I guess everybody has the desire to be oneself in one’s own unique way and to push the boundaries of one’s being. Some people actually take the plunge to see what it is like to break free while some sit and contemplate it. Bhavana Issar is one such woman who decided to pursue her passion by being a part of an all-woman bike trip to the Himalayas. A Consultant in Organization Development & HR by profession, Bhavana took out her Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500cc with six other women riders to ride to the Mana pass, which is the highest motorable pass at 18399 ft above sea level.
This expedition Drivol Sponsored “Being a Woman” ride powered by The BlueChem Group meant riding for 1200 km over 10 days. The seven riders rode all the way from Uttarkashi through the picturesque valleys to Tilwara, to arduous Badrinath and finally in the ultimate test of physical and mental strength to Mana Gaon which is the last village in the Indian Territory. This is the first time ever that a group of women riders have attempted a ride to the Mana pass and have applied for the recognition by the Limca Book of Records.
“There wer
e many difficult moments. We were a very diverse team in terms of our riding experience that shared passion for motorcycles and riding. While a few of us had done many rides including rides in the mountains, for me it was the major ride ever! We did not have adequate time for acclimatization. The first late evening/night ride was the first test of our capabilities as a team. Needless to say, on completion we had an immense sense of achievement and confidence,” Bhavana shares.
Highlight of their expedition was visiting Neelang valley and Jhadung village which has been opened for citizens for the first time since 1962 debacle with China. The stretch of 53kms from Mana village to Mana pass is a steep climb where cameras/phones are allowed so they could not take pictures or videos of the ride or the terrain.
“There were many learnings about ourselves what each one of us is capable of physically, emotionally and mentally. While navigating the treacherous terrain we learnt the power of the mind, flomax conscious and unconscious, and the many ways in which our physical capabilities are limited by our minds. Tough terrains helped us to slow down, try new ways and persist,” she says.
They received a lot of love and support throughout the journey. The locals were extremely warm, affectionate and helpful. There was no feeling of being unsafe. Bhavana likes to particularly highlight the support and help from ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police) and Indian Army in the inner line area. To see the forces in action in such extreme conditions merely reinforced their respect and affection for the brave soldiers.
Why bikes? “We believe that there are many ways expressing ourselves, being a woman and riding motorcycles is one way of expressing our liberated minds,” Bhavana tells us.
To Bhavana, a poet, passionate feminist and one with eclectic hobbies including cooking, calligraphy, pottery and crochet, riding symbolizes freedom, empowerment and self-belief.
“As civilians we were allowed only a small time window to climb in the inner line area. It was very important to start early, plan for exigencies, account for varying capabilities in the team and constantly keep a positive outlook and self-belief. Humor is a great way to keep your sanity and deal with challenges. Being able to laugh at ourselves helped us in many ways!” She says.
On asking about how it is different being a woman, Bhavana shares, “Sometimes it feels harder to be a woman who is ambitious for herself. There were instances when people were curious about our marital status and husbands, feeling we were ‘different’ somehow. A little bit of relating further demonstrated we were not. I believe it is most important to not just be comfortable in one’s skin but to celebrate oneself and other women all the time. My hope and wish for all women is that we are able to express ourselves in the many, varied, diverse and creative ways without the prejudice or fear of norms or stereotypes. I also wish that women are more ambitious for themselves unapologetically.”
As for their next plans, “The Himalayas are magnificent, attractive and compelling. We can’t wait to go back on another adventure and explore new boundaries both out there and within, “Bhavana exclaims!
