"Most girls like diamonds and pearls, but all I'd like is a motorbike." You wouldn't completely agree with the above statement until you meet a group crazy about biking and they call themselves 'The Bikerni'. They are the first and largest All Women's Motorcycle Association with a pan India presence and this is how they describe themselves:'An association of like-minded females who are interested in touring, stunting and racing on geared motorcycles. We even use it as a daily commute. We believe that biking is a source to Nirvana and at the same time brings the adrenaline rushing into our veins. Don't mess with us, you will only see dust far ahead in front of you."
City Express spoke to one of the Bikerni members from Bangalore, 25-year-old Roshini Satyanarayana, who recently brought an Avenger 220 to help reach her Nirvana!
On how she got interested in biking, she quips,"While riding my gearless bike, there were guys in bikes zooming past me. It was very tempting for me to own a bike and get that adrenaline rush."
An engineering graduate who works in an MNC now, Roshini got introduced to Urvashi Patole, well-known in the motorcycling community, and that is when she decided to take the untrodden path which not many women have dared to take in the past.
Roshini says,"I got to ride pillion with Urvashi a couple of times and it was amazing. Being part of 'Bikernis', which has also set the record for the first and largest group of women motorcyclists to have reached Khardung-La, the highest motorable road in the world on motorcycles, is a great feeling." After riding pillion in a couple of events including the one conducted by Bangalore Bikers and Born Riders, her interest grew. When we ask her on the kind of reactions she gets during her daily commute, she replies,"Firstly, there is no time to react. Secondly, it doesn't matter what people think of you as long as you are alive to ride more. Some find it funny and they laugh at me on road. But, on the other hand, there are many who look at me in awe. But, end of the day what matters is how you take it. I have a kickass helmet, shoes and a jacket to protect me while riding."
Roshini advises that other than wearing a protective riding gear and helmet (even if you are learning to ride) it's important to stay in touch with your family. "Always keep your family informed on where you are and give them a friend's number, in case they panic when they are unable to reach you." She signs off,"I can't wait to ride to Goa for The India Bike Week in February." The Bikernis were in the city recently for The Bangalore Chai and Pakoda Breakfast Run (from NeelaMangala Toll Gate near Tumkur to DevarayanaDurga Hills) held in association with the Bangalore RD 350 club and the Bangalore Pandhis, as a part of 'The India Bike Week' to be held in Goa in February 2013.