Take the middle road
Head to: Igatpuri
Drive time: 3 hours
Distance: 140 kms (approximately)
Route: If green is your favourite colour, sign up for this one. Miles of foliage and grassy hilltops make this a refreshing ride. Cloud cover and smooth roads add to the wow factor. If you dig a longer drive, head all the way to Bhandardara, though the road gets bumpier thereon.

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Igatpuri

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Head to: Dahanu
Drive time: 3 hours
Distance: 116 kms
Route: This route is ideal for highway driving, if one takes NH8. Good roads, pleasant scenery, less crowds and above all, clean shorelines ensure this stretch, from start to destination, is a relaxed escape.
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Head to: Alibug
Drive time: 4 hours
Distance: 110 kms (approximately)
Route: This route is easygoing, with plenty of rustic views that make for a leisurely experience. A huge benefit about driving down to Alibaug is that in case you don’t wish to ride back, you can load your bike on to the ferry, to return via the sea route instead.

An aerial view of Dahanu’s coastline. Pic/ Nimesh Dave.

THhe tool boxu00a0
> Check if your tyres have adequate tread depth (not less than .3mm)
> Check if your tyre pressure is good
> Anticipate your stops — avoid sudden braking
> Don’t lock your breaks too hard
> Wear a full face, good-quality helmet
> Wear gloves and sturdy footwear (avoid sandals or open shoes)
> Avoid shorts, wear trousers or jeans
> Morning is the best time for biking; avoid riding at night fall
> Check your bike lights
> Even during day-time riding, keep your lights on low beam as it improves visibility by 20%
> Don’t overload your bike
> Keep a 12-hour gap before you set out on the road after consuming alcohol
> While overtaking, make sure you are careful and make the other driver aware that you plan to overtake him/her

The quick and the adventurous
Head to: Matheran
Drive time: 2 hours
Distance: 55 km (approximately)
Route: It’s a great, diverse stretch to experience the Western Ghats, namely the Sahyadris. The lush hills and stunning topography will make for a great viewing as you ride through Matheran’s forests and dirt tracks.

Head to: Malshej ghat
Drive time: 2 hours
Distance: 128 kms
The route: Post the heavy September downpour, driving down to Malshej Ghat via NH3 to Bhiwandi and then towards Murbad promises to be a heady experience. It’s a big hit with weekend trippers, so account for stoppage time. The MTDC accommodation is good but ensure you book in advance.
theguide@mid-day.comu00a0

The circuitous route to Malshej Ghat. Pic/ Sameer Markande