Rosy riders

HUNDREDS of bikers in Bahrain will rally for breast cancer awareness on November 8 as they mount their machines and ride across the kingdom, writes Melissa Nazareth.

The annual Ride for a Cause event is organised by Sri Lankan expatriate and IT professional Roy Ribiera. The 48-year-old is a part of Falcon Riders, one of Bahrain Bikers’ groups.

Women riders will also join the event, showcasing their bikes ‘in pink’ and lead the ride from the front.

Participants will gather at Gate 1 of Seef Mall in Seef District at 6am and the ride will commence at 7.15am to The Avenues Bahrain, Bahrain Bay and then all the way to Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir where the motorcyclists will take to the track.

The ride will end at Dana Mall in Sanabis with breakfast. A display of new bikes by participating agents will dazzle both at Seef and Dana Mall. While the event will be staged in Bahrain, in collaboration with different biker groups, it will also see motorcycle groups from neighbouring Saudi Arabia join.

“The Think Pink Ride for motorcycles is an exciting event that combines the love of riding with a powerful message of breast cancer awareness,” Indian expatriate and Bahrain Bikers member Priya Shankar told GulfWeekly.

“The event continues to grow with increasing participation each year. Women riders take an active role. Last year, around 15 women riders and up to 40 women pillion riders joined. A breast cancer fighter also participated alongside her daughter,” the marketing professional added.

“We even printed special T-shirts, sponsored by InterContinental,” Priya added.

All merchandise sales from this year will go towards supporting Think Pink: Bahrain Breast Cancer Society. The charity is a home-grown, non-profit organisation registered with the Social Development Ministry. Founded by Dr Julie Sprakel in 2004, it celebrates 20 years this year and continues to raise funds for breast cancer treatment, education, equipment and research.

An all-women ride was held on October 25, where lady bikers in Bahrain came together against breast cancer and in solidarity for those suffering from the illness.

Breast cancer begins as a growth of cells in the breast tissue.

For more details, follow @falconriders.bh and @thinkpinkbahrain on Instagram.