Chinmay Benegal, an adventurer at heart, is the co-founder of a motorcycle touring club, Befikre on Wheels, and owner of a travel company, Avid Biker.
Chinmay’s story of adventure began when he moved to the United States at the age of 15. He pursued his education in Engineering and later completed a Postgraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering from the City University of New York. He worked for several Fortune 100 companies and traveled around the world, gaining valuable experience and insights. However, despite his professional success, he felt something missing in his life. The call to return to India grew stronger, and in 2020, post-pandemic, Chinmay decided to move back with the goal of exploring his homeland like never before.
Upon his return, he bought his first motorcycle and set out on a ride from Mumbai to Goa. After ten years of working a desk job, his fitness levels were not ideal for such a trip. He barely made it to Ratnagiri before having to turn back, realizing he wasn’t in the shape he needed to be. This setback only fueled his determination to complete the journey. Over the next three months, Chinmay hit the gym, improved his fitness, enhanced his riding skills, and built up his endurance. On his second attempt, he reached Goa with ease, a victory that led him to think bigger. His next goal was the holy grail of motorcycle journeys – Ladakh.
With this ambitious plan in mind, Chinmay began preparing for what would be an epic adventure. In June 2021, he set out on a journey from Mumbai to Zanskar (Ladakh) and back, covering approximately 7,000 kilometers in 22 days. During this trip, he explored India in a way he had never imagined before. He met people from different walks of life, stayed with them, learned about their cultures, sampled their food, listened to their music, and even picked up bits of their languages.
When Chinmay returned to Mumbai, he realized that many people shared the same dream of embarking on such adventures, even if on a smaller scale. This realization led him to establish Avid Biker, where he creates curated motorcycle adventures. The company also provides advanced skills and technical coaching (MSF certified) for those who want to improve their riding abilities. Avid Biker organizes day tours, multi-day tours, and technical workshops for its members, helping riders embark on their own epic journeys.
To start your own adventure, follow Avid Biker on Instagram @Avid.Biker for upcoming tours and workshops.
Subscribe Avid Biker on YouTube; https://youtube.com/@avid_biker?si=e_URHfxZEY7TCY21
Discover more empowering stories and insightful content like this on YOUxTalks, your go-to destination for inspiration and knowledge.
Follow YOUxTalks on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youxtalks
