Day Power Bikers revved revelers to frenzy at Calabar

 

Day Power Bikers revved revelers to frenzy at Calabar

No fewer than 200 power bikers converged on Calabar penultimate Sunday for the Bikers’ Parade session of the 2024 Carnival Calabar, held in Calabar, the Cross River state capital. The team drawn from Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Calabar dazzled revelers with spectacular and breathtaking stunts on the 12-kilometre route of the carnival, Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports.  

 

 

 

Their presence is unmistakable and a delight to watch. From safety kits (dress) to engine capacity, colour, shape and design of their bikes, each power biker tells a unique story. They rode on their bikes into the city of Calabar from Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja as members of five groups.  

For every revved engine, the roaring sound is not only intimidating, but also peculiar. To the faint-hearted, the accompanying stunts are bitter-sweet and enthralling spectacle to behold. Welcome to the official flag off of Bikers’ Parade, a sought-after event of 2024 Carnival Calabar Festival held on December 29.

On parade was a team of about 200 Power Bikers who participated in the Bike Carnival, Nigeria's mini MotorGP. They undertook a 12-kilometre ride several times starting from the Millennium Park at the heart of Calabar amid cheers from appreciative and excited crowd who were mainly youths. It was a breathtaking experience for the huge crowd that cheered the bikers who at different times undertook some rare stunts that drew applause. 

The groups included The Metallic Knights, The Diamond, The Invisibles, and The Tinapa, each with a distinctive insignia and safety kits.

They rode along the 12-kilometer street carnival route that connects Mary Slessor Avenue, Marian Road, MCC and connecting the Murtala Mohammed Highway and finally to the 16,000 capacity U.J Esuene Stadium in Calabar.

The only female among the Power Bikers at the parade, who is Nigeria’s fastest female biker, Aisha Vatsa, aka Flygirl, described biking as her hobby. Vatsa, the National Secretary of Metallic Knights Motorcycle Club, said she participated in the parade to enlighten on the touristic and health benefits of biking.

According to her, the main aim of the club was to promote biking through the carnival platform as they desire that Calabar should be known globally as the bikers’ hub.

This, she said, can be achieved with the excellent road network, beautiful weather and the hospitable people of Calabar.

“The main focus for us at the Metallic Knights, is we ride safe, while promoting safe riding. I have been riding power-bikes for over 20 years, and I have been to Ghana, Benin Republic and Ivory Coast with my power-bike, and I aspire to visit South Africa and Europe soon,” she said.

Vatsa, who is a businesswoman and a Motorbike Mechanic, said bikers promote engagement with the public and charities. “I always do very unusual things. I'm actually currently the fastest female in Nigeria. I won the 600 race a few years ago and I still hold the title till now. It's about just doing what you love. It's something I always love to do. And I have been doing this for almost 20 years. Biking is not something you use as an occupation it’s something you do for fun. You do it because you want to explore. You want to go to new places,” she added. 

Beyond the breathtaking speed and stunts by the riders, other attractions to the parade were the beautiful young ladies who rode on the back of the men as pillions. With their long glittering multi-colour hairs that measure their height, and crazy bum shorts, they literarily shot many in the crowd to another level of excitement.  It was additional flavour to the glamour and glitz of the entire visual tapestry. 

One of the bikers, Eric Anderson spoke on why the parade was safe despite the incredible stunts. “No matter how much we want to entertain you with our bikes, safety is key for us,” he said. He disclosed that there are about 80 bikers resident in Calabar.

Mfon Leonard, who is Lagos-based, said the bikers’ parade is a beautiful product that sells itself, and one activity many, especially youth and young adults look forward to every carnival edition in Calabar.

Leonard, a producer and director, noted that while people see bikers as those that live on the edge of life, the carnival brings the reality closer to people to see bikers differently, at least, as entertainers.

“And you know, there is something about biking for us. It is a form of releasing that adrenaline. When we are stressed, we ride, and we feel very refreshed,” he added. He commended the Cross River State government for sustaining the carnival for 20 years now and also for introducing the bikers’ parade, which has become another major highlight after the street party.