Daredevils on two wheels

They are the front runners of stunt biking in India and have given a new meaning to this sport. Ghost Ryderz (GRz), as they call themselves is a motorcycle stunt team from Kerala with a strong predilection for the ‘one-wheel’ lifestyle! More than liking, it is a passion and dedication for these five riders. It is something they love. Started in 2008, GRz has come a long way from just being a group of biking friends to the number one motorcycle stunt team in India.

Recently in the City, the stunt biking group took part in MTV Xtreme, a rock music and adventure sports festival by LIVE Viacom18 at the Buddh International Circuit. The first-of-its-kind event gave a platform to all ‘extreme’ sports enthusiasts and rock music fans giving each one a truly rousing and high octane experience. 

Mikhil Mohan, team director and co-founder of the group spoke to Metrolife and shared some insights about their ‘wheel’ addiction and the event. “It was a great event for all freestyle artistes who came to show their talent like parkour and biking, along with rock music. We were also excited to meet the world’s number one stunt biker Rafal Pasierbek, who is our idol.”

Talking about how they started bike stunting, Mikhil said, “We never had a plan to do this. Our love and passion for bikes took us to this level. Also, there was a misconception that freestyle stunts are not possible on Indian bikes. It is very much possible and we do it on Indian bikes only. You just need to unite with your bikes and rest will be taken care of.” No doubt, this is easier said than done!

The motley group of 24-29-year-olds, consists of graduates who, when not stunt-biking, are involved in other businesses like an event management company, a production house and a product customising company. When asked whether they are still pursuing their studies, Mikhil said, “We used to study a long time back, but now we don’t as we are fully into this biking thing. We do it professionally now and these companies started by all of us help us to earn that extra money.”

Known to be a very risky sport, these bikers too had their share of ‘issues’ with their respective parents. “Initially all the parents were against it. That time it was a new concept and they didn’t have any idea about it. But, after looking at our consistency and professionalism, they are fine with it now. This sport is gradually gaining popularity in India and we don’t even get half the injuries as football players have to face. And in international countries, this sport is as popular as cricket.”

“Though, initially we had our share of accidents, we only learn through trial and error method. So, injuries are part of it. And we think this sport has a bright future in India, especially among the youth, who are the maximum users of motorcycles,” added Mikhil.

The group has also been featured in few South Indian and Hindi films too, like Mere Dad Ki Maruti, Robot etc and has been getting offers for various shoots. 

Talking about Hindi films which are largely based on stunts, Mikhil, commented, “We often see actors flying all over the places and it really makes us irritated and angry. They do dumb stuff which are more funny to watch than any comedy film. They are baseless stunts and do not happen like that in real life.”