JOIN USThey love riding and bikes are their best friends. The members of ‘Goldtown Bikers’ (GTB) get out every Sunday and ride in style on the roads of Bengaluru.
Started in November 2014, GTB initially had ten members — Vijay Darlecha, Shakeel, Nanda Kishore, Suraj Sampath, Suraj Mane, Dilip, Karan, Varun, Bharath, Prakash and Gaganesh. But within four months, the number of members rose to 150. The club does not have fixed rules that need to be followed. All one has to do is own a bike and have a passion for riding to be a part of it.
The founder of the club, Vijay Darlecha, a passionate rider, is the owner of ten bikes including the Hayabusa, Harley-Davidson, Z800 and KTM RC200 among others. With a majority of the members being owners of super bikes, Vijay says, “We were not particular about starting a club for super bikes. We just wanted to form a club for those with good riding skills.”
The club has 150 members today. Around 60 per cent of them own super bikes while 40 per cent own KTM Dukes. Some of the other bikes that are part of the rides are Hayabusa, R1, Harley Davidson, Triumphs and Ducati. The quiet roads on a Sunday are taken over by these beauties who do not fail to grab everyone’s attention.
They ride in style but they also believe that style comes with safety. With biker jackets, gloves, knee guards and helmets, they take over the roads with a roar. “The only stringent rule in the club is to follow safety measures. No one in the group is allowed to ride without the basic safety gear,” says Vijay. “We do not promote ‘hooligan riding’. No wheelies, stunts or zig zag riding. The stunts are meant on the tracks not the roads,” he adds.
A club with a difference, they call themselves “a family”. “We share a sense of brotherhood. We meet regulary and help each other out in times of need,” says Dilip, one of the members.
The club has helped many riders fulfill their dreams. “I joined GTB to meet other like-minded people. The club has helped me make new friends, build contacts and gain knowledge about bikes and safe riding. It has helped me explore new places and get a lot of experience. It is one big family of passionate bikers,” says Suraj Sampath.
The members, Nandakishore, Suraj Mane, Karan, Balaji, among others also share the same opinion. “There is no discrimination among the members,” says Suraj while Karan adds, “Everyone is equally important no matter which bike they own.” Balaji points out, “We are a group of humble riders without any attitude.”
The club is even recognised abroad. With safety as their motto, they will soon start riding for a cause and make an effort to change the society for good with their rides.