FAQs for Himalayan odyssey
Pillions
This trip is for riders and owners of Royal Enfield bike and while a pillion can sometimes enhance your TRIP, this is not one of those rides. Hence we strongly discourage attempting this ride with a pillion. There are multiple reasons for this:
- Off-roading: as you will realise on the Odyssey the techniques (will be told and demonstrated by our experienced coordinators) to cover rough ground effectively and comfortable are best executed when the rider is alone. The Odyssey can be very rough at times, in fact most of the times.
- A pillion misses out on the riding experience and over rough terrain being a pillion is more difficult than being a rider.
- Due to the conditions and limitations of infrastructure we can create in the terrain, the Himalayan Odyssey will be passing through, we have to prioritise on riders as compared to pillions.
Participation in select sectors
While we can understand the constraints and desires that prompt people to want to participate in the Odyssey only for certain select dates, places, we consider everyone on the Himalayan Odyssey as part of one team from start to finish. Only the following people are exempt from this: press, support staff for their pre ordained duties.
Safety
This is the paramount consideration behind every action that we take towards planning and executing the Himalayan Odyssey.
Rules and regulations
We try to keep rules and regulations to the minimum unless when necessary for the harmony and safety of the individual or group. However we expect the few that we have, should be followed very strictly, failing which we will need to exclude that particular participant from the rest of the trip.
Intoxication: we do not tolerate any form of intoxication when on the bike. Disregard for this will result in immediate expulsion
Conduct: participants are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that preserves their dignity and others around them, including other participants, support staff and locals of the region
Environmental responsibility: we must try and ensure that we maintain the sanctity of the region we are passing through and will not tolerate any form of littering or other damaging actions
Medical advice: if you are under medical treatment we expect you to follow the medical advice very strictly. Disregard for this will result in immediate expulsion
Riding Gear: Compulsory full face helmet, leather ankle length boots and warm gloves.
Any conduct found compromising your individual or group safety will not be tolerated.
Size of the group
Due to the conditions and limitations of infrastructure we can create in the terrain the Himalayan Odyssey will be travelling through we will be taking a group size of 50 registered riders only.
Criteria for selection
We at Royal Enfield consider all riders equal and we would like to see that riders from all parts of the country are included in this trip. Therefore confirmation of registrations will be based on a zonal format as a first come first serve basis. All registrations will be treated as individual, as it is not possible for us at this stage to entertain large groups or clubs.
The registration form will be considered complete only if we receive:
1. Registration Form
2. Indemnity Bond
3. Medical History by Self & by Doctor
(All forms should be complete and signed. They will be available for download starting 1st April 09.)
4. Demand draft of INR 18500/- drawn in the name of “Eicher Motors Ltd.”, payable at Chennai
5. Copy of Your Driving License
6. Copy of Vehicle Registration, Tax & Insurance Certificate valid for the duration of the trip
7. Copy of Medical Insurance Policy with accidental hospitalization coverage, valid for the duration of the trip
Attach them together and mail to:
Kanwardeep Singh Dhaliwal
Assistant Manager (Marketing)
Royal Enfield (A unit of Eicher Motors Ltd)
Thiruvottiyur High Road
Thiruvottiyur
Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Pin: 600 019
Cancellations/ refunds
There is a lot of advance planning that goes into this trip and based on a participant’s confirmation others might have to be turned down. Therefore we are not in a position to entertain cancellations or give refunds at any stage.
What is included and not included
The trip is operated on a twin sharing bed and breakfast basis. After breakfast you are on the road and each participant is expected to take care of his own fuel and lunch. The luggage is carried in a truck and it is each participant’s responsibility to see that their luggage is loaded in the truck within the designated time. We advise riders to carry some basic stuff with them as the truck generally takes much longer than the bikes to reach the destination. Once at the destination the riders are allotted their accommodation and in case we are camping in isolated places food arrangements are also included. This is generally a limited menu buffet. While the variety might not be much, this aspect is generally appreciated. In larger cities and towns where a wider choice is available like Manali, Leh and Chandigarh dinner is not arranged by us and participants are free to eat at their choice and leisure.
Service support
Accompanying us will be some service staff to work on the bikes in case something goes wrong but spares will be changed to the riders as and when needed. We will do our best to help with the bike but in these hard conditions each rider is responsible for bringing his bike home. If the bike can’t be fixed it’s the end of the road. Therefore bike preparation is very crucial and the scrutiny will be very strict. We will guide you in both.
Equipment required
Remember you are going to use the equipment that you carry so make sure that it’s functional and reliable. Please carry the below mentioned equipment with you when you arrive for scrutiny:
1. Good quality full face helmet: that also fits right. Lose helmets will not be passed (after wearing your helmet if you move your head up and down rapidly the movement of the helmet should not be independent of your head)
2. Leather ankle boots: preferably riding boots
3. Gloves: for cold weather riding
4. Spare spectacle: for people who use spectacles
5. Sleeping bag: for up to -4 Deg
6. Torch
7. Fire starter: matchsticks and/or lighters, preferably waterproof
8. First aid box