We’re always looking for a break from the monotony of our daily lives. For all you city people, what better way to rejuvenate than with a long bike ride across the state, zipping past mesmerising country roads and beautiful villages, wind in your hair? What’ll make this journey even more memorable is arriving on the sun-kissed beaches of Goa for the fourth edition of the India Bike Week. We’ve got you all the details.
WHAT TO EXPECT
From 2013 onwards, IBW has been the nation’s largest festival built exclusively around bikes and bikers. The previous editions have seen events such as Bike Build-Off, National Stunt Championship, and Bikini Bike Wash, which will carry forward to this year as well. Along with the popular custom-made and vintage bike displays, you can witness the Indian premiere of Triumph’s new bike Bonneville Street Twin, as well as mystery bike unveilings by Harley Davidson and DSK Benelli.
The popular Moto Trials Show will be headlined by the undisputed King of Trials, Dougie Lampkin. Following a record victory at the Scottish Six Days Trial, he is making his debut in India at this year’s IBW. You can watch him showcase the skills that have led him to be a champion in the motorsport world. With India not far behind, national champion C S Santosh will be in town, bringing with him a wealth of experience in supercross, motocross and rally riding.
In its second year, The Big Trip will give enthusiasts a chance to listen to the legendary tales of bikers who have been heating up the roads for decades. By creating an ecosystem that’s conducive to learning, budding riders get the opportunity to gain knowledge from speakers, such as Bullet Yatra blogger Dhruv Dholakia; the duo of Youhan Mubaraki and Debaashish Ghosh, who will outline their 25,000 km ride to Singapore and back; and Sole Traveller Alankar Misra, who did a cross-country ride in the US, in addition to several pan-India rides.
The biker spirit is incomplete without a dose of good music, which can be found in abundance at the festival. With performances from 11 leading artistes in their chosen genres, from classic rock, blues and retro to soul/funk, hip hop and EDM, there’s a lot in store for every type of music lover. Catch indie bands Girish The Chronicles, Soulmate, The Other People and Midival Punditz, as well as singer and multi-instrumentalist Sidd Coutto, international soul/funk artiste Karl Hungus and folk-fusion performer Rodney Branigan.
WHAT’S NEW
Adding a touch of culture to the festivities this year is the first IBW Film Festival, that’ll feature travel films from across the world, which celebrate the riders, their bike and their journey. Three categories of films will be screened and judged by a panel of celebrated film directors and writers. The Dirty20 Enduro Challenge will give riders a chance to partake in a high-octane challenge that will test the rider and the machine to their limits, with the winner taking home a hefty cash prize as reward.
Don’t miss checking out the IBW Main Street, which will act as the spinal cord of the festival. A common link to all the zones and arenas, this stretch will tie the festival together in a riot of colour, noise and celebration. For the hungry and thirsty, this is also where you’ll be able to satiate your bodily desires (we can guarantee only some of them!) with numerous bars and tents lining the street.
We’re looking forward to a glimpse into the biking future, with this year’s Innovation Bike display housing the single-wheel vehicle Monowheel (derived from the concept of a planetary gear box) and the prototype Air-O-Bike that is designed with an engine able to run on compressed air.
WHERE TO STAY
There’s no dearth of staying options in Goa, with hotels mushrooming around every corner. If you’re looking for a luxurious stay in the northern tourist belt, we suggest trying out these two new brands that have opened their doors recently. If money is a bit tight, this list of budget hotels should sort you out for the weekend. For those who’d like to take a slightly offbeat route, a homestay in Goa is the perfect escape from the bustle of the city.
Whether you’re a seasoned biker or a novice, you definitely want to be a part of this massive biking gala.
Where: Arpora Sporting Ground, Goa
When: February 19th to February 20th
Entry: Two-day passes for Rs 3,500
Tickets are available on Bookmyshow.
For more information, click here.
We’re always looking for a break from the monotony of our daily lives. For all you city people, what better way to rejuvenate than with a long bike ride across the state, zipping past mesmerising country roads and beautiful villages, wind in your hair? What’ll make this journey even more memorable is arriving on the sun-kissed beaches of Goa for the fourth edition of the India Bike Week. We’ve got you all the details.
WHAT TO EXPECT
From 2013 onwards, IBW has been the nation’s largest festival built exclusively around bikes and bikers. The previous editions have seen events such as Bike Build-Off, National Stunt Championship, and Bikini Bike Wash, which will carry forward to this year as well. Along with the popular custom-made and vintage bike displays, you can witness the Indian premiere of Triumph’s new bike Bonneville Street Twin, as well as mystery bike unveilings by Harley Davidson and DSK Benelli.
The popular Moto Trials Show will be headlined by the undisputed King of Trials, Dougie Lampkin. Following a record victory at the Scottish Six Days Trial, he is making his debut in India at this year’s IBW. You can watch him showcase the skills that have led him to be a champion in the motorsport world. With India not far behind, national champion C S Santosh will be in town, bringing with him a wealth of experience in supercross, motocross and rally riding.
In its second year, The Big Trip will give enthusiasts a chance to listen to the legendary tales of bikers who have been heating up the roads for decades. By creating an ecosystem that’s conducive to learning, budding riders get the opportunity to gain knowledge from speakers, such as Bullet Yatra blogger Dhruv Dholakia; the duo of Youhan Mubaraki and Debaashish Ghosh, who will outline their 25,000 km ride to Singapore and back; and Sole Traveller Alankar Misra, who did a cross-country ride in the US, in addition to several pan-India rides.
The biker spirit is incomplete without a dose of good music, which can be found in abundance at the festival. With performances from 11 leading artistes in their chosen genres, from classic rock, blues and retro to soul/funk, hip hop and EDM, there’s a lot in store for every type of music lover. Catch indie bands Girish The Chronicles, Soulmate, The Other People and Midival Punditz, as well as singer and multi-instrumentalist Sidd Coutto, international soul/funk artiste Karl Hungus and folk-fusion performer Rodney Branigan.
WHAT’S NEW
Adding a touch of culture to the festivities this year is the first IBW Film Festival, that’ll feature travel films from across the world, which celebrate the riders, their bike and their journey. Three categories of films will be screened and judged by a panel of celebrated film directors and writers. The Dirty20 Enduro Challenge will give riders a chance to partake in a high-octane challenge that will test the rider and the machine to their limits, with the winner taking home a hefty cash prize as reward.
Don’t miss checking out the IBW Main Street, which will act as the spinal cord of the festival. A common link to all the zones and arenas, this stretch will tie the festival together in a riot of colour, noise and celebration. For the hungry and thirsty, this is also where you’ll be able to satiate your bodily desires (we can guarantee only some of them!) with numerous bars and tents lining the street.
We’re looking forward to a glimpse into the biking future, with this year’s Innovation Bike display housing the single-wheel vehicle Monowheel (derived from the concept of a planetary gear box) and the prototype Air-O-Bike that is designed with an engine able to run on compressed air.
WHERE TO STAY
There’s no dearth of staying options in Goa, with hotels mushrooming around every corner. If you’re looking for a luxurious stay in the northern tourist belt, we suggest trying out these two new brands that have opened their doors recently. If money is a bit tight, this list of budget hotels should sort you out for the weekend. For those who’d like to take a slightly offbeat route, a homestay in Goa is the perfect escape from the bustle of the city.
Whether you’re a seasoned biker or a novice, you definitely want to be a part of this massive biking gala.
Where: Arpora Sporting Ground, Goa
When: February 19th to February 20th
Entry: Two-day passes for Rs 3,500
Tickets are available on Bookmyshow.
For more information, click here.