Your experience

Get ready to challenge yourself on 2 wheels; cross rivers on ferry boats and get swept away by the welcoming Konkan region! Cycling is more than just about commuting or staying fit - we think it’s a great way to get immersed in your surroundings.

And this Konkan Sunsets trip promises to mix travel; endurance and cultural exploration in a way that few trips do!

The old coastal highway from Rewas (close to Alibag) travels through a Maharashtra that many of us know little about. Slow traveling through this traffic-less road offers unparalleled views of the Arabian sea, un-ventured beaches and THE most gorgeous sunsets ever. Also fuelling our journey will be local food often made by smiling Konkani grandmas! Who knows, we may even get to see Olive Ridley Turtles hatching from their eggs and running straight towards the sea on our last stop. We’ll come back with great memories and no extra holiday calories!

Please Note - We all gather at the starting point near Wadala Truck Terminal in Mumbai at 6 AM on Day 1. If you are coming from another city, please ensure that you’re in Mumbai the night before or earlier than 6 AM on the day.

Itinerary

Day 1

• Picking up bikes; taking the ferry out of Mumbai and leaving the hustle bustle behind!
• We meet early morning close to Wadala Truck Terminal in Mumbai; where we will pick our bikes and helmets. We then ride for about 12 kms to Bhaucha Dhakka - a great place to watch fish being brought into our city while we wait for our ferry to Rewas!
• We reach Rewas about 2 hours later and start our ride towards Nagaon; the first stop of the day.
• Once we reach Nagaon we can chill at the lovely beach there.
• Later in the evening; we all hang together to have a chat with Sachin about the history of the region and the lesser-known communities of Raigad and Ratnagiri districts. This will be followed by a local vegetarian or fish thali dinner!. Total distance cycled: 47 kms.

Day 2

• We get on our bikes early; before sunrise. We cover the longest distance on cycles today. Crossing Kashid and Murud; we make our way to Agardanda for our first ferry.
• In absence of bridges; most villagers depend on these to travel and we’ll do it the way locals do!
• If we have enough time we will also explore Korlai fort built by the Portuguese; and the village where you can still hear a creole of Marathi and Portuguese.
• After we are ferried over to Dighi; we ride for about 20 kms to the coastal village of Diveagar. Among the many highlights here will be a meal at a traditional khanawal where we get a lingering taste of Konkan! We’ll hang at the beach and then turn in at a local homestay.
• Total distance cycled: 65 kms.

Day 3

• We leave early morning for our ride towards Velas. This is a challenging day of cycling with bumpy roads and some climbs. But equally fun are descents and talking to school kids we meet on the way.
• We will cross secluded beaches like Aravai with no one but ourselves in sight.
• We then get to the last ferry at Bagmandla before we cycle up a hill and then descend into some of the most spectacular views of the sea. As soon as we spot swans and other birds; we would have arrived in the village of Velas!
• We’ll unwind in the evening at the beach and Sachin will narrate the story of Velas - how this village went from stealing Turtle eggs to actually conserving them.
• We have a delicious meal made by locals and settle into our homestay for the night.
• Total distance cycled: 45 kms.

Day 4

• We head to Velas beach to see if we can spot some baby turtles hatching. The beach is also known for the beautiful birds it attracts.
• We spend the morning talking more about the region - Sachin will share stories of social concern too- who knows;; one of us may have a solution to a local issue!
• Along with that we get our fill of the beach and sea; before we head back into city hustle.
• After lunch we pack up and begin the drive back to Mumbai; bidding goodbye to our dear bikes.
• Hopefully this will be a start of a lifelong love affair with long-distance cycling and the Konkan coast!

You would be provided

• Geared Fomas bicycle and helmet.
• All meals till lunch on Day 4.
• Internal travel.
• Stay on twin or triple sharing basis.
• Back up vehicle for luggage / breakdowns.
• Ride back to Mumbai on Day 4.
• Clean and potable water (bottled water may not be available throughout
• feel free to carry a reusable metal one).
• First aid kit.

You need to carry

• Cycling clothes: T-shirts (at-least 3) and riding shorts.
• Light wear for evenings.
• Sturdy shoes for cycling.
• Modest beachwear.
• A pair of flip flops for evenings and the beach.
• A free-wheeling attitude!

Excluded

• Toiletries and personal medicines.
• Accessories like gloves; knee-guards; etc. please carry if you prefer wearing them!
• Tips.
• Personal Expenses.
• Anything not mentioned in Inclusions.