Ride to freedom

A different carnival of sorts is set to hit the city with the annual ‘Freedom Ride’ being held on August 15.

Waving the national flag, the riders hope to send out a clear message of peace and voice their protest against all forms of violence and discrimination on the occasion.

This year, the one-day ride organised by ‘Bangalore RD350 Club’ along with ‘Bikers of India’, will kickstart at Nelamangala Toll Gate and culminate at Devrayanandurga Hills, 50 km off Tumakuru Road. Vishal Agarwal, founder of ‘Bangalore RD350 Club’, points out that this is a ride meant to unite all bikers without any discrimination.

“We have been organising this ride consecutively for the last nine years as a tribute to freedom fighters and martyrs,” he says.

The ride will also bring together an interesting lineup of bikes like Bullets, Yezdi, RX, MOJO and Suzuki, besides some rare varieties like Lambretta and Vespa scooters.

“This ride also gives those who own vintage and classic bikes an opportunity to showcase their vehicles,” he says. Those who are participating in the ride feel that it is more than just an event of 3,000 bikers riding together. Sujith Shetty, a regular, says it will also create awareness about safe riding and how important it is to respect not only their own life but also the lives of fellow commuters.

“We also highlight the importance of keeping the surroundings clean and urge people to stop dumping garbage and using plastics,” says Sujith.

Abhiskek E P, a member of ‘Bikers Of India’, has been a part of the ride for the last five years. “It’s amazing to ride out together in a large group. Rides like this keep alive the spirit of patriotism,” he says.  Syed Fahad, a member of ‘RD 350 Club’, joined the Freedom Ride in 2011 and has been a part of it since then.  He says the event is held in different places and is an opportunity to meet new riders. “This event brings together people of all age groups, clubs and communities. We also have RJs, VJs and celebrities joining in the ride,” he says.

Syed feels that it is a passion for riding and a commitment to keep the culture of biking alive that brings so many riders together.

“It is like a celebration of biking and you feel as though you are living your dream. Though the event has grown bigger, the excitement and spirit of every biker remains the same,” adds Syed.

Those who own a large fleet of bikes see this as an opportunity to bring out their vehicles. Mohammed Shahbaaz says, “I have been attending since I was 18 years old. I have never ever missed a single ‘Freedom Ride’ because it gives me a chance to bring out my vintage bikes such as RD350, Triumph Tiger and Jawa. Also, there is so much cultural exchange that happens during the ride.”