60-year-old Mangaluru rider to embark on bike expedition across 38 countries

Mangaluru: A journey of endurance, purpose, and self-motivation is set to begin from Mangaluru as 60-year-old Gabril Sharath Kumar embarks on an ambitious international two-wheeler expedition covering around 38 countries across the Gulf and Europe.

On May 31, Gabril Sharath Kumar will begin what he calls the “Great Overland Expedition” from CSI Shanthi Cathedral, Balmatta — a long-distance ride that he describes as both a personal milestone and a message promoting healthy living and active ageing. For him, age is not a barrier but a motivation to ride.

Speaking to DH, Sharath Kumar said the ride is a “gift” to himself as he celebrates his 60th year. He added that the journey aims to create awareness about health, fitness, and the importance of staying active regardless of age.

From Mangaluru, he will ride to Nepal via Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Uttar Pradesh. From there, he is set to travel through countries including Tibet, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Türkiye, Iraq, and Gulf countries. The final leg of the ride will be to Oman, from where the bike will be shipped back to India. The ride will cover 35,000 to 40,000 kilometre, he explained.

To a query on conflict in West Asia, Sharath said it is unlikely to affect his journey as he will avoid areas near the Iran border where the crisis persists.

This is his second international biking adventure. In 2024, he undertook a ride from Mangaluru to Gulf countries after transporting his motorcycle from Mumbai to Dubai by ship. That journey carried the social message: “Say no to drugs”.

The expedition is expected to take five to six months. Sharath said he plans to ride 400 km to 500 km per day in India, while in foreign countries he will cover around 100 km to 200 km per day.

During his travel through China, he will be required to seek assistance from a local tour guide and obtain a separate licence and number plate, as mandated under Chinese regulations. Sharath said he has been riding motorcycles since the age of 20.

Sharath said that he will also enter Afghanistan if his visa application was cleared. During the expedition, he will tie the Indian flag and Tulunadu flag to the bike.