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We live in a time where be it running a business to running a household, women have conquered it all. India is transitioning from a patriarchal society to a nation where there is equal standing for all. However, there are certain activities that are associated with gender more than mere interest and passion. We tend to have singular thoughts as to what is right and wrong for somebody based on their gender.
Nonetheless, to object to this mundane point of view, a group of 15 women bikers signed up for a week-long escapade amidst the enchanting beauty of Madhya Pradesh. The incredible initiative by the MP tourism board in partnership with Department of Women and Child development and HDFC bank started on 19 Nov 2020 where every twist and turn questioned the “stereotypical” way of living. That is why, the event grabbed eyeballs throughout the state and the country. The unique get together involved participation of locals and the bikers with utmost importance to safety and hygiene, marking the name in the history of MP tourism. There is nothing stronger than the intent to be a face of change of industry.
Bikers And Gender Stereotype
When women love bikes why force them to cycle through the same stereotypical routes? Tigress on the trail challenges these beliefs of how it is expected of women to carry themselves in a certain manner, talk a certain way, and do a set of “acceptable” things. However, it is time to break free.
The fleet of fifteen, travelled in every neck of the wood, driving through challenging terrains, through the road not taken before, through highs and lows of energy but at the end, the adventure supersedes everything.
National parks do not seek who you are (men or women), but how you want to experience the wilderness and its prodigious vision. Taking control of your life and going on a wild expedition like Tigress on the trail says enough about how courageous you are. The idea of enjoying tours is to have the will to participate and show up irrespective of your gender. That is exactly what the women bikers proved as they geared up their motors across the state with their sassy antics.
“Having to wander around in the streets on Madhya Pradesh with the one thing you are most passionate about, that is, biking feels amazing. This concept is never heard of and to be the face of an empowering opportunity and share the platform with such strong women is so powerful. We are here to break the stereotypes of what a woman is expected to do and share the same with people we meet throughout the journey”, says Silvana, a biker from Italy.
Live And Let Travel
Living your life on the road can be exciting. The thought of not knowing where the road will take you is scary but something a traveler looks forward to. The women on ‘Tigress on the trail’ have survived through the highs and lows (literally) on the journey and shared their stories to take inspiration from. They would tell us what paths they have stumbled upon in India and what struggles they face.
Life is a dish and the world has your ingredients. Each combination will serve you a unique tasting platter. It is about hit and trial, trusting your choices and taking chances. One day, you will find yourself in a jeep on a wildlife Safari experiencing the engrossing tourism in Madhya Pradesh.
Struggles Of Being A Women Biker
People never warn you when you take up a new job but try asking their opinion about biking as a woman. You will be overwhelmed with the opinions. People will warn you how unsafe it is to drive a bike; a non-gear vehicle is a much better option for women. You will receive the most bizarre comments such that a woman of your stature cannot drive a bike. Well, you know what to do, hop on the wheels and give a much-needed demonstration of your skills.
If you try to be a flag bearer of societal change, your opinions may not always be welcomed. However, good things take time and you shall shine through all the criticism. The choice of being a trendsetter or trend follower is your call!
Tigress On The Trail As A Platform
To further the tourism of Madhya Pradesh, Tigress on a trail is an exceptional effort. Altogether, it is providing a unique platform to women to get involved in the places, the culture, the history, and the stories and at the same time expand their horizons as a traveler.
Having to meet other women with distinct ideas of travel ascertains the direction where you are headed is going to be encouraging. That is how you build a community. Make memories, share stories and motivate each other to seize the day. Such initiatives are supposed to be the next shift in tourism. Travelling responsibly with a purpose to exchange values, mutual interests and explore the unexplored.
According to one of the bikers, “Tigress on the trail” is an excellent opportunity to be a part of. To travel to not one but six of the most renowned national parks of the country is astounding. In addition, it is more than just exploring these places. We get to interact with local women so that we can motivate them to come out of their shell and travel places. Women are so much more than just homemakers. If there is anybody who can bring about this change in our society, it is she. The woman who runs your home and feeds the family.”
What Does The Future Hold?
No matter how many people give strange looks to you, there is no looking back now. In the years to come, one can expect initiatives like ‘Tigress on the trail’ to grow rapidly. Women-only biker tours can be used as a medium to uplift fellow travelers. People believe in genuine stories over ads. With a mission to inspire other travelers, one must keep moving forward and get ready to unravel travel.
