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A Father-Daughter Adventure on Two Wheels

It’s a hot summer in Mumbai this year, with the heat wave clocking the temperature to 45 degrees Celsius. However, the promise of an adventure on a long weekend made the heat more bearable. On 20th May 2024, Election Day in Mumbai, we had to fulfil our civic duty by voting, so we decided to escape the city for a short ride on Sunday, 19th May 2024.

Our destination was Sinchian Lake, 74 km away. This was going to be a special trip, as it was my daughter Heer’s first long ride on a motorcycle with me without her mother.


Gearing Up

All geared up with riding jackets, helmets, elbow guards, knee guards, and gloves, we left at 4:00 p.m. to avoid the harshest heat. The Google map showed 74 km and 1hr 47 mins to Sinchian Lake in Maharashtra's Saphale, Palghar district. My only concern was Heer may feel sleepy during the ride, so we carried a Bluetooth speaker since she loves music.


The Journey Begins 

The journey began, and Heer was filled with excitement. We cruised at a comfortable 50-60 km/hr on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway. The initial stretch was smooth, and Heer enjoyed the ride immensely.


Scenic Route through Varai

We reached Varai and took a left turn for Saphale. The road from Varai to Saphale was mesmerising, with twists and turns through the mountains. 






Heer was enthralled by the scenic beauty and started clicking pictures and videos, asking for different angles. Here’s one of the photos she clicked, capturing the essence of the journey with my helmet and the winding road ahead.





Arrival at Sinchian Lake

As the clock struck 5:30 p.m., the temperature dropped to a more comfortable 29 degrees Celsius, making the ride even more pleasant. By 6 p.m., we reached Sinchian Lake. Although the water level was low due to summer, the serene environment with the sun setting behind the mountains was breathtaking.










Exploring the Lake and Photography

We explored the lake, capturing stunning sunset pictures. Heer and I took several selfies, documenting our adventure and our bond. Here’s a favourite: Heer with my bike, Metgezel, which means "companion" in Dutch.













Heading Back 

The area was relatively isolated, so we left before dark. On our way back, we encountered some traffic due to NE4 construction, so if you’re travelling from Mumbai to Gujarat or vice versa, check the traffic conditions.

 

Kulhad Chai at Vivek Restaurant - A Mandatory Stop!

At 8:15 p.m., we crossed the Virar toll and halted at Vivek Restaurant for snacks. This stop is a tradition for me, especially for their Kulhad Tea. Though I had tea, Heer decided to beat the heat with Lassi and enjoyed some snacks before resuming our journey.




Happy & Safe Adventure Ends!

We started our final stretch home at 9 p.m. and reached around 10ish. Heer had an incredible time and is already looking forward to our next trip in the monsoon. 

For all bikers out there, riding these roads during the monsoon is an experience you don’t want to miss. The lush greenery and the cool, refreshing weather make it a ride to remember.

This ride was more than just a trip; it was a bonding experience with my daughter. Watching her excitement and joy made every kilometre worth it. We are eagerly awaiting our next adventure, and I am sure it will be just as unforgettable.

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