<div>Since the time Shruti Naidu, 28, an IT professional, was a little girl, she was fascinated by bikes and in her adulthood, biking became her biggest passion. <br /><br />Now, Shruti, along with two other women from the city and 10 from the country, has been selected for a road trip to the highest motorable road in the world, Khardung La Pass in Ladakh. <br /><br />“My father is an automotive researcher. I have always been on a bike or around them from the time I remember. My father would regularly take me on trips on his bike. I got my licence when I was just 18 years. I am extremely excited to be part of this trip,” said Shruti, who has already ridden in six neighbouring countries. Surbhi Tiwari, 28, a digital analytics consultant and Antara Pal, 26, a transport supervisor, are two other riders selected from the city. <br /><br />The unique thing about this road trip will be the fact that the women will be riding scooters instead of motorcycles. The Himalayan High, (second season) as the expedition is called, has been organised by the TVS Motor Company. The trip will begin on August 11 from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. Season 1 of the same expedition saw Anam Hashim, one of the few female Indian professional bike stunt performers and riders, to enter the India Book of Records by riding to Khardung La on a 110 cc scooter. <br /><br />Another participant who will take part in the trip, Tripti Sarmalkar, 49, is an entrepreneur who hails from Mumbai, and has been riding for eight years. “My passion for biking gradually developed around eight years ago. Last year, I went on a trip to Uttarakhand and then proceeded to Haridwar. It was a ride of around 1,500 to 1,700 km,” she said.<br /><br />The selection process for Season 2 of the Himalayan High kicked off in June 2016 and saw about 50,000 enquires and over 2,000 entries from women riders and enthusiasts across the country. The contestants were evaluated and shortlisted based on psychographics, physical fitness, mental strength and above all, riding prowess.<br /><br />“The expedition sends a strong statement on empowering women by giving them an opportunity to go live their dream. I consider myself very lucky to get this chance to live the memorable ride all over again. This time, I will have 10 riders for company and that should make this a fun ride despite the challenging terrain,” said Anam Hashim, who will lead the team.<br /></div>
<div>Since the time Shruti Naidu, 28, an IT professional, was a little girl, she was fascinated by bikes and in her adulthood, biking became her biggest passion. <br /><br />Now, Shruti, along with two other women from the city and 10 from the country, has been selected for a road trip to the highest motorable road in the world, Khardung La Pass in Ladakh. <br /><br />“My father is an automotive researcher. I have always been on a bike or around them from the time I remember. My father would regularly take me on trips on his bike. I got my licence when I was just 18 years. I am extremely excited to be part of this trip,” said Shruti, who has already ridden in six neighbouring countries. Surbhi Tiwari, 28, a digital analytics consultant and Antara Pal, 26, a transport supervisor, are two other riders selected from the city. <br /><br />The unique thing about this road trip will be the fact that the women will be riding scooters instead of motorcycles. The Himalayan High, (second season) as the expedition is called, has been organised by the TVS Motor Company. The trip will begin on August 11 from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. Season 1 of the same expedition saw Anam Hashim, one of the few female Indian professional bike stunt performers and riders, to enter the India Book of Records by riding to Khardung La on a 110 cc scooter. <br /><br />Another participant who will take part in the trip, Tripti Sarmalkar, 49, is an entrepreneur who hails from Mumbai, and has been riding for eight years. “My passion for biking gradually developed around eight years ago. Last year, I went on a trip to Uttarakhand and then proceeded to Haridwar. It was a ride of around 1,500 to 1,700 km,” she said.<br /><br />The selection process for Season 2 of the Himalayan High kicked off in June 2016 and saw about 50,000 enquires and over 2,000 entries from women riders and enthusiasts across the country. The contestants were evaluated and shortlisted based on psychographics, physical fitness, mental strength and above all, riding prowess.<br /><br />“The expedition sends a strong statement on empowering women by giving them an opportunity to go live their dream. I consider myself very lucky to get this chance to live the memorable ride all over again. This time, I will have 10 riders for company and that should make this a fun ride despite the challenging terrain,” said Anam Hashim, who will lead the team.<br /></div>
