I have been an absolute greedy fellow when it came to track days (who isn’t), and been lucky to have attended a couple of them. I’ve always thought there’s nothing more engaging and enthused way of riding a motorcycle other than a track day. But how wrong was I! Gentlemen, enter the Tiger Trails training program!
Thanks to Triumph Motorcycles India – I got to experience a different kind of motorcycling. Not that I haven’t been off-road or taken to challenging terrain rides – but riding a proper adventure touring motorcycle with technical training provided by experts, it was a first.
Riders from media across the country were invited to the scenic surroundings at Aamby Valley in Lonavla where an eye candy bunch of Triumph Tigers were ready for us to hit the trail. A workshop was conducted by veteran rider and trainer Mr. Vijay Parmar who provided participants with valuable guidance- not just on trail riding but touring overall. A detailed discussion on the importance of correct riding gear, hydration, motorcycle inspection, ICE (In Case of Emergency) Band etc. was put forth with the journalists pouring in their thoughts on the subject. Regulation of body temperature in hot weather through cooling vests which generally is a skipped topic when it comes touring too was brought up.
An exhaustive session was held covering technical aspects for a safe ride under challenging circumstances and how different was trail compared to on road riding. Despite being riding now for more than a decade, certain points were an eye opener for me. It took me back to my rides to the north where I would find it challenging to handle the motorcycle over difficult terrain and it was a happy realization to know where I actually went wrong.
Post the briefing session, riders were exposed to riding under slippery conditions with emphasis on motorcycle control and maneuverability at lower speeds. The challenges were subsequently raised and riders were trained to keep focus and control of the motorcycle on loose terrain and sudden descends.
Followed by riding through brief sections of slush and water crossings.
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There were crashes….
And more crashes….
And even more crashes….
But the safety gear and the enthusiasm ensured that the riders were pumped up to tackle the obstacles with greater determination.
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A fun filled and musical evening marked the end of an eventful day.
Speaking about the programme, Mr. Vimal Sumbly, Managing Director, Triumph Motorcycles India Pvt Ltd. commented “The Triumph Tiger family has been pivotal in building the adventure riding category and culture in India. With over 800 customers in the country Triumph does not just deliver great motorcycles, we also create an ecosystem in which the rider is equipped with the skill sets to ride deftly and safely. Our initiatives like the Triumph Tiger Trails and our Tiger Training Academies stand testimony to this. As the leader in this category, the remarkable Tiger series with its state-of-the-art features and rider focused technology is suited for both on and off road riding, ensuring superb stability and control. It is a bike that allows riders to tailor their desired adventure, to go anywhere and everywhere from the daily commute to the corners of the earth.”
Overall, it was a fabulous event and I came out as a learned rider and should help me tackle bad terrain with added finesse when I venture out for my next adventurous outing.
