JOIN USIndependence Day is almost here and people across the city will be celebrating the day in style, expressing patriotism in their own ways. Bikers in Bengaluru are organising rides to places outside the city, some based on a theme and others to celebrate the sheer element of brotherhood.
Exploring new places with passionate friends is the best way to express one’s joy on the day, feels Jacinth Paul, co-founder of ‘Road Thrill’ community. “We will head to Shettihalli Rosary Church in the wee hours of the day. Most of the times, our rides have a theme. Through this ride we intend to encourage and extend our support to India’s contestants at the Rio Olympics. Though our group is a happy place, which intends to bring enthusiastic people together, we also like associating ourselves with strong positive statements or ideas,” he says.
Jacinth adds that the event will also include riders riding with the Indian flag to promote the spirit of freedom. “There will be many on the route, who pay their respects and salute. That by itself is a very positive feeling,” he says. Jacinth adds that either a line or a staggered formation is ensured during a ride so as to keep people safe. “We try to go as a pack, which is safe for us and the others on the road. We also try to ensure riding in a form as that is what the spirit of brotherhood communicates — of leaving no one behind.”
Others like the ‘Bangalore Riders Association of Triumph’ (BRAT) are also hosting a ride in favour of a cause. “We are going to Yelagiri Hills this year. The ride is in support of the girl child. Though we aren’t campaigning extensively, we are combining the event with this cause and accepting donations for it,” says Sandeep C S. The funds that will be generated through the ride will be used for the same.
Sandeep says that they have been to Yelagiri Hills earlier and the roads are nice and the ride will be fun. “We have explored most of the places around and Yelagiri was a good choice for a one-day trip. The experience varies every time as new riders join the group for most rides. For them, it’s their first ride and thus it is nice to show them the things we are already aware of,” says Sandeep. He says that the event is a collaboration between passionate riders and people who want to have close adventures with nature.
Oswald Ernest, co-founder of ‘Bengaluru Karizma Bikers Club’, says that they will be riding to Nandi Hills as a group. “It is as part of a bigger event where many riders will be going together. When it comes to big days or celebrations, all bikers try and get together. Spending some quality time with our group and other bikers is the main aim of the event,” says Oswald. He points out that their group has people from diverse backgrounds and walks of life with varied life experiences, including Kishore Reddy, a handicapped person. “Nandi Hills is a signature place to go to for Independence Day.
Getting to meet people, sharing bike tales and other interesting conversations is the agenda for the day,” says Oswald. They have safety protocols like wearing all safety gear including helmet, riding jacket, boots and riding gloves. “We also make sure that no one is riding intoxicated. Other documents like the bike’s official papers also have to be in place,” he adds. Other groups like ‘RD 350’ want to include anyone who owns a two-wheeler and has the spirit to ride. Vishal Agarwal from the club says that the group is looking forward to all bikers and other groups riding together to Devrayanadurga Hills (DD Hills), which is off Tumkur Road. “Since riding is what we love, what better way to express one’s respect to the freedom fighters of our nation than travelling on one’s bike with fluttering flags. We make sure that people from all sectors can be a part of the ride as standing united in spirit is the true spirit of freedom,” he says. Basic riding etiquette like no overtaking of bikes and following the leader are some of the requisites. “Speed driving or stunts are not encouraged. The ride includes disciplined riders who come together in proper respect,” Vishal adds.