Friendship consists in a mutual appreciation of the same things - Aristotle.

I have always wondered and asked Ram about the things that bind him to his riding buddies. A few years, some chance and planned meets and a whole bunch of shared experiences later  I think I can answer that myself!

Maybe I’ve grown fond of the CR bunch, more than I thought I would!

Last week, October 2025

‘Babe keep yourself free around mid November’

‘For what? And when?’

‘CR fam gathering. No clue, no sure dates or plans yet’

‘I can’t do 16, but rest yeah’

‘Works’

Not all strangers, I know, but I’ve barely met them a couple of times and I didn’t remember most of the faces (exceptions include Santosh, Maran and Abhi – how I remember them is a story for another day!). I said that I would join but the sole condition being that Ram would stay glued to my side – I was anxious, a little (read: insanely) worried about what the others would think of me and overall just drowning in my own self doubt. On the 10th, he forwarded the text with further details of the Anniversary Family Meet, unfortunately I wasn’t expecting it to happen during the day and it clashed with work. Some coercing, some pleading and maybe a few veiled threats later, I decided to ditch work and turn up. In retrospect, probably that’s the best decision I’ve taken, (considering that most of my choices are questionable at best!)

November 15, 2025

Ram and I started quite early – two cameras, his swim trunks and my social anxiety packed tight. Managed to get to work, clocked in biometrics for the day and successfully slipped past the security without an out-pass (Oh the things I’ve had to do for his ‘Boys’), grabbed some overpriced coffee and off we drove to the Green Coconut Resort.

I was told there would be a late fee and I did judge.

We were well ahead of time and as we pulled into parking, we met a few more of the CR members and I could feel Ram slowly slip away from me. He was excited, full of life and a delight to watch. A few awkward Hellos later, we were up in the hall and people started pouring in. I had my camera on me, I had gotten it with the intention of capturing some candids but primarily hide behind it – what I hadn’t factored in was the unfiltered, raw affection that I was surrounded by. With every member, friend, spouse and kid that walked in, with every warm pleasantry that was exchanged and smiles that widened, I started feeling comfortable, more welcome and included. Finally I could put faces to the names and voices I’ve heard over hundreds of times.

 

Bart’s Moment

Or should I call it a show of his skill at awakening strong emotions?

I’ve seen CR’s reels on their rides, upcoming, completed, special ones and moments but then when I saw the entirety – snippets of their rides, pre ride rituals, attention given to briefing and safety, the spectacular sights, unfortunate mishaps, unforgiving seasons, limitless distance, unguarded laughter and the genuine bond these grown men share, something shifted inside. It does seem like any other biking club, an insignificant hobby from the outside, but in that moment I realised that this was more, way more. It’s camaraderie, a family and bonds forged over time through shared interests, tremendous mutual respect and military discipline. The video montage was a heartwarming tribute to the journey these men have been on and a reminder that there was more to look forward to.

 

Thank you Bart for sharing your perspective with all of us! Loved it!

Meet the Fam!

By the virtue of being sat at a corner, Ram and I got called up to introduce ourselves first. (Did us being the youngest couple there have anything to do with it, I wonder!). Momentary panic took over me, I’m still paying for the last time I shared opinions about the club and their Captain. But nonetheless, I figured being factual and straightforward was the best way out.

Turns out, I wasn’t the only one feeling all of these. One thing stood out – sacrifices the spouses, children and families made so that these men can keep riding, but none of it from a place of malice. Some spoke about how the riding club has made their men more responsible, punctual, happy! For how some introverts have found their safe space, or how some have chosen to invest more in bikes, or simply a means of sharing quality time with their little ones! I got to see two perspectives that day, mine (and fellow wives) – an arguable grumble, and that of these men. Up until a point I always wondered why we women put up with all this and then it hit me when I heard the men speak. They know, they know of the inconvenience they put us through, they know that their kids miss them, they know they’ve taken us for granted from time to time, but being on their bikes through unyielding roads is their answer to all that life throws at them and they are beyond grateful for us. To them this club is growth and healing.

