Riding from Bombay ...

I would always agree that roads in Bombay suck. They are just terrible to say the least. I do not think there would be any other metro in this world with such appalling road conditions. This for some reason however, has worked really well for me and my Royal Enfield Bullet 350.

The real riders want to go out and ride free. They didn’t buy that Motorcycle of theirs to ride to work every day and occasionally to the near-by mall. They want to take that motor-cycle out on the open roads, where they can just unleash its power and feel the wind on their face. Since Bombay provides no such opportunity, hence riders from this city make things happen on NH8, NH4, NH3 and NH17. These highways are pretty accessible from Bombay (Thank God for that) and are in pretty top-class conditions.

After Panvel (60 Kms from city) you get access to NH4 and NH17. NH4 goes to Bangalore and NH17 goes to Cochin (as far as I know) via Goa. I have been on both these highways several times and I enjoy them equally. NH17 is extremely scenic, with crowded villages and towns every once in a while and great sea-food after Kolad. One can experience lives in small fishing towns, the roads on the coast, forts and light-houses and some exquisite beaches on this road amongst million other things. NH4 on the other hand has very different character. The old Bombay-Pune highway can well be termed as ‘Rider’s test track’, no wonder you will find riders riding everything from a 100 CC Bajaj bike to a 2500 CC Ducati. The road from Panvel to Khopoli is smooth, quiet, curvy and scenic. From Khopoli to Lonavala , it’s a beautiful steep climb offering some great views of the Ghats and Expressway. After crossing Lonavala, the road becomes even more beautiful. The ride becomes easier, the roads remain flawless, some great dhabas appear on the roadside and in no time you reach Dehu-Road. Take a right from that signal and you can keep riding this magical road till Bangalore.

NH8 is special to me because it is ‘the road home’ for me. If I ride 1230 Kms from Bombay on NH8, I will reach Jaipur (my hometown). NH8 is the road you will take if you want to ride to Rann of Kutchh, Ahmedabad or for that matter Daman. The western express highway would lead you to NH8, after Dahisar check naka. The roads however aren’t too great for around 100 Kms. Around Choroti check naka (120 Kms I believe), you start getting the real road. The sights of fields are treat to the eyes and the food around is another reward for the rider. While the Western Express Highway leads you to the busy NH8, the Eastern Express highway gets you to a quieter NH3. NH3 would start after Thane and becomes really great post Bhiwandi. The highway has just been made into a surreal four lane expressway and riding here is sheer joy. The roads around Kasara Ghat and Igatpuri would impress any rider and make sure that he comes back again.

There are many rides that can be done on these great roads if you are in Bombay. These roads have some great places to be seen, forts to be conquered, beaches to be enjoyed and food to fall in love with.