What Is Bikers Club ? What's Happening in Bikers Club Off Roads January

bI S S U E NiO . 1k | J A N U AeR Y I S S UrE s c RlI D Eu W I T H PbR I D E

a Man with his bird always geared up for rides with his trademark BEARD

More than 75k kms on his bike, who knows routes better than google maps

a Man knows no limit when it comes to riding motorcycles

bharat vatsa a RIDER and a (A.V.P) Technology Services in WNS GLOBAL SERVICES

TRAVEL BIKE RIDE LIFESTYLE

MY POINT OF VIEW INTERVIEW FROM A BIKER'S TRAVEL & From the editor's Interview of a rider. MOUTH LIFESTYLE desk. Everything about Why travel makes bike maintenance. you awesome ?

RIDER OF THE SOCIAL NETWORK SHOUTOUT ALIBAUG MONTH Why we need social Why Helmet is Know the Rider of the month - network. necessary ? destination. Bharat vatsa.

CALENDAR BIKERS CLUB CURRENT AFFAIRS OFF ROADS Calendar of month of What is bikers club ? What's happening in Bikers Club off roads January. our society ? in Alibaug. Is riding motorcycles passion or fashion ?

Is riding motorcycle really a passion ? NO, MY according to me riding is not just passion, it's about meeting your soul, about talking to yourself, with POINT OF every twist and turn on the road, with cool breeze hitting your face, you feel freedom, you forget your VIEW stress, like a bird in the sky especially when your are riding solo, it's kind of a meditation, but when B Y R A H U L M E H T A you are riding in the group, it brings more discipline F O U N D E R | C E O | E D I T O R O F and brotherhood, you know your destination but B I K E R S C L U B & M A G A Z I N E knowing your destination with knowing your soul makes difference and thats what i mean biking.

Passion - always comes from within and if you say you are passionate for something that means you really know yourself, knowing yourself means knowing your dreams, knowing your dreams means knowing your destination and it takes lots of GUTS and EFFORTS to follow your dreams to achieve it. So if you think you are passionate rider than ask yourself "are you really following your dreams" ? I know many of you won't agree with my logic but for me riding motorcycle is like following my dreams.

Fashion - is never constant unless you yourself have created it. There are many riders who think they are riders but according to me they lack passion and discipline, they are just wannabes, it's just they bought a new bike and now they want to impress the world surrounded them.

If you are a passionate rider then fashion follows you. A rider never follows a fashion but fashion follows him / her.

There's a saying "once a rider, always a rider" but I correct this quote and say " once a passionate rider, always sets a new trend and remains a rider". R I D E S

Rider of the Month LEH-LADAKH 2016 B H A R A T V A T S A From Pune with 35 riders. Started on 23rd June & Returned on 10th July 2016. Total 6,500 kms of ride. Route taken - Pune - Chandigarh - Manali - Leh - Ladakh - Kargil - Amritsar - Jaipur - A M A N W I T H B E A R D Indore - Pune. From Pune, knows no limits, In just two lines - an epic ride, a journey to when it comes to Riding heaven, mesmerising. Motorcycles.

E D U C A T I O N BHUTAN & MEGHALAYA 2017 1998 MBA in HR & Marketing from From Pune with 25 riders. Modi Institute of Management Started on 18th February & Returned on 5th Excellence. March 2017. Total 7,500 kms of ride. 1998 Route taken - Pune - Khajhuraho - Patna - Masters in Software Engineering Varanasi - Bhutan - Shillong - Guwahati - from Uptron, UP Govt. Patna - Pune. In just two lines - an epic memorable ride to R I D I N G G R O U P S the most cleanest & happiest country with a Founding member of flavour of North East India. Knight Riderz Riding Club, Pune

