Guest Author
By Ritika Sharma
I come from Kutch, in the upper corner of the western state of Gujarat, a place where the earth meets the sky in an endless stretch of silence. A land known for its white desert, unpredictable winds, and raw, rustic charm. But what it isn’t known for, especially for women, is biking. Growing up, I rarely saw women riding motorcycles, let alone embarking on long highway journeys. Riding was considered unusual, bold, and sometimes even unnecessary for a woman. But somewhere deep inside, without any role models or riding culture around me, a small spark was waiting. I didn’t know when that spark would become a fire, but eventually, the road found me, and I found myself.
My journey into biking wasn’t planned; it unfolded naturally. It began with a simple urge to learn something new, to challenge a norm that had existed long before me, and to move beyond the invisible boundaries around us. I started small, practicing within the familiar lanes of my city. I remember the early mornings when I would quietly take the bike out, determined to learn balance, throttle control, and road sense. Those first few weeks were a mix of fear, excitement, and self-doubt. But every time I sat on the seat and placed my feet on the ground, something in me shifted. The more I rode, the more I realized that this wasn’t just about learning a skill, this was about discovering who I really was.
As my confidence grew, so did my dreams. The Meteor 350 — my first real companion on the road — became a part of my identity. It carried me through my earliest experiences of freedom, long rides, and the feeling of the wind hitting my face for hours at a time. My connection with that motorcycle was emotional. It wasn’t just a machine; it was a mirror reflecting my growth. That bike taught me patience, consistency, and the joy of taking the slow route. More importantly, it taught me that the journey matters more than the speed.
Eventually, as my goals evolved, I started craving more power, more stability, and more capability for diverse terrains. That’s when I explored the Super Meteor 650 and the Himalayan 450, both of which shaped me in entirely new ways. Switching to these motorcycles wasn’t only about upgrading the machine; it was about upgrading myself. Each bike demanded more focus, strength, and skill, which gave me more confidence and control in return. With every ride, I felt a stronger connection to the road and a clearer understanding of what kind of rider I was becoming.
What began in the quiet lanes of Kutch soon expanded into a full exploration of India. If there is one thing I learned while riding across the country, it is this: India can never be seen in one lifetime, but it is a place where every journey brings you closer to its soul. Once I tasted the freedom of riding across states, I knew I didn’t want to stop. The diversity of India unmatched — its landscapes, its culture, its people, its traditions. Riding through these regions wasn’t just travel; it was transformation.
One of my earliest exposures to India’s vast beauty happened along the coastline. Coastal India is where my riding felt the most liberating. With the ocean on one side and long open highways on the other, the experience felt like nature was riding with me. Goa’s friendly energy, Karnataka’s long coastal stretches, and beautiful Konkan highways gave me a sense of calm I had never known. The salty air, the rhythmic sound of waves, and the serene sunsets taught me to slow down and enjoy the moment. Riding next to the sea feels like therapy — the coastline showed me that even the most powerful waves meet the shore with grace, reminding me to stay grounded even in motion.
From the coasts, I eventually found myself drawn to the mountains. The Himalayas hold a kind of magic that is impossible to describe unless you’ve stood there in person. Riding through Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, and parts of the North-East revealed a different side of India — mystical, spiritual, and full of stories. The mountains demand respect. Every sharp bend and steep incline teaches you how to be present. Riding there isn’t easy; it tests your stamina, skill, and sometimes even your courage. But once you adapt to the altitude, the narrow roads, and the unpredictable weather, the reward is indescribable.
Kashmir in particular shifted something inside me. The valleys, the people, the endless stretches of snow-capped mountains, it all felt surreal. There is a softness in the air of Kashmir that makes you reflect on life more deeply. Every rider knows that mountain roads teach you more than any classroom ever can. They whisper the truth about patience, humility, and trust in the journey. I carried those lessons with me long after descending from the high-altitude roads.
Off-roading became another passion as I pushed myself further. Tracks in Spiti, forest trails, muddy stretches, and gravel chai points, all these varied terrains transformed me. Off-roading demands both mental and physical strength. It forces you to stay alert, trust your instinct, and commit fully. Every slip, every climb, and every sudden change in terrain taught me to face fear head-on. It made me braver and more aware of my capabilities. Off-roading also connected me with riders from different parts of the country, forming bonds built on shared challenges and shared adrenaline.
One of the most beautiful parts of riding through India is experiencing its cultural diversity firsthand. From sitting with fishermen on the coast, to sharing meals with villagers in the mountains, to talking with tribal communities in the North-East, every moment felt deeply personal. People are often curious when they see a solo female rider. But what surprised me the most was the kindness I received everywhere I went. People helped me without expectations, made sure I was safe, guided me through unknown routes, and treated me like family. India’s hospitality is one of its greatest strengths, and I’m grateful to have experienced it so closely.
