TWO weekend BIKE RIDE S TO HOP ON to Hereu2019s a bike festival that wants to take you back to the basics. So, there are no resorts or homestays but a coming together of bikers and enthusiasts in a rustic setting.
The Raigad Bikers Festival in its fourth edition has more participants ( from 30 in the first year to 300 now) but keeps to what it started out to do, encourage safe riding in the great outdoors. u201c We had always heard of great biking events in Goa and wondered why we couldnu2019t use the beautiful coastline we have here,u201d says Prasad Chaulkar, founder, Raigad Bikers Festival.
Tents pitched by the sea with views of the setting sun will add to the experience while locally flavoured food will be part of the plan. Besides, thereu2019s a music performance by a bonfire after sunset.
u201c We start at Alibaug city and ride to the venue by the sea to spread the message of road safety while at it. Bikers and non- bikers are both welcome to join,u201d says Chaulkar adding that with the growing numbers each year the hospitality arrangements get better. u201c Weu2019ve upgraded to a buffet system for meals this year,u201d he says.
ON February 8 and 9 AT 8149244474 for registrations. cost R 1,800 On a bike, by the beach At this festival, pitch a tent, eat like a local and learn about road safety Into the wilderness prachi sibal prachi. sibal@ mid- day. com If you are a biker, you know that a weekend ride away from the city is all you need to refresh and rejuvenate you. What if that comes with misty vistas, an authentic homestay and a dose of history? Well, thatu2019s what Jumpstart Outdoors, a biking group has planned for you this weekend. At this bike ride to Phansad and Janjira, drive up 130 km to a secluded village in the Western Ghats. u201c We take the old Bombay- Goa Highway until Alibaug after which we follow the beach- side route through villages full of twists and turns unlike the highway,u201d shares Dhiren Talpade, director, Jumpstart Outdoors.
The group welcome riders with all kinds of bikes on the day- long ride and suggests one with several breaks that let you soak in the vistas along the way. The ride ends in a trek through the Phansad Wildlife Reserve and a visit to the fort of Murud- Janjira.
There is also a stargazing session, a forest trail and local food on offer.
The groups are small and invite pillion riders to join in the fun too. Safety comes first though.
u201c Once registered we tell you how to pack for the day. Helmets are compulsory and getting your bike checked before hand is a good idea,u201d says Talpade.
ON February 8 and 9 AT 9152735256 for registrations. cost R 2,500 Ride through villages by the sea, live in a homestay and get a dose of history, over this weekend u2018 We take the old Bombay- Goa Highway until Alibaug after which we follow the beachside route u2019 Dhiren Talpade sign Up
