This weekend a few fitness enthusiasts are sweating it out at Javadhi Hills to participate in a trail marathon. Accompanying them are a few motorbike riders to help them with the logistics and provide other assistance, especially because vehicles can’t be taken there.
These men belong to a biking group called Rebel Riders Chennai. Started by Anna Nagar resident, Prashanth Mani, this group organises rides to different parts of the country. They also participate in many social initiatives.
“There are many biking groups in the city but most of them are meant for the people who own the bikes of a particular company. I had been a part of some of these groups and I wanted to create a group where all bike lovers can share their passion, irrespective of the bike they own,” says Prashant.
The group went on a 17-day expedition to Ladakh last year. “Ten of us rode to some of the most difficult terrains in India. We also rode on a riverbed in Venkatagiri. This river had dried up during summer and we realised the extreme condition we were in. We ended up riding continuously for 19 hours. We did this when the Lok Sabha elections were going on. We carried banners and spread awareness about the importance of voting,” says 37-year-old Prashanth.
There are many who participate in such rides but what makes Prashanth different is his medical condition. He has been an Insulin dependent juvenile diabetic for the past 18 years. He needs to take extra precautions before every expedition.
“I have always been stubborn and I like proving people wrong. I was told that I shouldn’t be riding at such high altitudes. I took it as a personal challenge. Along with a fellow rider, who has the same condition as mine, rode on the highest motorable road.”
He says that he even rode up to Ooty in the middle of the night when his doctor forbade him from riding after he caught a cold. “I don’t recommend such acts of rebellion as it is important to listen to the doctor,” he smiles. He is often invited by various groups to talk to people with similar medical conditions.
“I encourage youngsters to follow their passion and not let themselves pulled down by diabetes. Following a proper diet and medication can help them live a normal life,” says Prashanth, who rides a KTM Duke 390. Prahanth also runs a family business.
Having lived in Anna Nagar all his life, he says it all started from the streets of the neighbourhood. “I rode cycles here and even learnt how to ride a bike. I met several like-minded people here which fuelled my passion for bikes.”
