Major Chetana Sharma to become first woman officer in Indian Army to lead a 32-member biking expedition team across eight states
Major Chetana Sharma to become first woman officer in Indian Army to lead a 32-member biking expedition team across eight states
If you thought only men could storm rocky mountains on bikes, think again.
Major Chetana Sharma from the Signal Corps of the Indian Army will break the norm and will get the unique distinction of becoming the first woman officer to lead a 32-member team of bikers on a cross-country expedition on July 28. The strenuous journey will cover 4,047 km through deserts and jagged mountains.u00a0
"Major Sharma is among the few women officers who have taken up biking as a serious adventure sport in the Army," said a senior Ministry of Defence official, wishing anonymity.
"The expedition, Silver Stride, will pass through 940 km of desert and 1,310 km of mountains, covering eight states. While biking along the mountains, the expedition will negotiate passes at the height of 13,000 feet and above," added the officer.
The expedition will visit important military bases and meet ex-servicemen. "The team will also interact with the youth to motivate them to join the Army. A female team leader is a unique distinction. Hopefully, it will be an inspiration for every one," said the officer.
The team includes officers from the 21 Signals. Lieutenant General P Mohapatra, signal officer in chief, will flag off the expedition from India Gate.
Riding the windThe team will pass through 940 km of desert before heading towards the mountains.u00a0Some of the famous mountain passes through which the expedition will go include Rohtang, Baralacha La (16,040 feet), Nakee La (15,547 feet) and Tanglang La (17,582 feet) before touching the highest point at 18,632 (feet) in Leh.
