Pune: Off-roaders make the most of monsoon

“I am an automobile engineer by profession and love machines. In 2010, when I was in Rajasthan, I happened to participate in an off-roading event. It bowled me over. What started as a hobby, has now turned into an addiction,” says Jagtap, who not only takes part in off-roading around Pune, but also those organised by different groups in Satara and Kolhapur. His group organised an off-roading event near Pavana dam on August 7 in which 45 vehicles participated.

As an activity, off-roading is very expensive and can cost you anything from Rs 15 lakh to a fortune, a prerequisite being a 4X4 vehicle, which is capable of off-roading. While the vehicle costs around Rs 10 lakh, its upgradation and modification requires around Rs 4-5 lakh, including increasing the height of the vehicle, replacing tyres, and customising suspension and the roll-cage for safety. Besides, buying a winch is a must, as it’s the tool that helps in taking out a stuck vehicle.

Monsoon is the time that enthusiasts wait for, as it offers them the chance of off-roading in wet mud. The kick of riding through muddy water and taking out a vehicle stuck in mud, they say, is unmatchable. Some of the areas that are explored for off-roading around Pune include Panshet, Lonavala, Khadakwasla, Kamshet, Bhor, Wagholi, Sinhagad, Rajmachi and Pavana dam.

Sachin Khese is another off-roader and has been associated with the activity for eight years. “The adventure and exhilaration involved in the activity is something that can only be experienced and can’t be explained. Yes, it is slightly dangerous but that’s exactly the pulling factor. If one wants to play safe, then might as well drive on the roads. We do get stuck in water, mud or rocks; our vehicles get damaged, but it’s all part of this activity,” he says.

It was this common interest that gave birth to another popular off-roaders’ group named Pune Pathfinders 4X4 in 2012. Sandeep Anand, one of the co-founders, shares, “I am into real estate and used to travel to far-off areas that didn’t have proper roads and hence had no option but to use a 4X4 vehicle. After 2012, when I and my friends attended an off-roading event at Gokak in Karnataka, we decided to launch a similar group in Pune.”

From 10 off-roaders in 2012, the group has now grown into 70-plus members. Last year, the group organised its maiden Offroad Carnival 2015 that saw the participation of 50 vehicles. Its second edition is scheduled in September.

“It’s a motor sport that teaches patience, teamwork, being helpful and competitive at the same time. I personally prefer rocks as it tests my driving and manoeuvring skills. We as a group avoid water bodies like lakes and rivers. Firstly, it doesn’t test your driving skills and secondly, it damages the vehicle,” says Anand, pointing out that the vehicles used by off-roaders can be used in areas where normal vehicles can’t reach easily and thus can be useful during mishaps.

Checklist

— Never venture out all alone for off-roading. An additional person and vehicle can come to your rescue if you get stuck somewhere
— Check the vehicle’s condition including suspension, tyres, roll-cage, etc.
— Carry recovery tools such as winch, tow-rope, gloves, high-lift jack, cable damper, etc.
— Understand the terrain before trying them
— Carry additional fuel for backup