Pune: On Saturday morning, the winding curves of Khambatki Ghat echoed not just with the roar of engines, but with the love and memories of a man who meant the world to many — Mandar Kunte. A passionate rider, devoted friend, and inspiring presence in Pune’s biking community, Mandar tragically passed away on March 20. But instead of mourning in silence, over 100 bikers chose to celebrate his life with the thing he loved most — a ride.
Organised on what would have been Mandar’s birthday, the memorial ride wasn’t merely an event — it was a powerful collective tribute filled with emotion, camaraderie, and remembrance. Riders from different groups came together to head to Khambatki Ghat, a place forever tied to Mandar’s spirit and fondness for its misal pav stops.
As dawn broke, motorcycles lined up with solemn purpose. Each bike gleamed with care, each rider wearing emotions on their sleeves. The sound of throttles opening up felt more like a chorus of hearts beating in rhythm — carrying with them stories, laughter, and shared grief.
Throughout the journey, winding through sun-kissed roads and green valleys, stories of Mandar echoed among the group — memories of his infectious smile, fearless riding, and the effortless way he brought people together. Some tears fell quietly behind visors, some smiles broke through choked voices, but all were united in honouring a life that left a lasting mark.
Mandar’s family was warmly welcomed into the ride — not as guests, but as part of the extended family he helped create. For his wife, Jui Kunte, the ride became an emotional embrace from a community she never expected to lean on. “What I experienced today was overwhelming. I saw love in its purest form,” she shared. “This group has now become my family, and this love will forever stay with me.”
Their daughter, Mitali, stood tall among the bikers — her eyes full of quiet strength. “Losing Dad has been unimaginably hard,” she said, “but today, I felt him around me — in the revving engines, in the hugs, and in every memory shared. He’s still riding with us.”
One of the most moving moments came when everyone gathered around to cut a cake in celebration of Mandar’s birthday. Instead of silence, engines roared together, echoing through the ghat. It wasn’t a cry of sorrow, but a declaration of love that refuses to fade.
“This wasn’t just a memorial,” one participant reflected. “It was a celebration of how one man taught us to live, to ride free, and to love without restraint.”
As the sun gently dipped below the hills, the ride came to an end. But what remained was something deeper — a sense of healing, unity, and a bond that transcended loss. Khambatki Ghat, once a favourite stop, has now become a living tribute to Mandar’s legacy — a path where memories ride alongside those still on the road.
And in every helmet raised skyward, in every whispered “ride safe,” one thing was clear: though Mandar may have ridden his final stretch, his spirit will forever ride on in the hearts of those he loved — and those who loved him.
