Short Trip to Khopoli

It was finally time I let go of my inhibitions and take it in my stride that I may crash if I go for a ride out of Mumbai! So I responded, with a ‘Yes’ to a friend’s message, fellow blogger friend and ‘crazy’ bike tourer, Deepak, for a dinner ride to Khopoli in Raigad District.

The whole bike gang from Bajaj Pulsar and Bike Nomads met up at the Vashi Toll Naka. It was my first ride after nearly 3 years and meeting some new old folks was a welcome relief! Though the new guys (new to me that is) were warm and welcoming as well! Once the greetings were out of the way, we moved on Rishabh Restaurant in Khopoli. We covered around 50-60 KMs from Vashi to reach Khopoli. For most of the stretch, the road was good except for a few places with craters. However, with no street lights, everyone was following the person in front of them. Off course the formation kept breaking again and again but for most part of it people followed the line diligently. In no time we reached Khopoli – pretty much a straight road with almost no left or right turns.

Once there, Deepak helped set up the tables and chairs and in no time the orders were placed as well – sev bhaji, dal fry, chicken dry and rotis and masala papad. The Sev Bhaji was delicious and was definitely worth the ride! It was good to be seated amongst bikers who have ridden to places as far as Leh Ladakh – was a treat listening to them talk about their experiences.  This was followed by a picture clicking session and anyone and everyone with a camera was clicking pictures.

Once the pictures were clicked and the bill paid, we finally bid adieu to each other and left for our respective homes. The ride back was far more pleasant except for this one bridge where a pothole consumed my entire bike! It wasn’t dangerous as much as it was frustrating driving through that small stretch but then again, it is part and parcel of the whole experience.

Also, thanks to Yogesh, found a new shortcut from the Eastern Express Highway to Hiranandani, Powai which was pretty neat I must say.

All in all, a good experience for me and a different one as well since it was my first time riding out of Mumbai at night! How ironic, all this time I was worried about a ride during the day and yet I ended up successfully completing a night ride.

Here are some random Pics:

The Steads

The Helmets

A part of the Gang (Deepak, Doc and a couple of other guys whose names I cannot recall)