‘Women Ride Too’: Meet the 1000+ Bikers From Kerala Taking Indian Roads by Storm
Why does a woman riding a motorcycle still make heads turn? Maybe it’s admiration. Or maybe, it’s a sign that old biases still linger.
While some cheer from the sidelines, many continue to react with surprise — a reaction shaped by deep-rooted stereotypes that assume women can’t handle motorcycles.
Where does this bias come from? Are there statistics proving that women are poor riders? Not really. Is it because men have long been seen as the designated drivers, while women take the passenger seat? Perhaps.
But in Kerala’s Calicut, a passionate riding community is challenging these notions, one throttle at a time. Founded by Fais N in 2016, ‘CRF Women on Wheels’ has become a powerful force in helping women gain the confidence and skills to ride independently.
With over 1,000 women trained across India, CRF, which stands for Calicut Riding Family, isn’t just about motorcycles — it’s about breaking barriers, defying societal expectations, and normalising women on the road.
From pillion to rider
For Sesharani (30), the love for travel was a constant, but the means to explore independently seemed out of reach. She had always travelled with her brother and his friends, but when her brother moved abroad for work, she faced a dilemma: who would take her on trips now?
“He told me, ‘If you want to go somewhere, just gear up, turn on the GPS, and go,’” she recalls. With that push, she decided to take charge of her own journeys. However, her family’s concerns meant she needed guidance and company. “My family was not ready to send me as a solo rider, so I joined CRF in 2020, whom I had come across on Instagram,” she shares.
The training provides the women clarity and confidence to hit the road.
Under CRF’s training, Sesharani quickly built her confidence. In just four months, she embarked on her first major ride from Kasargod to Kanyakumari. “It was a three-day trip, and I was travelling with six people on my RE Classic 350,” she says.
That ride was a learning experience in itself, with the coordinator guiding her on time management, packing essentials, and handling road challenges. “Every evening, once the ride ended, we would sit down and discuss everything — from mistakes in balancing the bike to taking turns properly. They helped me improve,” she explains.
The structured group rides, with strict schedules and designated roles, instilled discipline. “By 5 am, our bikes had to be ready, no matter what. The ride shouldn’t be delayed because of one person,” shares Sesharani.
Conquering Ladakh: The ultimate test
One of the defining moments in Sesharani’s riding journey was the 17-day expedition to Ladakh. “We were the first all-women batch travelling as a community,” she shares. The journey was gruelling, filled with harsh terrains, unpredictable weather, and the challenge of riding at high altitudes.
“After Delhi, the distance was less than 200 kilometres, but because of the road conditions, we had to ride the entire day,” she recalls. A small crash during the ride could have turned serious, but her safety gear protected her. “They supported me that day and helped me complete the journey.”
Despite the hardships, the support of her fellow riders and the sense of accomplishment made the trip unforgettable. “I always prefer riding in a group because, if not for them, I wouldn’t have pushed myself to explore different places and experiences,” she adds.
Balancing her passion alongside a full-time IT job at Deloitte requires careful planning, Sesharani says. “All my weekends are booked — either for family, myself, or my bike,” she laughs. “I work Monday to Friday, and over the weekends, I take up small trips as a relaxing break with my beloved bike.”
Her parents, too, have been supportive of her passion. “They were the ones who encouraged me to go to Ladakh. They told me, ‘This is the perfect time since you’re not married. Go and explore while you can,” she says, her gratitude for the support she receives — both at home and at CRF — clearly evident.
1000 women riders and counting
As we sit down with Fais to learn the backstory of a venture that’s helped women take control of the handlebars — both literally and figuratively — he shares that around 2016, he began noticing that many women around him were struggling to ride motorcycles due to fear, lack of guidance, and deep-rooted social conditioning.
“So I decided to create a community that would provide the right support and also set a bold example for others to follow.”
What began as a small, spontaneous initiative in the local parks of Calicut, Kerala, has grown far beyond its humble roots. Today, the roads of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra echo with the roar of women riding with confidence — reclaiming space they were once made to feel didn’t belong to them.
Over 1,000 women have learned to ride under Fais’s guidance.
He has also built a team of experienced women riders who now train others, creating a ripple effect of empowerment. “CRF, as a group, believes that the love for motorcycles is universal and doesn’t have to do anything with gender,” Fais asserts.
Who says it’s too late to start?
For 52-year-old Seema Warrier, a special needs educator, motorcycling was a long-held dream she never pursued. “I always wanted to ride a bike since I drive a scooter and a car well, but I thought a motorcycle wasn’t meant for me,” she says. For years, she’d click pictures sitting on bikes wherever she saw them.
The turning point of Seema’s life came during the COVID-19 lockdown when she decided it was time to stop hesitating. For her 49th birthday, her husband gifted her a Royal Enfield Meteor 350 — affectionately named ‘Pumpkin’ — and she finally took the leap.
While people around Seema suggested to invest in a car, she found solace with her ‘Pumpkin’.
“Everyone said, ‘Are you crazy?’ They told me to buy a car instead — that I wouldn’t use the bike and it would be too heavy to manage,” she shares. But deep down, she knew she had to try. To prepare, she took a trial run on her bike to the Wayanad hairpin bends to get comfortable before the actual trip.
“Through CRF, I’ve learned the importance of patience and support, especially for those still building confidence on the road. Now, I make it a point to guide and encourage new riders, ensuring they feel included and empowered on every ride,” she says.
‘I never thought I’d ride again’
In November 2023, Seema’s passion for riding took a harsh turn. She fell asleep while riding home from a volunteering event and fractured her wrist. “My bones were shattered,” she recalls.
Despite suggestions to sell her bike, Seema remained determined. “I never thought I’d be able to ride again because the wrist is so important for handling a heavy bike.” But with the encouragement of her doctor and intense physiotherapy, she was back on her bike within three months.
Soon after, she set out on the Ladakh expedition with CRF, a trip that required immense planning and mental strength. “It was a well-planned trip, with all the right accessories and support,” she shares. The camaraderie within the group made all the difference for Seema. “They know my strengths, my fears, and how to push me just enough. It’s important to ride with people who know you.”
As a special needs educator, balancing work and riding requires flexibility and thoughtful time management. But Seema doesn’t stress too much about it. “To be honest, I’ve moved past the hustle culture at this age,” she laughs.
“That gives me a big advantage in terms of time. I only interact with the parents of my students, and I know them well — they’re supportive and understanding too,” she shares.
Seema’s age plays a crucial role in her journey, serving as an inspiration to others. “Fais keeps telling me to highlight my age to show people that it’s never too late. I don’t think it makes a difference whether you’re 51, 35, or 25,” she says.
While she admits that recovery takes longer, she believes that passion knows no age limit. “Even after two accidents, my father still asks me why I haven’t gone on a ride for a while.”
More than just a hobby
For Sesharani, Seema, and many other women riders, biking is more than just a passion — it’s a statement. A statement that women can chase their dreams, conquer fears, and break stereotypes while managing their stable careers – one ride at a time.
As Seema puts it, “Riding has given me confidence, strength, and a second family. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
With every mile they cover, these women are proving that no road is too long when you have the will to ride.
Edited by Vidya Gowri; All images courtesy CRF Women on Wheels
News