THESE women motorcycle riders are breaking all stereotypes by following their passion and living the dream

For as long as one can recall, motorcycling has mostly been associated with men as their passion, hobby, or even career. However, a community that was considered to be a niche a few years ago for women, has immensely grown beyond proportions, in recent times. The super-charged community of women riders in India are living their passion in accordance with the code of a pure motorcycling philosophy. Contrary to popular belief, International Women’s Day is not about celebrating women or womanhood, it is about celebrating equality, progress and achievements of the amazing women who help make the world a better place.

On March 8th, as we celebrate the extraordinary women who play multifaceted roles, across the globe and move towards equality, here are few Indian women motorcyclists who are breaking the gender stereotypes, one ride at a time. 

Dr. Aparna Bandodkar, Mumbai

When did you start your journey as a woman rider?

“I learnt how to ride almost 23 years ago in 1997. Back then, spotting a woman rider was quite the rarity and not a lot of riders ventured out in smaller groups. I initially started on a commuter motorcycle for a practical and functional purpose, but slowly and surely picked my way through it and developed into more than a passion.”

“I’ve had instances where people have taken it on their ego and find it puzzling for a woman to ride a motorcycle. A pro tip would be to avoid getting into unnecessary arguments and put your point across subtly. It is no rocket science to ride a motorcycle, we just need to know how to balance and manoeuvre our way through.”

What is the main source of motivation to follow your passion?

“Travelling and really getting a better understanding of our country. There are so many hidden gems in the country and we only have one lifetime to explore the landscape, ancient monuments and mesmerizing landscapes across the country. Every city and state has something different to offer – be it the weather, the landscape, the culture, the dialect, the food and the people.”

Singajogi Satyaveni, Hyderabad

When did you start your journey as a woman rider?

“I lost my tennis career in a bike accident, after working for 8 years this loss was not acceptable and I was blaming the motorcycle for the tragedy, never really dared to touch or ride on the motorcycle again, but my mom thought facing my fear is the only way to take me out of depression and that’s when I got back into riding.”

Tell us about some challenges that you might have encountered during one of your biking adventures.

“Fear of insecurity and anxiety. Always had this fear of facing people, biking adventures obviously had been done with many many riders, but the community of women RE riders is so motivating and encouraging that I soon overcame my insecurities.”

 What is the main source of motivation to follow your passion?

“I really wanted to overcome depression and my past. This would have been not possible without my motorcycle and the spirit to head out and take on adventures. Every time I face a problem I run away with my motorcycle into unknown destinations and that answer all my questions.”

Archana Timmaraju, Bangalore

How difficult is it being a woman rider in your family? Did you have their support?

“Family and Friends have been super supportive. My parents have obviously been very worried, but are proud of me and have been encouraging.”

What are the safety issues that you face as a woman?

“Having a hearing impairment makes riding a little bit more challenging, but so far, I haven’t faced any. But a tip for fellow women riders would be to keep with them a pepper spray just for safety.”

If not this, what would be your alternate career path?

“A whole new world for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Equality for women, women’s rights and women’s empowerment.

To be part of and organize cultural and socially inclusive activities.

To establish and support facilities for sports, recreation, leisure-time activities, excursions.”

Jesslina Nayar, Delhi 

When did you start your journey as a woman rider?

“I grew up living all over India since my father was in the Indian Army and my motorcycle journey truly began at the age of 18 when I got my hands on my father’s motorcycle.”

What were the obstacles you faced?

“There are no obstacles unless you say there are. The word obstacle doesn’t exist in my dictionary. There are only opportunities and I always make full use of them.”

What are the safety issues that you face as a woman?

“In India, it’s tough to go out on a solo adventure anywhere for women mostly. The most common issue that I face is the staring and whistling often by men and sometimes even being followed by them.”

If not this, what would be your alternate career path?

“I always get bored very easily so I keep trying new things and keep going on new adventures, the only thing that has remained a constant in all these adventures is my motorcycle and that is because I think that riding a bike is one of those few experiences in life that allow you to take the handlebars and define your own path. So here I am, defining my own path!”

Tell us about some challenges that you might have encountered during one of your biking adventures.

“The real challenge begins when there are no proper roads to a destination and also the weather conditions at times! However, that is where the fun truly begins, I am always ready to go on an adventure, especially where the roads disappear and the terrain gets more challenging. “

Gargi Biche and Manjiree Biche (Mother), Pune 

When did you start your journey as a woman rider?

“4 years back, my mom taught me how to ride on first ever motorcycle.”

Tell us about some challenges that you might have encountered during one of your biking adventures.

“Fuel drain, when I was riding back from Goa to Pune from rider mania 2019, my tank was dry and luckily I found a fuel station right on the highway, or else I was mentally preparing myself to hitch-hike my way back home.”

What is the main source of motivation to follow your passion?

“It’s great to be a part of a community where everyone is equally passionate about bikes and riding so that fuels my passion and motivation and where there isn’t any gender bias."

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