What do people plan when they turn 60? Some would like to celebrate it; some would try to be more philosophical and maybe even retire, but someone decided he would go on a bike ride, and he did it.
In five months, he covered 38 countries, and Sharat Siri is now in Oman.
Two years ago he went on a journey through the GCC countries. He always wraps up his journey in Oman.
"I like to conclude my journeys in Oman because I love this country. I worked in Oman for two decades," Sharath said.
The self-funded journey began in Mangalore as he turned 60 on May 1, 2026.
Sharat has been a biker all through his life, but never did he think he was going to do such a huge journey.
"Two and a half years ago, I came to Oman. So after going back from Oman, all the people, my neighbours and friends from Oman and from India, asked me, 'Where are you going next?' They said, 'Please make a trip, because we cannot go anywhere. At least when you travel, we can enjoy it from here. So that is how I thought I would do this."
He shares moments from his journey on Instagram and on Facebook and some pictures on YouTube also.
From Mangalore, he went to Nepal, Tibet, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Georgia.
"From Georgia, I entered Turkey and then Hungary, Bulgaria, Switzerland, and France, in total it was around twenty-nine European countries, and I came back to Turkey, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Dubai, and now I'm in Oman," he explained.
Driving through 38 countries in his brand new Royal Enfield, he used 1,800 litres of petrol.
So where did he see the best sunrise and sunset?
"Sunrise—I would say Georgia, and the most beautiful sunset that I saw was in China. It was at the Everest camp base."
In some places, Sharath slept in the mosque and at times at the petrol stations.
"In Iraq and in Kazakhstan, I slept in a mosque. And in some places, such as in Switzerland, I slept in the petrol station because hotels were expensive.
Where did he meet the friendliest people?
"I can say Iraq is a very good place, and people are very friendly, very friendly. They always start a conversation by asking from where you came and how you came. And they were offering me petrol, free petrol and water, juice, and everything. I was there for four days. I enjoyed it a lot."
Throughout the journey he was given mementoes from different countries, and he had to send about 20 kg of it to back home by cargo.
Upon reaching Oman, he went immediately on a long ride to Salalah. Now it is time for him to ship back his bike. But he still had a few destinations in Oman before doing that.
"I went to Nizwa, and I went to Jabal Akhdhar. I want to go to Sur, Masira and the hot water spring in Rostaq."
Ask him where in Oman is his favourite stretch of road to bike, and his answer is instant: "I can say that from Nizwa to Salalah, it was a very good ride. I enjoyed it a lot because you can really do it at a stretch for more than 10 hours, and I have a music system on my bike."
Which is the music he likes to listen to?
All songs from the 80s.
More than anything, Sharath said he is going back home with good memories. He is now at 38,000 km, and by the time he finishes his destinations, he is expected to hit the target of 40,000 km.
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