Fun, food and adventure

The passion and commitment of the members of ‘Motorcyclics Anonymous’, an informal group of bikers from the city, to their machines is unquestionable. They say that their attachment to their bikes is what binds them together as a group. Every member’s attachment to the group is irrespective of how long he or she has been with the group.

The members venture out on short weekend trips and long rides once a year. They meet regularly on Sundays to update themselves with the latest information about bikes. Darren Pinto, an employee of Quintiles and one of the earliest members of the group, says, “ We realised that we all shared a common passion during our social meets. Technical discussions and helping each other in times of need has only strengthened our bond. We are a group that loves fun, food and adventure. It's like one big happy family.”

The group's membership is as varied as its fleet. The members are in the age group of 25 to 70 and the bikes range from 100cc to 1200cc. “An interesting fact about the group is that there is no leader and no rules. We manage things as they come. Yes, squabbling, travelling and discussing — it’s our style,” Pinto adds.

Another member of the group, Rajesh N, says the gathering is more than just biking and travelling. “We are great friends first. What’s interesting is that our wives and girlfriends too get along famously,” he says.

The members believe they are a class apart and are marked by their maturity. “We are not just a bunch of guys who are crazy about our bikes. Every member of the group is well-informed and respected in their chosen profession. It is this difference and maturity that drew me to the group,” states Manav Nagraj, a lawyer.

Biking is a great stressbuster for those whose jobs leave them with practically no time to do anything. Mats Kuruvilla, a project manager, with a software startup, says that he was floored by the warmth and the friendly nature of the members. “We meet often over the weekends and ride out to places in and around Bengaluru. Sometimes, we go on overnight rides as well,” he adds.

There are people who have been riding independently for the last 30-odd years and say they have begun to enjoy the rides even more after they joined the group. Ashwin Shetty, a tea and coffee planter, regularly rides between Bengaluru and Chikkamagaluru. “I’ve been riding since my college days. I thoroughly enjoy the camaraderie we and our families share,” he says.

An avid traveller, Rishad Minocher, a food and hospitality consultant, adds, “Whether we are riding or not riding, it’s great to simply hang around with the group. It serves as an excellent platform to exchange all kinds of information.” There are a few other members like Rajeev Gonzalvez who agrees that he always enjoyed riding his superbike. “Riding a superbike gives me the same high as bungee jumping. The group is more like an escape from routine for me. Most of the members of the group are well-versed in everything about bikes,” he says. The older you get, the more passionate you become about whatever you like, believes 66-year-old Zamir Mirza. “My family thinks I mustn’t be riding too much at my age but riding is one of the simplest of things that I do. The group has only fuelled my interest in biking,” he adds. Businessman Zac Marattukalam, pitches in saying, “Common friends, bikes, music and like-mindedness is what got me to join the group and I am happy to be part of it.”

The group can be contacted on [e-mail]