Although I prefer riding solo, there is something special about riding with a group of like-minded people
Story: Salman Bargir
Photography: Salman Bargir and Royal Enfield
Riding from Pune to Khopoli on the new Himalayan 440, we joined fellow riders from Pune and Mumbai at the venue of the event, where the focus was as much on the riding community as it was on the motorcycles.
Now in its 16th year, One Ride has evolved into a global celebration of Royal Enfield’s riding community. The 2026 edition brought together more than 1.5 lakh riders from 60 countries through over 1,600 rides, making it the largest edition since the inception of the event in 2011.
This year’s theme—‘Every Rider. Every Road. One Mission.’—focused on snow leopard conservation. Reflecting Royal Enfield’s long-standing association with the Himalayas and its ongoing social mission projects across the region, the initiative covers more than 10,500 square kilometres of the apex predator’s habitat. According to the latest study, the snow leopard population is estimated at around 718, and it is slowly increasing due to intensified conservation efforts and community-based protection. Royal Enfield has stated that the funds raised through One Ride will go towards supporting conservation efforts.
At Khopoli, the ride later gave way to a more relaxed gathering, with stalls, food, merchandise, motorcycle displays, ownership-related services, and games offering riders plenty to explore. It was an opportunity to spend time with fellow riders, share stories, and simply enjoy the camaraderie that makes the riding community special.
One Ride may last just a day, but its message extends much further: ride together, celebrate the motorcycle, and give back to the places that make these journeys possible. In a way, it also serves as a precursor to the brand’s larger annual celebration, Motoverse in Goa, which brings together riding, motor sport, music, art, and motorcycle culture on a grand scale.
