Loving life on two wheels

Dreams do come true; Hari's just did. Growing up in Thiruvananthapuram, a young Harikrishnan K.S. always desired to be a champion of two wheels — not exactly a career prospect. Understandably, his motives were met with skepticism by those around him. But Hari persisted and turned his dreams into reality by winning the MRF Rally de Mangaluru held on Monday, and that too in his debut year no less.

"It was really a once-in-a-lifetime experience," says 30-year-old Hari. "This was my debut race and I came first. I thank my team, the DNA Roads, for their unflinching support. Without them, this would never have happened."

Rally de Mangaluru was the sixth round of the national bike rally championship, organised jointly by the Indian National Rally Championship (INRC), MRF Mogrip, Federation of Motor Sports Club in India (FMSCI) and Ace Motors. The first five rounds were held in Indore, Baroda, Nasik, Pune and Coimbatore.

In all, over 50 competitors participated in 10 different classes in the race. Harikrishnan came first in Super Sport 130-B class completing the three-lap, 157 km, on and off road hurdle in one hour and 12 minutes.

"I could have done better, but my silencer gave in midway. I was dejected and wanted to give up. But my crew pushed me on. So I went ahead and did my best. If it weren't for the silencer issue my timing would have been better," Hari says.

Winning this rally was a victory of faith of sorts for Hari. “To be honest, my family members were not too excited when I told them about my intention to participate in the rally. How would they be? I used to be a bike stunt rider between the years 2007-2012. After that it was all about securing an office job for me. So, when out of the blue I told them I was going for this rally, naturally they had their doubts."

Then there were the financial aspects. “A racing boot of the lowest quality will cost you Rs 18,000. The full race gear will set you back by Rs 1,00,000. Honestly, I would have given up, but for my wife— god bless her— and her encouragement, both financially and emotionally.”

Going into the rally, Hari had 10 days of practice, a dedicated, loyal team in DNA Roads and plain pure will going on for him.

“I have been following the participants of this race on Facebook for some time. I knew I could do it. But what I didn't expect was the amount of strength it took. We have to ride most of the way standing on bent knees. Speeds have to be regulated as per the terrain while keeping a check on our overall time. You just can't be pessimistic, no matter what. You have to keep pushing yourself harder and harder all the way through.”

Winning the rally was exhilarating for sure, but Hari is already making plans for bigger challenges. “Next time I intent to take part in all six rounds of the championship, make the best timing in all rounds and be national championship leader,” he says.

What makes Hari's success even more astonishing is the fact that there is no race track for namesake in his home city of Thiruvananthapuram. However, to Hari, that's not a problem, but only part of the challenge.”The government could do well by building a race track of professional standards here. But there are race tracks in Kochi, Thrissur, Coimbatore and so on. If you are passionate enough, there is always a way to achieve what you seek."

Seeing teens race past busy city roads in their superbikes makes Hari sigh in despair. “Without adequate protective gear they are racing through the busy traffic on city roads. They won't buy gear because it is too expensive. They can't find proper race tracks to race upon because it's too much of an effort. But that money and effort would be nothing compared to what you have to spend if you meet with an accident and end up being in the hospital.”

For now, Hari is busy receiving calls congratulating him on his success and attending meetings. On November 7, his friends and teammates will be holding a programme at Manaveeyam Veethi to honour the debutant champion, in which KSRTC MD Tomin Thachankary is expected to be present.

Harikrishnan works as programme producer for Kappa TV Music Mojo. He lives in Kallayam, Thiruvananthapuram, with his parents. Arya S.R. is his wife.