For 25 bikers riding along the South Konkan coast over two days, the journey means more than covering milestones. It's about discoveries, and of course, riding into the sunset. After all, that's how great travel stories always end
For 25 bikers riding along the South Konkan coast over two days, the journey means more than covering milestones. It's about discoveries, and of course, riding into the sunset. After all, that's how great travel stories always end
"Biking is meditation. Bikers ride for themselves; it's about conquering limitations and overcoming fears." When twenty seven year-old Abhishek Kadam who quit his event management job to set up Konkan Moto Tours (KMT) eight months ago, says that, he isn't quoting from a desi edition of The Motorcycle Diaries. As co-founder of the travel outfit, he is in high spirits as he readies to lead another 500 km motorcycle adventure this weekend. 
Scenes like these will make for familiar viewing while on the road trip
across the Konkan
Konkan calling
"I come from Ratnagiri. So does my friend and co-founder Pratish Ambekar. Together with our third musketeer, Tanmay Shanishchara, we have been riding along the Konkan coastline for years. We have familiarised ourselves with its stunning terrain," shares Abhishek about Pratish and Tanmay who also let go of their event management and social media research jobs to launch KMT. The three say they decided to put their heads together, use their professional skill, and passion for travel to set up the venture.
For the friends who would take off on at least two road trips along the Konkan every month, a company that offered professional support and advice to bikers was a natural choice. "KMT offers back-up vehicles, a guide, and a mechanic who tails the group on every trip. Technical support is high on our list of priorities," says Abhishek.u00a0 
What makes KMT a shade different is the inclusion of culture to an agenda that's driven largely by adventure. "We didn't want to reduce it to a commercially-planned outing. We explore lesser-known places, offer a slice of the countryside. All you need is a zest for adventure and a 150cc motorcycle."
The choice to focus on the Konkan coast was an outcome of the realisation that most travel groups specialized in road trips to Ladakh and Lahaul-Spiti. "But right here in our backyard, the Konkan makes for a memorable biking experience. This 800 km stretch from Dahanu to Mangalore is hardly ever explored, involves leisurely stretches and good roads. Besides, every season lends a different vibe to the trip."
The road ahead
KMT has big plans for the coming months since the travel season has only just begun. While monsoons are unsafe for the amateur rider, and summers are scorching hot, August-September is the best bet. But it's not all roses. "On long rides, the body gets exhausted. After a few hours on the road, drowsiness and fatigue set in. It becomes vital that the a rider motivate others in the group to ride harder and challenge their own riding skills," Abhishek says from experience. 
Suddenly, when those fantasies of Harley Davidson dream vacations on Highway 69 were beginning to blur, they were reignited by Abhishek's reassurance that riding in a group can be a lifetime experience. Che Guevara would know.
The Routeu00a0
A thorough briefing session will take place at the start of the ride on both days, where maps are distributed, routes are discussed and advice is doled out to every biker. Each bike will be numbered for easy communication among riders.
Day 1
Starting point: Panvel
Distance covered: 213 km
Route: From Panvel, the group will head towards Alibaug. Thereon, they will negotiate a coastal, internal road leading to Kashid and Murud; the route climbs up mountains and finally descends at Murud, for lunch. Next up, they will move to Harihareshwar and Shrivardhan, both are scenic sandy shores. The coastal routes in between, especially between Murud and Harihareshwar (15-20 km) are a stretch of virgin beaches. The group will finally move to Dive Agar for the last leg of the day's travel.u00a0 There are plenty of dreamy, picture-postcard-like curves along this route. At Dive Agar, the famous Suvarna Ganesh Mandir has a golden idol, making it a popular stopover. With the Arabian Sea for company throughout most of the journey, Day 1 promises to be a coastal themed ride. Overnight accommodation and food will be provided to all bikers at Dive Agar. A maintenance check of every vehicle will be undertaken.
Day 2
Starting Point: Dive Agar
Distance covered: 225 km
Route: The group will head towards Mangaon and then reach NH17, which is the Mumbai-Goa Highway. Tamhini Ghat will be the highpoint of this route. This beautiful region is located between rocky cliffs and a valley. The ride up to the top of this ghat leads to a spectacular view. It's almost like a drive through the clouds, as Abhishek tells us. While on a test drive, he rode through the clouds for 30 minutes! Post this scenic 50-60 km route, the group will move towards Pawna Dam. Here, bikers will ride parallel to a huge lake. The crispy, clear air is most refreshing through this stretch. The group will then move out at Lonavla on the Old Mumbai-Pune Highway. Eventually, all 25 bikers will returnto Panvel for the final leg of this trip.
Back up, always
When riding in a group, KMT advises every biker to follow strict 'Group Riding Guidelines'. A set of instructions has been defined that needs to be followed by all. No rider is allowed to ride alone. Each group should at least have two or more riders. If bikers don't follow our guidelines and chooses to embark on risky or unknown routes, they will end up stranded at unknown place. KMT's service vehicle follows last rider on our defined route. If the errant rider has missed service vehicle, it's up to him/her to reach the destination.u00a0 A follow up status of each biker is done when they reach any regroup point. If someone is found missing, KMT attempts to get in touch with them through phone.
Tips for the bikers
1) It isn't about reaching destination or racing among fellow riders. Instead, enjoy your ride and experience it to the fullest
2) Always respect the locals, culture and Mother Nature. That's what makes it worth riding through lesser known and isolated destinations
3) If you feel sleepy or fatigued, stop your bike immediately and enjoy scenery around. Resume riding after 5 minutes
4) Always, before kick starting your bike check the clutch, accelerator, tyre pressure and running in condition
of the bike
5) Riding without proper safety gears is not a style statement. It's a proof of your foolishness.
6) If you don't care for your bike, it won't care for you. Always keep it in proper running in condition
7) Avoid overtaking from left side, use proper motorcycle and hand signals. Also avoid close overtaking
8) Riders must keep adequate distance from other riders Don't ride under the influence of alcohol and intoxication
Upcoming tours
September 18: Ride for a Cause: KMT will only keep 25% of the amount, the rest of the proceeds from this open-for-all ride will go to charity
October 15-21: Coastal Konkan will be a six-day trip via the Sagari Mahamarg (coastal highway) that runs parallel to the coast and the Mumbai-Goa highway; it includes travel through ferries across Konkan's backwaters
November: Ratnagiri
December: Mumbai to Goa via Western Ghats
How to connect
Call 9167143439;u00a0
Email konkanmototours@gmail.com;u00a0
Log on tou00a0www.konkanmototurs.comu00a0;u00a0
Facebook www.facebook.com/konkanmototours
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