Beyond the long rides: Indian motorcycle clubs that try to make a difference in society

Breaking the ‘bad boy biker’ stereotype, a few Indian motorcycling clubs are revving up for good causes

Robert M Pirsig, the author of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, elevated the functional activity of riding a motorcycle to a near-spiritual pursuit, when he said, “Riding a motorcycle is a kind of meditation. Riding becomes a form of therapy, providing a retreat from the world and a connection to oneself and the environment.”

However, motorcycling, like meditation, is an individualistic ritual. It is a self-enriching pastime. But a few Indian motorcycling clubs, along with the enjoyment of riding, also seek to contribute to their respective communities.

Shattering the stereotypical ‘bad boy’ image associated with bikers, the members of these clubs do not just go about flaunting their muscular motorcycles or ride to faraway lands, they try to do their bit for social welfare too.

Urvashi Pathole, 35, rode a bike for the first time when she was 14. She was inspired by her elder sister’s friend, a national boxing champion, who rode a Royal Enfield. A few years later, she and her friends in Pune, influenced by the movie Dhoom, got into stunt biking. But when they went to participate in stunt meets, they were seldom allowed. They were discouraged, warned, jeered at, and mocked for riding motorcycles because “they were not for women”. Motorcycling was considered a man’s arena. So, they asked themselves, “Do we need to be in a space where we must keep fighting? Why don’t we create our own platform?”

So Urvashi, along with 10 other women on Royal Enfields, rode to Khardung La, the highest motorable road in the world then, making it to the Limca Book of Records. It also marked the birth of The Bikerni, an all-women motorcycle club that seeks to normalise women riding bikes.

Twelve years later, The Bikerni has 17 chapters across India with over 2,500 registered members. “These chapters are free-flowing. Women meet, go for rides, attend DIY workshops regarding motorbikes, and meet riders from other clubs,” says Urvashi, who works in the automotive industry.

Unlike most motorbike groups, they are not exclusive to riders with high-powered vehicles. Even moped riders are welcome, says Urvashi. “We want to promote women riding bikes. Being a part of The Bikerni, they feel safe and united. They can just be themselves without judgement,” she adds.