In 2011, I embarked on yet another week-long bike adventure, a ritual I had maintained for three years. This time, the destination was the serene hills of Nainital, Uttarakhand. Having recently joined PeopleStrong, I found a travel partner in Anurag Sinha, a colleague eager to experience his first long-distance ride. With my Bajaj Avenger packed with full gear, including a tent for emergencies, and Anurag Sinha on his Pulsar with a minimalist setup, we set off from Gurgaon in mid-April. Our journey began early in the morning, and by the time we reached Babugarh near Hapur, hunger struck. Stopping for a hearty breakfast of chole bhature set the tone for the adventure ahead as we rode through towns like Garhmukteshwar, Moradabad, and Rampur, each with its own charm.

Explore the complete collection photos: Two Bikes, One Road: My 2011 Ride to Nainital’s Scenic Bliss>>

A late lunch at Devi Dhaba introduced us to the local flavors of Uttarakhand, adding another layer to the journey’s richness. As we neared Bhimtal, the lower area of the Nainital circuit, the scenery transformed into lush green landscapes with winding mountain roads. By evening, we reached Bhimtal and spent some time admiring the tranquil lake before deciding to push on to Nainital. The road was challenging, with no streetlights and cold air creeping in as we ascended. Yet, the sight of Nainital’s twinkling lights from a distance filled us with anticipation and a sense of accomplishment.

Reaching the bustling Mall Road, we found a cozy hotel with views of Naini Lake. The night was spent exploring the local market, savoring regional delicacies, and enjoying a leisurely walk with tea and snacks. This trip not only solidified my love for biking adventures but also laid the foundation to Nepal solo ride that awaited me just days later. Throughout the bike ride, we captured numerous vivid memory reminder of the joy, challenges, and beauty of exploring the unknown on two wheels.

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