The Tricity witnessed an exciting spectacle on Sunday morning as a cavalcade of 317 heavy bikes whizzed through a 41-km 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 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. Lieutenant General TS Shergill (Retd), Senior Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab, 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.Interacting with the media on the occasion, Lt Gen Shergill said that a number of events were being organised, both for children and adults, as part of India’s first Military Literature Festival. He said that Bravehearts Ride has been organised 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 organised 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.All care was taken by the organisers 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.