Cycling Adventure from Pune to Alibaug

Cycling has always been an exciting and adventurous escape for me. This time, my friend Dilip and I decided to check off a long-pending trip from our bucket list: riding from Pune to Alibaug. The journey wasn’t just about covering miles but about testing endurance, enjoying the scenic routes, and making unforgettable memories.

Starting the Journey

We kicked off our ride at 5 AM from Baner, Pune. The night before, we had prepped our cycles by checking tire pressure and oiling the chains to ensure a smooth ride. Our roommates, Chaitra and Aniket, came to see us off, adding an emotional touch to the beginning of our journey.

I usually ride around 100 km on weekends, but for Dilip, it was a challenge since he hadn’t been cycling for the past 5–6 months. Despite this, we were both pumped and excited!

Pune to Lonavala

Our first stop was at Dehu Road, about 16 km from our starting point. We maintained an average speed of 26 km/hr, setting a steady pace. There, we took a short break for a refreshing cup of garam chai and met a few other cycling enthusiasts. It was still dark, and riding through the dawn felt incredible. After the warm tea, getting back on the saddle, feeling the cold air against our sweat-drenched bodies — it was one of those moments worth living for.

The next challenge was climbing the Kamshet hilltop en route to Lonavala. Before the climb, we decided to mount the GoPro on my helmet to capture the entire ascent and descent of Kamshet Ghat. The idea was to film not just our ride but also the mesmerizing views of Lonavala’s mountains, making sure we had a memory of this beautiful journey.

Upon reaching Lonavala, we took a well-deserved break at the milestone, a popular resting spot for cyclists. This spot marks 50 km from Pune and is significant for those completing century rides.

Climbing Khandala Ghat and the Thrill of Descending

We then tackled the famous Khandala Ghat, enjoying the ascent, and then came the exhilarating descent. This was the biggest ghat we had ever descended on a cycle. As we rode down the winding roads, we noticed that every vehicle — cars and even superbikes — was slowing down and driving cautiously. And there we were, riding on two wheels with no constraints of an engine, relying solely on our brakes to control our speed.

Surprisingly, we were descending at the same pace as the superbikes. It felt like flying — no pedaling needed, just a careful balance of braking and momentum. Taking sharp hairpin turns on a bicycle, feeling the gravity pull us down, and smoothly maneuvering through the curves was an incredible experience. We truly descended like free birds, embracing every moment of the ride.

Breakfast at Khopoli and the Heat Towards Pen

Feeling hungry, we stopped at Khopoli for a light breakfast of Poha before pushing towards Pen. The stretch between Khopoli and Pen was filled with multiple small climbs, and with the sun directly overhead, exhaustion started creeping in.

At Pen, we took a long break of about an hour, booked our ferry ride from Mandwa to Mumbai for the next day, and also secured a hotel in Alibaug for our night stay.

The Final Stretch to Alibaug

After leaving Pen, I stopped near the JSW Steel Plant, waiting for Dilip, who was riding slower. We refreshed ourselves with cold water before continuing. The roads ahead became narrower, with heavy traffic, making the ride more challenging. A small break in a random village for buttermilk helped us recharge.

Just 10–15 km before Alibaug, we encountered another small ghat. I managed to climb it on my cycle, while Dilip chose to walk, carrying his bike. The descent after the climb was rewarding, as we coasted smoothly for about 4–5 km.

Finally, just 2 km before our hotel, I stopped at a restaurant for a cold drink while waiting for Dilip. We then checked into our hotel around 4 PM, took much-needed showers, and rested for about 1.5 hours.

Sunset at Varsoli Beach and Conversations

In the evening, we headed to Varsoli Beach, clicked some great photos, enjoyed the mesmerizing sunset, and had deep conversations.

All of a sudden, a thought struck us — Dilip and I had been to beaches many times, but this was the first time our loved ones — our bicycles — also got a chance to witness the beautiful sunset by the beachside. We simply parked our bikes to the side, sat on a stone, and let the evening wind pass by us. As we sat there, we shared thoughts on life, observed people around us, and even tried to learn different ways of finding happiness from them.

As the sun finally dipped below the horizon, we decided it was time to move on and find some food. This was going to be our first proper meal of the day, and after such an incredible ride, we knew we had earned it.

After a hearty dinner, we returned to the hotel and quickly dozed off — exhausted yet completely satisfied with our journey.

Day 2: Alibaug to Mumbai

Waking up early at 5 AM, we quickly got ready and left for Mandwa Jetty at 6 AM. The 20 km ride was peaceful, with the cool morning breeze adding to the joy. The sun was yet to rise, making this part of the journey particularly refreshing.

At the jetty, we met some foreign travelers from Czechoslovakia who had rented Royal Enfield Classic 350 bikes from Mumbai and had ridden all the way to Goa. We had a fun exchange of travel experiences before boarding our ferry to Mumbai at 9 AM.

Riding Through Mumbai

We reached Mumbai around 10 AM at Bhaucha Dhakka Jetty and rode towards the Gateway of India. Riding through Mumbai was never part of the plan. The thought just emerged out of a simple conversation, and we quickly agreed to it. One of the best moments was sharing an earbud each — Dilip used the left one, and I used the right — listening to old Hindi classics like “Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan” and other melodies of that era while riding through the city.

From there, we cycled to Marine Drive and then towards Dadar bus stand, enjoying every bit of Mumbai’s cycling vibe. Riding through the city streets, soaking in the vibrant energy, and listening to timeless melodies was a blissful experience.

What made it even more special was the thought that so many of these old melodies that we listen to in our regular days were recorded, shot, and sung right here in Mumbai. Pedaling through the very city where these classics came to life, while listening to them, felt like traveling back in time — a beautiful fusion of nostalgia and the present moment.

Returning to Pune

We boarded a Shivneri bus from Dadar to Pune, securing our cycles in the luggage compartment. By 2 PM, we were back in Pune, successfully completing our much-awaited trip.

A Memorable Experience

This journey was nothing short of extraordinary. From conquering climbs to enjoying breathtaking descents, from tackling the heat to relishing peaceful moments on the beach, every bit of the trip was an adventure. Cycling from Pune to Alibaug had been on our bucket list for a long time, and finally living it was an experience we will cherish forever.