Ride East is an annual cross-country motorcycle ride to spread awareness about the tourism prospects of the region. Green Route organized this event in collaboration with Terra Hale and Worldview Impact Foundation, London.
This year’s team had participants from India, England, the United States, Slovakia and Spain. Ride East 2022 was flagged off in Shillong. The team also travelled to the neighborhood country of Bhutan as a part of the project. The route passed through the states of Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. Members from Pune, Bangalore and Mumbai also joined in for the adventure. The aim was to cover offbeat destinations across the region, staying in local homestays in villages. The team of modern-day travelers experienced some of the age-old practices from the region. They also tried out the local lifestyle, organized agriculture, weaves, food and beverages, arts and crafts and much more.
According to the organizers, Ride East is organized to raise money and awareness for the following.
- Promotion of rural tourism, indigenous cuisine, culture, traditions and sustainable ways of living practiced in Northeast India
- Ensure that local entrepreneurs can make an earning through this ride. It may include local food, accommodation, traditional practices, cultures, etc.
- Make the next generation aware of modern concepts and their eco-friendly solutions to combat problems. These include overpopulation, poverty and the environment.
- Showcase talent and skill from the region as well as their arts, produce and handicrafts to the world.
Green Route Society is a tourism-related organization based out of Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. Founded and led by Ashley Erasmus Lyngdoh, this organization has members from different social circles. Deepak Erasmus is an agriculturist and horticulturist, Phrangkupar Kharbamon is into tourism product management and Sandeep Roy Choudhury is from a climate change and sustainability background.
Green Route currently runs a fleet of motorcycles with support from the Directorate of Tourism of Meghalaya. They give their two-wheelers on rental and organize guided tours and expeditions in the regions.