...many more yet to come january 2019

T W T F S S M T W T F S S M 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 T H E I N T E R V I E W BHARAT VATSA

B y B i k e r s C l u b

BC: How did you start riding ? BC: What made you want to ride And how long have you been a bike ? Have you made any riding ? long distance trips with it yet ? BV: I started riding when i was BV: I was always passionate of in class 11th. My father gifted bikes specially after seeing the me Kawasaki Bajaj RTZ-100. I serial "STREET HAWK". I have always used to dream of done many long trips; few to owning a Kawasaki Ninja at name - Ladakh, Bhutan, Spiti- that time - I am talking about Killar Kishtwar, Konan, Daman- 90's. Post that after a gap of 10 Diu, Goa, etc. years I started actual riding with the group with my RE BC: How do you plan a new ride thunderbird 500cc. ? BV: We discuss within our BC: How many bikes you own group (I am the founding ? Which is your favourite bike ? member of "Knight Riderz Why ? Riding Club, Pune"). We go with BV: I own two bikes, 1) RE various parameters - Climate, Thunderbird 500cc, 2) UM Route type whether off-road, Commando Classic. Out of Highway, Ghats, etc. these I like RE Thunderbird Accordingly we decide the 500cc the most, it being more location. Long rides like Ladakh versatile, powerful and are planned in advance. customized as per my stance. Above all I just love the typical BC: What are the basic things DUG.. DUG.. sound of an RE. you keep in your mind when you plan a new ride ? And how BC: Any particular bike you do you select your routes ? DISLIKE ? BV: As mentioned above we go BV: Harley's & other super with various parameters- bikes just because I can't afford Climate, Route type whether off- them.. Ha Ha (just joking). road, Highway, Ghats, etc. Mainly because those bikes are Accordingly we decide the meant for the highways and we location. Long rides like Ladakh ride across any kind of terrain are planned in advance. including where there are no roads.

A L L R I G H T S R E S E R V E D & C O P Y R I G H T E D @ B I K E R S C L U B N E T W O R K P R I V A T E L I M I T E D . BC: Any new long distance ride are you planning ? BV: We are again planning for Leh-Ladakh this year.

BC: What do you prefer SOLO ride or GROUP ride ? Why ? BV: As i mentioned I am founding member of " Knight Riderz Riding Club, Pune". We go with the club. Though I have done SOLO riding but we encourage more riders to understand & do proper riding. Many new riders wants to ride to Mekkah-Madina of bikers i.e Leh-Ladakh, hence we take them for long rides with us.

BC: Most memorable ride till date and why ? Who was with you at that time ? BV: All long rides are memorable like Leh- Ladakh, Bhutan, Spiti-Killar Kishtwar. But I would name Bhutan as I did SOLO while my return to Pune.

BC: Would you ride a different type of bike, i.e Cruiser if you have a Sport bike or Sport bike if you have a Cruiser ? BV: I am a cruiser biker. My current Thunderbird 500cc also has been customized into a proper cruiser bike however I may like to ride Honda Goldwing or Indian Roadmaster.

BC: If you have to pick one protective gear before hitting on the road, what would it be ? Jacket, Helmet, Glove..? BV: All. We never ride a bike without gears if it's a proper outside city ride. For City rides we just go with Helmet & Gloves. BC: What made you want to ride and commit BC: What's your dream bike and or next bike ? to the motorcycle lifestyle ? Any regrets ? BV: My dream bike is Indian Roadmaster. BV: I have no regrets at all. Trying to do biking till my health & age permits.. I think I am more BC: What type of rider do you think you are ? adaptive hence I think I am addictive to (Aggressive, Conservative, Point A-B) please motorcycle lifestyle. I can balance between elaborate. my corporate, home & motorcycle lifestyle. BV: I think I am a combination of both - And I am able to because this is my passion. I aggressive as well as conservative. Aggressive live in current.. I do not think of future. because on long rides I like speed and try to cover more miles; Conservative because I like BC: Do you think Riding Motorcycle brings to enjoy riding, in case if there is a decided fame ? route, I like to stick to the route & reach end BV: Personally I ride because I love riding. point.. I do not want to deviate from the decided You get free of all stress & boring life. I do not route. think one should ride thinking that it brings fame. If one rides with this thinking then I think he / she should stop riding, he / she is not a rider according to me. BC: Do you think, because of social media BC: What do you think about female riders aka platforms many people started riding ? Or do you bikernis ? Do you support them ? believe it's about coolness in riding ? Or people BV: As I mentioned earlier we encourage lady have really started showing passion about riding ? riders. I myself have been involved in teaching Or means of entertainment is changing, people many females how to ride & have been able to prefer riding over movies and restaurants ? successfully convert them into riders. Today they BV: It;s mainly about coolness in riding & passion. I ride with us, no matter what terrain; be it Goa, or have seen many riders who starts riding & stop even Spiti-Killar Kishtwar which is supposed to be within a couple of years.. Actual rider never stops one of the most dangerous roads in the entire riding. I would say because of Riders riding, other world. businesses have flourished. BC: Do you have any goals in biking ? If yes then BC: What's your point of view on breaking rules in share. riding or disciplinary riding ? BV: There is no goals as such. I love riding and BV: Rules are meant to be followed not broken. spread awareness of wearing helmets and road This is for ones own safety. People those who safety. We keep doing many social events & break rules like riding without helmet, changing support other social rides to promote social lanes, jumping lights or going on long rides without causes. proper riding gears cannot be called Riders.. They cannot ever become riders as they will not know BC: Do you think Riding Motorcycle has an the meaning of protocols that needs to be followed advantage over the cagers (car commuters) ? and may endanger other riders life. BV: yes, Riding Motorcycle definitely has an advantage over car commuters.. but it again depends upon individual. A biker will always have plus points over car like traffic jams, enjoying nature, they get public admiration & acknowledgement, freedom, benefits of parking etc.

