A Night Ride to Remember
Kaas Plateau
On 19th Oct-24, we Inddie Thumpers embarked on an unforgettable night ride to the mesmerizing Kaas Plateau. A group of over 20 of us, some solo riders and others with a pillion, set off from Panvel at 12.30 am.
For many of us it was the first time riding through the night, so the excitement was palpable. The cool night air brushed against our faces, the thrill of the open road coursed through our veins, and the camaraderie of fellow riders filled our hearts. The only sounds were the gentle hum of our bikes and the occasional hoot of an owl, breaking the silence of the night.
It was indeed a breathtaking view of 21 bikes lined up with their aux lights brightening up the dark roads of Maharashtra highways. As few of us were riding for the first time we did take a halt every couple of hours for refreshments and ensuring no one dozed off on their bikes. A small road side tea stalls with start studded night as a backdrop was a perfect set up for a quick break, sharing of stories, laughter and friendly banter. Refreshed and energized, we continued our journey towards Kaas Plateau.
As the first rays of dawn kissed the horizon, we reached near Satara and took a quick halt for chai and some photos with the bike and sun rising at the background. We reached the foot of the plateau and started our ascend at around 7.30 am. We were greeted with lush green landscape with mild fog and a cold breeze. All the tiredness was gone in an instant, it was a view to die for. A bikers dream, cold weather, curvy roads and lush green landscape!
We reached our resort Shalgar Villa at 8am, after settling in our respected rooms, we were treated with some mouth-watering breakfast. Once breakfast was done everyone had a shut eye to catch on with the sleep post a long night ride. And post lunch we were off to explore the plateau. We hiked through the meadows, the soft grass cushioning our steps, and the sweet fragrance of wildflowers filling the air. The gentle chirping of birds provided a soothing soundtrack to our exploration. We also visited the serene lakes, their still waters reflecting the clear blue sky.
We ended our day with dinner and drinks where we have round of introductions of the new riders. The Inddie Thumpers famous NGFF Naav Gaav Fal Ful, new riders are asked to come in front of everyone and give their introduction. The senior riders give riding tips and feedback and vice versa from the new riders, pull their legs all in the right spirits.
We started our journey back home early morning on Sunday 20th Oct-24. However, the return ride presented a unique challenge: thick fog. The visibility was so poor that we had to ride cautiously, relying on our headlights and the occasional glimpse of the road. Despite the challenging conditions, we navigated through the fog, our determination and camaraderie keeping us going. We finally reached home, safe and sound, in the late afternoon.
The night ride to Kaas Plateau was more than just a journey; it was an experience. It was about the camaraderie, the challenges, the breathtaking beauty of nature, and the unforgettable memories we made along the way. A big shoutout to the organizers for planning such a fantastic trip and to our fellow riders for making it so memorable.
