The roar of the bike and the road to freedom

For students and professionals like Pooja M.R, Priyanka. S and Swetha (left) and Swathi Suresh (right), the biking experience is both about adventure and empowerment —Photo: Special Arrangement

“Enfields are my biggest passion.” says 19-year-old Swathi Suresh, who owns an Enfield Classic 350. She is among the increasing number of women in Chennai who are breaking stereotypes to pursue their passion for riding.

“We must be prepared for anything. We should progress in such a way as to be on par with men,” says Pooja M.R, a 2nd-year French Literature student at Loyola College.

For many of these bikers, the fascination with the machines began early. “I used to finish my homework on time because then, I would get to ride my father’s bike after 10 p.m.,” reminiscences Niranjanie Ravishankar, a 22-year-old software tester at an IT firm, who currently owns a CBR 150R. Others were inspired by fellow woman riders. “I grew up watching my mother, a lady policewoman drive to work and that was a major reason I took to biking as well,” says Priyanka. S, who recently graduated from MOP Vaishnav College for Women.

“Even though we managed to convince our parents, society wasn’t ready to accept us. Stop and stare was a policy followed by most people. It was absurd when some men came and complained to us about how we had taken away the one thing that belonged exclusively to them — biking. Things have changed to an extent now,” they collectively agree.

Riding my bike is like soaring through the air,” says Swetha, who named her first bike, a Yamaha R15 second edition, Shadow. Swetha had a tough time convincing her father and brother to let her follow her dream. “It was hard, but worth it,” adds Swetha.

Over the years, groups and clubs have emerged too. “Priyanka was my classmate and she already knew Swetha. We all went for a ride together and became friends. On one such occasion, we met Pooja. Soon, we along with others formed ‘Biker Babes’, a small club. That’s one the best parts of riding. We get to meet a lot of people,” says Niranjanie.

For these adventurous souls, biking is about empowerment and equality. “I feel a sense of independence when I ride. That feeling — it has no match,” adds Priyanka.

A number of young women are breaking stereotypes by pursuing their love for motorcycles