World Women Riders: Shilpa Balakrishnan exploring India on two wheels

Mumbai based biker Shilpa Balakrishnan, one of the country’s most popular woman bikers shares her love for motorcycles, travel and the challenges she accepts that comes on the way. Working in an IT sector, Shilpa is into motorcycling since last 12 years.

Q) Shilpa, tell us the reason you started riding?

A) I like to travel, explore new places, know the people, their tradition, culture, take up new challenges and much more.

Q) Describe on how you got to where you are with motorcycling today.

A) I started motorcycling just for fun sake, then for daily commute. The travel bug was always there in me and once I gained experience in riding the motorcycle, it only added wings to my travel bug and thus began my journey on 2 wheels.

Q) Why preferred motorcycle over scooter?

A) I directly learnt riding on a Hero Honda Splendor and never a scooter or scooty to be frank. Later owned a Honda Unicorn – my first motorcycle and then bought myself a CBR250R to be precise. It was my desire to learn to ride motorcycles, so no real preference of one over the other.

Q) Tell us about your motorcycle.

A) It has been one of my wisest choice till now. It has been a loyal machine with least number of breakdowns, very practical, easy and less expensive to maintain, smooth running, quiet and splendid.

Q) Do you maintain and repair motorcycles on your own?

A) No, but I can do it if and when required.

Q) Joined any riding clubs/ motorcycle clubs?

A) Yes, quite a few. Specifically, Mumbai Asphalt Devils (M.A.D.), Bikers Brotherhood Club (BBC), Bikerni, Motophsyche (group in Hyderabad). I actively ride with these groups.

Q) How far have you ridden your motorcycle?

A) To the highest Motorable Pass – Khardungla.

Q) Do you have a motorcycling achievement that you take pride in?

A) I have completed the Iron Butt Association’s Challenge – Saddlesore 1600 kms in 24 hrs successfully (Certified). Currently I am on an All India Tour – Solo ride across 29 States in India and All Union Territories except Islands.

Q) How are women motorcycle riders treated by most people and by male motorcyclists?

A) Mostly we are treated with great respect and appreciated a lot for riding a motorcycle. There are some ego issues that crop up when technical discussions come up, but otherwise, we are received well by both genders – Male & Female.