As the riders travelled through Noida, curious onlookers gathered at every nook and corner.
The DND Flyway in New Delhi was rather quiet on the Independence Day morning but suddenly the silence was shattered by the roaring sounds of 75 Harley Davidson engines. While the onlookers thought it was just a celebratory ride, the riders had a noble cause to fulfill - raise money for Uttarakhand flood survivors. (
See pics)
The Delhi Chapter of the HOG or the Harley Owners' Group had pledged Rs 25 for every kilometre they ride for the flood victims. The ride began after a quick flag-off but soon it started raining. The hot pipe riders though were determined to continue. But with the conditions getting worse, the route was altered and the riders decided to go only till Pari Chowk in Greater Noida which is almost 35 km away.
As the riders travelled through Noida, curious onlookers gathered at every nook and corner. A rain break gave the 75-odd petrol heads an opportunity to socialise. The ride resumed after a 15 min delay and the gang headed towards a golf club in Noida.
A surprise guest was waiting for the Harley owners, someone who has taken India to the pinnacle of world cricket. Kapil Dev, a Harley owner himself, greeted the riders and posed for the shutterbugs. An announcement was made much to everyone's joy that the combined distance the riders clocked was close to 14,000 km which meant a donation of Rs 3.5 lakh.
Sidharth Oberoi, a Harley rider for many years said that the feeling was second to none. Another rider Sameer said that the help to Uttarakhand doesn't stop here, the group will keep on raising money for the next three years to get the state back to where it was. Kapil Dev said that it isn't just the Government of India's responsibility to rebuild the state but each and every citizen of this nation should contribute. For the riders it was a proud moment and for their families it was a holiday well spent.