Off-road weekend trips luring bikers this winter

BHOPAL: After much ado, winters have finally set in, with light showers acting as catalyst. This is just the kind of weather that beckons the bikers to vroom away to nearby weekend locales. But this time, along with usual spots including Kerwa and Kaliasot dams, it is the off-roading trips that are the biggest draw for merrymakers.
Diehard biking enthusiasts, whose Sundays are dedicated to seeking interesting sojourns, become quick finicky, come winter, especially in Covid times.Entrepreneur Abhishek Pandey, a passionate biker, said, “Off-roading is what excites me most during winters and rains. My current weekend favourite is entering the jungle from any spot in Budhni and tracing an exit route at Kolar. We take permission from forest department for these off-roading trips. In Covid times, we don’t go pillion and carry sanitisers, masks, our own tea and snacks to steer clear of infection. Also, from motorcycling boots to jerseys with back, chest, shoulder protection, we don’t step out without this safety gear.”
Lesser known a location, greater the thrill for off-roaders, who are forever looking for new addas. Prateek Vats, an adventure sports enthusiast said, “Keri Ke Mahadev near Kolar Dam is my current favourite off-roading weekend spot. It is an eco-tourism hub; earlier permission from forest department was required, but now you have to buy a ticket to enjoy a stunning trail here. Located almost 22 kms away from Bhopal, it is a haven. The last part of the trail is a steep valley, with a spring which has water throughout the year,” said Vats.
Kathotia, around 27 kms from Bhopal, gets ten on ten from Chaitanya Thombre, another off-roader. “Dense thick foliage, tiny rivulets and gushing streams on the roads make the entire muddy terrain really exciting. We leave in the wee hours and return around lunchtime,” said Thombre.
Sourabh Andani, a student said ,“Ride to Kerwa dam remains my all-time winter favourite winter sport.” Home maker Preeti Dani, added, “Riding pillion behind my husband Akash to Kaliasot Dam is my winter weekend passion.”