Ritika Sharma, a passionate biker from Kutch, reached Nagpur on Monday as part of her 12,000km solo motorcycle journey across India. She started her ride from Gujarat on March 10, traveling to Kanyakumari, the southernmost point of the country, before making her way to Nagpur, the geographical center of India.
From here, she plans to ride to Kashmir before heading back 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 short stay.
Her visit to the city’s Zero Mile landmark was a special moment, made even better by a helpful traffic cop who assisted her in taking pictures. Nagpur’s warm hospitality, especially from local bikers and residents, made her experience even more memorable.
Ritika, a hotel and tourism management graduate, discovered her passion for biking in 2019 while working with an international hotel brand in Pune. Growing up in Kutch, where women riders are rare, she always saw herself as a tomboy and took on the challenge of motorcycle riding despite some initial doubts.
Her dedication eventually led her to start Musafiro Ki Yaariyan, a biking group that encourages more women to take up riding.
Ritika’s ongoing expedition, Sands, Shores, and Snow, has already covered around 5,000 km, passing through cities like Surat, Hampi, and Bengaluru. Riding her Royal Enfield Meteor 350, she has encountered various challenges, from language barriers to occasional unwanted attention in cities. However, she stays focused on the positive experiences of her journey, embracing the adventure with determination.
Ritika’s visit to Nagpur has inspired local motorcycle enthusiasts and highlighted how passion transcends gender barriers. She shared that the support of the Royal Enfield Tribe, a nationwide community of riders, has been invaluable in helping her navigate new places and ensuring her safety along the way.
As she continues her journey towards Kashmir, Ritika leaves behind a powerful message, especially for women who wish to break societal norms. Her time in Nagpur reflects her resilience and determination to complete this incredible solo expedition across India’s diverse terrain.