Motorcycle Diaries: Bikers cover coastline forts from Maharashtra to Goa

PANAJI: The desolate 17th century fort of Betul became a focal point of activity on Tuesday, as 120 Maharashtra-registered bikers interacted with locals in their campaign to raise awareness about the strength of Maratha warrior, Shivaji's navy.

The expedition from the Gujarat coast on January 30 is to mark 350 years of Shivaji's navy and the bikers rode down to Goa visiting many of the forts either built or captured by him along the western coastline.

The last fort covered during the trip was the Betul fort, believed to be built by Shivaji in 1679. "Incidentally, this was also the last fort built by Shivaji before he died in 1680, making it a crucial landmark for ending the road-trip," said organizer Yogesh Nagvenkar.

The riders included students, professionals and a few historians under the association 'Shivaji Maharajachi armari mohim'.

After arriving in Goa on February 9, the riders visited the Tiracol fort, the ruins of Bicholim fort, St Estevam fort, Corjuem fort and on February 10 they visited the Ponda fort, Mardangad fort before concluding at Betul fort.

Local MLA Chandrakant Kavlekar had arranged a small function for the bikers in association with the Margao-based history lovers group (HLG)and former Betul sarpanch Sudhakar Joshi.