BC: What advice do you wish you knew, when you first started out ? Boys Ride Bikes, BV: When I first started out, I never thought riding comes along with responsibility. Late when I Men Rides Machines started biking as a biker with club, then I got to know many facts. In earlier days there was not much of exposure. Had there been more exposure, people would have been more responsible. However never late than never, people should understand their responsibilities as riders. - BHARAT VATSA BC: Regarding those who don't practice ATGATT (ALL THE GEARS ALL THE TIME), how do you feel about them ? Do you encourage it ? What do you BC: Have you came across any wanna be riders ? think about safety measures ? BV: Yes, I have come across many females actually BV: Safety at any point of time is always necessary, who really want to learn riding bikes. I in fact have for self as well as others. We always encourage been able to convert few lady bike aspirants into safety measures for riders. We never encourage Lady Riders. We encourage Lady Riders. any riders to ride without any safety gears. In case if any rider is found to be without proper riding BC: "Bikers Brotherhood", do you believe in this gears, we send them back and do not allow to ride most used and famous words in bikers community with us. ? BV: "Biking Brotherhood" is actually to be believed BC: When do you think you'll stop riding ? Anytime & followed. I definitely believe in " Biking soon ? Brotherhood" and we do follow the brotherhood in BV: I am a passionate rider. Will keep riding till my our group. Always there to help and never leave age, body & mind permits. Nothing odd can stop anyone behind. The biking brotherhood is not me. restricted only to riders, it is to give something to the society as well. TM RIDE with PRIDE

BC: We know it's really a painful topic to revisit, but have you ever gone down ? Accidents ? BV: Yes, once due to heavy rains & landslide on a blind turn has a skid. But that did not stop me. Once I was fit and bike repaired, I was back, I was saved from serious injuries as I always was wearing all the riding gears, I never ever left any of the gears.

BC: Any piece of advice do you want to give it to other riders who are starting out riding. BV: Before you start riding, you need to understand the ethics of riding & responsibility towards the society. Also need to understand the value of safety & riding gears. Post that only one should get into a biking. It's a community which you need to serve & enjoy.

BC: In one line, If you want to say or quote about Riding Motorcycles. BV: Riding is all about Passion & Being Responsible. As we always say and I know it's your (BIKERS CLUB) tag line too.. "RIDE WITH PRIDE".

BC: Last and not least, as a fun question - is there anything else you'd still to do on a bike ? Like a riders bucket list ? Any dream rides ? BV: Yes, many dream rides like African Odyssey, Route 66 & Ride to Malaysia, Singapore, Bangkok & Sri Lanka.

BIKERS CLUB: Thanks Bharat for sharing and giving us your time and views on biking. We wish you lots of adventurous & fun rides 2019 & hope you ride your dream routes soon. BHARAT VATSA: Thank you BIKERS CLUB for having me on your magazine cover and inside.

+ Keep riding with bikersclubapp RIDE with PRIDE social network and bikers club

What is social network ? As we all know, in the times of Facebook and Instagram After internet live feeds and connectivity reached to a next this question is irrelevant but to define, it is the network of level, i don't need to explain that, we all are experiencing social interactions and personal relationships. It is a this today. dedicated website or a mobile application which enables users to communicate with each other sharing images, We need social network because of globalisation, global videos, status and whereabouts, friends can see it, share it trade, to tap in to global market and more of all person to and respond to it. person connectivity, yes of course mobile plays a big role in but without internet and social apps mobile phones are Social network platforms represents the lifestyle of people, useless. like what they do, their interest etc etc.. in simple words it's the platform to show off and showcase your lifestyle as What is the future of social network ? well as to peep in to your friends lifestyle. The future is niche social network. In current digital revolution era, data is king, and those who have specific Why we need social network ? targeted data then they will create wonders. In support of With this internet era, life is changing quickly. Let's put it this AI, AR and VR is coming and also IOT's as well. this way, before and after internet. combination of these all will lead us to 4th digital industrial Before internet world seems very far away, one could not revolution. see or hear about happenings in other countries and one's own country, i mean to say there were no live feeds and connectivities excepts for news papers and televisions. A M A G A Z I N E F O R T H E M O T O R C Y C L E E N T H U S I A S T bikers club RIDE WITH PRIDE

what is bc ? and the future of social network. What is bikers club ?

