From Very First Ride Fear to 30,000 KM Freedom: My Motorcycle Journey
- Animesh Roy
- Aug 24
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 12
When I first bought my Bajaj Pulsar NS160, I didn’t think it would take me this far literally and figuratively. I was just another guy excited about his new motorcycle, nervous about his first long ride, and wondering if I’d made the right choice. Fast-forward to today, after covering over 30,000 kilometers on this machine, my riding has transformed from hesitant to instinctive, from scared to fearless, and from curious to deeply fulfilled.
This isn’t just a story of mileage. It’s a story of growth of my bike, myself, and the roads we conquered together.
The First Ride: 68 KM Felt Like an Expedition
I still remember my first “long ride” after buying the NS160. My destination was just 68 kilometers away, but to me, it felt like planning a Himalayan expedition. I was nervous, unsure if my bike could handle it or if I could. I stopped four times on that single ride, taking halts just to gather my confidence.
Every sound from the engine made me anxious. Was that noise normal? Did I over-rev it? What if the chain snaps? My brain was a storm of ‘what ifs.’ Looking back now, I laugh at that version of myself.
Fast-Forward to Today: 150+ KM Feels Like Second Nature
Now, after clocking 30,000 KM, I often ride 150+ kilometers without a single halt and it feels natural. My bike has become an extension of me. I’ve learned how it breathes, how it feels on different terrains, and how it responds to every twist of the throttle.
What once felt like a challenge has become my comfort zone. And every kilometer on the odometer has been a step toward this transformation.
People, Cultures, and Roads Less Traveled
If there’s one thing that stands out across these 30,000 kilometers, it’s not just the scenic beauty it’s the people. Riding solo has allowed me to engage with locals in places I never imagined visiting. From tea stalls on lonely highways to bustling village markets, every stop brought conversations and connections.
I met tribal communities who shared their food and stories.
I stayed with strangers who later became friends.
I learned that hospitality is universal, even when language is a barrier.
Dangerous Roads? Let’s Give It a Try…
Some riders avoid risky places. I… well, I seem to be wired differently. If someone tells me, “That road is dangerous,” my mind immediately says, “Let’s see why.”
I’ve taken my Pulsar NS160 through regions where roads disappeared into gravel, where locals warned me about wild animals, and where even Google Maps hesitated to guide me. And yet, these were the moments that defined my journey.
Was I scared? Absolutely. But fear was always balanced by curiosity. Those challenging routes rewarded me with unmatched views, thrilling experiences, and unforgettable stories.
Snow-Capped Passes and Terrains I Never Dreamed Of
When I bought my NS160, I never imagined I’d be riding on high mountain passes covered in snow. But here I was, throttling through icy winds, shivering inside my riding jacket, and grinning like a child.
From smooth highways to dusty off-roads, from rain-soaked plains to misty hills—I’ve ridden through it all. My bike proved that it’s not always about the engine size or price tag. What matters most is how well you maintain your machine.
A Well-Maintained Bike Beats an Expensive One
In these 30,000 kilometers, I’ve learned more about motorcycle maintenance than I ever thought I would. I used to think expensive bikes automatically meant better performance. I was wrong.
Regular chain cleaning and lubrication kept my ride smooth.
Timely oil changes gave the engine a fresh heartbeat.
Checking tire pressure before every ride saved me from many close calls.
A bike is like a loyal friend—treat it well, and it will never let you down.
From Fear to Freedom: Building Self-Confidence on Two Wheels
I was terrified before my first long ride. I kept questioning myself: Can I do this alone? What if I get stranded? What if something goes wrong?
But every solo ride stretched my limits. Every completed trip added another layer of confidence. At some point, I realized I no longer feared riding alone. In fact, I began to love it.
Riding solo gave me a profound sense of independence. I didn’t have to wait for anyone, didn’t have to compromise on routes, and didn’t need external validation. I became enough for myself. That feeling is priceless.
Lessons Learned Over 30,000 KM
Start small, but start. My first 68 KM ride taught me the importance of taking the first step, no matter how nervous you are.
Consistency builds comfort. Riding frequently made long distances feel effortless.
Adventure lies off the map. Some of my best memories came from “risky” detours.
Maintenance is everything. A humble, well-kept bike will outperform an expensive neglected one.
Solo travel builds self-belief. Doing things alone is empowering in ways words can’t capture.
People are amazing. Everywhere I went, strangers helped me, shared food, or just smiled.
Respect the machine. Understanding your bike is as important as riding it.
Why This 30,000 KM Journey Was Worth It
Every ride—whether smooth or bumpy, sunny or rainy—was part of a larger adventure. My Pulsar NS160 didn’t just take me places; it changed me as a person.
I began as a hesitant rider afraid of long distances. Now, I feel at home on the open road, capable of riding anywhere my heart points. This journey has been a roller coaster of fear, excitement, danger, growth, and joy. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
30,000 kilometers later, I’ve learned that the road isn’t just asphalt it’s a teacher, a storyteller, and a mirror that reflects who you are becoming.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a new rider worried about your first trip, let my story be proof that you’ll grow with every kilometer. Your confidence will rise, your machine will become your partner, and your horizon will expand far beyond your expectations.
The journey from 68 KM with four halts to 150+ KM non-stop wasn’t just about covering distance. It was about evolving both me and my motorcycle. And with 30,000 KM behind me, I can’t wait to see where the next 30,000 will lead.
