By 2024, I had finally gained more confidence in my bike and my handling abilities. After applying for a week of leave, I began planning a solo ride set for November 2024.
BHPian HDx440Life recently shared this with fellow enthusiasts:
I typically reserve my leaves for the close of the year and have long dreamed of embarking on a coastal bike adventure. I purchased the Harley Davidson X440 at the end of 2023, but fear of the unknown held me back from riding that year. Fast forward to 2024, I felt much more confident with my bike and my skills. I applied for a week’s leave and started mapping out a solo journey for November 2024.
Deciding on the route was next, and I decided on Bangalore – Chikmangaluru – Gokarna – Goa – Davanagere – Bangalore. I intentionally planned for a short first day as it had been a while since I’d taken a long ride; I wanted to ease my body into it. Here’s the route I settled on:
The next step was organizing my accommodation during the ride. I wanted this trip to be memorable, so I booked an Airbnb in Chikmangaluru and a hostel in Gokarna! It would be my first hostel experience, and I was excited, especially since it was a mixed dorm accommodating 8 guests! My plan included staying one night each in Chikmangaluru, Gokarna, and Davanagere, plus four nights in Goa on my return journey.
With everything set, I focused on acquiring the necessary gear. I purchased a GUARDIANGEARS Wolverine Magnetic Tank Pouch with Rain Cover, a GUARDIANGEARS Rhino Mini 50L Tail Bag with Rain Cover, and some bamboo socks to avoid the pesky issue of smelly feet. I already owned clan riding boots, Fly Butane Pants, Fly Terra Trek II Jacket, and Cramster waterproof gloves. However, I noticed that all the armor had developed dry rot—similar to my old Alpinestar shoes—so I bought Knox CE level 2 elbow and shoulder armors (set of 4) and a Royal Enfield Ergo Pro-Tech shoulder protector in yellow. They fit my gear perfectly and the quality is impressive.
The night before my ride arrived, and I packed up my belongings. The next day, I attached my tailbag to the bike and slipped into my riding gear. Here’s a picture of the bike all prepped for the journey:
The initial part of the ride was quite uneventful; the roads were smooth, and I maintained a steady speed (70-80 km/h) until I reached the Airbnb in Chikmangaluru. The accommodation was beautiful and just as described. After a light lunch, I took out my DJI drone for some aerial shots and videos. Below is an image of the location:
Check out this drone shot of my stay:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eLnFzMkmRU
I woke up early the following day and began my ride around 7 am. The roads were splendid, and I arrived in Gokarna by 1 pm. Riding through the winding mountain roads was a thrill, and I eagerly anticipated my hostel stay. The room exceeded my expectations, as shown in the picture below.
Here’s an Insta 360 X3 video of my ride through the jungle:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAlkG7iZo6M
Here’s a glimpse of my hostel room, which I shared with another guy and three girls:
Saying I had fun in Gokarna would be an understatement. I visited the main beach, Paradise Beach, and Om Beach, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. I created a short video compilation of my drone footage from there:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZ9k9QelXEQ
My roommates (the girls) woke up early the next morning (around 4 am), prompting me to rise as well. I was busy until 5:30 and then set off for Om Beach to catch the sunrise—a breathtaking sight you should not miss if you ever visit Gokarna.
After returning to my hotel by 7 am, I got ready and departed for Goa by 8 am. The roads were incredibly smooth, and I enjoyed the scenery with the sea on my left and a river on my right. Here’s a drone shot of the area:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtI5br3ENIE
I continued my journey until I reached the end of the road, both literally and figuratively—as you can see in the picture below:
Google Maps directed me to a narrow road with no chance to turn back, leading directly to the sea! After a bit of shock, I pondered my next step. Thankfully, a local cyclist informed me that I’d need to take a boat across the sea! Below is a picture of the route and my bike loading onto the boat:
After finally reaching Goa, I checked into a boutique hotel I had booked and then headed to the airport. By the way, my wife had also expressed a desire to visit Goa, so I arranged a flight for her and our 5-year-old. Here are a couple of photos from Goa, in case you’re tired of looking at too many Goa pictures:
Once my time in Goa wrapped up, my family flew back home as I headed towards Davanagere. On the way, I had an interesting experience when Google led me off the highway and into a reserved forest area. The road was primarily in good condition, but I didn’t encounter any vehicles apart from my bike. Stopping to take a photo in the jungle felt carefree. Take a look at the picture below:
I continued my ride, only to come across a warning sign stating not to stop because cheetahs inhabit the area! Nonetheless, I moved forward and stayed in a decent hotel that night. The ride back to Bangalore the next day was smooth, and I felt delighted to have finally completed a journey I will cherish for the rest of my life! I’m already looking forward to my next adventure ride this year.
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