If you’ve haven’t had a close encounter with the biking community in India, you haven’t truly felt the pace and nerve of life that zooms past us. And if you are a part of the same circle, you know what I’m talking about! The adrenaline, the thrill and the brotherhood that doesn’t discriminate on the basis of gender or anything else, regardless of the bikes. In fact, the curtain just dropped on the India Bike Week 2021, Asia’s largest Motorbike Festival that attracted motorcycling enthusiasts from across the country and beyond. It took place in Aamby Valley, Maharashtra on December 4-5 . For two days straight, India Bike Week hosted India’s biking fraternity, which was all in to mix in over Jameson – and it was as smooth as ever!

Even though the number of tickets sold for IBW 2021 were restricted with mandatory masks at all times among other COVID appropriate protocols (bikers needed to be fully vaccinated, or have had their first shot and a current negative RTPCR report that is no older than 48 hours), nothing could dampen the spirits of the bunch. With the greatest names in bike design and manufacture, the showcase of desirable vintage and custom machines, coupled with a wide range of biker goodies on sale, Big Trip stories, delectable food, chilled beverages, live track experiences, stunt shows, ‘IBW 2021 – The Special Edition’ turned out to be the best motorcycling weekend of the year.

It kicked off with a Big Trip virtual premiere screening of “18,603 FT – Harleys on the Roof of The World” which was followed by world-famous custom motorcycle builder Maxwell Hazan’s address to the crowd in a video recorded exclusively for IBW 2021. Many beast makers like Kawasaki and Honda launched the gorgeous Z 650 RS and CB 300R, along with the Anniversary Edition of the iconic H’Ness CB 350. Both bikes received a phenomenal response from the crowd and are significant additions to the already spectacular Big Wing line-up. All eye-balls were on the Harley-Davidson Sportster S that was launched soon after. The action on the Crankstorm Main Stage was pumping right from the get go, with the introduction of the young Indian motorsport talent. Not just that there was a Stunt Zone where onlookers were treated to a spectacular treat for the senses with gravity-defying antics on motorcycles and supercars drifting/burning some serious rubber on day 1 and day 2 respectively. Engines revved, tyres squealed and the crowds cheered with DJs throttling down the tempo.

In fact, the party was at the Jameson Howling Dog Bar which had fun activities for bikers to participate and mix in to make friends out of strangers over the smooth Jameson Ginger Lime! Club wars ensued, where biking clubs from across the country battled against each other in games that were designed to get everyone together, regardless of what they rode. And get together they did, mixing in smoothly with one another over Jameson! Even the open mic session with Vijay Thomas had members of the motorcycle fraternity exchanging stories of the road with their fellow biking brethren. On the second day, the Jameson Howling Dog Bar was flowing with motorcycle mania. The Moto Art Collective, where bikes are the muse – showcased the photography of Ishan Bhataiya and Pushkar Patil. All amid bonding games of foosball, arm wrestling and pong table tournaments. It was truly a place where ice was broken and bottles were raised.

By perfectly encapsulating the spirit of motorcycling that Asia’s largest biking festival has always stood for, IBW 2021 has set a strong precedent of what the future holds for India’s superlative motorcycle extravaganza. For not hosting bikes and bikers but giving the brethren a chance to mingle, mix in and make some noise!

Also, I need that awesome Jameson pong table for some mixing in myself!