Cause, passion & a bike

Manpriya Singh 

What are the odds against a motorbike journey that traverses 22 countries in 40 days? Many, one would think.  But once the imagination starts rolling, does the incredibility of the challenges start seeping in? Terrain, visas, duties on the motorbikes and more!  

“On an average, we did 400 kilometres a day, on some days it would be 600 kilometres too and given the hostile terrain at some places, those days we’d clock in only 100 to 150 kilometres,” says Azadwinder Singh, a member of the Sikh Motorcycle Club, Canada, has just gotten started with the how and what of their world trip, Canada to Punjab by road! A journey undertaken by the members of the club to commemorate 550th birth anniversary of Baba Nanak and to spread his message of unity and humanity, and also raise funds for Khalsa Aid.  

“We started with the journey on April 3 from Vancouver from where we flew to London with our motorcycles aboard the same flight,” adds Jatinder Singh Chauhan, another of the total six bikers and how from hereon they hit the road with the aim of reaching Punjab in less than 40 days, checking off first the countries and cities across Europe. “Thereafter we entered Turkey, from whereon we travelled via Iran to enter Pakistan and finally, we reached the Wagah border on May 11.” And it all kicked off by first crossing Canada and USA by road! 

Talking about Pakistan

Well, what you set out to achieve is what you get. All set out to spread the message of humanity, humanity is what they found.  Quite aware of the ongoing tension with Pakistan, nevertheless, this was a journey they undertook with a clear motive - to overlook differences, conflicts and anything that divides the human race. “Wherever we went, we received immense love and appreciation. Pakistan was no different. People went out of their way to welcome us. So much so that it actually became difficult to give money wherever we spent,” adds Jatinder Singh.  

As for the other countries, several Sikhs world over still battle the confused identity with Arabs. “In some parts of Turkey, Romania and Serbia, they didn’t know anything about a Sikh. In fact, they had never seen one before!”  But that didn’t mean they faced racism of any kind. “Oh people were unbelievably warm and welcoming. They wanted selfies, asked questions and some even felt our beards.” 

Calling all the riders 

A club that started with a humble four to five members in 2003, now proudly boasts of 100 to 125 members. “Even though the name is Sikh Riders Club, one of the tenets of Sikhism is equality and humanity, so in sync with that philosophy we are a secular club. Anyone from any religion, community or race is welcome to join, provided they follow the rules and guidelines applicable to all members.”

Time out

Love for riding is one thing, all-consuming passion quite another. Which is why they thought of giving direction to their love of riding and made sacrifices along the way. “All of us have taken two months from our construction, transport and several other businesses in Canada. One of us is an engineer and he even quit his job, but once the organisation became aware of the cause, they accepted his leave as well.” Giving into the will, the way obediently followed. 

Choose the right gear

Apart from the divine intervention that they credit for the success of the trip, it’s the planning that paid off.  “Choosing the right motorcycle is one of the key factors.  One has to understand that for a journey like this there will be wide range of weather conditions, terrains and road conditions so the bikes have to withstand all that. Their parts have to be widely available and then things like proper gear, knee caps and safety jackets,” says Jasmeet Pal Singh, another rider on board. 

manpriya@tribunemail.com