Nevermind; Go on an Adventure
Subscribe
X

Subscribe to Forte Magazine

Nevermind; Go on an Adventure

Ever explored the remote Himalayas, travelling off the beaten track on the back of a Royal Enfield motorcycle? Well, Matthew Natonewski from Nevermind Adventure says it’s simply “mind blowing”.

A unique travel company, Nevermind Adventure runs motorcycle tours to some of the world’s most isolated and beautiful cities. While been involved in the creation of a primary school in India years ago, Natonewski found a passion in exploring and adventuring the local areas, soon becoming inspired to show people the hidden beauty that India has to offer.

“I was with one of my best mates out exploring Rajasthan, into the dessert, jungle and really off the beaten track. I was just blown away with what I saw that particular trip. We sleep out in local villages under the stars and were riding out through sand dunes and right on the Pakistan border, and I just wanted to show other people.

“A few months later I came back with a fully booked tour and we have been doing that ever since; going off, exploring and finding all these cool places on motorbikes.”

The motorcycle tours are more so adventure expeditions to locations including the remote Himalayas, Nepal, Rajasthan and South India. With varying levels, treacherous mountain passes, the world’s highest roads and high altitude river crossings, it’s just about the simple thrill.

Nevermind-Himalaya2016-027

Now one of the largest motorcycle touring companies in the world, the concept is a popular option for people seeking a different type of travel experience, with the Geelong local and travel enthusiast describing motorcycles as the ideal way to explore India. He likens riding through India on a Royal Enfield classic bike to touring the US on a Harley Davidson.

“India is the largest motorcycle nation in the world, and we get a whole lot of respect being foreigners on their bikes,” he says.

“I’ve been riding around all over the world for the past 20 years. It’s a great way to travel. You can get to a lot of places that you can’t get to by coach or train – some of the highest mountain paths in the world and most dangerous treacherous roads in the world, and you get so much more freedom, which is what we are about.”

Natonewski has led 110 of the biking tours since their beginning, with trips regularly booking out 12 months in advance. With a focus on simplicity and practicality, group size is small so the adventures can be large, allowing freedom to support small and local businesses in India and become immersed into the culture.

“I think most people comeback with a different outlook on the world. That is one of the most rewarding things for myself – taking people over to see diversity and come back more accepting and more open minded people.”

For all motorcycle trips, a full license is required (mostly due to insurance purposes). However, if you’re not a bike person, Nevermind also offers other adventures with their third concept – Nevermind Travel. This includes Jeep safaris, off-road bus adventures and for the ladies, an exclusive once a year 12 day trip to the Holi Festival in Rajasthan, where the country comes alive with colour.

Combining Natonewski’s three concepts: Nevermind Adventure, Nevermind Travel and Nevermind Leather, which involves the unique crafting of handmade leather products right from the depths of Rajasthan, the Pakington Street location is a perfect match for the business, with Natonewski saying people come there looking for something different. And they certainly are something different.

“You won’t find another shop like us anywhere in the world. Coming into the shop itself is like going on an adventure.”

Nevermind Adventure is located at 224 Pakington St, Geelong West.

Written by Talia Rinaldo

Special Event: Nevermind is hosting a launch party for their Himalaya video as well as a Q&A session on October 13 at 6pm in store. Head along for info on how you could get involved in a life-changing trip.