Motorcycle Diaries

At TGIR,the highlight was not the 16,500 kms clocked but the fact that they were joined by various motorcycle groups in these 27 cities that rode along with them in parts ,clocking over 92,000 kms. Though such events are sporadic,they do break the boundaries between the bikers,says Sandeep Goswami,a TGIR participant. “At national-level there is no organisation that can unite biking communities in India. While we were on the roads,we saw people supporting the rides. Once the support becomes stronger,it could lead to the formation of a parent national body,” states Goswami.

Bikes weren’t the most coveted vehicles especially in the last couple of years. “People would complain when they heard loud bike noises especially Harleys. There were also news reports a few years back about how the bikes were illegally obtained; so people were scared to take out their bikes,” says Freddy Pithavala,an administrator for Harley Owners India (HOI) explaining the slumped popularity of biking.

The launch of affordable bikes by high-end bike makers has changed the biking landscape. “It has stopped the problem of illegal imports to a great extent,” says Sahil Bhandari who had organised the India Super Bike Festival.

The online magazine of xBHP.com features bikes across genres including a normal 250 cc bike to the high-end superbike of 1500 cc and has a major fan following especially in the metros.

Last year,biker Venkatesh Khanna,became the third Puneite to receive the Sore Saddle certification,given by the 30,000-member strong Iron Butt Association. He got the certifications for completing 1000 miles in 24 hours on May 15. He says,“A number of bikers from all over the country are attempting to complete these feats; which,I feel is a positive sign,” he concludes.