Wouldn’t it be nice to be a biker? No strings attached, finding your way through the streets you’ve never seen before, eating at places you wouldn’t have stopped at otherwise — meeting people because they happen to be at the spot. A biker lifestyle is something most of us might not make it to, but that doesn’t mean you can’t put on a leather jacket, Nazi helmet and ride in city on a cruiser, living it up for a day that could otherwise be spent catching up on TV shows and buckets of ice-cream.
The V Renaissance’s clothing line is up for grabs if you want the perfect leather gear. The biker jackets, trench coats and bags available are companions on your back. Their products were on display on a ramp last Sunday, set up along with Indian, the motorcycle manufacturer — an apt partner for the company whose “lookbook” is filled with biker wear that ranges from plain-and-subdued Trench Polo to vibrant and young Biker’s Arrow jackets. If you haven’t been able to find a piece of riding wear till the end of this season, it will wait for you in the wardrobe till the next day dedicated to cruising around arrives. If owning and maintaining a bike for those few occasions seems like too big a commitment, you can always hire a Harley for less than Rs 10,000 a day or a Royal Enfield for less than Rs 1,000.
After you have the appropriate attire, and a cruiser in your possesion, the only thing left to do is ride, and we recommend making your way to the Bikers Cafe in Gurgaon and revel in their motoring inspired trivia, interiors, food and drinks. Located on the Golf Course Road, the cafe is easy to spot — a billboard announces it as Sanjay Yadav’s third outlet after Kolkata and Vasant Kunj. You’ll feel welcome even before you have the chance to grab a seat with Motorhead and AC/DC blaring from the speakers. It’s quite difficult to get bored at the Bikers Cafe, considering the walls and menu is populated with artwork on motoring history. A small part of the cafe is stocked with helmets from a different era —a glance will make you realise that the lamp shade is also a vintage biking helmet. Parked on one corner is a bicycle that looks like a red cycle modified to accommodate a motor.
Opening as early as 7.30 a.m., the cafe serves detoxifying juices made of berries and fruity flavours to start your day, and get over anygrogginess leftover from a long ride, or a long night. Beyond the detoxifying juices, everything about the Bikers Cafe has Indian influences. Along with omelette made the Japanese way — served with soya chilli rice, you can also get some highway style paranthas with generous servings of butter or Desi Anda Bhurji served with Indian pickle. Irrespective of what you’ve ordered, there is always an option of adding some sausages, bacon, fries mushrooms or cutting chai to the dish.
It’s never past breakfast time, but when looking for something heavier, try the Thai Curry available in both (vegetarian and non-vegetarian variations) prepared with rich coconut milk and served with rice. Alternatively, the thin crust square pizzas on the menu are a safe bet when out in groups.
Being a biker isn’t easy but definitely fun. And for most of us who can’t spend weeks riding, there is always the option of riding into the night on your day off with the wind blowing and motors grunting.