Meet the bikers in these women

We all juggle multiple roles in our life. After all it’s all about “multi tasking” these days. But, there’s always that “one thing” that defines a person and for these women, it happens to be riding a bike.

Three city-based riders of the ‘Hyderabad Bikerni’ group joined the national ‘women Bikers Expedition’, which was flagged off as part of an awareness campaign for women’s wellness on May 16. The women, along with other riders will travel from Kashmir to Kanyakumari over a span of 20 days for the ‘One Lakh Moms’ initiative.

Despite increased awareness about all the ‘-isms’ (feminism, sexism and what have you) women riders continue to get a bad rap. To this day, the field continues to be dominated by men and women are stereotyped as “rebellious” or “a bad influence” when they ride a chopper.

Jaya Bharthi, Smriti Gattu and Anita Peter of the ‘Hyderabad Bikerni’ group destroy this very stereotype and how? Their lives are simple and relatable to any other women, rider or not. Of course, they’ve had their share of struggle, but that did not deter them from following their passion.

Sharing her inspiration, actress, dancer and mother of two, Peter says, “I have a 16-year-old daughter and an 11-year-old son. It hasn’t been easy.” “I used to ride an Enfield during my college days. My family didn’t know about it; I had to hide it,” she says.

“I come from a traditional family in Kerala and at that time it wasn’t common to see women riding a bike. I was told I could do whatever I wanted after I got married. So, I married as soon as possible to get a ticket to fulfill my wishes,” she winks.

Bharathi who is a freelance architect and has her own firm has been riding for the past 15 years, “Initially it was only Gattu and I who used to ride bikes as a “thing” for women. Slowly, a few of our friends joined,” recollects Bharathi.

“I have done such an expedition before. One of them includes a trip to Ladakh. Smriti was the one among others who companied me there. I love riding and I keep experiencing new things in life,” she shares.

Of course, the road is a dangerous place. And, unknown paths bring untold horrors along with their share of adventure. Gattu suggests tips for solo female travellers. “Don’t stop at random places. Make sure the rest stop is well crowded,” says the rider, who quit her job with an IT firm to pursue her passion.

“The most important thing is to always carry some form safety appliance like a pen knife or a pepper spray and a first aid box before starting a journey,” she adds.

“Life is short and every dream should be fulfilled. Zeal, passion and love for living our life creates a sound human being,” says Peter. “If you really want to achieve something in life, no barrier can obstruct you,” she concludes on an inspiring note.

By Akella Poornima