Tourists ride in rhythm with the rain in Goa

Owners of rent–a-bikes are having the last laugh as business is booming this monsoon since demand has escalated, with tourists opting for self-ridden vehicles in order to enjoy the rains in Goa.

From Arambol (North Goa) to Canacona (South Goa), rent-a-bikes can be seen on most streets and even the national highway, with pillion riders holding their smart phones and navigating for the rider.

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“There are over a thousand rent-a-bikes in Arambol alone, with each individual having around 50 bikes in his, or her, name. Apart from long-stay tourists, Indian tourists prefer bikes to cars as they find them economical,” says Paulo from Ashvem (North Goa).

The rent for a bike, for a day, fluctuates from Rs 200 — depending on the number of days it is being hired — to Rs 300 during the off-season.

There have been alarming incidents wherein tourists, arriving in groups and renting bikes, tend to block roads, sometimes accompanied by small children, as they take Instagram reels.

“It is fun and enjoyable to ride in the rain. For us, it is part of the monsoon experience. It’s cool, and if the rain becomes heavy, we stop for a short while,” says Manoj as he and his family enjoy some tender coconuts.

According to taxi drivers at certain taxi stands, they feel helpless that tourists and guests from hotels generally prefer to hire bikes at railway, or bus, stations to use throughout their stay, and return the same on the way back.

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“We are losing a lot of business because of the number of rent-a-bikes mushrooming. It is true that the government has stopped issuing licensesbut it was done too late,” regrets taxi owner, Antonio.

There have been alarming incidents wherein tourists, arriving in groups and renting bikes, tend to block roads, sometimes accompanied by small children, as they take Instagram reels. Like many locals, tourists drive along with their families, sometimes with two or even three kids, and most of the times, the pillion is without a helmet.

Bikes are rented by customers from all ranges of income, with there being takers from luxury resorts, too.

“At Madanni in Parra, North Goa, tourists can be seen riding bikes without helmets whilst making reels. This should not be happening as it sends out the wrong message. Rules are rules and whether one is making a reel or just riding, a helmet must be worn,” laments a policeman attached to the traffic unit of Goa Police.

Rohit and his friend Anand are travelling from Canacona (South Goa) back to their homestay in Mandrem (North Goa), and after a long ride, they stop for a bite in Siolim.

“Except for a cigarette, we didn’t stop on the way to see other parts of the State as we are on a three-day visit to Goa. But, seeing the south and north is a magical experience — two cultures,” explains Rohit.

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Bikes are rented by customers from all ranges of income, with there being takers from luxuryresorts, too. “We do get young customers seeking bikes as riding gives them a special thrill, though I do not believe anyone could see much of the place while riding a bike. Bikes are a good option to reach from one destination to another cheaply,” thinks Edelbert, who manages the reception of a luxury resort.

As the sun hides behind a cloud, and it starts getting dark, a cloud bursts, and all along the roads, tourists can be seen hurriedly getting into their rain gear. Just doing so is an experience itself for many — a thrill that shows the susegad style of Goa.