Photo Credit: © RAJDIP.IN | Photograph taken by the author.
It was an early Saturday morning, and the sky was painted with hues of orange and pink, promising a perfect day ahead. The air carried the crisp scent of adventure as I swung a leg over my bike, my heart pounding with excitement. This wasn’t just any ride—it was a ride with the veterans, the senior riders who had spent decades conquering roads and trails. Their bikes were more than just machines; they were storytellers, carrying the marks of thousands of miles travelled.
I was the youngest in the group, eager yet inexperienced compared to the seasoned riders who surrounded me. They spoke with effortless confidence, discussing throttle control, body positioning, and the fine art of cornering as if these skills came naturally to them.
After completing our tea and refreshment session, we started our journey towards our destination from Dunlop.
As we hit the highway, the rhythm of the engines thrummed in harmony, with each rider becoming part of a living, breathing pack. The veterans set the pace—not too fast, not too slow, but at a smooth, steady speed that allowed me to observe their riding techniques and precision. Every movement had a purpose: the way they leaned into turns, how they scanned the road ahead, and their effortless gear shifts made the ride feel like a dance.
By 9:00 AM, we arrived at a small breakfast shop. We ordered pitai paratha with ghughni, boiled eggs, and cups of tea. After enjoying our breakfast, we resumed our journey with full stomachs and renewed energy.
Soon, we reached the riverside, where an old wooden boat creaked and groaned against the small dock, bearing witness to its many journeys across the river. We loaded our bikes onto the boat and began our journey towards Mousuni Island.
The waves were a different beast altogether. They slapped against the boat with surprising force, sending splashes of water into the air. The boat ride itself was an adventure, adding another memorable chapter to our journey.
I was overjoyed when we finally reached our destination. However, my excitement quickly turned into nervousness when I discovered that we had to climb a steep, approximately 45-degree embankment to reach our resort. As a relatively new rider, I was filled with apprehension.
The senior riders climbed the embankment as effortlessly as if they were sipping a cup of tea. I carefully observed each of their movements, hoping to replicate their techniques when it was my turn.
When the captain instructed me to start the engine, engage first gear, and release the clutch slowly, I followed every instruction carefully. Still, I failed twice. But on my third attempt, I finally made it up the embankment!
It was an incredible moment and a great learning experience for me. That small achievement gave me a new sense of confidence and taught me the importance of patience, observation, and practice.
Finally, we reached the resort, took some rest, sipped on tender coconuts, and shared stories about our road and boat adventures.
After enjoying lunch at the resort, we took a short rest before preparing for our evening sightseeing. The sun, partially obscured by scattered clouds, cast a warm golden glow across the sky, reflecting beautifully on the calm ocean water. The wet sand in the foreground displayed tiny ripples and footprints, creating the impression of a quiet, almost deserted shore. The overall atmosphere was peaceful and tranquil, with soft sunlight and gentle waves adding to the beauty of the surroundings.
We began capturing the vibrant atmosphere through photography and videography, hoping to share these wonderful moments with our friends and loved ones.
After sunset, we enjoyed our complimentary evening tea and snacks, including onion pakoras with muri. We also added our favourite spices to the evening menu, making the gathering even more enjoyable.
We wrapped up our short meeting over snacks and drinks and continued our adda (friendly chatting) session. The conversation was filled with our favourite stories, cherished memories, riding experiences, and laughter, while DJ music played in the background. We were so engrossed in the atmosphere that we lost track of time and hardly realised when it was time for dinner.
Eventually, we all had dinner and went to sleep, tired but happy after a wonderful day.
The next morning, we woke up and stepped outside to soak in the refreshing sea breeze and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The morning atmosphere was truly refreshing, offering the perfect start to another beautiful day.
After finishing breakfast, we began preparing for our journey back home, carrying hearts full of unforgettable memories and experiences.
And once again, the wait began—for the next ride with Vagabond Riders 2020!
Thank you all for giving me such a memorable experience. Riding with the veterans was not just about travelling to a beautiful destination; it was also about learning new skills, building confidence, sharing experiences, and creating memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.