14 August,2011 09:06 AM IST | | Yolande D'Mello
The Royal Enfield Independence Day Ride will have riders spread the message of freedom and brotherhood through the streets of Mumbai, and all are free to join
Sixty-four years ago they took to the streets in hundreds on foot, dressed in Khadi, singing to the motherland. Now, in a sure sign of the changing times, a fleet of shiny classic motorbikes will burn rubber in a tribute to those who walked the same streets for India's freedom.
The Royal Enfield Independence Day Ride will start from Bandra, travel
to the Gateway of India andu00a0 then head back to Carter Road. Pic/ Mahesh
Chafe
The Royal Enfield Independence Day Ride first took place in 2003 and has become a tradition with the biker family since then, with the number of riders steadily increasing. Last year, 175 bikers formed a procession, wearing their patriotism in the form of tri-colour bandanas, holding the national flag high and spreading their message of peace through the city's by lanes.
"This year we are expecting 400 riders," says moderator Sushant Joshi with reference to their Facebook page.
The message, this year is anti-corruption, topical for a year plagued with a large number of scams and an equal number of public protests.
"All we want to do is unite people from all over the city and promote the spirit of brotherhood," says Joshi.u00a0 Pillion riders are also free to join. Riders will meet, bright and early at 8 am at the Royal Enfield store in Bandra. They will start their trip with an ode to the nation by singing the national anthem.
The procession will travel through Worli and make its way to the Gateway of India after which it will head back. Registration takes place on the spot. There will also be spot prizes at the end of the trail at Carter road, Bandra.
"People tend to take their freedom for granted and treat Independence Day as a long weekend. We'd like to change that and inspire people to come together to show their pride for the nation," says Steven Miranda, moderator.
