Motorcycling has never been just a hobby for me—it’s a part of who I am. I’m Sheena Phillip, a 36-year-old mother of two, an accountant by profession, and a passionate biker for over a decade. With my trusted machines—the Jawa 42 Bobber and Dominar 400—I’ve embraced every adventure that has come my way.
But this time, I wanted to push my limits like never before. That’s when I came across the King of The Road certification by the Long Distance Riders (LDR) Community—a grueling challenge that required covering 2,415 km in 36 hours. It was ambitious, tough, and exactly the kind of test I was looking for. I knew I had to go for it. And the only reason I could take on and complete this challenge was my husband, Vijay’s, unwavering belief in me. His confidence in my abilities never wavered, even when I doubted myself. That belief became my strength, my motivation, and my reason to keep going.
Gearing Up
January was all about preparation. I mapped out my route carefully, trained my body and mind for the endurance ahead, and sought advice from experienced long-distance riders. One of them was Vijeesh alias Vepavi from Kerala, India a seasoned LDR rider who generously shared his insights and guided me in route selection. With my bike prepped, my strategy in place, and my determination stronger than ever, I was ready.
A key figure in my journey was Shankar Chandrasekaran, founder of Kovai Moto Tribe, the biking club in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India that I am proud to be part of. Shankar guided me through every aspect of planning and stood by me until I successfully completed the ride.
The Ride of a Lifetime
On February 11th at 11:08 PM, I set off from Coimbatore, on my Bajaj Dominar 400, heart pounding with excitement and anticipation. My route was mapped out meticulously:
Coimbatore → Salem → Bangalore → Vijayapura → Aurangabad → Bangalore → Salem
Every kilometer tested my endurance. I took 13 strategic fuel breaks, ensuring I maintained the right balance of speed and stamina. The first half was smooth—I reached Aurangabad feeling strong and confident. But I knew the real test lay in the return journey.
The Final Stretch
Fatigue started creeping in. The roads became unpredictable, traffic erratic, and the exhaustion undeniable. But I refused to let any of it break my spirit. I kept reminding myself why I started. I had trained for this. I was prepared for this.
On February 13th, 2025 after 36 grueling hours on the road, I finally reached Salem—completing 2,446 km and officially qualifying for the King of The Road certification. Vepavi helped me with the documentation process, ensuring that every detail was in place.
A Milestone Worth Every Mile
This ride was more than just about the distance. It was about proving to myself that I could push beyond my limits. Today, I stand proud as the first woman rider from Tamil Nadu, India to achieve this feat.
The journey was tough. It tested my endurance, my patience, and my willpower. But in the process, I discovered something incredible—my own unbreakable spirit.
To every rider out there—dream big, challenge yourself, and never be afraid to go beyond what seems possible. Because that’s where true adventure begins.
