk up from the locked gate.

It was getting late at this point (see the clouds) and we decided to not continue further into the park but instead explore a few dirt roads nearby. The first option was “Smith Peak Lookout” another Forest Service lookout in the area, but the access roads were closed on both ends.

Next we took Forest Route 1N10 from Ferretti Road and went on to explore the area North of Hwy 120. We took a break along the trail and at this point Mahesh noticed that the bolt holding his rear shock to the swingarm was loose.

The bolt was being held by a couple of threads at the most and would have fallen off, for sure, in a mile or two.

Akshay and I pulled out our tools and got to fixing it. The lower shock mount was not accessible due to the rear footpeg, so we had to remove the top mount, rotate the swingarm and install the shock.

Akshay’s idea worked well and the trail-side repair was successful.

We then had a late lunch (early dinner) at the Iron Door Saloon. They had NA beer – yay! And the ride back home was uneventful. Fixing a bike on the side of the trail – always a fun adventure!

This was a solo ride to Hwy 128 and Navarro Ridge Road. I had just bought the Tenere 700 a few weeks ago and I was itching to get some miles on it. So I took off one Sunday morning in July to ride out Albion/Hwy 128 and back. I was going to then ride down Hwy 1 and take Stewarts Point-Skaggs Springs Rd back inland. But as I hit Flynn Creek Road on Hwy 128, I came across Navarro Ridge Road and decided to take that dirt road to Hwy 1. I had ridden it on the Sheetiron last year and it was still a lot of fun!