REOs of Mumbai Republic Day 2015 Ride

Royal Enfield Owners rode to Salute the Indian soldiers and promote Road Safety 

This Republic Day, 26^th January 2015, the Royal Enfield Owners rode to ‘Salute the Indian soldiers’ and promote the Road Safety initiative taken by the Navi Mumbai police. The REOs, as they are lovingly called were on their 11^th Republic Day ride, this year. They have always carried social messages that have had great impact on causes they supported. The women bikers got to lead the convoy of the REOs, certainly a mark of respect for the fellow women riders by the brotherhood. The ride was possible in the first place with the support and encouragement of the DCP traffic of the city and his team.

The ride kickstarted from the regular venue, the Centre One mall, Vashi and will be going up to the Ramsheth Thakur International Sports Complex at Panvel, Navi Mumbai. The event is a regular feature of the Republic Day celebrations in Navi Mumbai. More than 1400 Royal Enfield Owners were expected to participate in this prestigious event..... and yes we had a lot of them ... All for the pride of the brotherhood!

The Bull, Royal Enfield Bullet, is not just to pump the adrenalin rush but it makes the rider responsible, disciplined, follow brotherhood and take up social causes in a big, organized way! Nigel Rich, a member of the REO is the person who spearheads the rides. They have organized many rides in the past. Their Independence Day Ride, Republic Day Ride and the One Ride in the first week of April are yearly events that carry social messages. The rides are received very well by the people, their last year Republic day Ride had the message, Ride for Safety. They are cheered on with enthusiasm and have their own fan following now.

We see youngsters misusing the powerful bikes leading to accidents due to rash driving. The highways and other roads that are great to drive on witness these accidents almost everyday. The Bikers, through these rides carry the message that safety and responsible driving provide the thrill and excitement of biking making the experience enjoyable and fulfilling. Speed needs to be supported with a sense of safety and responsibility. It’s a habit that can be inculcated at an early age and make road safety a way of life!

They have very strict rules for the riders to follow, that in turn brings in the behaviour of responsible riding and road safety. The bikers .... oh did I say bikers? its looked at as being the indisciplined, speeding hooligans with tattoos and gum in their mouth. What a wrong perception!! Sincerely pity that one...When it comes to the brotherhood, they take pride in their machines, have so much respect for their rides and the message that they carry in each one of them. They are all my Heroes, who do so much for the society but all in the name of enjoying their unity and their rides.

Swatchh Bharat Mission I guess should be strongly taken up by the REOs. It'll have the entire youth of the country united in the cause with even more enthusiasm and ofcourse Fun! These are a few things no one teaches youngsters. They love the bikers, to them they are the most macho and fun people. My sons are an example, they simple adore superbikes and have watched Dhoom so many times that I don't even have a count of, I am sure they don't either!

Its always such privilege and a moment of pride either to be a part of the rides or just be the spectator. Bravo REO!!.... salute to your Tribe!

Jai Hind

Check out the video of the ride, courtesy RE Aniket Chavan

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10203262350652194&pnref=story

All pictures with due courtesy to the photographers