The Himalayan Odyssey 2010 Flagged Off

The seventh edition of the Himalayan Odyssey was flagged off by RL Ravichandran, CEO, Royal Enfield Motorcycles. Speaking on the occassion he said, "The Himalayan Odyssey has become a pilgrimage for the riders. They come from far and near to take this ride. Last year, Royal Enfield ventured into other rides as well."

He added saying, "We’ve set course on the ‘Southern Odyssey’, the ‘Tour of Rajasthan’, the ‘Rann of Kutch’ and the ‘Mumbai‐Goa Highway’ rides. We are soon to embark upon the ‘Spiti Valley’ ride and the ‘Ride of the North‐East’. Royal Enfield is a powerful brand and our initiatives of ‘Keep Riding’ facilitate a poignant experience for our customers where they can tune‐in to the soul of the outdoors and yet stay connected with the claustrophobic hustle‐bustle of today’s modern world.”

This year the Himalayan Odyssey charts a different course and extends the definition of arduous adventure riding. Going beyond Khardung La into Nubra valley and exploring virgin territory, the seventh edition of this annually organized Royal Enfield ride promises incomparable excitement to all its 60 participants.Starting today, the bikers will cover a distance of 2560 kms before they re‐converge at Delhi on July 3. The youngest member of this entourage is all of 22 while the oldest is touching 60, an open testimony to the fact that where there is a will, there is a way. En route, medical help for the bikers and mechanical help for their machines is on‐hand 24/7.

Addressing the assemblage of motorcycle enthusiasts and well‐wishers gathered at the India Gate,L Ravichandran, CEO, Royal Enfield, said, “I wish the riders a great time on the Himalayan Odyssey. The route to be taken this year moves via Kelong to Sarchu, Ladakh and then Khardung La. However, the novel feature of this year’s ride is that this year, the riders will ride on towards Nubra and pay tribute to the earthy vale of Nubra by erecting a Royal Enfield flag on its sand dunes.”

The flag off ceremony began with the invoking chants of morning Ragas, a ‘Rose‐and‐Tilak’ ritual by children and culminated with the riders moving out in formation, the thump of their bikes keeping pace with the high notes of the classical crescendo.