Zipping through life
Biking on highways, making pit-stops at dhabasand being chased by donkeys are part of this corporate’s riding stories
Mel Brooks (51) CEO, G4S India
The first time Mel Brooks mounted a bike was at the age of four, hugging his grandfather and mapping the city of Dorset in South of England. In the four decades since, the CEO of G4S India, a security services company, has put his childhood fascination formotorbikes to good use, exploring Delhi and its surrounding areas every weekend (he moved to India in 2013), and riding all over the UK, US and France.
His first motorcycle was a 175 Yamaha, bought when he was 17. “I had saved all my pocket money to buy it,” he says. Once on the bike, Brooks realised, “It was the best way to meet people.” His best ride was in the US in 2007, from San Francisco down South, along the coastline. “I saw pelicans and sea lions. It was a wonderful experience.”
Fast forward to 2014, and it was a desert motorcycle ride that pushed Brooks out of his comfort zone. Riding from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer on an Enfield Bullet covering over 1,000 km, he experienced mixed feelings. “It was really hot and exhausting. You have to become a dhaba expert, relaxing at every such pit-stop, drinking fluids, and getting back on the bike. But the hospitality you get from locals is great.”
Apart from riding up to Agra to see the Taj Mahal and even riding around in Mumbai, he picks Goa as a favourite destination. “I don’t take my bike to Goa. I hire a bike and go around the city. On the road, you are in the moment, absorbed physically and mentally. It dissolves all other thoughts.” Unforgettable experiences have included having to ride at top speed to outrun a chasing donkey in Alwar.
“It was really funny, but we had to be in top gear to escape the braying and kicking donkey,” he says with a laugh.
But the joy of the road keeps him zipping around the highways on his new Royal Enfield Bullet. He also owns another 1965 Royal Enfield Bullet, which he is happy restoring. The next trip is to Leh, where Brooks is aiming to cross the highest motorable pass, the Khardung La pass, by the end of this year.
The first time Mel Brooks mounted a bike was at the age of four, hugging his grandfather and mapping the city of Dorset in South of England. In the four decades since, the CEO of G4S India, a security services company, has put his childhood fascination for
His first motorcycle was a 175 Yamaha, bought when he was 17. “I had saved all my pocket money to buy it,” he says. Once on the bike, Brooks realised, “It was the best way to meet people.” His best ride was in the US in 2007, from San Francisco down South, along the coastline. “I saw pelicans and sea lions. It was a wonderful experience.”
Fast forward to 2014, and it was a desert motorcycle ride that pushed Brooks out of his comfort zone. Riding from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer on an Enfield Bullet covering over 1,000 km, he experienced mixed feelings. “It was really hot and exhausting. You have to become a dhaba expert, relaxing at every such pit-stop, drinking fluids, and getting back on the bike. But the hospitality you get from locals is great.”
Apart from riding up to Agra to see the Taj Mahal and even riding around in Mumbai, he picks Goa as a favourite destination. “I don’t take my bike to Goa. I hire a bike and go around the city. On the road, you are in the moment, absorbed physically and mentally. It dissolves all other thoughts.” Unforgettable experiences have included having to ride at top speed to outrun a chasing donkey in Alwar.
“It was really funny, but we had to be in top gear to escape the braying and kicking donkey,” he says with a laugh.
But the joy of the road keeps him zipping around the highways on his new Royal Enfield Bullet. He also owns another 1965 Royal Enfield Bullet, which he is happy restoring. The next trip is to Leh, where Brooks is aiming to cross the highest motorable pass, the Khardung La pass, by the end of this year.
