The Spark That Reignited a Passion
Two decades had passed in the blink of an eye, and with them, my days of feeling the wind against my face and hearing the roar of an engine had become distant memories. Life’s intricate dance had led me away from motorcycling, my first love. Yet, deep within, the embers of passion for riding never dimmed. Recently, I embarked on a transformative journey: purchasing my first big bike after a 20-year hiatus. This adventure rekindled my love for riding and sparked much more than I anticipated. It wasn’t just about acquiring a motorcycle; it was about forging a community bonded by the shared thrill of the ride.
The Long Hiatus
My last ride was on The Mighty Bajaj Chetak, a humble steed passed down from my father. Purchased in 1987, it became mine in 2000 with a promise of an upgrade to a Bajaj Pulsar upon my exam results. Despite scoring well, life’s circumstances postponed this dream indefinitely. The Chetak remained my loyal companion through my early twenties, exploring every road it could tread upon.
In 2007, an accident caused by an underage driver changed everything. A collision left me unconscious for two days and hospitalized for more. With a skull fracture and brain injury, doctors forbade me from two-wheeler travel for six months and riding for two years.
The Promise
By 2009, I was eager to fulfill my long-held desire for a bike. Earning well and out of school, I faced my parents’ fears about two-wheel travel head-on. A heated discussion with my father led to a solemn vow: I would buy a big bike someday, even if just to admire it parked at home.
The Fulfillment
Fast forward to 2021: married with a child and homeowner, I had taken care of life’s significant milestones. Cycling became my outlet, culminating in a 387 km ride in one day. It was during this time that I met Sachin Sethi—a cyclist, biker, and member of Delhi’s renowned Superbiking Club G.O.D.S (Group of Delhi Superbikers). A conversation about motorcycles with Sachin reignited the dormant fire within me.
Reflecting on the promise to my father and now financially secure, I decided it was time to honor that commitment.
Choosing the Right Bike
The quest for the perfect motorcycle was both exhilarating and challenging. The market had transformed, offering a plethora of models equipped with cutting-edge technology. My weeks were filled with research, dealership visits, and invaluable discussions with fellow riders. Amidst the sea of choices, I sought a bike that was powerful yet approachable—a middleweight naked that would rekindle my passion without overwhelming me. Sachin Sethi’s guidance was instrumental in this process.
Ultimately, I settled on the Triumph Trident 660. It was an impeccable choice that married power, comfort, and adaptability. The moment I rode it out of the dealership, a wave of excitement washed over me—it felt as though I had never left the saddle.
The First Ride
My inaugural ride was a blend of nostalgia and thrill. The engine’s purr, the wind’s caress, and the unbridled freedom were utterly intoxicating. I traversed familiar paths, reawakening a dormant joy within me. It was an emotional homecoming to a part of myself I thought lost.
A Year and 14,000 Kms Later
The desire to upgrade soon emerged, and this time my heart was set on a specific model—the Speed Triple 1200 RS in Matt Baja Orange. A rare gem in India, it brought a new dimension to my rides and camaraderie within the community.
Additionally, a Ducati Scrambler 1100 joined my collection for its versatility and ability to conquer terrains unsuitable for my beloved ‘Orange Speedy.’
Building a Community
As time passed, I realized that sharing my motorcycling renaissance could amplify its joy. I reached out to fellow riders, forming a close-knit group that soon became an integral part of our weekends—filled with fellowship and new tales.
This inspired me to establish ‘Get.Set.Throttle,’ a dedicated motorcycling community for riders of all experiences—novices, veterans, and those reigniting their passion like myself. We started with a Whatsapp group, which quickly grew into one of Delhi NCR’s largest riding communities through meet-ups and group rides.
This journey has been about rediscovery, connection, and community. It’s about every rider who shares the road with us—each with their own story but united by a common thread: the love for motorcycling.
The Community’s Mission
Our community’s mission is clear and heartfelt: to cultivate a deep appreciation for motorcycling, advocate for safe riding practices, and provide unwavering support throughout our members’ riding adventures. We’re dedicated to mentoring newcomers, hosting safety workshops, and facilitating knowledge-sharing sessions with seasoned riders.
Inclusivity is at the heart of our ethos. We embrace riders from all walks of life—regardless of whether they prefer cruisers, sportbikes, or adventure tourers. This diversity enriches our community, ensuring every ride and gathering is distinct and memorable.
The Joy of Shared Passion
Being part of this motorcycling community has been an immensely rewarding experience. It transcends the rides—it’s about the connections and friendships that have blossomed. We’ve embarked on scenic journeys, engaged in charity rides, and celebrated our shared enthusiasm for motorcycles through various events.
This adventure has taught me that motorcycling’s true delight is found in companionship. The mutual support, exchange of wisdom, and collective experiences have profoundly enriched my life. Motorcycling has evolved from a solitary pursuit into a communal voyage that unites us.
Looking Ahead
As we gaze into the future, our excitement for what lies ahead is boundless. We have grand visions—more explorations, gatherings, and campaigns to champion the joys of safe motorcycling. On a personal note, I eagerly anticipate discovering new paths, delving deeper into my bike’s capabilities, and maturing as a rider.
Embarking on this journey after two decades was a pivotal moment for me, but it’s the ensuing odyssey—fostering a community and reigniting an old flame—that has been truly transformative. To all riders out there, or those merely intrigued by motorcycling, I urge you to seek out or establish a community. The road is infinitely more delightful when shared.
Ride with caution, ride with frequency, and always remember—the most memorable voyages are those experienced in good company.
Comments (01)
Very well said, Sunny. My thoughts on riding resonate with yours. My first bike was a Suzuki Fiero, which I had for a short time. Next, I got a Yamaha YBX from my senior in Paltan. Both were great bikes in their categories. My next bike was an upgrade, the RE Thunderbird 350. That was a significant change for me. I thought that bike would stay with me forever, but circumstances forced me to let it go. Later, during a peace posting, the itch to ride returned, and I got a good deal on a Triumph Bonnie T100. It started with Sunday morning rides, and as my control over the superbike improved, I wanted to explore more.
This is when the actual fun started. I went with a couple of friends to Rajasthan, all the way to Tanot and Longewala. This ride broadened my horizons. The best thing about coming to Delhi was meeting you all and finally joining Get Set Throttle. I’ve built some wonderful memories and even better riding experiences with this group. Before joining GST, I made a major change and shifted from a modern classic to an adventure tourer. The Tiger 800 has been my reliable companion since then. Even though I’m a little far from Delhi now, I still look for opportunities to ride with the community. It’s always been a pleasure.