Kutch to Kanyakumari to Nagpur, woman biker’s epic ride continues

Nagpur: Ritika Sharma, a determined biker from Kutch, arrived in Nagpur on Monday as part of her ambitious 12,000km solo motorcycle expedition across India. Her journey, which commenced from her native town in Gujarat on March 10, took her all the way to the country's southernmost tip, Kanyakumari, before biking up to the geographical centre of India, Nagpur. Now, she will head to Kashmir before returning home."I was taken aback by the vibrant biking culture in Nagpur. The variety of motorcycles and enthusiasm among riders here is remarkable," said Ritika during her brief stay. Her visit to Nagpur's Zero Mile landmark was particularly memorable, highlighted by a traffic cop who went beyond his duty to help her capture photographs, exemplifying the city's warmth. Local biking enthusiasts and residents extended their hospitality, making her stay comfortable and memorable.A graduate in hotel and tourism management, Ritika's passion for biking was ignited in 2019 while working with an international hotel brand in Pune. Growing up as a self-described tomboy in Kutch, where women riders are uncommon, she embraced the challenge of motorcycle riding despite initial hesitation. Her determination led to the creation of 'Musafiro Ki Yaariyan', a biking group that promotes women's participation.Her current expedition, titled "Sands, Shores, and Snow," has covered approximately 5,000km, taking her through various cities, including Surat, Hampi and Bengaluru. Riding her Royal Enfield Meteor 350, Ritika faced numerous challenges, including language barriers and occasional unwanted attention in cities, but remained focused on positive aspects of her journey.Ritika's presence in Nagpur has not only inspired local motorcycle enthusiasts, but reinforced the message that passion blurs gender barriers. She added that support from the Royal Enfield Tribe, a community of owners across India, has been crucial in navigating unfamiliar territories and ensuring her safety throughout the journey.As she continues northward towards Kashmir, Ritika leaves behind a trail of inspiration, particularly for women who aspire to challenge societal norms. Her journey through Nagpur stands testimony to her resilience and determination to complete this remarkable solo expedition across India's diverse landscape.