If one had to make a list of things that Goans are passionate about, the love for bikes and
long road trips would feature high on this list. Even though this caters to a
niche group, the mere number of biker communities in Goa tells a different
story.
And these are no ordinary passive
communities. Regular meet ups, frequent highway trips to neighbouring states
and the occasional heavy distance journeys to the ends of the country and
sometimes even past our borders, can’t quite sum up these groups; there’s the
sense of brotherhood, an energy that drives them and sees their tribe increase
in number every few months. These groups are also a big part of nationwide
communities.
Going beyond the mini communities, is a
common bond that is not just limited to the type of motorcycle they ride or the
group they are in. In Goa, true to the community spirit that prevails across
the state, there is a platform where all these biker groups come together once
a year.
The ‘One Day One Ride’ is a concept that
was rolled out in 2016 by the Vasco based Praveen K S, with the sole desire of
uniting the entire biking fraternity of Goa under one banner and to ride in
unison as a tribute to the passion for riding. Rarely does one see such a sight
wherein bikes of various brands, having different capabilities and varying
power, come together and ride alongside each other.
Earlier rides have covered the north and the south of Goa,
bringing together bikers from all parts of the state. This year, the rider
begins at Verna and goes via Margao junction to Colva and back. As per the One
Day One Ride 4 Facebook event page, the event will start at 10.30 am at Verna
and likely to end by 12.30 pm.
“You can either be a part of it or watch it happen. Come and be
part of Goa’s largest motorcycle gathering and ride event, ‘One Day One Ride
4’,” says Praveen, adding, “The theme has always been to spread the word of
unity in diversity, through our love for motorcycles.”
Over the years, the event has seen hundreds of men and women and
their mean machines. “This is our way of saying, our heart doesn’t beat, it
revs!” quips Praveen, chief engineer by profession.
“We found it to be a worthwhile cause to showcase riding
discipline and brotherhood all along the ride and interacting with various
experienced riders has given us new perspectives about biking, safety and other
finer aspects of riding. We always look forward to being part of this biking
fiesta and hope to promote our culture amongst the young and aspiring riders of
the state,” says one of the biker community group members.
To
attend this event that’s free and open to all, one has to follow the safety
rules and wear proper safety gear, including full clothing, shoes and helmets
(for pillion riders as well).
