A Journey of Endurance, Friendship & Freedom
– Shalaka Jathar Hingorani
The 6th edition of Tour de Goa, one of the most awaited and memorable events of Venugram Cycling Club (VCC) in 2025, was scheduled for August 15th, 16th, and 17th. The core organizing committee—Rohan Hargude, Raju Nayak, Arun Patil, and myself—worked hard to plan every detail.
A total of 54 enthusiastic riders, men and women across age groups, were ready to hit the road to Goa. Expectations are always high for a multi-day ride, so we chose a beach resort in Candolim as our destination. The tour was spread over three days: two days of riding, and a day in between to relax and bond.
Day 1: Belgaum to Goa (120 km)
The ride kicked off on Independence Day at first light, with the flag hoisting and national anthem near Ajanta Elite RPD. The flutter of the flag infused us with a renewed sense of purpose and energy. All Riders and their bikes gleaming at the line-up. The morning breeze, the sound of clicking gears, and scenic fields set the tone. We climbed from Regenta to Bailur Cross with confidence, thanks to our practice rides. The real challenge began past Jamboti, especially as we approached Kankumbi.
At 42 km, we halted at Kunjan Dhaba for a well-deserved breakfast. Photos, chatter, and laughter followed. We soon faced the Chorla Ghat descent—demanding yet beautiful. Misty valleys, dense forests, and waterfalls rewarded our efforts. I personally found the slopes intimidating, but thanks to tips from fellow riders, I conquered them with joy.
Heavy rain greeted us in the ghat, and by the time we reached Keri (72 km), we were drenched. Juices, dry fruits, and bananas re-energized us. The terrain within Goa was rolling, dotted with charming Goan homes and steep inclines. At Sanquelim, we split into smaller groups for lunch based on food preferences. I headed to Wodekar’s
With no more rain but plenty of humidity, we pedaled through the busy Goan roads. The smell of fresh bread from local bakeries lifted our spirits. Finally, we arrived at Silver Sand Beach Resort, Candolim. The sea breeze welcomed us, marking not just the end of the ride, but the triumph of shared effort and spirit.
Relax and Rejoice –
After showers and some well-earned rest, the evening turned into a celebration. Some took a dip in the pool, others simply relaxed. We played games, enjoyed a heartfelt talk by Pandurang Raddi, and received personalized mementoes from Raju Nayak. It was an evening of laughter, stories, and bonding. After dinner, some retired early while others hit a nearby club.
Day 2: Leisure & Exploration
Day 2 began slowly. Post-breakfast, riders broke into smaller groups—some went for short rides, others to Decathlon or for massages. I opted for a relaxing foot massage.Lunch varied by taste: authentic Goan fish thalis, vegetarian cuisine, and everything in between. The afternoon passed with spontaneous photo sessions, ice cream treats, and laughter—because in Goa, joy comes easy.Evening brought an early dinner, live music, and more celebration. Many prepared to return to Belgaum the next day. But for twenty of us, the real challenge was just beginning—we decided to cycle back.
Day 3 : The Return Grind (120 Km)
We woke early with quiet determination. The return journey through Chorla Ghat loomed large in our minds. We split into pace groups, setting off in waves.As the familiar terrain returned, the climb intensified. Chorla tested every ounce of our stamina. Silence replaced chatter, broken only by flowing streams and the occasional shout of encouragement.
I had one personal goal: climb Chorla without stopping. And I did it! Reaching the viewpoint felt like conquering a mountain—physically and mentally. After tea at the Viewpoint we descended into heavy rain. Though the worst was behind us, we faced more climbs on the way to Kankumbi, where we stopped for lunch—drenched and shivering. But our spirits stayed strong.We pushed on through the final few elevations. At Uchawade Cross, we hit the last climb before the descent into Belgaum. The cool wind during the descent was exhilarating. Past Regenta, a tea and pakoda stop gave us one last break before the final stretch.
