Goa's throttle queens are rewriting the rules on the road

Bike engines are revving across the world as bikers celebrate World Motorcycle Day today, June 21.

Once male-dominated, there is now a visible presence of women on big bikes roaring through the streets, and Goan women are not far behind, but are riding forward, leaving their mark on the biking community of Goa.

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DEDICATION, HARD WORK AND SUPPORT IS ALL YOU NEED: BANI DABOLKAR

Meet Motocross rider, Bani Dabholkar, who with determination and hard work, has showcased not just her ability to ride a bike, but to ace what she does.

“The excitement of riding off-road, navigating challenging terrain and conquering obstacles is what drew me to this sport. Later, I discovered that motocross is all about developing skills, building physical and mental strength and overcoming fears,” said Bani, who hails from Chapora.

She recently secured 5th place at the MRF National Dirt Championships in Kolhapur.

DETERMINATION AND HARDWORK: Motocross rider, Bani Dabholkar, lives for her passion of off-roading

With a sport like this comes in a lot of misconceptions, and even more if you are a woman.

“People believe that women in motocross are not capable of handling the physical demands, nor possess the skills, required in the sport. However, I've found that with dedication, hard work and the right support, women can excel in motocross just as well as men. It is commonly believed that women are not interested in motocross as it's a male-dominated sport.”

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PEOPLE DON’T EXPECT A WOMAN BIKER TO BE A MOTHER OF TWO: AARATI GEDAM

She didn’t set out to break stereotypes — she just followed what made her feel alive. And, riding heavy motorcycles, like the Vulcan 650, is something Aarati Gedam, genuinely fell in love with.

Over time, she realised that this passion surprised many, especially because it’s not something people expect from a woman, let alone a mother of two.

“Motorcycling for me was a mix of curiosity, a love for the open road, and a need to break free from the usual routine. I still remember my first ride on a friend’s bike — it was a short, wobbly ride, but the rush I felt stayed with me for days. That sense of freedom, of being completely in the moment, was addictive,” says Aarati, a mother, biker and entrepreneur who owns The Pet Nest.

THRILL OF THE RIDE: Mother, entrepreneur and biker, Aarati Gedam rides with pride.

How does she accomplish all of it? “It’s a lot to manage, but I’ve learnt that with the right mindset, support from my family and a solid to-do list, it’s possible."

She adds, "The ride feels even more meaningful when I know everything back home is taken care of. It’s not just about escaping — it’s about returning recharged and proud,” says Aarati, who recently travelled from New Delhi to Ladakh, Spiti Valley and back, clocking around 3,400 km on a Himalayan trail.

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STOP PEOPLE PLEASING AND ENJOY THE RIDE: ATIKA SURIYA

It all began as a thrill of riding a bike, and eventually led her to join group rides, connecting with local biking communities, and learning more from experienced riders.

These interactions opened doors to discussions about racing events, bike setups and track days, things she had no idea about. That step was a gamechanger because it gave her insight into what the racing world actually looks like and how to enter it.

Meet Atika Suriya from Mapusa, who saw her sister riding and just felt this spark, where she wanted to do the same. “I couldn’t explain it at the time, but there was something about the sound, the movement, the sense of freedom. It felt powerful and raw,” says Atika, who now prefers dirt and motocross over track racing.

RIDE FREE: Atika Suriya loves the sound, movement and rawness of riding a bike.

“When I’m riding, especially at high speeds, my mind goes quiet. It’s peaceful. Whether it’s flying over a jump or taking a sharp corner, I’m not overthinking, I’m just flowing. My body reacts on instinct, reading the dirt, adjusting throttle, shifting weight, staying balanced. At that speed, there’s no room for doubt, only focus,” says Atika, who rides a KTM Adventure 390.

Though there was a phase when she was constantly being questioned. “Are you sure you can handle this?” or “You don’t look like someone who rides”. But over time, she stopped trying to win everyone over and focused on improving and loving the ride instead.

Aarati Gedam, bikerMotorcycling for me was a mix of curiosity, a love for the open road, and a need to break free from the usual routine.

WHEN I’M RIDING, I FEEL FREE, FOCUSED AND TRULY EMPOWERED: FLEXCIA D'SOUZA

In 2023, she bought her first motorcycle and a week later, she was on a 6-day road trip across Karnataka. The next month, she planned a solo trip to Pune, which gave her a real confidence boost.

Meet travel content creator Flexcia D’Souza, who recently completed a 9-day ride, of around 3,200 km, across Maharashtra and Gujarat, all the way to the Rann of Kutch.

“A friend joined me for about 1,200 km, but I rode the rest solo. My route was mostly planned with help from friends who supported me virtually, helping me figure out directions and just keeping me going.”

THE WAY FORWARD: Flexcia D'Souza completed a 9-day ride, of around 3,200 km, across Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Does it ever worry her, riding solo on such long trips? “I’m not very technically skilled, so things like crashing or bike issues do sit at the back of my mind. That said, when I’m out there riding, I feel free, focused and truly empowered. Now that I’ve started sharing my own journey, I’ve had so many women message me saying they feel inspired,” says Flexcia, who rides a Royal Enfield Hunter 350.

She hopes more women get into riding — confidently, safely and fully geared up. “There’s something really powerful about taking the road on your own terms,” she concludes.