The new weekend thrill: Hyderabadis getting hooked on off-roading | Hyderabad News
For some Hyderabad bikers, the workweek ends not with a quiet weekend at home, but with a twist of the throttle and a ride out of the city. After days of deadlines, client calls and desk-bound routines, they swap laptops for helmets and smooth roads for muddy trails, making the most of their time on two wheels.
‘We want riders to learn how to handle things themselves’
For S Praneeth, a biker who also runs an automotive business, weekends are not just about heading out on off-road trails. They are also an opportunity for riders to learn what to do when things go wrong. “Monsoon is an ideal time for off-roading and adventure rides, but the conditions can also make riding more challenging and increase the chances of accidents. That’s why knowing your vehicle and basic trail skills is important,” he says. His group conducts vehicle DIY sessions and off-road training on weekends. “The DIY sessions teach riders what to check if their vehicle stops in the middle of a ride and how to manage a puncture if they are alone. Basically, it’s about teaching people to do things themselves,” he says, adding, “While 30-40 riders may show interest, each training session is limited to around 30 participants so everyone can be given attention.”‘No matter how busy work gets, I make time to ride’
Hari Priya’s tryst with off-roading began in 2023, when she gifted herself an Xpulse on her birthday. “I wanted to get into off-roading and that’s when I bought the bike,” she says. An IT professional, she has since found a way to balance her corporate job with her passion for riding, heading out from Hyderabad to explore trails and rough terrain. Work, however, does not always stay behind. “While travelling to Puducherry, I received an urgent call for a meeting. I stopped at a place along a six-lane highway, sat there watching the sunset and worked,” she recalls. Despite the demands of her job, riding remains something she wants to pursue for years. “I would love to continue doing it for the next 20–30 years. I’m also looking for a partner who has a similar interest,” she adds with a laugh.‘You never know when a ride can turn into an emergency’
Seshu Babu Kodavalla, an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician), has seen how quickly an off-road ride can turn into an emergency. During a recent ride near Mominpet, around 70 km from Hyderabad, a fellow rider lost his balance and suffered a fall. “He had a dislocated hand and was in a lot of pain. He was also finding it difficult to breathe properly, so we removed his riding gear and made him as comfortable as possible,” he recalls. Seshu then secured the rider’s injured hand with a piece of cloth to prevent unnecessary movement and further pain. “I secured his hand so that it wouldn’t move around, gave him some electrolyte water and waited for a while. Then I helped him sit on my bike and took him very slowly to a nearby hospital.” For Seshu, the experience was a reminder that being prepared matters just as much as enjoying the ride.
I regularly take part in off-roading competitions, most of which happen on weekends. I usually finish in the top five and have made it to the top three and top two as well. Of course, I’ve had my share of falls and minor injuries too, but that’s part of the fun. You fall, learn from it, get back on the bike and keep going
Varshith, city-based biker and interior designer
‘You have to be ready to get dirty and be happy about it’
For Nawya Medepalli, an HR professional, a weekend ride can leave her with two very different Monday moods. “When you’ve had a good time doing something you love, you come back feeling recharged. You’ve enjoyed yourself, met people and spent time riding, so mentally you feel fresh.” The physical toll, however, can be different, especially after an intense off-road ride. “Off-roading can be exhausting. Your body gets tired, and when you return on Sunday night, there isn’t always enough time to recover before Monday. So Monday can definitely be tiring.”But the rides also require some preparation, especially during the monsoon. “Hydration is important, along with better-grip tyres and removing mudguards to prevent slush from getting stuck. Rain gear is a must, and you also have to be ready to get dirty and be happy about it,” she says.
With only a few rainy days left, this is the time to get out there, get on the trails and make the most of it. I also love meeting people from different backgrounds on these trips. They all have different stories, but the same passion for riding, and that makes it exciting
Nikith Naidu, city-based biker and businessman
3+ Off-road motorcycle events held annually around Hyderabad50–200+ Typical participation, depending on the size of the event20–30 Active motorcycle riding clubs in the city(Inputs from city-based bikers Nawya Medepalli and S Praneeth)Off-road escapes near Hyderabad
- Ananthagiri Hills, Vikarabad: Around 75 km from Hyderabad
- Parigi: Around 80 km away
- Shamirpet-Pocharam: Around 25 km from the city
- Chincholi-Chandrampalli, Karnataka: Around 150 km away
- Nagarjunasagar region: Around 150 km from Hyderabad
— Biswajit Talukdar— Pics by Sanjana Pulugurtha
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