Brace Yourself for a Long and Exciting Thread!

Why not? After all, we covered nearly 1,300 kms in 3 days, and summarizing an experience this epic in a single paragraph just wouldn’t do it justice.

More importantly, this wasn’t just any ride—it was our first ride of 2025! A ride that set the tone for the year ahead, pushing limits, forging stronger bonds, and reminding Why do we do what we do.

 

Buckle up as we take you through the highs, the challenges, the unforgettable moments, and the essence of why we ride!

Why we ride?

The most introspective thought that often come to my mind – Is it really worth it? Is it worth going through sleepless nights, waking up before the world stirs and riding 500kms away from home with a bunch of people who share nothing but a love for the road? Why do I do what I do?

 

I have been asked this question countless times –

“Why not just take a car?”

“Why endure the heat, the dust, the fatigue?”

“Why wear heavy riding gear, sweat through long hours, and push through endless highways when easier alternatives exist?

 

But here is the thing – comfort was never the goal. 

 

We ride because the road strips us down to our rawest selves. It demands presence, resilience, and a connection with the moment. Every twist of the throttle, every lean into a curve, every battle against the elements reminds us that we are alive—not just existing, but truly living. 

The freshness of the morning air, the chillness of the wind, and the solitude of the thumping engines remind us of a kind of freedom that is often missing in everyday life. Out there, on the open road, nothing else matters. No deadlines, no distractions—just you, your machine, and the endless horizon ahead.

 

What makes this journey even more meaningful? The people we ride with.

 

We come from different walks of life, different backgrounds, different stories. But once we mount our bikes, those differences dissolve. There are no ranks, no seniority, no egos—just the shared rhythm of the road. Everyone has a role to play, and if you don’t, you just ride along. Off the saddle, we may be strangers in the world’s eyes, but on the road, we are brothers.

Why Dhanushkodi?

Of all the places we could ride to, why Dhanushkodi?

Because it’s not just a destination—it’s a feeling, a story frozen in time, a place where the road quite literally ends, and all that remains is the vast embrace of the ocean.

 

Dhanushkodi is not your typical tourist spot. It’s a ghost town, a place abandoned yet alive in its silence. The remnants of a once-thriving settlement, destroyed by the cyclone of 1964, stand as a haunting reminder of nature’s power and time’s relentless march.

There’s an eerie beauty in its desolation, a certain solitude that draws riders like us—those who seek not just roads, but meaning in the journey.

Riding to Dhanushkodi isn’t just about covering 500 kilometers from Chennai. It’s about chasing something deeper—the thrill of riding through changing landscapes, the salty wind that intensifies as you near the coast, the surreal experience of crossing Pamban Bridge, where the sea stretches endlessly on both sides.

 

And then, the final stretch. The legendary 20-kilometer ride on the narrow strip of land leading to Arichal Munai, the absolute edge of India. No roads, just sand, sky, and the roaring waves. It’s here, at the land’s end, where the Bay of Bengal and the Gulf of Mannar sea collide, that you feel the true essence of why we ride.

Dhanushkodi represents freedom, solitude, and the raw beauty of the unknown. It’s a place that reminds us that nothing lasts forever, that life is about movement, about embracing the ride more than the destination itself.

That’s why we rode to Dhanushkodi. Not just to see a ghost town, but to feel its silence, to stand at the edge of the land and the self, and to understand.

 

This is why we do what we do.

 

How the ride unfolded?

The ride to Dhanushkodi, the ghost town at the edge of India, isn’t just about reaching a destination. It’s about the journey—the silent camaraderie of 27 bikers moving as one, the thrill of the open road, the stories exchanged over chai at nameless roadside stalls, the way the wind carries away our worries.

Reaching that abandoned land, where the sea swallows the ruins of a forgotten past, is symbolic. It reminds us that nothing lasts forever, but the moments we create—the struggles, the triumphs, the sheer exhilaration of the ride—those stay with us.

The journey seemed effortless, as if things were always meant to fall into place.  But behind the scenes?  Hours of planning

• chalking out routes,
• arranging refreshment breaks, food, and accommodation
• calculating fuel stops when the bike categories are entirely different

What looks like an easy, seamless ride is actually the result of teamwork, coordination, and a shared commitment to making the experience unforgettable. 

But the journey isn’t just about the ride; it’s about everything that comes with it. Finding accommodation for a group of 27 bikers, each with different preferences and needs, is never easy. Getting us all placed in a single resort is a challenge in itself, but thanks to our experienced handler, Abhi, we landed a fantastic stay at Ariyaman Beach—and at a great deal too.

 

And then the little moments that made it special

• An impromptu pool throwball match after the long ride, where we let loose and just had fun.
• Stories from the ride, flowing effortlessly over dinner, every high and low relived.
• Welcoming new RENEGADES, Gana and Satish—riders who had proven their passion, discipline, and dedication to the road.

How Day 2 unfolded? – Arichal Munai and Ghost Town

Despite being sleep deprived from previous nights, the enthusiasm never wavered as we geared up for an early morning ride to Arichal Munai at 4:15 AM.  A brief halt at a railway level crossing took me back to childhood—the excitement of watching a train pass by. And judging by the cheers when the barrier lifted, I wasn’t the only one feeling it.

What more could we ask for on this trip than the chance to ride this stretch in the early morning, with no one else around? Reaching there much ahead of the time it opens to the public and having the place to ourselves for nearly 30 minutes was something we couldn’t have pulled off without the help of Santosh. Some places aren’t just about where they are, but when you experience them. Standing there, in complete solitude, surrounded by nothing but the sea and the ruins of the past, we felt a rare kind of peace—one that only the road can lead you to.

By 6:30 AM, as the crowd began to pour into Arichal Munai, we made our way to the Ghost Town, a haunting reminder of the devastation that struck Dhanushkodi in 1964. The ruins, standing against the vast, endless sea, carried whispers of a time long lost.

 

Down by the seaside, some riders took the opportunity to capture stunning pictures with their bikes, the ocean serving as a breathtaking backdrop. The contrast between the abandoned structures and the vibrant energy of the waves created a setting that was both surreal and unforgettable.

 

After soaking in the sights, we rode towards Rameshwaram town, where we stopped for breakfast. Some of us chose to visit the Rameshwaram Temple, seeking blessings before the journey ahead.

 

Our next stop was Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s Memorial, a tribute to the man whose life story continues to inspire generations. From a humble boy in Rameshwaram to the President of India, his journey is a testament to perseverance, knowledge, and humility. Walking through the memorial, it was impossible not to feel a deep sense of admiration for his legacy—a reminder that true greatness is rooted in simplicity and vision.

Before heading back to the resort for lunch, a brief pit stop near Pamban Bridge—a perfect backdrop for some stunning group pictures and videos, by Bart, capturing the ride and the brotherhood that binds us.

Once we reached the resort, the rest of the day was all about relaxation. Some unwound on the hammocks, others enjoyed a quiet moment on the swings, while a few simply took time to rest. Meanwhile, the more meticulous riders got their machines ready for the long return ride ahead.

It was a day well spent—not just in miles covered, but in moments cherished.

An Unexpected Challenge and a Quick Fix

Just when everything seemed to be going smoothly, one of our riders Goutham noticed a puncture in his bike’s tire. The concern was real—not just because it was an expensive machine, but also because finding a skilled mechanic in Rameshwaram? nearly impossible.

But this is where brotherhood truly shines. Without hesitation, Jalapathy jumped into action. With some creative jugaad and a bit of resourcefulness, he worked with the tools that Goutham had on hand and managed to patch up the puncture. While the guys were trying hard to fix the situation, I was standing there in towel giving moral support  

What could have been a major setback turned into just another memorable moment—one that showcased the brotherhood, quick thinking, and problem-solving spirit that define our rides. Thanks to the teamwork, the bike was road-ready once again, and the return journey could continue without a hitch.

The Return Ride – A Journey Back Home

The moment we mounted our bikes for the return ride, a familiar feeling set in—the eagerness to get back to our near and dear ones. No matter how thrilling the journey had been, the pull of home was undeniable.

But as the kilometers stretched on, cumulative fatigue began to creep in. The long hours on the road, the early mornings, and the relentless sun had taken their toll. Recognizing this, we decided to keep the ride light, taking frequent breaks—sometimes even stopping at short intervals just to stretch, hydrate, and re-energize.

What made the ride smoother was the cooperation and patience of every rider. There was no unnecessary rush—just a steady, mindful ride back.  Marshals ensuring that everyone stayed safe and comfortable.  

 

And finally, as planned, we rolled into Chennai, completing yet another unforgettable ride—one filled with adventure, challenges, camaraderie, and memories that would last a lifetime. Most importantly, we made it back safe and sound, with no eventualities—a testament to the discipline and brotherhood that define us as riders

 

Beyond the Miles, spirit of the ride

So why do I do what I do? Because in the saddle, between the miles, I find something no air-conditioned car can offer—freedom.

The camaraderie, the brotherhood, the shared journey—things no car ride can ever match.

We ride, not just to reach a place, but to feel alive.