Diversity is one of the things we all like most about motorcycles. There are various disciplines of riding, various purposes, and for each, there exists a motorcycle. Now, while this diversity gives us options, it also kind of limits the use cases for some motorcycles. A certain motorcycle can do this, but not that. We take pride in the fact that the first one of our pan-India rides was done on a Fireblade, a superbike meant for the racetrack.
Recently, we chanced upon another group that broke that notion of big bikes being limited to racetrack or leisurely Sunday rides- Versatile Riders. Mohammed Sadiq, the founder of Versatile Riders, went on a 6,000+ km expedition from Kolkata to Kanyakumari alongside 13 fellow riders in the group. Here’s a breakdown of their epic journey as shared by Versatile Riders.
Day 1: Kolkata → Bhubaneswar (Odisha)
The engines roared to life in Kolkata, marking the start of the odyssey. By evening, the team reached Bhubaneswar, the “Temple City,” their first milestone.
Day 2: Bhubaneswar → Vizag (Andhra Pradesh)
Arrival in Vizag brought coastal charm and anticipation for the days ahead.
Day 3: Vizag → Ongole
A refreshing stop at RK Beach in Vizag set the tone for the day. The ride to Ongole tested endurance, but camaraderie kept spirits high.
Day 4: Ongole → Pondicherry (Tamil Nadu)
The French‑inspired town of Pondicherry greeted the riders with lovely beaches and vibrant culture. It was a perfect blend of relaxation and preparation for the next stretch.
Day 5: Pondicherry → Rameshwaram
The highlight of the day was crossing the iconic Pamban Bridge, India’s first sea bridge. Riding across it, with waves crashing below, was a surreal experience etched into memory.
Day 6: Rameshwaram → Kanyakumari via Dhanushkodi
A detour to Dhanushkodi, the last land of India, was hauntingly beautiful, where the Bay of Bengal meets the Indian Ocean. The final stretch to Kanyakumari brought the riders to the southern tip of India, completing the southernmost milestone.
Day 7: Kanyakumari → Munnar (Kerala)
From the southern tip, the riders climbed into the misty hills of Munnar. The team stayed in Munnar, exploring its natural beauty and lush green tea gardens, savouring the tranquillity before the long return.
Return Ride: Munnar → Kolkata
With memories packed and spirits soaring, the Versatile Riders began the return journey northward. The ride back to Kolkata was a testament to endurance, retracing thousands of kilometres with the satisfaction of having conquered India’s length from east to south.
Over the course of 13 days, these riders proved that a Hayabusa or even a ZX-10R can tour… and tour well! And they are not done yet. Hot on the heels of this epic run, they are already planning to conquer Northern India, from the Himalayas to the plains, continuing the mission of pushing limits, celebrating diversity, and riding with pride.
We wish Versatile Riders the best for their future endeavours and leave you with a quote from Mohammed Sadiq: “We rode not just for ourselves, but to represent West Bengal and the spirit of Versatile Riders.”