Yes, my husband has perfected the art of disrupting my sleep by leaving home at ungodly hours,  has annexed an entire wardrobe for his gear, spends more time on call with ‘his boys’ than me, weekends are bittersweet when he’s out on rides and tea meets, makes me fight for  his attention alongside ‘Duchess’ (Oh that’s his bike!) – yes, yes! All of it, but there’s also a side to him that I see when he’s around this tribe, and that makes all of this worth!

 

Playtime!

Before I go any further, I’ll have to apologise for not remembering all the names, I promise I remember all faces!

Rincy and Uma were our two fantastic, high energy hosts for the day. These ladies kept us entertained. We started with games for kids below 5, tumbling and laughing, and moved on to dance performances and games for the slightly elder ones. The talent there was phenomenal! Following this we took a break for lunch and I had a work meeting (the worst things that came out of the pandemic – Zoom and Teams!). It indeed was a quick lunch for me but even in that limited time I had an opportunity to get to know others on a slightly more personal level. I was told stories about a mix of bad food choices and upset tummies, unforgettable encounters on rides, a few professional details were shared and the most random eating styles were discussed. The diversity was startling but I was able to comprehend how a shared passion can unite such myriad personalities together.

 

I had to quickly get back to my work call while the games and entertainment for the adults had started. I could hear their booming laughter and FOMO took over. Regrettably, I did miss a few games.

Memories and Souvenirs…

Memories will always be made and contrary to what some say, I am someone that hoards photographs and souvenirs as tactual reminders of the said memories.

I was told that Uma and Rincy selected and personalised those cute jewellery boxes for the ladies and for the little ones! I know how taxing that can get, Thank you ladies!

 

Even today when I left home in the morning, my eyes grazed over an adorable fridge magnet – a constant reminder of that day, carrying more meaning because of its origin. These hand crafted magnets were procured from Beyond Prayas, a livelihood initiative under Sankalp – The Open School, and were made by neurodivergent young adults and children with special needs (photos courtesy Rahul and team). I believe that this gesture was a noble contribution towards empowering these young adults. Thank you CR!

 

Pool Party!!

Tea, Onion pakoras, a few chocolates (or maybe not) and heartfelt words of gratitude followed.

Already early evening and quite frankly, I didn’t feel the day pass! Families were gearing up to leave, photographs were taken, numbers were exchanged and new friendships were forged.

One would think the little ones would be more excited about jumping into pools, in this case it was my husband! While the adults were busy with their conversations there was little world of the kiddies that was unravelling, not so silently. Some pro swimmers were hitting laps, while there were others needing motivation and constant parental presence, a kid who was terrified of cold water (also Ram gave him a life scare, so that’s there!), tinier ones and their floaties in the kiddie pool, some kids helping the other kids – a world that held only them, their joy and their innocence!

 

A day to cherish. 

Over and beyond bike trips, these men have contributed significantly to the society through their initiatives and policies, some of which include the Tree Plantation Drive wherein over 456 saplings were planted helping set off the carbon footprint and give back to nature. They’ve also taken conscious efforts in reducing the use of single use plastics on their rides and carry their own bottles (wanted to appropriate Ram’s CR bottle!) And from their souvenirs, we’ve also seen how much they support social causes. These men aren’t a simple biking club, they’re a group of responsible men that actively contribute to society and nature.

In these two years that I’ve known CR, there’s not been a single ride where discipline, adherence to rules, safety and team communication weren’t reiterated (must thank Santosh for being a tough task master); seeing other spouses mention the same was a form of reassurance, that it’s not just a one-person thing but a code of conduct that all abide by. What more does one need than this reassurance?

The more time I spend with these men and listen to them talk passionately about why they do what they do, it’s easier to understand Chennai Renegades and the idea behind. On a lighter note, I’ve also noticed that their endurance rides have a very positive effect on Ram’s patience at home!

  

Happy second anniversary CR!

Thanks for letting me into your world!

Cheers to more fun filled miles ahead!