Over 8,000 bikers, 250 bike clubs and 20 influencers, with monster bikes and custom-made beasts to vintage rides and stunt shows. The Big Biking Commune, a motorcycle festival that starts on Friday at Mamallapuram, promises all this and more, including parades, panel discussions and music shows.
South central
“It took us over a year-and-a-half to put the show together,” says R Ramasubramaniyan, Big Biking Architect of the event, adding, “Every bike brand and its corresponding club has the backing of fiercely loyal riders who host private events and rides. We wanted to bring them all under one roof and build a community of sorts, irrespective of brands. And since approximately 50% to 60% of riders are from the South, picking the location was easy.”
Spearheaded by Arun Kumar, MD of Bengaluru-based branding outfit, Axiom, the event will see riders from Chennai, Bengaluru, Kerala, Goa and Pune, among others.
Safety first
Apart from dedicated time for biker participants, there will be off-roading shows, community interactions, vintage bike displays, and competitions to keep them occupied. “The theme is safety, and hence, one of our highlights is the relay race, First Gear. The backpack challenge requires participants to fill up their backpacks with biker essentials such as safety gear, tools, a power bank, etc, in the shortest time possible,” says Kumar.
There is also a lot to look forward to when the gates open for the public at 5 pm. Music bands The Unknowns and Thaikkudam Bridge will perform on Friday, while Swahaa and Pineapple Express take the stage on Saturday.
Also teaming up with the community are a range of social media influencers from across the country: Aravind KP, who was second to finish the recently-concluded Dakar Rally at Peru, national road racing champion Rajni Krishnan and Deepak Kamath, who did a round-the-world trip on a Yezdi Roadking among others. Women riders Minakshi P Mohanty from The Bikerni, Uttara Sharma and Veena Shetty of the Roaring Riderz Club will also be present.
The Big Biking Commune will take place from February 22 to 24 at Chariot Beach Resort Mamallapuram. At ₹1,500 (all three days) for bikers and clubs. Open to visitors post 5 pm at ₹750 (per day). Tickets available on in.bookmyshow.com. 7337657740