#Ketchuptalks: Life on the road with Swati Rojha and the experiences that kept her coming back to biking!

In a conversation with us, Swati Rojha talks about her love for biking, how it first drew her in, and the role it plays in her everyday life.

Hobbies are the things we return to for our own sake, even when we don’t think about them too much. But they can end up taking up a big part of our lives. For Swati Rojha, that hobby has always been biking. She started riding as a child, and over time it became something she couldn’t let go of, a part of her routine and her way of moving through the country.

In Swati Rojha’s case, this relationship with the road developed gradually, growing through different phases of her life and eventually becoming something she returned to again and again, not for milestones or validation, but because riding felt like the most natural way to experience the country, meet people, and make sense of her own journey. In our conversation with Swati, she opens up about what being on the road feels like, how she first discovered her love for biking, and why it has remained such an important part of her life over the years.

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Here's what she shared: 

You started biking at just seven years old. What do you remember most about those early rides, and how did they influence you?

Riding was love at first sight! I remember sneaking out on my dad’s motorcycle with my brother when I was just seven. It was exhilarating. That thrill sparked a lifelong passion, and I’ve been hooked ever since. From that moment on, owning a motorcycle of my own became a dream.

Your journey from scooty rides in Himachal to tackling some of India’s most dangerous roads is incredible. How did you build the courage to take on those challenges?

My journey has been a wild ride and a crazy learning curve. I didn’t wait for the perfect moment. I just started riding my scooty in college. As I kept pushing my limits, courage followed. Riding in Himachal taught me to respect the terrain and the weather, and that respect slowly turned into confidence on tougher roads. One ride at a time, you know.

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Completing all 12 Jyotirlings on a bike is no small feat. What did that journey teach you about yourself and your connection to the road?

I would call it a life-changing experience. It taught me resilience and grounded me in ways I never thought possible. The open road and the journey itself showed me the deep connection between movement and faith. It’s a bond that’s hard to explain, but incredibly powerful.

Riding through places like Ladakh and the Cliffhanger requires intense focus and preparation. What’s a typical day on the road like for you?

It is an intense experience. A typical day on the road starts early, with route checks and mental preparation. I ride with laser focus, listening to my bike, taking calculated breaks, and constantly adapting to changing conditions. And yes, there’s a lot of self-talk: “Tu kar legi, you are made for this.” It’s all about balancing awareness and instinct, and staying fully present on the road.

How has traveling and exploring India on a bike changed the way you see the country and its people?

Traveling slowly on a bike brings you closer to people, their stories, generosity, and simplicity. It has shifted my focus from just sightseeing to truly understanding the country and its people. I’ve formed a deeper connection with India, and it has changed me in ways I never expected.

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What is something you genuinely love doing in your free time? Tell us in the comments below.

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