“When you enter the riding community, leave your status behind and ride as a rider.”
That is the guiding philosophy of B. Saravaneshwaran, 50, the founder of VB Motorsports, who believes that motorcycles are not just machines but powerful tools for building unity, friendship, and purpose.
He is also fondly known as Vanesh Biloo in the bikers’ community.
Vanesh will lead hundreds of riders in the upcoming Unity Ride 2.0 on March 14, which will see bikers travelling from the Kallumalai Arulmigu Subramaniyar Temple to Bayview Beach Resort, with a pit stop in Nibong Tebal along the way.
A special, exclusive interview with Buletin Mutiara was held on March 11 to further discuss the programme flow and expectations, as the event enters its second edition this year.
The ride is expected to attract nearly 1,000 motorcycles, with participants coming from across Malaysia and even Singapore.
According to Vanesh, the event was created with a simple goal — to unite the Indian motorcycling community and inspire a new generation of riders.
“Several years ago, I noticed that biker clubs were very divided. One club would not attend another club’s event. That was when I realised something had to change,” he said.
Vanesh explained that Unity Ride was designed as a platform where riders from different clubs could gather, ride together and build meaningful connections.
“This is not about showing off bikes or status. We ride to see places, to make friends and to experience the freedom of the open road,” he added.
Vanesh started organising rides about four to five years ago through awareness initiatives such as helmet safety campaigns and mental health advocacy rides.
One of the most notable programmes was a suicide awareness ride organised during the Covid-19 period, which was held in collaboration with enforcement and emergency agencies.
Beyond awareness campaigns, VB Motorsports has also supported Tamil schools in rural and estate areas, including outreach programmes in Kelantan, where the state has only one Tamil school.
Vanesh said these initiatives are important because Tamil schools represent an important cultural and educational foundation for the community.
“We organise rides not only for passion but also to give back. Motorcycling can be a platform to help others,” he said.
Vanesh also hopes the Unity Ride will encourage younger people to pursue healthy passions and build real-life friendships.
“In today’s world, many young people have thousands of online followers but very few real friends,” he said.
“Through riding, they can connect with real people, share experiences and develop a sense of belonging.”
He added that motorcycle culture can also help young people stay away from negative influences by giving them a strong sense of community.
Another encouraging development is the increasing number of women riders participating in the events.
Vanesh said female bikers are becoming more visible in the motorcycling scene, with many confidently handling large motorcycles and participating actively in convoy rides.
“They feel comfortable and respected in our environment, and many riders now bring their wives and families along. It feels like one big family,” he said.
This year’s Unity Ride will also highlight the creativity within the motorcycling community, including custom-built motorcycles and experienced riders who have travelled across different countries.
Vanesh said recognising such talents can inspire younger bikers to develop their skills and contribute to the community.
Ultimately, he hopes the ride will strengthen bonds among riders while showcasing the positive spirit of the Malaysian motorcycling community.
“If we move forward together as a community, we can achieve much more,” he said.
Accompanying Vanesh during the interview was Aravinthan, 50, one of the riders who will be participating in the ride.
Story and pix by Kevin Vimal