It was a Friday morning, 7AM to be precise. The sun was yet to rise, was dark. While the sun was still doing his job, Kotak Mahindra Bank’s first branch in Mumbai at Nariman Point was buzzing with activity thanks to #konakonacashfree. Bikers from across Mumbai were rolling into the sprawling parking lot of bank.
You could smell it. The camaraderie was in the air and the man of the moment was Pankaj Trivedi. He had alone ridden over 8000 kms in India without any cash. Yes! I remember the first discussion I had with Kotak Mahindra Bank on this ride. Doing 8000 kms solo isn’t a big deal. There are many who have, especially with better roads and better vehicles for long road trips. But when we were told that it was without any cash, we were stumped. It’s hard to survive in a city like Mumbai without any cash in your wallet, but this gentleman had done it over 12 major cities and countless small towns and villages along the 8000 kms he rode. It was indeed #konakonacashfree!
Pankaj Trivedi rode the BMW 650R. It’s a mean bike, but when it gives you trouble there aren’t too many mechanics who can handle that machine. Pankaj had his fair set of problems. Punctures, minor repairs etc; but he came out of it by finding innovative ways to pay the people he met along.
Check out some of these videos from his ride.
Think of it, would you recharge the mobile phone of your mechanic after he’s done fixing your bike? Find out more such videos on the official campaign page – #konakonacashfree
Coming back to Friday the 13th! Wings on Wheels, the bullet only club from Mira Road roared into the branch office to greet every biker present with hugs only a biker will understand. The day wouldn’t have been the same without the efforts and dedication of Shivakumar, the moderator and owner of Wings on Wheels. More power to you brother! The brotherhood was on display, and nothing could get in the way!
After donning the swanky bright red jackets, the pack started from Nariman Point at sharp at 8AM to reach Kotak’s HQ in Bandra Kurla Complex.
The excitement at Kotak’s office was understandable, as the staff cheered him on when he entered amidst the din of the thundering bikes and confetti blasts all around. The hero was back home! With a resounding “Welcome Back Pankaj”, he finally went up the stage sharing his experience.
It was a day of multiple wins –
- The move towards a cashless society
- The camaraderie of the biker brotherhood
- Finally, Pankaj Trivedi coming back home!
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[…] Earlier in January Pankaj Trivedi completed 30 days riding 8,000+kms across India cashless. Read about it here. […]