BC is a social network platform for all the bikers who loves riding bikes, be it passionate riders, commuters, long distance riders, super bike riders or economic bike riders. BC does not only believes in bikers brotherhood / sisterhood but also believes in community of bikers who are known by their passion for bikes and their love for rides, no matter what they ride, as long as they are bikers they can be a member of BIKERS CLUB. Also BC gives periodical offers wherein users can ride their bikes and earn cash backs or rewards.

Why we need a social network like bikers club ?

As we all know we have giants in social networking platforms like Facebook and Instagram, riders share their rides on both the platforms then why we need bikers club ? Being a biker myself I found out biking is just not only about rides and bikes but it's a lifestyle which needed to be explored more and for that we not only require social network platform but also we need features which is designed dedicatedly for bikers. I know it's a niche community but this niche community is bigger than any other niche and many tech giants have neglected this community, thats why we need bikers club which provides social network platform including riding features in it.

How does it work and what makes it different than other platforms ?

It's simple like other social networking platforms, just download the app and register, create your profile, add your bike which you ride, thats it. but it has few added biking features which makes it different from any other social network platform. Also BC provides periodically PAYTM CASH every month for 10 days, you ride you bike and earn paytm cash in your paytm wallet. BC has tie up with ambulance and police headquarters of 150 countries, in case of emergency you have to push SOS button in the app, and as per your pre added contact numbers the SMS will be delivered to them with map location, so that they can come and help you out. There are many other features currently under development which will be launched or updated soon. 06 NOTIFICATION

General & Broadcast.

07 FRIENDS

Bikers suggestion & Group suggestion.

FEATU 08 SOS Emergency service in case of accidents, bad weather, bike breakdown, harassment & call RES police. One can add up to 3 numbers of theirs for emergency contact. 01 NAVIGATION 09 KILOMETER LOGS SOLO, MyTrip, Group Trip and Offline SOLO navigation logs, MyTrip logs, Group Trip logs & Offline 02 SOCIAL NETWORK kms logs.

Wall, status, photos, pit stop, 10 MY GROUPS blogs, HiFive, badges, comments, hashtags, share, Create your own group Or join camera & gallery, share to any existing group. external apps 11 TRENDING GROUPS 03 COMMUNICATION Top 10 trending groups Voice Chats according to kms travelled by group members. 04 PROFILE 12 UTILITIES DP, cover photo, add bikes, kms counter, view my old post Reminders to renew Insurance, & blogs. PUC, Oil change and Tyre change, one can set up the 05 SEARCH reminders.

Normal & Advance search for bikers near you. ...and many more yet to come FROM A BIKER'S MOUTH

H O W T O M A I N T A I N A M O T O R C Y C L E

Lots of people get a little lazy about motorcycle Check and top up or replace engine oil: It maintenance over time. To keep your bike in good lubricates your gears and engine; not changing the running condition, periodic maintenance is extremely engine oil will cause damage to the engine. The important. Maintaining your bike regularly helps it to owner's manual will specify how frequently the oil perform at it's peak and ensures that you can enjoy should be changed and this schedule should be safe, problem-free riding. A lot of the basic servicing followed. jobs are easy enough to do yourself. Check for any possible oil leakages. Carbon deposits Check the tyre condition regularly: You should thicken the oil, creating a drag in the movement of change the tyres when you notice a change in the engine. Avoid running your bike on dirty oil. It will way the bike handles, as specified by local increase the consumption of fuel and drastically legislation, or at the very latest when the thread is reduce the engine life. worn down to the wear bars. Under-inflated tyres will Always keep the air filter clean: Dusty conditions in overheat and may fail. Over-inflated tyres will give particular will clog up the filter in very little time. less than optimal grip. Always change the air filter at recommended

