🇮🇳 Independence Day Ride – 2026

"Forget the miles, let's cherish the smiles" — this 15th August, let's ride for freedom, in every sense of the word.

Quick Facts

Date: Saturday, 15 August 2026 (79th Independence Day)
Meet-up: 5:45 AM, Maratha Mandir, Bavdhan
Ride Start: 5:50 AM sharp
Distance: ~78 km (loop, Bavdhan to Bavdhan)
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 5–6 hours (incl. regroups, breakfast, photo stops)
Cost: ₹300 for Tribe members / ₹350 for non-members

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The Ride

As we enter yet another year of Independence, let's ride as a tribute to every martyr who fought for our freedom. And while we're at it — let's also free ourselves from the fear of attempting tough rides. Because on a Speaking Wheels ride, the goal was never the distance. It's the smile at the end of it.

This is a moderate-paced 78 km loop out of Bavdhan, rolling through smooth, scenic backroads with a few short climbs at Manas, Paud, and Sus (fair warning: the rumblers on this route are the only thing not scenic). Big chunk of this route overlaps with PGT Edition 1, Day 1 — so if that rings a bell, you know what's coming.

Expect regroups, a light breakfast, a tea break, plenty of conversation, and some genuinely great photo ops. The highlight: singing the National Anthem together at Hadshi Backwaters — because nothing says Independence Day quite like 25 cyclists, out of breath, singing their hearts out by the water.

Seats are limited to 25. Book early - this one fills up fast every year.

Pedal to happiness this Independence Day. Let's ride.

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Route

1. 5:45 AM — Meet at Maratha Mandir, Bavdhan
2. 5:50 AM — Ride starts
3. 6:00 AM — Chandani Chowk / NDA Chowk → Bhugaon → Pirangut Top (Regroup 1)
4. Climb down Pirangut → Ghotawade Phata → straight toward Paud → short climb → Paud Bus Stop (Regroup 2)
5. Right turn toward Kovan/Girivan Road → Tea Break
6. Toward Girivan/Kolvan → Kolvan Junction (Regroup 3)
7. Ahead to Hadshi Backwaters — Group Photo, National Anthem, Snacks & Refreshments
8. Head back via Girivan Road → left turn for Daravli (Regroup 4)
9. Hotel Shaurya (Regroup 5)
10. Mulkhed → Chande → Nande → Sunny World → Sus → Ramnagar, Bavdhan via highway — Ride Ends

Riders from Baner/Balewadi can disperse at Sus.

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What's Included

• Route expertise & ride leadership
• Refreshments — tea and a light breakfast at planned stops
• Basic mechanical assistance for punctures
• Backup vehicle for emergencies

What's Not Included

• Meals beyond the planned breakfast stop
• Hydration support
• Mechanical support beyond puncture assistance
• Any cost not listed under Inclusions

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What to Carry

• Spare tube(s) + personal puncture repair kit
• At least 2 litres of water
• Snacks — biscuits, dry fruits, glucose powder/tablets
• Rain jacket
• Plastic pouch for wallet & phone (monsoon precaution)

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Good to Know

• This is a self-supported group ride. Riders join and participate at their own free will and are individually responsible for their own safety — Speaking Wheels and its members are not liable.
• Want to join mid-route? Inform Team SW before the ride and you're welcome to hop in.

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‍Only 25 spots. Jai Hind, and see you at the start line.