Lucknow , UTTAR PRADESH  :

Soaring High

If you thought only guys can do wheelies, twirl in the air on their bikes and land on the ground, only to take off for another stunt, think again. For here’s a young woman who’s sure to give all those men, who brag about great stunts, a run for their money.

Probably the youngest professional bike stunt performer and rider in the country, Anam Hashim says she knew her heart lay in riding when she was barely 11.

In 2015, she became the youngest Indian female rider to scale the Khardung La Pass on a 110cc TVS Scooty, a record-breaking feat which has entered the India Book of Records.

In an interview with Nina C George, Anam talks about what got her hooked to riding and how it felt to be atop one of the country’s highest points.

When did you first discover your love for bikes?

As a child, I used to run behind my father whenever he rode the bike and tried to get a hold of the handle bar. In fact, it is my father who gave me my first ride and a feel of what it is like to handle the machine. He would make me sit in front and give me a chance to hold the handle bar and control the bike.

Have you undergone any formal training in performing bike stunts?

I began learning on my own and slowly, I started taking lessons from a few well-known bikers across the country. I would spend a lot of time reading, researching and understanding what bike stunts are about and the safety measures involved. You can’t suddenly wake up one morning and want to do bike stunts. There’s a certain logic and principle behind the whole process.

Is bike stunt riding a popular sport?

No, it wasn’t popular until recently. Bike stunt riders are aplenty in the West but we don’t find many here. In an effort to introduce a championship for stunt riding in India, I had recently organised the ‘India Bike Week’ Stunt Championships and the response was truly encouraging.

What was it like to scale the Khardung La Pass on a scooty?

At first, it seemed like an impossible task but when I began riding, I not only found the whole process quite challenging but also an enjoyable one. There were places where there were no roads or even a path to ride on. I had to negotiate really rough terrains to reach the top but the excitement of getting atop was irresistible.

Being a woman, do you find stunt riding tough?

I believe nothing is impossible. Every rider has to keep himself or herself extremely fit physically, emotionally and mentally. Bike stunts are not for the weak-hearted. I eat every three hours and exercise to build strength.

How do you keep yourself motivated?

I keep myself updated about the latest developments in the world of stunt riding. I watch a lot of videos and interact with riders who have been in the field for a long time. Sometimes, I look at my own videos to keep my spirits high.

Have you ever experienced fear during your rides?

I’ve certainly experienced fear but I try and overcome it and move on. I try to focus on the task at hand and concentrate on achieving it.

We hear you are a good cook…

Yes. I mustn’t brag about myself, but I make the most amazing ‘Nawabi biryani’ and ‘khichdi’.

What’s next?

I will soon be leading a group of 10 women, riding the TVS Scooty Zest 110cc, to Khardung La Pass in August 2016. The riders will be chosen through an all-India competition named ‘Himalayan High Season 2’. The 10 shortlisted riders will undergo training before the final ride.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Supplements> MetroLife / DHNS – June 20th, 2016