A Thrilling Night Ride to Kumbhe Waterfall and Kumbhe Tunnel with BAC Mumbai

Date: October 15th, 2023

The night was dark, and the anticipation was high. The rumble of motorcycle engines filled the air as our group of intrepid riders prepared to embark on an unforgettable journey to Kumbhe Waterfall and Kumbhe Tunnel. Organized by the Bajaj Avenger Club Mumbai, the ride was set to begin on the stroke of midnight, October 14th, 2023, from the bustling hub of Kalamboli McDonald's. With a fleet of four Avengers and one fearless friend on his Xpulse bike, we were all set to conquer the night.

The clock struck 11:45 PM, and the engines roared to life. With the crisp night air kissing our faces, we set out on NH66, ready to embrace the adventure that lay ahead. But it wasn't all smooth sailing; the road was dotted with potholes, diversions, and surprises. The first challenge was the zero visibility caused by a swirl of mud in the air. At one point, riding behind a bus felt like soaring through the clouds as nothing but misty trails were visible.

Our first pit stop was at the 70-kilometer mark, at Wakan Phata Naka, our haven from the night's ride. Here, we savoured a cup of refreshing tea and shared some laughter under the starry sky. I dug into one of the two burgers I had packed from McDonald's drive-in. The road had tested us, but we had prevailed.

As the clock ticked closer to 4 AM, we decided it was time to resume our journey. The dawn of a new day was approaching, and our destination beckoned. Just 45 kilometres down the road, as we began ascending a hill, we stumbled upon a quaint bus stop-like shelter that was exceptionally clean. We couldn't resist the urge to rest a while longer and decided to wait for the sun to rise before continuing our ride. Our bikes were neatly parked in front of us, and we huddled under the shelter, catching a few hours of much-needed rest.

At around 7:30 AM, we kicked off our engines once again and in no time, reached our first destination - Kumbhe Tunnel 1. Right after the tunnel, we were greeted by a scenic waterfall. Though it didn't boast a significant flow, its beauty was undeniable. As we admired the view, a group of rappellers arrived, busy securing their ropes and safety gear for a descent down the mountain. A friendly photographer, a stranger to us, was captivated by our presence and eagerly snapped some fantastic pictures. He managed to capture the essence of our adventure beautifully.

Leaving Kumbhe Tunnel 1 behind, our next stop was Kumbhe Tunnel 2. This tunnel was eerie and abandoned, oozing an aura of mystery and risk. We decided not to pass our bikes through this tunnel; it was more about a leisurely walk and an impromptu photoshoot session.

The journey continued towards Kumbhe Wadi, a picturesque village with a small river stream offering a refreshing spot for a quick bath. Although the destination was inviting, we didn't venture too far and soon made our way back. Along the way, we took Pali Khalapur Road, a road devoid of potholes but with a few speed breakers to ensure safety.

The road may have been challenging, but the scenic beauty and the thrill of exploration made every bump worthwhile. This night ride with the Bajaj Avenger Club Mumbai was a testament to the spirit of adventure that binds us.

In the end, it was the camaraderie, the unexpected encounters, and the picturesque landscapes that made this journey truly unforgettable. It was a testament to the magic of the open road, where every turn brings a new adventure and every mile ridden is a memory in the making.

Our overall ride covered a distance of 260 kilometres, with 130 kilometres to our destination and the same back. The road might have been long, but the memories and experiences we gathered along the way were priceless. This night ride was a testament to the fact that the journey is just as important as the destination, and the bonds forged under the starry night sky are what make such adventures truly special.

The adventure came to a close at 3:25 PM, and to our delight, we found ourselves safely back. Most of the riders were back home by 4:30 PM, with a sense of achievement and a treasure trove of memories. Along the way, at around 11:00 AM, we had a light breakfast in Nizampur, recharging ourselves for the rest of the journey. Our final halt was at Khalapur Phata where we had sugarcane juice and refreshed our body as the heat was hitting hard on our head. It was the perfect ending to an incredible night ride with friends, a journey filled with adventure, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments.