Roar Riders
Ask a rider
The questions people message us before their first ride, and the honest answers. Missing one? Ask us on WhatsApp and we will add it.
Is my 150–200cc commuter enough for the hills?
Yes for almost everything in the route library up to the weekend rides, and for a lot of the expeditions. What matters is that the bike is well maintained and you are comfortable on it. The rough high passes (Spiti, Chanshal) are easier on something with more torque and better suspension, but people do them on small bikes every year. Ride your bike, not the internet's opinion of it.
I only have ordinary jeans and a jacket. Can I still come?
Not on a ride. Full gear — helmet, armoured jacket, gloves, riding trousers or Kevlar jeans, ankle boots — is required every time, no exceptions. See the gear guide for a complete set that costs less than a single trip's fuel. You are welcome to come to a meetup ride with no gear at all and just talk to people.
How fast does the group actually go?
At a pace the least experienced rider on the day can hold comfortably, within the speed limit. It will feel unhurried. If you want to ride fast, this is not the ride for you that day, and that is fine.
Can I bring a pillion, or my partner / a friend?
On easy rides, yes, if they have their own gear and you have ridden two-up before — braking and cornering change with a passenger. Tell the lead in advance. Expedition and rough-road rides are solo-rider only. A friend on their own bike is always welcome; point them at the first-ride checklist.
Does it cost anything?
No. Rides are free to join. You pay your own fuel, food and stays. A small voluntary amount goes into the service fund on clean-up rides — where it goes is on the impact page.
Is it safe for women riders?
Group riding is one of the safest ways to ride, and women ride, lead and marshal at ROAR as full members. Your first contact is a public evening meetup ride with the whole group present. We have a code of conduct with zero tolerance for harassment and a private way to report a problem.
I haven't ridden in years. Where do I start?
A meetup ride or an easy Aravalli loop. Tell us at the briefing that you are getting back into it — the sense returns quickly, it is the sharpness that takes a few rides. Nobody will rush you.
What if I can't keep up or my bike breaks down?
You signal, pull off the road safely, and wait. The sweep rider stops with you and the group regroups at the next planned stop. You are never left to sort it alone or navigate on your own.
Do I need to book, or can I just turn up?
Reply to the ride's WhatsApp thread so we have a headcount and can share the meeting point — but there is no fee and no formal booking. For expedition rides we vet riders and may cap numbers.
Still have a question?
Message us on WhatsApp with your experience level and what you ride, and a real rider will answer — usually the same day.