I feel long-distance motorcycling is more than just kilometres covered. To me, long journeys on motorcycles are something that transcends merely rolling along. It is about the experiences. It is about things one usually misses because of a ‘route plan’. Things like: a hidden museum, an old coffee plantation, a monastery, a mountain trail, a beautiful forest road or simply a campfire where a group of riders exchange stories. That is exactly what Triumph Motorcycles India set out to create with its first Triumph Touring Experience, The Ride Brew.
For Triumph owners, this was not just another group ride. It was an amalgamation of motorcycling, road-tripping and curated experiences, designed to take riders through some of Southern India’s most beautiful landscapes while allowing them to discover the culture, craftsmanship, food, coffee and heritage of the regions along the way.
And the best part? Triumph owners can enrol themselves for these experiences and become part of a community that explores long-distance touring together, with the logistics and experiences taken care of along the route. For this edition, the journey would take us through three states- Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu- travelling from Bengaluru to Madikeri, onwards to Wayanad and finally to Coonoor.
I was fortunate enough to be there representing xBhp, but instead of the familiar Rocket 3 R from the xBhp Garage, I rode the Speed 400. And the route… it was going to tell me what the Speed 400 is like as a tourer.
Day 1: Bengaluru to Madikeri
Distance: 246 km | Saddle Time: 6 hours
The Ride Brew began at Triumph Motorcycles, Electronic City, Bengaluru, where more than 15 Triumph owners gathered early in the morning. The motorcycles represented the diversity of the Triumph family, with Speed 400s, Scrambler 400 Xs, Street Triples, Speed Triples, Tigers and more ready for the journey.
Our first destination was Madikeri in Coorg. As we rode out of Bengaluru, we also left behind the traffic, the concrete, and the constant hustle. The shift from the urban landscape to the countryside was a contrast. The roads became more interesting, and the Western Ghats were already on the horizon. But before reaching Coorg, Triumph had something special planned.
A Journey Through Automotive History
A very interesting halt, to say the least, we stopped at the Payana Vintage Car and Bike Museum on our way to Coorg. The museum was stunning, but with me being an automotive enthusiast, that part is obvious. It was an impressive collection of vintage cars and motorcycles, along with a fair few vintage Triumphs too. Seeing Triumphs from the 1960s and riding modern ones on the day… it was a nice way of speedrunning Triumph’s journey and legacy.
After the museum visit, we were back on the road again. As we progressed, the temperatures dropped, the roads became greener, and we got our first glimpses of Karnataka’s famous coffee estates. Madikeri is situated in one of India’s most prolific coffee-growing regions. Coffee estates and the ride being called The Ride Brew… interesting, isn’t it?
Finding Peace at the Golden Temple, Namdroling Monastery.
Upon arriving in Madikeri, we visited the Namdroling Monastery, also known as the Golden Temple. After hours in the saddle, sitting and experiencing the prayers of the monks as a group felt surreal. Roars of the engines and the tranquillity of the Monastery- this contrast is the essence of long rides such as this.
After lunch, we rode a few more kms and headed to our hotel, where everyone finally had some time to relax.
Campfire, Conversations & Motorcycling Stories
In the evening, all the riders gathered around a bonfire. It was not something that was on the agenda or planned. It was simply about riders talking about motorcycles and sharing stories. From the timid introductions on Day 1 to friendships being forged already… this is what I believe the essence of a motorcycle community is, and Day 1 of The Ride Brew delivered exactly that.
Here are a few more photos from Day 1…
Day 2: Madikeri to Wayanad
Distance: 120 km | Saddle Time: 3 hours
The second morning started with breakfast before we headed deeper into Coorg’s coffee country. This time, the motorcycle took a back seat as we stepped into the world of coffee.
From Plantation to Cup
Visiting one of the oldest coffee plantations in the region, we experienced guided plantation walks through which we got to know how coffee is grown, processed, and transformed into the daily beverage most of us love. After that, we also enjoyed a cup of freshly brewed coffee right there in the plantation. For someone who enjoys coffee, it was one of the trip’s most special moments for me.
Learning Before the Twisties
Our next stretch would take us from Karnataka into Kerala, and the terrain was about to become considerably more challenging. We were heading towards the Western Ghats, which meant twisties, elevation changes and plenty of hairpin bends. Before we set off, our lead rider, Mr Navi, conducted a quick riding and terrain briefing.
