A PEEP INTO THE POWER BIKER’S WORLD IN NIGERIA

The power bike community in Nigeria is a peculiar one. Indeed, it is peculiar for many reasons. If you ever experience the rev of this aerodynamic designed 2-wheel beat on the highway, you will agree with me that indeed they are daredevils with the amount of torque and speed they command when seated on these wheels of steel.

Extreme sports are not quite prominent in Nigeria as it is in Italy, Germany, and other places due to the availability of Racing Tracks both for training and competition. Although there is one Racetrack in Edo State and another off-road racing track in Ondo State both in the Southwest Part of Nigeria. Nonetheless, the sports are yet to gather enough traction to gain international attention to the extreme Sports.

Just like the Italian Valentino Rossi of the grand Prix MotoGP race, it will interest you to know that we have a few young Nigerians that also have a passion for the art of racing but are faced with the challenge of grand Prix competitions that will project them on the international scene and help them drive their dreams to its pinnacle. Such as Mykewheeler 25 of the 24/7 Racing Team, Danny, Randy and Shobowale to name a few.

However, it will interest you to know that this Biking community in Nigeria has a deep wealth of social capital.  Knowing that these Motorcycles with ergonomics are expensive to buy and maintain. In Nigeria, it is no different that the Power Biker’s world is a “closed circuit” with a wealthy and robust social capital.

Anyone in this circle is perceived to be financially comfortable as owning one of these aerodynamically designed motorbike machines costs some deep pocket bucks and the maintenance is not in “pennies”. One must be driven by a passion to be able to stay afloat in this community beyond money, the power biker’s community is so organized that they are guided by a “Never leave a Biker behind”. It is amazing to see the synergy that exists between them. They function in different interesting groups with agendas for rides to foster team bonding amongst the riders. They travel to different states within the country, and it will amaze you to know that a man named Toyin Adebola rode from Nigeria to the United Kingdom. This is where I say, “Google is your friend”. Although there are some who do not belong to any group, they still function together as one.

For those who ride for fun, you see them at weekends. Most of these people are MDs of companies, young entrepreneurs and young professionals who do this as a means of escape from their busy corporate life.  And is worthy of note that the female gender in this Biking community is fast increasing by the day.  You can’t tell the difference until the helmet is off the head (smiles).

So next time when you see a biker on the road, kindly share the road with them. He or she could be your boss, friend, brother, sister, or colleague. 

Motunrayo Awomolo

(M.A.)