This Women’s Day, swap brunch for throttle time. From Mulshi curves to windmill trails, here are routes where women riders can own the road
The Bikerni is a women-only biker group that organises solo biking trips for women
Biking is a great way to express yourself. I would say, any woman who wants to do it, should just do it,” says Urvashi Patole, co-founder of The Bikerni, a women-only biker group that has been encouraging women to take charge of their handlebars and the highways. Whether you’re just getting comfortable with your clutch or ready to conquer off-road trails, here are Patole’s go-to routes near Pune and Mumbai.
For beginners
Hadshi: Good roads, gentle curves, ghats, and wide stretches, Hadshi is ideal for practising balance and control. Ride early, and you might spot deer or peacocks.
Bordering Pawna Lake, it offers scenic viewpoints perfect for a breakfast stop. Bonus: You’ll pass forts along the way.
Backwaters of Veer Dam: A scenic stretch near Hadapsar in Pune, this trail changes personality with the seasons. Monsoon floods the ground, while summer turns it almost Ladakh-like. A temple submerged in monsoon reappears in the summer months, making it ideal for the season now. The loose sand here is great for practising control. It’s open, less populated, and gives you room to explore.
For advanced riders
Tamhini–Mulshi Trail: Start at Mulshi’s zero-mile stone and take a left. The trail leads toward a river, offering dramatic landscapes and winding routes. There’s also a reliable restaurant nearby for food and washroom breaks, which is a rare luxury on nature trails.
Temghar Dam: With a village nearby, this route feels safer as it isn’t too secluded. Temghar sits on the Pune-Lavasa route, so you are never too far from help, making it ideal for women riders pushing their limits.
Khandi: An off-road favourite dotted with windmills, this is located near Talegaon, Lonavala. The terrain is slightly demanding, and with the wind always in force, this is best for experienced riders. There’s also a lake circuit where you can ride, park, and unwind by the water.
Real talk: Washrooms
Washrooms are scarce. Urvashi Patole, founder of The Bikerni, says riders carry wipes and tissues. As most routes are in nature, you trust your instincts and stop at a safe spot.
Before you throttle!
New riders, here are Patole’s tips to keep in mind:
>> Be comfortable in your own body.
>> Know your bike: Learn to change tyres and basic care.
>> Trust your instincts.
>> Share your live location if riding solo.
>> Carry water, sunscreen, and snacks.
>> Start with short morning rides, which are always pleasant.
>> Join a riding group if you have a licence, a motorcycle, and gear.
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