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5 ‘extreme’ women talk about their love for driving, off-roading, cars and more

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MoneyFoodTravel spoke to 5 winners at the Mahindra Xtreme U off-roading event, the first of its kind off-roading event for women held early this month. Here is what they had to say

 

Jayita Hazra

Trophy winner, Women’s Competition, Xtreme U

 

Which car you drive

Nissan Micra

Which is your favourite amongst Mahindra cars? Why? 

Bolero. Because of easy maintenance, low purchase price (value for money), good mileage (15 kmpl) and rugged build for rough roads.

Any road trips you have done? Where?

Yeah, I have done plenty of road-trips in India as well as in US. Best one in India till date would be Arunachal Pradesh . The route was from : Itanagar -bhalukpong-Dirang-Tawang via Sela Pass -Bomdila –Itanagar in a Bolero.

What is your dream car for off-roading?  

‘The Thar’ and just modify it to a dream-beast-machine!

Why do you like to be behind the wheels? What is it about driving that you like?

Driving is therapeutic for me. It helps to keep my thoughts and feelings in sync.

Your experience at Xtreme U

If you thrive on challenges, jumps and speed then X treme U, as an off-roading event is definitely for you. Kudos to the whole team of Xtreme U to come up with a concept like this and more so for turning this into reality. Undoubtedly it’s been an amazing experience for me.

Women can’t drive, some say. Your reply to that.

Well that’s a myth, which been created by the society at large. We, the society need to change this very mindset and stop stereotyping a woman and her very potential.

Any tips on off-roading/ rallies that you would like to share

– Start with a basic 4×4 off-roading vehicle.

– Try out your hands on various terrains.

–  Get to know fellow wheelers who are into off-roading (you can go all solo but with friends it is more fun plus knowledge sharing)

– Lastly whenever in doubt, ask out.

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Sagarika Garai

Trophy winner ,Women’s Competition, Xteme U

Which car you drive

Hyundai i10 Asta

Which is your favourite amongst Mahindra cars? Why?

Scorpio, as it was good for motor sports

Any road trips you have done? Where? In which car?

Yes,   Kolkata to Bolpur,  Bolpur to krishnagar, kolkata to KrishnaHagar.In Hyundai i10 asta,  Maruti 800, Alto and Wagon R.

What is your dream car for off-roading?

Scorpio

Why do you like to be behind the wheels? What is it about driving that you like?

I like having control of a dangerous machine and moving around safely. Driving gives me the pleasure and freedom to be my own boss.

Your experience at Xtreme U

It was real exciting, while watching the event it thought it was not possible for me to drive on that path as I have never done off roading , but when I took up the steering I did see everything is possible . Moreover the guide was a real help.

 Women can’t drive, some say. Your reply to that.

Driving is a skill that  requires a lot of confidence and instantaneous decisions. It is something that can be mastered with practice be it man or women. Women are categorised as not able to do certain things which requires to be stopped to get the best out of women.

Any tips on off-roading/ rallies that you would like to share

Participation in the event should come with positive attitude. The route details, rules of the event should be minutely followed with patience. The vehicle to drive should be apt for the event.

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Maitreyee Banerjee

Trophy winner, Couple Competition, XTreme U

 

Which car you drive?

i10 Sportz

Which is your favourite amongst Mahindra cars ? Why?

Scorpio and of course the Thar for it’s look. Scorpio is a car which can be driven on and off road which has its comfort and smoothness intact in any road condition. It is excellent for road trips and for everyday use too. And the added gear gives a bit of extra thrill.

 Any road trips you have done? Where? In which car?

Lahaul Spiti in Scorpio.

 What is your dream car for off-roading? 

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

 Why do you like to be behind the wheels? What is it about driving that you like?

For me it gives me thrill, adrenaline and a sense of independence and being a woman it is a satisfying factor to break the stereotype Indian society still carries.

Your experience at Xtreme U

The experience was exciting. Loved the opportunity to drive cars like Thar and was very happy to be a part of the adventure. It was a very unique event .

 Women can’t drive, some say. Your reply to that:

“Ignore donkeys and naysayers” hahaha…. Anybody can drive a four-wheeler; cars do not come with special feature exclusively for ‘men’!

 Any tips on off-roading/ rallies that you would like to share

I am a newbie in this field. Would love to receive tips from various sources on this.

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Sarbari Chaturvedi

Trophy Winner, Couple Competition

 

Which car you drive

Maruti Celerio Vxi

Which is your favorite amongst Mahindra cars and why?

Thar cause its ideal for off roading

 Any road trips you have done? where? in which car? 

Have done many road trips, the longest being Kolkata – Varanasi in my Celerio

 What is your dream car for off-roading?

Thar

Why do you like to be behind the wheels? What is it about driving that you like? 

I live to drive!!! Driving gives me mobility and independence

Your experience at the Xtreme U event

My experience at Xtreme U was mind blowing. Enjoyed the adrenalin rush to the fullest. The track was too good. Looking forward to more such events.

Women can’t drive, some say. Your reply to that

It is obviously a myth. I have participated in various car rallies and have been winning them. Am better than most men out there

Any tips on off-roading/rallies that you would like to share

Always ensure you have control over the car. While taking turns, make sure it is from the inner edge.

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Shreyasi Das

Trophy Winner, Couple Competition, Xtreme U

Which car you drive

Well I own a Hyundai Eon. I don’t generally go out on a spin off though. Need to polish the wheel skills more.

 

Which is your favourite amongst Mahindra cars? Why? 

Really liked the Scorpio. The way it went on smoothly on the tracks was very impressive.

 

Any road trips you have done? Where?

I never drove for long road trips. But did go on trip to Mandarmani, Gangtok and Darjeeling with family and had long car journeys.

 

What is your dream car for off-roading?  

Would really wanna experience off-roading in a Thar.

 

Why do you like to be behind the wheels? What is it about driving that you like?

Driving honestly gives you a relaxation. The feeling behind the wheels, some soft music and the long highways are just perfect.

 

Your experience at Xtreme U

Extreme U was really an out-of-the-box experience. Being in the car going up the trenches and over those hurdles was a little scary and quite fun at the same time. Organising such events sepecially for women for their empowerment is quite commendable.

 

Women can’t drive, some say. Your reply to that.

I think the women holding the trophies for taking part in Extreme U is an answer to the fact how good drivers women are.

 

Any tips on off-roading/ rallies that you would like to share

Nothing as such. I just think such rallies and movements should be organised more. People come ahead and show their skills, get to know each other. It’s quite a nice and thoughtful process actually.

 

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