My journey wasn’t always smooth. I faced tough situations, challenging roads, bad weather, and moments of complete exhaustion. But every struggle added another layer to my story. Riding taught me how to stay calm under pressure, how to adapt quickly, and how to believe in myself when the road felt endless. I learned to take responsibility for everything — from fixing minor issues to making difficult decisions on the go.
More than anything, riding helped me understand myself better. It taught me resilience, confidence, independence, and emotional strength. I learned how to enjoy my own company without feeling alone. I learned how to push through fear without running away from it. And I learned that the world becomes a lot more beautiful when you’re not afraid to explore it.
Coming from Kutch, where riding was not common for women, this journey became more than a hobby — it became a statement. A reminder that your starting point does not define your destination. Many girls from small towns hesitate to chase their dreams because they don’t see examples around them. I hope my story becomes proof that passion carries you further than fear ever will.
My India ride became a turning point in my life. I saw the country in ways I never imagined, met people I will never forget, and discovered parts of myself I didn’t know existed. From deserts to beaches, mountains to forests, small villages to busy cities, every ride felt like a new chapter.
Even today, the thrill of exploration continues to grow. The more I ride, the more I realize how much there is left to see. India is endless, and so is the hunger to explore it.
valleys, the people, the endless stretches of snow-capped mountains, it all felt surreal. There is a softness in the air of Kashmir that makes you reflect on life more deeply. Every rider knows that mountain roads teach you more than any classroom ever can. They whisper the truth about patience, humility, and trust in the journey. I carried those lessons with me long after descending from the high-altitude roads.
Off-roading became another passion as I pushed myself further. Tracks in Spiti, forest trails, muddy stretches, and gravel chai points, all these varied terrains transformed me. Off-roading demands both mental and physical strength. It forces you to stay alert, trust your instinct, and commit fully. Every slip, every climb, and every sudden change in terrain taught me to face fear head-on. It made me braver and more aware of my capabilities. Off-roading also connected me with riders from different parts of the country, forming bonds built on shared challenges and shared adrenaline.
One of the most beautiful parts of riding through India is experiencing its cultural diversity firsthand. From sitting with fishermen on the coast, to sharing meals with villagers in the mountains, to talking with tribal communities in the North-East, every moment felt deeply personal. People are often curious when they see a solo female rider. But what surprised me the most was the kindness I received everywhere I went. People helped me without expectations, made sure I was safe, guided me through unknown routes, and treated me like family. India’s hospitality is one of its greatest strengths, and I’m grateful to have experienced it so closely.
My journey wasn’t always smooth. I faced tough situations, challenging roads, bad weather, and moments of complete exhaustion. But every struggle added another layer to my story. Riding taught me how to stay calm under pressure, how to adapt quickly, and how to believe in myself when the road felt endless. I learned to take responsibility for everything — from fixing minor issues to making difficult decisions on the go.
More than anything, riding helped me understand myself better. It taught me resilience, confidence, independence, and emotional strength. I learned how to enjoy my own company without feeling alone. I learned how to push through fear without running away from it. And I learned that the world becomes a lot more beautiful when you’re not afraid to explore it.
Coming from Kutch, where riding was not common for women, this journey became more than a hobby — it became a statement. A reminder that your starting point does not define your destination. Many girls from small towns hesitate to chase their dreams because they don’t see examples around them. I hope my story becomes proof that passion carries you further than fear ever will.
My India ride became a turning point in my life. I saw the country in ways I never imagined, met people I will never forget, and discovered parts of myself I didn’t know existed. From deserts to beaches, mountains to forests, small villages to busy cities, every ride felt like a new chapter.
Even today, the thrill of exploration continues to grow. The more I ride, the more I realize how much there is left to see. India is endless, and so is the hunger to explore it.
From the silence of the Kutch desert to the roar of Himalayan winds, from coastal curves to high-altitude passes, my motorcycle and I have created memories that no map can fully capture. And yet, I know this is only a small part of what awaits.
There are still countless roads I haven’t explored, stories I haven’t heard, and terrains I haven’t conquered. With every journey, my curiosity only grows deeper.
I don’t ride for destinations.
I ride for discoveries — both on the map and within myself.
And as long as the roads keep calling, I will keep exploring, one horizon at a time.
Ritika Sharma is a rider, traveler, and storyteller. Living solo in the mountains, building dreams on two wheels. Contact: ritz19sharma@gmail.com.
