Pics: Nayana J C

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)

Mangaluru, May 31: Proving that age is just a number, 60-year-old entrepreneur and passionate motorcyclist Sharath Gabriel from Mangaluru has embarked on a historic world tour on his beloved Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 motorcycle. The remarkable journey is expected to take him across 38 countries and earn him a place in the record books as one of the world's oldest riders to successfully complete such an extensive solo expedition.

Before commencing his journey, special prayers and blessings were offered at CSI Shanti Cathedral Church, Balmatta, by Fr Sebastian Jathanna and Fr Goldin J Bangera. The official flag-off ceremony was jointly conducted by Mangaluru International Airport chief airport officer Binu Varghese and Yenepoya Deemed-to-be University admissions manager Ronald Ivan Soans, who waved the green flag to mark the beginning of the historic global ride.

Speaking on the occasion, former Mangaluru South MLA J R Lobo, who attended as the chief guest, lauded Sharath Gabriel's determination and courage. He said that undertaking such an adventurous mission at the age of 60 serves as an inspiration to the younger generation and wished him success in his endeavour.

The ambitious expedition, which begins in Mangaluru, will cover countries including Nepal, Tibet, China, Kazakhstan and Russia, along with 29 nations across Europe and several Gulf countries. Scheduled to last between five and six months, the journey will span an estimated distance of 35,000 to 45,000 kilometres.

Upon successfully completing the expedition, Sharath Gabriel is expected to create a historic world record, becoming one of the oldest riders to accomplish such an extraordinary global motorcycle tour.