intervals; increase the cleaning frequency in Ideally, check tyre pressure before and after every particularly dusty conditions. journey. Commit to a weekly checking routine. Replace the tyres if there is rapid pressure loss. Adjust the clutch correctly as needed: It should Replace when tyre is about 1.59mm (2/32'' or 0.063 have the right amount of free play. inches) thread remaining all around the tyre. Don't Don't tighten your clutch too much - an over- wait till tyres go bald. Always change tyres in sets. tightened clutch may cause it to slip without your Both tyres go through the same stresses and rigors noticing. It also leads to increase in fuel of road riding. consumption. Make sure you have the right clutch adjustments in place. Service your engine regularly: Tune it up to keep - Provide regular lubrication, as well as cleaning and the engine running like clockwork and reduce your adjustment. fuel consumption. - Use paraffin to wash the chain. Clean the carburettor and maintain valve clearances. Use a piece of cloth and a soft brush to remove the Clean out the carburettor, for every 1500 kms (900 dirt in the chain. Never use water to clean the chains, miles) you travel. as that could rust the chain links. Clean the spark plugs and check the gap every 750 Wipe the chain with a clean dry cloth, once the dirt kms (450 miles) for an old / antique two-stroke has been cleaned completely. motorcycle and every 1500 kms (900 miles) for four- Use your old engine oil to lubricate the chain links stroke motorcycle. Spark plugs should be changed and the chain. as specified in the owner's manual (or if a problem is Ensure that your bike's chain has the proper tension suspected). It is critically important to use the correct and free play. Any variation will not power the rear spark plug grade and type. wheel smoothly. Keep the choke clean and have it replaced immediately if it is damaged. Clean the bike regularly: Keeping it clean of dirt (and salt in winter) will not only make it look nice but Maintain the transmission system: If your bike will help with maintenance, too. It also makes it chain is not lubricated, it may be damaged due to easier to notice missing or loose bolts and nuts. excess heat, and will wear out. This cumulative wear Cover the ignition switch unit, ignition coil and on all the separate links makes the chain loose, and silencer using plastic sheets, before you start more likely to fall off the sprockets. This can be very cleaning the motorcycle. Use a microfiber cloth to dangerous. clean your bike. Avoid exposing your bike to direct sunlight; try to park your bike in the shade. f r o m a b i k e r ' s Maintain your bike's battery: Do periodic maintenance to ensure a long and m o u t h trouble-free battery life. Top up the battery with distilled water, whenever required. Examine for any leakages from the battery. Keep the battery fully charged if the motorcycle is not used for long time. Check the sprockets: Replace them when Maintain your brakes: Keep both the brakes necessary. The usual wear-out limit for sprockets holding the tyre properly spaced. Brakes is 40,000 kms (25,000 miles). Change both the becoming too tight, or too loose, can be very driving and driven sprockets, and the chain, at the dangerous. Tighten the brakes as per your same time. It's not recommended to change only personal style and requirement. Replace the one part. bike's brake pads in the front if screeching sound persist; this could also be because of a lack of oil. Replace all the front and rear brake oil with recommended (DOT 3/4/5) specification.

Check the fork and fork oil: Change your bike's fork oil. for once in every 12,000 kms (7,500 miles). Check forks and spring for rust or damage. Adjust your fork according to your preferences and comfort.

MAINTAINING YOUR BIKE

SOME KEY POINTERS

Check some basics on your bike every Do weekly maintenance: day, or every time you read: Take care of these checks weekly or To perform this kind of regular check / every 200 kms (125 miles), whichever maintenance, you should: is sooner. Check the fuel level every day to confirm Check oil level - does it require topping- you're not leaking any fuel. up ? Top up if so. Check all your fluid levels - oil, brake and Check your tyre pressure with an coolant, if applicable. accurate gauge. Check the throttle cable play. Confirm Check the battery. If it's not smooth operation and that it returns maintenance-free, then check the properly to the closed position. electrolyte level and top up with distilled Check handle lock and and lever notches water if necessary. for any uneven feel or interference with the Check the control cables. Lubricate it as operation of any cables at full lock. necessary. Check brake pedal play, as specified in your motorcycle's manual. Confirm the Check the brakes. Pads and disks wear lining indicator is within usable range. should be checked for wear and Check drive chain slack, as specified in replaced if necessary. your manual. Check and top-up your fluids. Check your lights and horn. Adjust the drum brakes as necessary. Check the clutch lever play. Do a full visual inspection. Ensure both bike stands return to their fully Check for loose nuts and bolts and upright position. spokes. Check the correct inflation pressure in both Check for fork seal leaks and any other tyres. Make sure you have adequate tyre oil leaks. thread depth and no cracks or splits. Adjust the rear viewing span of mirror if needed. Ensure kill switch functionality. Check brake hoses for chafing or leakage. Do a monthly check: Do a semi-annual review: Perform these tasks every month or every 1000 kms Check these items twice a year, or every 5000 kms (600 miles) whichever is sooner. (3000 miles) whichever is sooner. Check the spark plugs, clean and adjust or replace; Adjust carburettor synchronisation - if applicable. anything other than a light / medium brown deposit Check overflow pipes, replace any that are blocked or may indicate problems. missing. Check control cables, adjust for free play. Check idle speed, adjust as necessary. Lubricate control lever pivots.

Perform quarterly maintenance: Do annual maintenance: Check these once every three months, or 2500 kms Complete these checks every year or every 10,000 kms (1500 miles) whichever is sooner. (6000 miles) whichever is sooner. Change the oil and filter. Do all the above half-yearly maintenance tasks. Change the air filter. Replace spark plugs. Check wheel and handle head bearings and grease Check suspension linkages for play, replace linkage, them, replace if necessary. bearings, and bushes as necessary. Check the exhaust system for leakage.

