Romancing the trail: Group bikers live their passion

(June 3, 2022) Each time the group bikers kickstart their rides, the delight of feeling the wind in the air, the welcoming roads, and the beckoning of bonhomie amidst adventurous terrains fill their hearts with utmost joy. Embracing speed and the trail ahead of them, the riders rejoice in soaking in the beauty of their oft-repeated pleasure that never seems to lose its sheen. Global Indian turns the spotlight on two such biking groups – an inspiring Delhi-based popular international riders’ group and another from Mumbai that has been religiously keeping its love for biking alive. Both reaffirm the charm of long roads, the mountains, woods, rivers and the diversity of people while owning your space – your beloved bike!

“I started the group in 1998, though I had been riding solo since 1985 as most of the people did not have super bikes (bikes above 600cc) then. In 1998, I found a gentleman who had a Honda 750cc and we started riding together, setting the foundation of the group,” says Dr Arun Thereja, a Delhi-based ENT surgeon and founder of G.O.D.S. Starting at a time when biking culture was almost non-existent to being a strong 130 member group, G.O.D.S has come a long way. Each Sunday around 40-50 riders go on 200 km trail to enjoy the early morning breeze and take occasional pit stops to dig into food or take pictures at their favourite spots, before returning home. Moreover, they organise weekend getaways every two months to nearby places.

“We go for longer distance national and international group rides too. Every year, we head to about 10 days of an international group biking trip.” Till now, G.O.D.S has taken on the roads of Russia, England, Scotland, Bhutan, Thailand, French Riviera, and New Zealand, and have plans to explore the countryside of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in July this year. “When we land at international destinations, we pick up similar bikes that we ride here in India and off we go riding about 300 km on the unknown paths. This takes five to six hours of the day, and the rest of the time, we soak ourselves in the beauty of the place,” tells Arun.

But before that, the team is gearing for a Leh and Ladakh trip in June. “We have been exploring Leh and Ladakh since 1998 when there were no roads. Now, whenever we go there, we go to different terrains, and the inner most areas, not the usual touristy kind of routes,” adds Arun.

With women bikers slowly making their place in the male-dominated territory, many have been a part of G.O.D.S too. However, Arun believes that the enthusiasm is short-lived. “Women bikers are very enthusiastic when they join the group but after few months the interest wears off and they end up selling their bikes,” reveals Arun adding that the riders have to meet the prerequisites of the minimum age, riding experience and bike size to be a part of the group. G.O.D.S also takes up social causes and often provides a helping hand to Indian Bikers for Good, another biking group in their social endeavours. “Biking is our life. It’s amazing and with each of the lovely journey, the love for it is growing stronger,” says Arun.

“It all began in 2009 at my office where I was sipping coffee with my three colleagues. One of them randomly said, ‘let’s bike to Leh and Ladakh.” says Roshan Mansukhani, a music therapist based in Mumbai. The idea kept growing on them for the next few days and they finally decided to take the plunge. “Hesitantly, I told my wife and had no clue of her reaction, but all she did was smile and say, ‘let me pack your bag, you must do this trip.’  That was a super booster dose for me and there was no looking back. Off we went shopping for my inners, woollens etc,” Roshan savours the memory. The trio drove to Delhi, rented bikes and vroomed into their group’s first adventure trip.

“I was riding a bike after 18 years and that too on an unknown trail. There were no navigators. We just rode with nature.” From scorching 47 degree to minus in the mountains and from clear roads to no roads, their excitement was palpable. The 19-days adventure was the beginning of a life-long affair with riding for them.

From three buddies to now 20 members, the group has grown and how! Every Sunday, the like-minded riders cover a stretch of 150 km to soak themselves in the thrilling adventure.  “When I say like-minded, I mean we respect fellow bikers, traffic including cyclists on the road and no rash riding. This is important as biking is a passion not a competition,” remarks Roshan.

Buddy Bikers has attended Rider Mania in Goa twice where at least 10,000 Royal Enfield bikers come together for a three-day event. The group has been to a Darjeeling spree and to the Leh and Ladakh trail a couple of times, experiencing sun tan and frost bite at the same time. “Way back in 2009, the roads were not as good as now but it gave us its own distinct experience of riding. This time we had a super experience of riding the Atal Tunnel which is a 9 km long breathtaking stretch,” he remarks.

“In our rides through sunshine, rain, hailstorm and snowfall, we have gained a lot in terms of confidence, valuing life and respecting nature. Some bad trips have taught us to stick together as a team,” adds Roshan. “When you are travelling to any high altitude, it’s not only your physical fitness but also the mental state that makes a difference”, he says adding, “You need to be composed to think right.”  For the biker group, “It’s all about the journey and not just the destination!”

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1. Bike should be in the best of condition

2. Proper riding gears, a sturdy helmet and a good saddle bag is important

3. Traveling light is recommended

4. Sun tan lotion is a must

5. Do your research before taking the journey

6. Budget your expenses before you get-set-go

7. Be prepared for change in plans