Hard work and a readiness to learn pay off
“I ride at least six to seven hours a day, and even then I don’t know if it’s enough. I still have a lot to learn especially when it comes to reading the maps and develop a sense of direction,” says the exuberant rider, whose insatiable appetite for improvement seems to have no bounds.
In the last few years, Shreya has turned the track into an institution of learning. The youngest rider in the field at the National Rally Championship, she hasn’t left any stone unturned as she looks to forge herself even further, imbibing knowledge from all and sundry in her quest to be the best.
“You don’t have to look much further than the riders around you for knowledge or inspiration. Seasoned names like Santhosh and Arun KP are the one I like up to whenever I am at the track”, added the Valentino Rossi fan.
With danger at every corner in the rally scene, Shreya has had to not only condition herself physically to stay on the bike, but has also been training to keep herself composed in any situation.
“It’s not only physical fitness that’s required in a rally, you have to be mentally prepared at the every point when it comes to such an event. Your calmness is what matters while reading the map book to seek out the best routes and also to get yourself out of trouble if you get into any mishaps", quips the 24-year-old.
A different skill altogether
While she has raced on circuits, Shreya always found the rush of the unknown in rally racing more appealing.
“I felt that after a few laps, you go on autopilot mode. While I admire the skills it takes to master the track, it just didn’t give me the same rush I get doing off-roads. I feel it more challenging in every sense,” says Shreya.
The girl from Bangalore feels the challenges in a rally are more difficult than track racing. The technical difficulties in controlling the bike in the dirt whilst also generating maximum traction make it even more so challenging and enjoyable at the same time.
“If you ask anyone 90 percent of the riding done, it's done by our feet, which is way different to normal bike racing. We not only have to use our feet to maneuver the bike around corners but also use the inside of our legs to clamp down on the fuel tank for the majority of the ride to keep the bike stable. The hand only works as a shock absorber,” says the 24-year-old.
Big aspirations for the future
Shreya’s dreams, however, won't be satiated by this moment of glory. Her sights are firmly set on the future; she is committed to the motto “go hard or go home”. The Dakar rally is where her eyes are set at the moment. She hopes to not only participate in the rally but also emulate her idol Laila Sainz and finish the grueling event.
But for now, she wants to successfully navigate the six rounds of the National Rally Championship which kicked off earlier this month. Shreya hopes to feature in the second leg of the championship in Nashik on May 14th, with a shoulder injury having ruled her out of the opener in her hometown.
While Shreya’s journey might not be the rag to riches script that will have any Bollywood producer come chasing for her story, she has shown the country what determination can help in getting to the place where you want to be.
She has taught us that to reach our goals, where we are from doesn’t have to know who we are.