Navi, apart from being part of the Triumph Motorcycles India team as a marketing manager, is an avid motorcyclist himself and rode a Triumph Tiger during the trip. The session covered the terrain ahead and some useful riding techniques for tackling the twisties safely. It was a small but important detail, and one that reflected Triumph’s focus on combining enjoyable riding experiences with rider safety.
The Triumph Family on the Road
And just like that, we were back on the motorcycles. The group was as diverse as it could be, with different motorcycles, riding styles, levels of experience, and pace. Yet, the group was knit together so tightly that no one felt out of place. Everyone was looking out for each other and ready to help if required. That sense of looking out for one another is what makes group motorcycling special.
After around 100 km, we found ourselves in Kerala, eventually ending up in Wayanad. Dinner, conversations and a good night’s sleep followed because the next morning had another adventure waiting.
Here are some more photos from Day 2…
Day 3: Wayanad to Coonoor
Distance: 136 km | Saddle Time: 5 hours
The start to Day 3 was different from the previous ones. Instead of getting on our motorcycles right away, we went out for a trek. Walking through the heavenly landscape of Wayanad was incredibly refreshing. The greenery, the mist, and the cool breeze made for a perfect start to the day.
Then, after breakfast, we were back in the saddle. Our next bit of riding would take us into Tamil Nadu, with our destination being Coonoor. To me, this was easily one of the most scenic stretches on this ride. Dense forests, mountain roads, sweeping valley views, and the Nilgiri Hills came together in such harmony that the landscape felt like it was painted on a canvas.
Riding the Speed 400
This trip also allowed me to spend a decent amount of time with the Speed 400. Within a few hundred kilometres, I already knew why the Speed 400 has been a winner. It is so comfortable and easygoing that the distance covered is a mere number on the odometer. It has oodles of torque. It feels like being in the right gear is a lowly matter meant for lesser motorcycles. It is also nice and compact, with the handling being neutral and sublime. It remained predictable through both tight turns and sweeping corners. Overall, the Speed 400 has been a proven winner for Triumph, and on this journey, I learnt exactly why that is.
Coonoor: The Perfect End to the Ride
Our stay in Coonoor was at a beautiful boutique property that gave everyone a chance to unwind after another long day on the road. We also got the opportunity to interact with the Triumph strategic team from the South Zone, who were involved in designing and planning the experience.
It was great to understand the thought process behind creating a touring experience specifically around what riders want, not just kilometres and destinations, but experiences that connect them with the places they ride through. The evening once again ended around a bonfire. More stories. More laughter. More conversations. And plenty of motorcycle talk.
Here are some more photos from Day 3…
One Last Adventure: Through Two Tiger Reserves
The next morning, we bid Coonoor adieu and started our journey back to Bengaluru. But… Triumph had another surprise for us. Instead of the regular route, we were going to ride through the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and the Bandi Tiger Reserve! That decision proved to be a stunner. The forest road was breathtaking, and on more than one occasion, we spotted deer, elephants, peacocks, and more. I am an avid nature and animal lover, so this bit was predictably one of the highlights of the trip for me.
Touring Without the Hassle
A lot of us would like to take roadtrips like this, but a fair few of us are dissuaded by the hassle involved. Planning the route, booking hotels, dealing with surprises, and adhering to the timeline… it is a fair bit of work. That is where the Triumph Touring Experience comes in. You focus on riding and enjoying the experience; Triumph takes care of the rest. We even had medical support and a backup vehicle for added reassurance. With Triumph taking care of everything else, you simply have to show up with your motorcycle, your riding gear, and tons of enthusiasm!
More Than Just a Road Trip
As we finally approached Bengaluru, I caught one last beautiful golden hour view before we reached our base. And suddenly, the entire journey flashed back. The coffee plantations. Vintage motorcycles. The monastery. The twisties. The Speed 400. The forests. The trek. The Nilgiris. The wildlife. The bonfires. The conversations. And most importantly, the bikers.
Because The Ride Brew wasn’t just a road trip. It was an experience built around everything that makes motorcycling special. It brought together riders from different backgrounds, riding different Triumph motorcycles, but united by the same passion. It showed us that touring doesn’t have to be about chasing a destination or simply adding kilometres to the odometer.
Sometimes, the best journeys are about stopping along the way. Meeting people. Trying something new. Learning about a region. Understanding its culture. Sharing a meal. Helping another rider. And sitting around a bonfire at the end of the day, talking about motorcycles. That, to me, is the motorcycling community & Triumph Touring Experience.
