Frazer Andrade
frazerandrade@herald-goa.com
Since it kicked off in 2016, thanks to Rohit Chadha and Bobby Ahluwalia, both passionate supporters of the British Asian Trust, the Most Exotic Bicycle Tour (MEBT) has managed to raise about Rs 27 crore. This funding has played a key role in backing various projects by the British Asian Trust, like child protection and conservation efforts. This year, they have selected Goa as their riding destination. After flying in to the State from different parts of the world, the riders won the hearts of the villagers that they passed by on their cycles.
This marks the seventh year of the Most Exotic Bike Tour and the first ride in Goa. Throughout its history, participants have traversed 1,680 kilometers of varied landscapes in the Indian Himalayas, Punjab, Rajasthan, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and the Serengeti in Tanzania. In 2021, His Majesty, The King (formerly The Prince of Wales), inaugurated the inaugural UK-based Tour, titled ‘Palaces on Wheels.’
“Every year, the Most Exotic Bicycle Tour pushes boundaries. It’s a tough endurance test filled with enthusiasm, and everyone involved is committed to raising as much money as they can,” said co-founder Rohit Chadha about the tour.
Richard Hawkes, CEO of the British Asian Trust, who also participated in the ride, shared his enthusiasm, “The Most Exotic Bicycle Tour presents a distinctive chance to push our physical limits while significantly impacting the lives of children and young individuals. I was excited to return to India for the 2025 Goa edition.”
Cycling through Goa offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture. The group noted that navigating the traffic was surprisingly manageable. They also remarked on the cleanliness of the roads, which were largely free of gravel. Upon observation, they identified a significant difference from the UK: Goa’s terrain features more hills than they had anticipated. Many riders found the experience of descending hills at higher speeds somewhat daunting, particularly if they were not accustomed to such conditions.
The local community has shown great support, cheering on the riders as they glide by. While a group of cyclists in bright Lycra might usually attract attention, here they were met with enthusiastic applause, cheers, and honks. The cyclists express their admiration for the stunning beauty of Netravali, highlighting the nature reserve nestled in the heart of Goa.
The cyclists strived to ride in a single file and keep to the left to align with vehicle traffic. Compared to the UK, the riders noticed that drivers here don’t always give as much space when passing, as the roads are narrower, but they were very considerate overall.
They took breaks for lunch at local eateries, treating themselves to the delightful flavors of Goan cuisine after a long day of cycling.
MEBT Co-founder Bobby Ahluwalia expressed his enthusiasm, saying, that they were incredibly excited to bring the Most Exotic Bicycle Tour to Goa this year. “We cycled from Utorda to Mandrem, and even though the heat and hills made it tough, it’s a real privilege to be part of this and back such an important cause,” he said.
“At one point we were going through a forest and at another, over a stream. I could not believe how difficult it is to go up. It doesn’t look like a steep or tall hill but it goes on forever. It’s for a good cause. Little help can go a long way and the children we will support are such heroes, and I feel so inspired and determined to finish this challenge,” says Gin Bee, a resident of the UK.
Raoul Malhotra, a UK-based CEO, shares his experience, “Goa has been nothing short of extraordinary. From its diverse terrain—stretching from serene coastlines to rolling hills—to the warmth and hospitality of its local communities, every moment of this journey has been worthwhile. Most importantly, meeting some of the beneficiaries of the British Asian Trust has been truly inspiring. Witnessing the impact of their work firsthand is not just rewarding but also a driving force that keeps us going.”
When planning this year’s cycling tour, the group expressed a desire to revisit India this year, aiming to delve into the core of their adventure. After exploring the Golden Triangle in 2016, which included Agra and Jaipur, and traversing the Himalayas in 2023, they felt it was time to journey south to the tropical paradise of Goa. And Goa certainly lived up to their expectations.