Some rides aren’t about long distances — they’re about short escapes that leave long-lasting memories. Our **early morning ride from Bhubaneswar to Naraj Barrage** was one such experience — calm roads, sunrise skies, and a peaceful riverside destination that felt like a breath of fresh air.
📍 Ride Overview
Start Point: Bhubaneswar
Destination: Naraj Barrage, near Cuttack
Distance: ~35–40 km (one way)
Ride Type: Short City + Scenic Outskirts
Highlight: Sunrise view at the barrage, Satkosia riverbank stop
🌅 Dawn Departure
The ride kicked off at 5:30 AM from the BBO meetup point in Bhubaneswar. As the sky slowly lit up with hues of pink and orange, our squad of machines rolled out in formation. With almost no traffic on the roads, the group glided smoothly through the bypass and onto the Cuttack highway.
The cool breeze and the silence of early morning made every moment feel meditative. The city faded behind, and open fields and canals took over. With helmets on and visors up, the team felt the freshness of rural air.
🛤️ Reaching Naraj Barrage
Naraj welcomed us with its open skies and flowing waters. Located where the Mahanadi River flows into the delta region, the Naraj Barrage is known for its calm, scenic environment. We parked near the embankment and walked toward the dam structure as the sun rose right in front of us.
A soft morning mist floated over the river, making the view cinematic. Birds chirped around, and the sound of flowing water created the perfect background to our quiet conversations and laughter.
📸 Moments & Memories
From casual selfies to wide drone shots, we captured every angle of the river, our bikes, and our group. Many riders posed with the golden sunrise behind them. The calmness of Naraj made it one of the most peaceful ride spots we’ve visited near the city.
🥪 Riverside Chai Break
A local tea stall nearby served piping hot chai and biscuits — a simple but perfect breakfast. Some of us sat on the embankment wall, feet dangling above the river, sipping tea and soaking in the morning silence. It felt more like a meditation session than a ride.
🔁 Return to BBSR
Around 8:00 AM, we started our return journey. The roads were slowly getting busier, but our formation stayed disciplined. Reaching Bhubaneswar by 9:00 AM, we wrapped the ride with a final group photo and some cool-down stretches.
🛡️ Ride Safety & Preparation
- Helmet, gloves, and reflective gear mandatory
- Short pre-ride check done for all bikes
- No speeding — beginner-friendly ride
- Backup rider assigned with first-aid
- Minimal luggage, only essentials carried
💬 Rider Reflections
"Perfect ride to start the weekend." – Raj, First-time BBO Rider
"Naraj felt like a peaceful painting." – Laxman, Photographer
"Short ride, big memories." – Ashu, Core Member
🔗 Related Short Rides
- Sambalpur Ride
- Explore Ride to Balakumari Hills
- PURI-Indian NAvy Day Ride
- Night Camp At T-Bridge
- Sapua Dam Ride
The BBSR to Naraj Ride proved that you don’t always need long distances to find peace. Sometimes, the most soulful rides are just around the corner. Here’s to more sunrise getaways with throttle and brotherhood. 🌄