BY BHARAT VATSA an avid rider SHOUT OUT

Why it is crucial to wear a helmet while Riding a Motorcycle?

ALWAYS Wear a helmet while motorcycling..

WASHINGTON D.C. (USA): Turns out, helmet use is associated with reduced risk of cervical spine injury during motorcycle crashes.

According to a study conducted at the University of Wisconsin, during an accident, helmet use lowers the likelihood of cervical spine injury (CSI), particularly fractures of the cervical vertebrae, despite the claims that helmets do not protect the cervical spine during a motorcycle crash and may even increase the risk of injury.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates, wearing helmets saved the lives of 1859 motorcycle riders in 2016; an additional 802 lives could have been saved if every motorcyclist had worn them. Wearing a helmet decreases the incidence and severity of traumatic brain injury during crashes. What then are the objections to universal laws requiring motorcycle helmet use? Major reasons cited for not requiring helmets while riding a motorcycle include freedom of choice, avoiding any limitation on vision, and perceived increased risk of receiving a cervical spine injury (CSI). This last reason is based on the belief that the added weight of a helmet might increase torque on the cervical spine.

The risk to the cervical spine is addressed in this study. Over the years there have been a variety of studies on helmet use and CSI in motorcycle crashes, with a couple of reports indicating an increased risk of CSI among helmeted riders and most studies finding no protective effect or harmful biomechanical risk to the cervical spine.

Co-author Paul S. Page and colleagues hypothesised that helmet use is not associated with an increased risk of CSI during a motorcycle crash and instead may provide some protection to the wearer.

The researchers reviewed the charts of 1061 patients who had been injured in motorcycle crashes and treated at a single Level 1 trauma center in Wisconsin between January 1, 2010, and January 1, 2015.

Of those patient, 323 (30.4 percent) were wearing helmets at the time of the crash and 738 (69.6 percent) were not. Notably, Wisconsin law does not require all riders to wear a helmet.

At least one CSI was sustained by 7.4 percent of the riders wearing a helmet and 15.4 percent of those not wearing one; this difference in percentages is statically significant (p=0.001). Cervical spine fractures occurred more often in patients who were not wearing helmets (10.8 percent compared to 4.6 percent; p=0.001), as did ligament injuries (1.9 percent compared with 0.3 percent; p=0.04); again these differences are statistically significant.

There were no significant differences between groups (helmeted vs un-helmeted riders) with respect to other types of cervical spine injuries that were sustained: nerve root injury, cervical strain, or cord contusion.

In summary, Page and colleagues showed that helmet use is associated with a significantly reduced likelihood of sustaining a CSI during a motorcycle crash, particularly fractures of the cervical vertebrae. Although the study population is small, the authors believed the results provide additional evidence in support of wearing helmets to prevent severe injury in motorcycle crashes. When asked about the findings, Dr. Nathaniel P.Brooks, co-author, stated, "Our study suggests that wearing a motorcycle helmet is a reasonable way to limit the risk of injury to the cervical spine in a motorcycle crash."

- These findings from the study are published in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine. CURRENT AFFAIRS I S 1 0 % R E S E R V A T I O N O N E C O N O M I C G R O U N D G O O D O R B A D ?

"The Scheduled Cast has to be effaced we have paralysed their mind set, because they know altogether from our society, and if it is to be they will get reservation in everything in every field. Now effaced, those who have ceased to be this has come to an that extend, people are taking untouchables and sit amongst us must cease to efforts to put them in to reservation category. With this forget they are untouchables. We are now to attitude I regret to say "we are regressive not begin again. So let us forget these sections and progressive". cross-sections and let us stand as one, and It is observed that many reserved people are in fact together. - Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel millionaires and still they are enjoying reservation and they take pride in it because they know our entire There were differences between Sardar Patel and politics and political parties fights elections on caste- B R Ambedkar regarding the reservation on caste-creed creed basis. But now question is, did this reservation basis, we all know it, history says that, but I don't want to actually help any poor ? The answer is NO. The poor is get in to that debate. still poor in our country, what these politicians do in all these years ? Did they make any proper policies to In my opinion reservation is a cancer to the nation, no generate employment ? NO, they just want to talk about country can progress if their citizens running after it. In all these years they have ignored deserving people reservations, because of reservation system in India the and all these people are now working in NASA, talent is going out of the country, it's not that they don't GOOGLE, FACEBOOK, MICROSOFT and so not, other have patriotism or they don't want to contribute to the countries and corporates have progressed with our nation building, it's just they don't get opportunity to brains and here we are still fighting for reservation participate and those who get it, they don't deserve it, instead of progress and opportunities in our country. I they are just there because of reservation. strongly believe people of India has to rise up, they Imagine a teacher, teaching students in government have to think about their progress and govt. has to school but his/her own academics were poor, just make some policies on economic grounds to empower because of reservation he/she got the teacher job in the youth and reservation has to be given then it should govt. school. I can go on with many examples but here be on economic basis and I welcome the decision of point is that when will we rise above from reserving to central govt. of 10% reservation in general category on the deserving ? economic basis. This is one of the starting point to end I am not against of ST,SC and OBC people, they should caste-creed politics, I know this isn't enough but we are get equal chance in everywhere but there should be a 1.5 billion diversified population in terms of economics, willingness to do something, by giving them reservation so this step will give some relief to deserving people. - anonymous

TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE why travel makes you awesome

People always ask how In fact, I think travel makes travel has changed me. If I everybody a more look back at who I was awesome person. We end before I began traveling our travels way better off and compare that to who I than when we started. I'm The Time to am now, I would have to not saying this to be say that travel has made conceited or egotistical; be Awesome me a better and more well- I'm saying it because I rounded person. I'm way believe that travel is is Now cooler now than I was at something that makes you 25 when I first left to not only a better human explore the world. being but a way cooler one too. The kind of person Simply put, I'm a lot more people gravitate toward awesome now than I used and want to be around. to be. You become like the Dos Equis guy. PAGE 13

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all - Helen Keller

How and why does travel Now, I'll happily talk to make you more awesome ? strangers like we've been Let me count the ways: best friends for years.

More social: It's sink or Better at conversation: swim on the road. You either Travel not only makes you get better at making friends comfortable talking to or you end up alone, crying strangers, it makes you each night into a pillow. You better at it too. After talking learn to make friends out of to people all the time, the strangers and get more same questions get boring. comfortable talking to new You start to even bore people. When I first started yourself. After a while, you traveling, I was kind of an don't care about where introvert and uncomfortable people are from, where they talking to those I didn't know. are going,

Once a year go someplace you've never been before - Dalai Lama

how long they've been travelling, and yada yada yada. Those kinds of questions don't actually tell you anything about the person. You'll get better at small talk and how to ask interesting questions - the ones that matter and tell you more about the person.

More confident: You've traveled the world. Hiked Mt. Everest. Dived the Great Barrier Reef. Wined and dined that beautiful French girl in Paris, navigated unknown cities, and conquered your fear of heights. Fill your life with adventures, not things. Have stories to tell not stuff to show - Rahul Mehta

In short, you did awesome After a while, you learn things. How can you not be how to adapt your plans to more confident ? How can changing situations. You The sky above you not be sure about your don't get mad, you don't abilities ? After get angry; you just alter our head and the accomplishing so much, what you are doing and you're going to feel a lot move on. Life throws you sand beneath more confident in your ability curve balls and you hit to achieve anything you set them out of the park. Why? our feet. your mind to. Because you're awesome like that. Remember that More adaptable: You've life is good! dealt with missed flights, More adventurous: When slow buses, wrong turns, you become confident in delays, bad street food, and your ability to do anything, much, much more. you do anything. Last week in Austin, Texas, despite not liking spicy food, I ate the world's hottest pepper and some pure capsicum extract. Why? Because I wanted to. What's the purpose of life if not to break out of your comfort zone ? My mouth was on fire for ages, but I'd do it again.

More easy-going: All those mistakes ? They did something else for you, too. They made you more easy-going and relaxed. Why? Because you've dealt with all those errors and you don't care. You go with the flow now, because if travel taught you anything, it's that it all works out in the end and that there's no need to stress.

Sexier: Stress causes ageing. Those carefree, relaxing days on the road are going to make you more confident and radiant, and you'll age slower. You'll look young and sexy. Unless you are George Clooney, who definitely got better with age.

Smarter: Unless you sit at a resort drowning your brain in frozen drinks, travel will teach you about the world. You'll learn about people, history, and culture, and arcane facts about places some people could only dream about. In short, you'll have a better understanding about how it works and how people behave. That's something that can't be learned from books; you can only pick it up with on-the-road experience.

Less materialistic: On the road, you learn just how little stuff you actually need. You'll realize that all that crap they sell at the mall is pretty useless in leading a truly happy life. Coming home. you'll find yourself a minimalist simply because you realize what you need to live and what you don't. As they say, the more you own, the more it owns you. Happier: Travel simply teaches you how to be happy. You'll become more relaxed, more confident, and see the world as a brighter place. How can you not be happy about life after all of that ?

Think about all the famous, successful people in the world. How may of these qualities do those people exhibit ? A lot. Why ? Because being outgoing, funny, social, happy, confident, and smart are all qualities that make people more successful in everyday life.