When Belgaum came into view, cheers erupted. We finished not with medals, but with immense pride and joy. Each rider had completed the journey at their own pace—but together, we’d cycled from Belgaum to Goa and back. We tested limits, built friendships, and created stories to last a lifetime.
More Than Just a Ride – This edition, the VCC Tour de Goa 6.0 wasn’t just a cycling event. It was a story of adventure, determination, friendship and celebration…… etched forever in our hearts.
We the VCCians who all rode…. together…
(In Alphabetical order)
Abhijeet Parishwadkar, Aditi H Peshwe, Aditya Patil, Aman Nadaf, Anand V Tippannavar, Anil Godse, Arun Patil, Arvind Anant Ghatge, Arvind Kadangale, Avantika Revannavar, Bhaskar Parulekar, Bhau Nesarkar, Chanakya S G, Chetan Khatavkar, Dattanand Raikar, Dhiraj Bhate, Geeta S Katkol, Harish Peshwe, Harshal Manturgi, Kanishka Hallikeri, Kaushik Pandit, Khushi Dinesh Gothivarekar, Laxman Mainal, Madhura Hanji, Mahantesh J Kamble, Mahesh Chougule, Megha Chabada, Sagar Belgaonkar, Muttappa C Angadi, Padmaja Hanji, Pandit Dattatraya Manohar, Pandurang Raddi, Pradeep H Zunake, Prathamesh Herekar, Rahul Halgekar, Raju G Nayak, Ramnath Sadekar, Rasika Deshpande, Rohan Hargude, Ronak Patil, Sachin Astekar , Sachin Kulgod, Sameer Vernekar , Saroj Halgekar, Satish B Patil, Shalaka Hingorani, Shekhar V Bandiwadekar, Shivani Narvekar, Shraddha Parulekar, Vijay Kamat, Vinayak Chabada, Vishal Naik, Yogesh Mujumdar.
Thank you all for making it happen, and a grand one that.
Special Thanks to : Jotiba Jadhav(Creative Cycles) – Bike Specialist, Yash & Siddharth – (Belgaum360 Media)
Three Cheers to VCC….. Hip Hip Hurray……. You Rock!!!
-Shalaka Jathar Hingorani
I could image each n every moment you mention in the post… very well written enjoyed very moment
Wonderful write up Shalaka, through your write up I again relived the moments. Thanks for recreation of Tour de Goa 0.6 memories through your write up.
Well penned Shalaka..you took us thru every moment of ur ride..which I missed unfortunately..
Now I’m left with no excuses for the next season..
very nicely expressed n written.. Literally we visualised complete tour de Goa. Congratulations all the riders for achieving this goal.. 🌹🌹🌹
Shalaka madam written a nice write up after reading this a non cyclist will start cycling and I am sure he will join Tour De Goa 7.0 without any hesitation.You have narrated the whole journey as and how it was planned by you.Congratulation to you on Conquering the mighty Chorla Ghat for the first time without any stops as well as an organiser planning your Maiden Tour De Goa.Thank you for the wonderful event filled with joy and laughter.
An awesome write up which make us immerse deep into what has been experienced and feels as if we are also riding to and from GOA and enjoyed in Silversands.
Hats off to all Riders in conquering GOA.
Congratulations to all Amazing riders and organisers for delivering such a wonderful experience which could e remembered always.
This s awesome Event and fantastic narration..Missed it…
😊 Thanks, Shalaka! loved the write-up! It’s wonderful to see memories captured so beautifully. Kudos to the riders and organizers for an epic journey!
Dear Madam ji 🙏
What you have narrated is heart touching message. I feel cycling is Meditation and its heeling process of olall.our stress and anxiety.
We can discover what we are, it’s spritual phenomenal process while cycling with lovely buddies.
Super VCC team and management.
Jai ho VCC, Jai shree Ram 🙏
Pandurang Raddi