Peter Fernandes

Exploring Adventures: The Goa Motorcycle Club Story

Peter Fernandes, a passionate sports administrator from Mapusa, Goa, has worn many hats in his professional journey. With a rich career that includes roles as a program manager for FIFA, ISL, Khelo Rugby, the Sports Authority of Goa, and Deloitte, Peter has always had a keen interest in sports and community building. Currently, he is channeling his energy into setting up a basketball academy in Sangti, Arunachal Pradesh, alongside a colleague from Assam. Beyond his professional endeavors, Peter is an avid motorcyclist and the visionary founder of the Goa Motorcycle Club (Goa MC). His love for motorcycling extends to leading group rides for KTM and Triumph India as part of their Pan India Pro-XP Rides.

The Genesis of Goa Motorcycle Club

The idea for the Goa Motorcycle Club stemmed from Peter’s dream of building a community of serious riding enthusiasts in Goa, free from biases of background, profession, or societal status. The journey began in 2013 with a close-knit group of 5-7 riders, calling themselves the Locos, embarking on full-day Sunday rides. Over time, their knack for curating off-beat and adventurous routes inspired them to offer similar experiences to like-minded riders across Goa. Officially founded on September 13, 2020, the Goa Motorcycle Club started with an inaugural ride of 13 riders. Today, it boasts 216 members, 42 curated rides, and an impressive 12,645 kilometers covered. The club’s ethos is rooted in exploring the unknown, fostering camaraderie, and sharing the pure joy of motorcycling.

Mission and Vision

The Goa Motorcycle Club is dedicated to providing riders with an authentic motorcycling experience. Each Sunday ride is meticulously planned, ranging from 250-450 kilometers, with routes that showcase pristine villages, off-road trails, and breathtaking landscapes. The long-term vision is to create a strong community bonded by a shared passion for motorcycling and its values, leaving behind discussions of personal and professional lives during their adventures.

Membership and Values

Goa MC attracts riders with a deep passion for adventure and exceptional riding skills. Members come from diverse backgrounds, united by their love for motorcycling. The club has a structured membership process where riders earn a coveted Goa MC patch after completing a minimum of 10 rides and 3,000 kilometers. With members hailing from 11 Indian states, the club celebrates inclusivity, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie among its riders.

Challenges and Growth

Building the Goa Motorcycle Club came with its challenges, particularly balancing full-time jobs with the responsibilities of running a club. Consistency, dedication, and the right partnerships were key to overcoming these hurdles. Early collaborations with Bisontes Locos MC, Goa.me, and Numadic provided vital support in ride curation, branding, and social media outreach. The club’s partnership with India Bike Week in 2022 elevated its profile nationally, establishing it as a prominent name in India’s motorcycling community.

Promoting Safety and Sustainability

Safety is paramount at Goa MC, with all participants required to wear full riding gear and have prior riding experience. The club emphasizes discipline on rides, ensuring every member’s safety. Additionally, Goa MC is committed to sustainable practices, promoting zero-waste rides, avoiding plastics, and respecting the environment and local communities at every stop.

Events and Activities

Goa M organizes a variety of events, including Sunday Rides: Spanning 250-450 kilometers across Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka

Workshops: Off-road training sessions with renowned riders like Bhumik Lalwani Goa Riding

School: A training program for beginners, especially women, to learn geared motorcycling

Collaborations: Curating rideouts for the India Bike Week and participating in major motorcycling events.

Exploring Goa and Beyond

The club plays a significant role in promoting tourism by showcasing lesser-known parts of Goa, from pristine villages to wildlife sanctuaries. During rides, members explore offbeat trails, dine at local homes, and experience authentic Goan hospitality, fostering a deeper connection with the state’s culture.

Memorable Journeys

Every ride organized by Goa MC offers a unique adventure. Some standout experiences include a monsoon ride through Maharashtra’s ghats, featuring 42 waterfalls, a scenic journey along the Maharashtra coastline, and a challenging 555kilometer highway ride in Karnataka. These adventures highlight the club’s commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences.

The Road Ahead

Looking to the future, Goa MC plans to maintain its tradition of Sunday rides while expanding to multiday tours in Karnataka and Maharashtra in 2025. The club also envisions organizing long-distance tours across India, starting with an exploratory ride to Arunachal Pradesh.

Conclusion

The Goa Motorcycle Club exemplifies the spirit of adventure, camaraderie, and a shared love for motorcycling. Under Peter Fernandes’ leadership, the club has grown into a thriving community, setting new benchmarks for motorcycling culture in Goa and beyond. Whether it’s exploring hidden trails, promoting responsible riding, or building lasting friendships, Goa MC continues to inspire riders to embrace the open road and the joy of the journey.