Travel makes people better people. When you learn more about the world and the people in it, push your boundaries, and try new things, you become a more open, outgoing, and awesome person. All the people I've known who have traveled are better people because of it.

With all the ways a trip can make you more of an awesome person, there's no reason why you should't be planning your next adventure now - whether it's around the world or just a short, two-week vacation to anywhere.

You can sit at home, wishing you were somewhere exotic, having fun, and doing something cool. Or you can stop being boring, and do something awesome: The choice is yours.

- B Y M A T T ALIBAUG KNOW THE DESTINATION

ALIBAUG MAHARASHTRA | INDIA Weather: 31°C Ideal duration: 1-2 days Best time: Nov-Mar Nearest Airport: Mumbai State Rank: 19 out of 50 places to visit in Maharashtra

ALIBAUG TOURISM A little coastal town tucked away in the Konkan region on Maharashtra, Alibaug is a very popular weekend getaway holiday destination and has earned itself the name of "mini-Goa", owing to the high tourist footfall all year round. Steeped in colonial history, Alibaug is a quaint little town located about 110 kms from Mumbai, and about 150 kms from Pune, and is replete with sandy beaches, clean unpolluted air and plenty op forts and temples, ensuring that despite being a small town, you never run out of activities to do.

Alibaug has numerous beaches, and all the beaches are only a few minutes drive away from each other, so you won't have to worry about which beach to visit and which one to leave out. The most visited in the beach in Alibaug is, of course, Alibaug beach, which offers a spectacular of view of not only the sunrise and sunset but of the Colaba fort as well, which you can take a short boat ride to. The Colaba fort was once the cornerstone of the Maratha Empire, and most of the fort is still in good shape. Other popular beaches in the area include Kihim Beach, and Nagaon Beach, with Kihim beach being a photographer's paradise.

Alibaug is home to Mandwa Beach, a beach famously known for the innumerable number of movie shootings that take place here. The beach offers a stunning view of the Gateway of India from its bay, and you can sit and sip on a cool drink on the sand under the orchard of coconut trees lining the beach, and while away o lazy afternoon or two. OFF ROADS IN ALIBAUG In Association with BIKERS CLUB

ride food camp

Ride ATV's, Motocross bikes or Food of your preference Varieties of camps / tents, or you bring your own bikes can bring your own tent E X P E R I E N C E T H E A D R E N A L I N E R U S H I N A L I B A U G W I T H B I K E R S C L U B

If you love riding off roads on your But Bikers Club has made it very convenient motorcycle and have an appetite for thrills and less expensive compared to others. and those giggles in stomach then this place is meant for you. They have a complete package of "RIDE- FOOD-CAMP" so riders won't have to worry In Alibaug, BIKERS CLUB has launched a about stay and food. off riders pad, and it has one of the longest and most dangerous (controlled & monitored There are various packages they provide and with experts) track, which will give you a in fact you can customise your budget extreme off riding experience. according to your pocket. For more information you can contact them on Alibaug is very convenient locale for "[email protected]" or call them on Mumbai-Pune riders, It's around 110 kms +919820189969. from Mumbai and 150 kms from Pune. In fact last week Bikers Club had As a rider, I know people ride to many other organised an off road event there and they far places for off road experience, and those have invited famous group from Pune who has it but very costly for a riders "KNIGHT RIDERZ RIDING CLUB" to test a pocket. track. FROM A RIDERS MOUTH B y B I K E R S C L U B R I D E R S w h o v i s i t e d f r o m P u n e " K n i g h t R i d e r z R i d i n g C l u b " .

It was totally awesome & different experience all together, riding a bike on off barren and riding ATV's on this kind of a track is totally different, I definitely recommend this place to off riding lovers. - Bharat Vatsa

The entire scenario is awesome, never imagined that we would have such amazing tracks to ride our bikes and ride ATV's. We thought we were off roaders but now we understood what is extreme off roads means. If you could ride on this track then you can ride anywhere in the world. - Shohrat

Amazing tracks, amazing property, great place to stay and the food is awesome too, one day is not enough. - Ujjvala

I did many off roads including "spiti-killar kishwat" but this is the best, I can't imagine a better off road than this. - Mayur

Extreme off road, it's the complete package of biking and a ATV rides. - Umesh

If you think you are off road rider then I challenge you to ride here, I fell down many times and almost fainted and I could not complete the track but I will come back and try again. It's not form faint hearted riders. - Gopal

If you have some enthusiasm, passion for riding, for biking, for off roading, anything that you would want to do on bikes, this is the place. - Eimran

It's the complete package for riders and a family as well. - Chetan

I could not complete in first attempt but then somehow I managed to complete it. - Aniket KEEP RIDING WITH BIKERS CLUB RIDE WITH PRIDE

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