Leather jackets, motorcycles and black boots — no these aren’t biker boys you’ve seen frequently on the streets. This is a bunch of biker girls whose zeal for biking has brought them together. Meet 23-year-old business management trainee Urvashi Patole, who’s created Bikerni, the country’s first all-women motorcyclist association.

Talking about her foray into biking, Urvashi says, “I got into it around six-and-a-half years ago. My father was a motorcyclist, so that passion was triggered in me as well.” Her first bike was a Pulsar 180 Classic and she had her share of obstacles too. “There were people who would push me off my bike! But that was just a small percentage. People were also shocked to see a girl on a motorcycle.”

Bikerni was started in January, says Urvashi, adding, “I’ve always travelled and hung out with male bikers. I wished to have a team of women bikers where we could have a different kind of fun. Women connect with each other well.” She started a Facebook page and group for Bikerni. “I started adding women bikers that I knew. The popularity of the group grew and now we have 40 registered women bikers.”

The Bikernis go on expeditions and are planning to travel to Leh. “After that, we want to do a K2K (Kanyakumari to Khar-dungla) trip. When I have enough money, I want to go to Africa.” Having always been an outdoorsy girl, she adds, “My family was supportive.” Urvashi, who has done stunts like wheelies on a motorcycle, says, “I’ve taken part in dirt races and even won the dirt racing championship 2010 in Pune.” This bikerni owns two bikes and currently rides a 500 cc Royal Enfield.