Riding the Thamarassery ghat to Wayanad

The ride from Kozhikode to Wayanad is the most popular weekend trip among our customers, and it begins with the Thamarassery ghat, nine hairpin bends climbing roughly 700 m up to Lakkidi. It is a beautiful road, but it asks a lot of a bike and its rider. Here is how we suggest preparing.

Check the brakes first. On the way down, you will use them continuously for about 12 km. Pads should have at least 2 mm of material left, and brake fluid should be no more than two years old; old fluid can boil on a long descent and make the lever feel soft. Use engine braking in a lower gear and avoid riding with the brake lever constantly half-pulled.

Tyres and chain come next. Look for good tread and correct pressure, especially if you are carrying a pillion and luggage, which usually needs a few psi more at the rear. A loose chain can jump on the tight hairpins when you change gear mid-corner.

Plan the timing. Leave Kozhikode by 6 am to reach the ghat before the lorry traffic builds up, and avoid weekend afternoons and holiday evenings, when queues can stretch for hours. In the monsoon, mist often settles on the upper bends after 3 pm. Fill up before Adivaram, at the foot of the ghat; there are fewer pumps on the climb. Our pre-ride touring check covers all of this in an hour for ₹499. Book it for the Friday before your trip, and we will give you a written list of anything that needs attention before you go.