Hyderabadi father-son duo bond over biking
Retired Army officer Sivankutty and his son Deepak share a strong passion for bike rides to picturesque locations across the country
Hyderabad: Retired Army officer N Sivankutty’s story is one that will inspire you all. The 72-year-old Hyderabadi fell in love with motorcycling during his Army days and now in his golden years he is equally passionate to go on rides.
Naturally, his son Deepak Sivan, too, began riding and the duo started going on rides together. Deepak shares that his six-year-old is also enjoying accompanying them on rides now! It looks like the riding gene runs in the family.
“During my Army days we were using Royal Enfield Bullet on duty – so that’s how my passion for riding began. Around 2014, my son purchased a Royal Enfield and started a biking group in Hyderabad called the Hindustan Royal Bulleteers Club. However, he had to go to the US so he gifted the Classic 350 to me. That’s when I started doing rides recreationally,” says Sivankutty, who recently purchased a Meteor 350.
Sivankutty alone has travelled across the country – Hyderabad to Tirupati, Gandikota, Shirdi, Nanded, Bengaluru, Pune, Mumbai, Udaipur, Longewala, Goa, Daman and Khardung La. These rides were traversed on his Classic 350.
“My Ladakh ride was most challenging of all, but the best part is that people are so helpful. Once, I couldn’t find a petrol bunk for 50 km and I had to get my tank filled urgently. A kind young man offered to ride 24 km, get 5 litres of petrol and ride back 24 km to give it to me. Such people make it easier for me. And you learn many things along the way,” says Sivankutty.
How does he manage to stay so fit at 72?
“Our health is in our hands. Exercise, eat properly and take your medicines. Don’t consume junk food, especially soft drinks. Restraining from alcohol and smoking is good for your health. Indian food is the most nutritious. Like they say, ‘Daal Roti Khao Prabhu Ke Gun Gaao’,” shares Sivankutty, with a smile.
Through his riding club, Deepak has managed to help raise funds for a six-year-old girl suffering from cancer and also helps orphanages, old age homes and those suffering during Covid times. He says, “I started the club in memory of my friend who lost his life when he was just 21 – we both had plans to travel the country. So now, through this club, I have covered almost the entire country including the Union Territories.”
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