TRAVEL FEATURE

ADVENTURE RIDING ADVENTURE RIDING

Ride through the unchartered territories with Acclaimed Riders Motorcycling Club-ARMC

By Jeelani MN Rohit G Kopparam, owner of Acclaim Motors Pvt Ltd, an avid rider, a motorbike enthusiast, and a group member of Acclaimed Riders Motorcycling Club-ARMC takes us through his journey of riding through uncharted territories that have let him live his life large. Professionally, Rohit G Kopparam sells and services Royal Enfield motorcycles, his store Acclaim Motors Pvt Ltd is located in Yelahanka and was established in 2014. Having a passion for riding, even before he started his business led him to create a group that conducted riding experiences for the customers. They undertake different kinds of trips in and around Bangalore, such as overnighters, weekends around 300-400 km, and even further away to Ladakh, Goa, and other places. He wanted to curate riding experiences, not just sell motorcycles, so he created the club in the year 2015. He wanted his customers to experience a riding community, and in a few years, it became a 300-member club, with enthusiastic first-timers and old-timers riding together. Rohit elaborates, “Every club has close to 50 to 60 close-knit riders, or at the very least there are 10 riders, and the clubs have certain do’s and don’ts. As we ride across different terrains, we need to have certain regulations regarding safety and comfort. We have pointers in place as that makes it much easier for first-timers to follow. Our goal is to keep it fun as it’s an adventurous unwinding experience”. The longest ride the club has taken is in Spiti Valley and Ladakh in June - July of 2019, which took around two weeks. The ride had 25 close-knit riders, and the support and consistency of the group through the harsh terrain of Spiti Valley had been remarkable. Ladakh being easy is a much preferred destination for many riders, but incorporating Spiti was a challenge for the group.

The ride was a huge learning and a very unique experience for the group. This particular ride in the Spiti circuit was chalked out well, and the riders knew where to start and stop, but they had underestimated the terrain. As they got there they had to ride through the river bed, which was an age-old dried-up river with boulders and rocks and was very difficult to ride on, and this journey took them five days to cross and reach the tarmac of their destination. Reminisces Rohit, “When we reached the tarmac, we were all so ecstatic that one of our riders got off his bike and kissed the tarmac. The intensity of the ride took a toll on many riders – mind and body, with acclimatisation, high altitude, and changing temperature, which led to riders falling sick due to dehydration, heat. Additionally, the mechanical challenges of pushing these machines through these terrains and altitudes added to our difficulty which made the ride the most challenging for the group as we were in an isolated area with just the sky and land. The best part was the support we gave each other which gave us the strength that led us to reach the destination.” The three years of disconnection due to Covid-19 did not lead the group to disband, but reconnections, grouping, and more plans are underway. Many members were eager to get back on the road and the club has already started small trips. The old group members are reconnecting and new ones are signing up. The latest long trip was to Goa as it was an event ride with 50 members from the club taking the journey for the Ride-O-Mania event organised by Royal Enfield, where 20,000 riders from across India attended the event. The members rode to Goa and stayed there for five days, and enjoyed the event that had lots of good food and music. This event rebuilt the sense of brotherhood and community and brought all the riders together after a long lull. Next, the club is planning a road trip to Nepal and Rohit himself went on a solo trip early this year which has mapped out well for other riders in his club. He is curating the ride for his club, and they would be taking off in April 2023. As for the solo experience, Rohit says, “I did a solo trip to Nepal earlier this year. The experience was so exciting that I planned to curate a ride for our club as well.

Solo is more challenging, but it’s a great way to unwind as it gives you a lot of time to reflect upon a lot of things. This ride was for self-realisation and to push myself. Everyone needs time for themselves, and for me, this is the best way. What better way than to do what you love? Solos are challenging as you are in unfamiliar places. You can push yourself. You need to be aware, be prepared for uncertainties. There are high chances that you will lose your way, but this would give way to new explorations, and even the machines are reliable, you have to keep everything in mind and that’s pure adventure.” Technology has upped the game for riders and it has been an added advantage. Google maps and music is making their rides easier and safer. The accessibility of vlogs and blogs is making them explore new places. Old school riders beg to differ on this, as they say that to navigate through places on your own is in itself an adventure. As eras change and challenges differ the hunger to explore new places and ride out into the sunset will always remain the same. Accessibility for solo riders is a boon, as they can locate hospitals, service centres and hotels.

For newbie riders who are just starting Rohit advises, “Riding is extremely recreational, it is fun, but be responsible, be aware of your machine. If you are just starting out, first explore as a group, share the passion, there’s a support system that makes it a fun experience. Gain confidence and experience, then explore on your own.”

Royal Enfield Showroom - Acclaim Motors Pvt Ltd Pyramid North Square Apartment, G1, 520/432, Bellary Road, Nehru Nagar, Bengaluru Tel: 88793 10454