The usual drowsy start to a Sunday, that many areas in the heart of the city are familiar with, was transformed into a charged-up, vroomy morning when 250 bikers set out on a ride for a cause. These bikers from 12 different biking clubs in the city were led by the Indian Cricket team, waving the tricolour.
However, these were players from the country’s blind cricket team that has been competing against teams from six other countries in the on-going T20 World Cup for the blind. With smiles abounding, the players from the team led the bunch of bikers who shouted slogans, gathered funds and encouraged citizens to join in the support drive to motivate the visually challenged players.
“As bikers, our hearts beat for our bikes but today the smiles on the faces of the players of the visually challenged Indian cricket team has made my day. These players gauged our support by merely listening to our cheers. It has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life,” said Anil Babu, Co-founder, Bikers of India Club.
The rally that started from Cubbon Park, headed towards Queens Road via MG Road, Brigade Road, Corporation Circle, Mysore Bank Circle and concluded at the Central College grounds.
“The biking community in the city has been active in supporting various initiatives over the last few years. When we heard about the blind World Cup being hosted in the city, we wanted to lend our support instantly. With the bikes in the city rallying along in support and collecting funds, we know the initiative has been a success,” said Vishal Agarwal, Founder, Bangalore RD350 Club.
The group of bikers managed to raise `75,000 and handed over the funds to the Samarthanam Trust for the disabled. The Cricket Association for Blind in India also was an integral part of the event.
The bikes that took part in the rally were from the Bangalore RD350 Club, Bangalore Yezdi Jawa Motorcycle Club, Bangalore Bullet Club, Bikers of India, Riders of Bangalore, Yamaha Riders Club, Biker Bros, Born Riders Club, Bulls on Parade Club, Captain Bulls Club, Team Balance Point, HT Bullet Riders, The Bulleteers and the Bangalore Classic Scooter Club.