Bikers on a mission

Every Kargil Vijay Diwas reminds us of the sacrifices of our brave soldiers in a war against Pakistan. Ahead of this year’s event, 14  Bulleteers of Hyderabad Wanderers Club plan to go on a flag ride, carrying the tricolour all the way to Kargil. Through this thanksgiving gesture to the Armed Forces, the bikers, who are hoping to spread the message of patriotism, will pay tributes to the martyrs by attending the historic annual event on July 25 and 26 in Kargil.

Talking about the expedition, Pavan Goda, wh.o is leading the team, says, “We will ride to express our thanksgiving to all units of the Armed Forces. We are and shall always be grateful for their incomparable vision and approach towards guarding our nation at all times. We want to give mementoes to members and distribute ‘thank you’ cards at Kargil.”

Pavan feels a long-distance ride is a great way to spread awareness. “We ride with discipline, so everyone who is watching us will want to know more about the ride. We also distribute stickers on the way, thereby getting the children and the youth to talk about us even after we’ve left,” he says.

All their trips are self-funded. “Since we are employed with various companies, we try to pull in a small chunk from our savings,” he says.

Apparently, the club had to wait for six months to get a 30-minute appointment to meet the Major.

Since Wanderers has over 500 frequent and enthusiastic riders, they had to pick 14 riders on the basis of their patriotic spirit and ability to sing the National Anthem loudly, with fervour. After personal interviews, the club eventually zeroed in on 14 riders who, interestingly, were also part of the club’s earlier Flag Rides.

Praveen Gandamalla, who is also leading the expedition, states that unlike their earlier expeditions, this is a target-oriented one. “We need to be at Kargil by July 25, for which we have been preparing for three months. To get used to the high altitudes, we have been practising breathing exercises and are working out to stay fit,” he says.

The team is hopeful of covering approximately 400 km every day to reach Kargil; a 150 km trial drive would be conducted to check their compatibility.

The Indian flag is tied on every bike. Our gear includes riding jacket and three layers of rainwear, saddlebags, toolkits, woolen outfits, yoga mats (to take a quick nap whenever we are tired), flag ride t-shirts, knee and elbow guards, riding boots, etc
— Praveen Gandamalla