The tricity of Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula on Sunday witnessed an exciting spectacle as a cavalcade of 317 heavy bikes whizzed through 41-kilometre long stretch to raise the pitch for the upcoming Military literature Festival in Chandigarh.
The motorbikes, carrying 400 professional riders, including 10 women, were ‘Riding for the Military’ as a part of the Bravehearts Ride — one of the spectacular events organised as a prelude to the main Festival, scheduled for December 7-9 at lake Club, Chandigarh.
With their bikes dotted with flags and logos, the bikers gathered at the War Memorial in the morning to take part in a wreath laying ceremony which was performed with traditional solemnity.
Senior Advisor to Punjab Chief Minister lieutenant General TS Shergill (Retd) flagged off the Bravehearts Ride after laying the wreath in remembrance and honour of all those who had made the supreme sacrifice for the country in their line of duty.
lt Gen Shergill, interacting with the media on the occasion, said that a number of events were being organised, both for children and adults, as a part of India’s first Military literature Festival.
Bravehearts Ride has been organized to express solidarity with the Military, he said, adding that the response from the bikers had surpassed the expectations of the organisers, who were expecting about 200 bikes to participate in the event.
The participating bikers’ groups included Armed Forces Harley Owner Group (AFHOG), Road Rockers, Free Riders, Harley Owners Group (HOG), Royal Enfield Prium Cafe, Harley Davidson Chandigarh, Saddle Back Warriors, Team Mojo Mahindra, Prium Cafe (Royal Enfield) and Indian Chief, Kawasaki and Mohindra group.
The bike riders, led by a pilot gypsy and followed by an ambulance, rode through Chandigarh, Mohali, Zirakpur and Panchkula before reaching Chandimandir Cantonment, at a controlled speed of 40km per hour. The finale saw the passionate bikers receive a grand welcome at Chandimandir Cantonment.
A high tea was organized at the starting and finishing points for the bike riders to provide them an opportunity to interact and spend some quality moments with their co-riders.
Care was taken by the organizers to ensure the safety and security of the bikers, with arrangements also made to ensure that the commuters did not face any difficulty due to the rally.
In a major initiative, the Punjab Government and Chandigarh Administration have joined hands to organize the first ever military literature festival and spread awareness about the subject among the people.
During the event, top thinkers, authors, historians, curators and defence experts are participating in the programmes in run up to the main event. Before the bike rally, an exhibition and parleys were also organised.