Mangaluru Biker Sets Off on 38-Country Expedition Across Asia, Europe and Gulf

Mangaluru Biker Sets Off on 38-Country Expedition Across Asia, Europe and Gulf

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, May 31, 2026: Sixty-year-old biker Gabriel Sharath Kumar is set to embark on an ambitious international motorcycle expedition covering nearly 38 countries across Asia, Europe and the Gulf, promoting the message of healthy living and active ageing.

The “Great Overland Expedition” will commence on May 31 from CSI Shanthi Cathedral, Balmatta. Describing the ride as a gift to himself on turning 60, Sharath Kumar said the journey aims to inspire people to stay fit and active irrespective of age.

The expedition will begin with a ride from Mangaluru to Nepal via Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Uttar Pradesh, before traversing countries including China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Türkiye, Iraq and several Gulf nations. The final leg will end in Oman, from where the motorcycle will be shipped back to India.

Covering an estimated 35,000 to 40,000 kilometres over five to six months, Sharath plans to ride 400-500 km per day within India and 100-200 km per day abroad.

This will be his second international biking adventure. In 2024, he completed a ride through Gulf countries carrying the anti-drug message, “Say No to Drugs.”

Sharath said he would avoid conflict-prone areas near the Iran border and may also travel through Afghanistan if his visa application is approved. During the expedition, he will carry both the Indian national flag and the Tulunadu flag on his motorcycle.