Leap of faith | Adventure Sports with Renault Triber | Chapter 3: Bungee Jumping

"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye." This quote, from one of the most-read books in the world, The Little Prince, subtly offers keen insight into our emotions. And emotions have been one of my more cherished acquisitions in my recent pursuit of adventure with the Renault Triber. Our latest stop, then, is Goa. And here, I planned to do something I never would have even dreamt of doing, had it not been for this adventure series with the Renault Triber.

As I settled into the driver’s seat of the Renault Triber, the sun-kissed beaches of Goa beckoned us. For the first time, I was to share my adventure with a bunch of friends; give them a taste of the experiences I’ve enjoyed with the Renault Triber. And, to be honest, I needed a few friends around for this adventure because I didn’t think I had it in me to do this alone. Okay so I will get to the point: the next adventure on my bucket list was bungee jumping, something that evidently terrifies me. I’m not that fond of heights in the first place, and then to stand on the ledge of a platform with nothing in front of me, a rope tied to my ankles, and a lake 55 metres below — just thinking about it sent chills down my spine. So, I picked five of my most adventure-inclined friends, stuffed them in the Triber and told them we are going on a typical ‘susegad’ trip to Goa. Chilling comfortably beside and behind me, there was no excitement in the air, no eagerness to get to Goa, no butterflies in the stomach for any of them. Their plan was to go to a shack and lounge around for the weekend.

They had zero clue about what I had in store for them. The Triber, a reliable companion from my previous expeditions, promised to be the key enabler for our newest adventure.

Leaving Pune behind, we took on the highways leading to Goa and the winding roads that cross the Sahyadris and bring you to the lush green hills of Goa. A little further ahead, the beaches welcome you, where you often tend to forget that the hills are as beautiful as the seas here. The compact design made it easy to manoeuvre through the tiny winding roads of Chorla and then the bustling city streets of Panjim, while the responsive engine effortlessly propelled us forward. The Triber’s light steering provided precise control, making every twist and turn a delight.

As we hit the open road, the Triber’s cabin space impressed us all. With its clever utilisation of space, there was ample legroom and headroom for everyone, ensuring a comfortable journey for all of us. The supple ride quality absorbed the undulations of the road, offering a smooth and enjoyable driving experience.

Upon reaching Goa, the vibrant charm of Fontainhas greeted us. Colourful buildings lined the streets, leading us to the breathtaking beaches. The Triber effortlessly weaved through the tiny shopping lanes, guiding us closer to our daring escapade. The suspense continued as the promised shacks were waiting for us. I just had to wait until the next morning, when everyone hopped right in to visit Mayem lake. Just that, this isn’t your regular lake where you go for a dip or to frolic around.

On the edge of the lake, a company called Jumpin Heights has set up a large metal cantilevered platform 55 metres above the surface of the lake. Following the successful completion of over 100,000 jumps in Rishikesh, Jumpin Heights, in collaboration with Goa Tourism, launched its second facility near Mayem Lake in North Goa in 2019. A team of experienced Jump Masters run the whole operation, by adhering to the safety standards for bungee operation, set by the governments of Australia and New Zealand. Safety wasn’t my concern, my concern was the free fall until the bungee cord caught tension and pulled me back up. Every adventure I have done, I have had at least some degree of control, if not complete control. Here, I had none and that was disconcerting.

As we arrived at the bungee jumping location, a mix of anticipation and nervousness filled the air. We all saw the jump platform from a distance and immediately, everyone knew why we were there. Unlike my previous adventures — skiing and paragliding, bungee jumping required no special skills, only a courageous spirit and willingness to take a leap into the unknown.

Stepping out of the Triber, the sight of the jump platform took my breath away. Towering above, it challenged us to conquer our fears. With each step towards the edge, my heart pounded in my chest. Our Jump Master from Jumping Heights, greeted us with a reassuring smile. As we strapped on our safety gear, her expertise instilled a newfound confidence in me. The moment arrived, I smiled at the camera as I stood on the edge, clearly trying to hide the tension within me.

Arms wide open, I shifted my weight forward and went into freefall.

For the first few seconds, you don’t think you are going to be alive after the next few seconds. Then you continue to fall, accelerating towards the lake, and by then you are upside down, ready to smash into the water hoping for a soft landing, but that’s when the bungee cord catches tension and pulls you up. It’s the first time you realise you will continue to breathe when this ends, but the cord gives you another taste of that seemingly near death experience when it sends you for another swing. Only this time, you know you are safe. It all ends in a little under two minutes, but trust me, these are the longest two minutes you can ever experience. Since I was the one to bring my friends here, I had to jump first. As I stepped out of the contraption that was tied to my legs, I looked up, my hands trembling, an intense wave of adrenaline coursing through me, and I thought, I’m not doing this again for a long time.

Then I saw all my friends jump one after another, and as they finished their jumps, they hugged me for sharing this experience with them. Kritika, my girlfriend, jumped last, and right after her jump, she wanted to become a Jump Master.

The rush stayed on, as we got back into the Triber. Everyone was quiet after their jump, just thinking about what they had experienced. The sea of emotions were yet to catch their tide. We were driving back in silence to our hotel, totally spent for the day. But throughout our journey, the Triber had been more than just a mode of transportation; it had become our trusted sanctuary. Its advanced safety features, including hill start assist, ESP, TCS, four airbags, and TPMS, ensured our peace of mind as we ventured into the unknown. The Triber’s commitment to safety was evident, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the thrill of the bungee jumping adventure. With our luggage and camera equipment neatly stowed in, the Triber effortlessly accommodated all our needs. It seamlessly combined practicality with style, a testament to Renault’s dedication to creating a vehicle that caters to the needs of adventurous souls.

Returning to our retreat at Olaulim Backyards, a sense of accomplishment washed over us. The bungee jumping adventure had not only tested our limits but also strengthened the bond between us. The Triber had been more than just a vehicle — it had been a catalyst for shared experiences and unforgettable memories. As we indulged in lazy moments by the serene river, the Triber stood proudly, a witness to our remarkable journey.

As the sun set on our Goa adventure, my thoughts brought me back to reflect on the words of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” The Renault Triber had become an extension of our adventurous spirits, enabling us to embark on thrilling escapades and forge lifelong memories. From the easy manoeuvrability to the responsive engine, the Triber had proven its worth as a reliable and capable companion. As we bid farewell to the sunny state of Goa, we carried the essence of this incredible journey with us — a testament to the joy of friendship, the thrill of adventure, and the unbreakable bond we shared with the Renault Triber.