The Indian Odyssey

The Indian Odyssey!

Why?

Hi, I've always been a hardcore motorcycle enthusiast, ever since I saw the first bike on the streets as a kid. Watching the neighbourhood kids/guys riding away to glory, on their two wheels always fascinated me to the core. The sound of those engines, the rush of the blood while their hair flew in the air as they pulled that throttle, the women that gazed deeper and longer in awe and skipped a beat, all of that had my heart throbbing. But, more than anything else, it was the sense of freedom, and the possibility of exploring the world on a pair of two wheels that enticed me, into the world of "Motorcycles". 

I also wish to inspire more and more individuals, especially women to adopt riding as a lifestyle and "show'em how its done". Break the social stigma around what they "can" or "should" do. I'm tasked with the women of this country in showing the world that Motorcycling isn't a "Men's Only" thing. And man, do they tell! 

The Project - (Synopsis) 

A dedicated motorcycling adventure series brought to you in the form of dynamic, heartfelt documentaries and a series of episodes, providing the audience a much deeper dive into the real lives of a motorcycle rider(s). Re-living some of the most extreme, emotionally and physically challenging motorcycling expeditions ever to have taken place. 

Chapter 1 - "The Documentary"

We begin with an uncharted journey, for 2,500 kms, across the country. 2 riders, 2 bikes and open roads; a heartfelt documentary that chases them as they embark on an adventure that's exhausting, exciting, crazy and nerve-wrecking, but more than anything, it's their one chance to rediscover themselves. The passion for motorcycling, leaving behind the monotony of their corporate shackles, and setting out to live a life they'd only dreamt of for years, as they grew up. The documentary will outline different aspects of their personal/professional lives and explore elements around their love for motorcycles.  

Watch them, as they ride past some of the most picturesque, exotic, thrilling locations, meeting people from different walks of life and catching up with the unknown, rediscovering this country the way it's supposed to be. An epic "Road-Trip!" that will make you get out of the living rooms and set out for an adventure! 

Why Crowdfunding?

We wanted to create a platform that inspires people to really "understand" the world of motorcycles and what it means to be a rider. The conception of this idea happened through the sheer love, and respect for an industry that has survived & evolved through a century, through the thick and thin of it; seen the world-wars, the great depressions, the recessions, and what not. And yet, they carved a place for themselves in the history, because of their endurance, grit, adamance, performance and the sheer sense of "freedom"; the one element that really defines what motorcycling is all about. A true inspiration that signifies adaptation and survival. 

A wise man once said, "You've never experienced real freedom if you haven't ridden a motorcycle!", and I live by that quote every single moment of my life. The idea for this project is to inspire people to take on whatever tasks, aspirations and dreams they wish to fulfil and take the plunge, have a crack at it. "Have a little faith in yourself and, live it up while you last". 

What's the Money for?

1. Production shoot, crew, equipment, rentals, cameras, drones/go-Pros, etc. 

2. Travel expenses, bike rentals/arrangements, riding gear, accommodations, 

3. Pre/post-production editing, conceptualisation, 

4. Planning, location scouting, research and camera tests

5. Cost of developing concept for website

6. Production of key art work

Who am I?

Out of school, I brought my first bike (a motorcycle), the Hero Honda Karizma, in the year 2005; the hottest looking and highest performing engines at the time in the country. Needless to say it was an experience beyond anything I'd known back then. What followed was a thrilling, enduring journey of 30,000 kms, with an average night on the roads for around 250 kms, for the next 6 months. The traces of which I still carry as badges and battlemarks on my body. But the meagre corporate life, responsibilities of making a career and becoming "worth it" took over the riding pangs soon after. Before I knew, a decade had passed and I was carrying a beer-belly, good 10 years of corporate wrinkles and a thinning hairline on my head. Long gone was the dream of riding, to the ends of the world, feeling the air in my face, freezing my nerves, wrecking my arm sockets and loathing my back. And here I stand, today, 10 years from that moment, and with one question in my face... "Was that all worth it??"

The answer, "Hell Yeah!", it's all well worth hanging my corporate boots and undoing that neck-tie to say,"Darn it, I gotta ride!".  

The decision, was very clear. I shelved my corporate suits, dumped my professional credentials and decided to pursue the one true love of my life - Motorcycles! 

Inspiration and Mission 

Ever since a kid, I wanted to travel the world and see it through my eyes in a more engaging way, instead of flying and spending my nights at a pre-booked hotel, following a pre-defined route, ferries, trains and so on. For me, travel was more around the adventure of it. The thought of being one with the world, the environment and nature in its true sense always fascinated me. I kept nurturing this dream and trying to figure out a way to make it come true. It is during this search that I started discovering people with similar interests, and zeal to fulfil their dreams around the world, in a more engaging, natural way possible, connecting with the real people, trails, roads and countries they visited. Pushing the borders, moving the obstacles, and knocking the hurdles down, that ever stood in their way. 

It is then that I got introduced to "Che Guevara", and his phenomenal journey to discover himself. A simple man, who somewhere on the road identified his true self and redefined his own identity both as an individual, and a "true leader". And you know what, it all started on a "Motorcycle". The search that started there, ended up in finding numerous such individuals that did some crazy things, accomplished some unprecedented tasks, journeys that most of us could only dream of, unless these folks paved the way, and showed the world "how it's done"! That was my cue, that's where I started.  

The platform would be host to some of the most incredible, nerve-wrecking stories and accomplishments from the Motorcycling world, of people from among us, ordinary people, that have accomplished extraordinary things in their lives. It's time to tell their stories. And write a few new ones. 

My mission is to create a dedicated Motorcycling platform, and create an ecosystem around the culture of riding; this, through a series of exotic, shortfilms/documentaries/series - As a visual treat for the rest of the world, to delve into the fascinating world of Motorcycling. 

Rewards? 

A series of rewards has been mentioned in the "Rewards" section of this campaign. Please do take a moment and review. 

1. Possible series credits, media mentions (recognitions) and guest appearances during the pre/post-production stages

2. Social media shoutouts, website and PR mentions 

3. Branded merchandise, riding gear, goodies, personalised gift-hampers, etc. 

4. Lifetime free digital content access through mobile app, website, etc. for top 250 contributors! 

5. Surprise elements! :)

----------

Look forward to your contribution and pls mail in your suggestions/recommendations/assistance/criticism at tyagi.aru@gmail.com :)

Set out to creating an avenue, that serves as a platform for the riding communities from around the world to associate and identify with. We want you to write your own story. Go ahead, take a shot! :)

Here's a quick update