Suraj Shrestha is a stunt man. He is currently living in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu. He came all the way from Itahari. He started as a hobby back home from Itahari and in Kathmandu he worked as a stunt rider.
Bike stunts have become the center of attraction among the young generations. Bike stunts sometimes simply referred as stunt riding is a motorcycle sport characterized by stunts involving acrobatic maneuvering of the motor cycle and sometimes rider. Riders do various risky moves within a bike. Wheelie, stoppie, Biscuit eater, burnout, suicide burnout, Christ stand, deactivator are some of the forms of bike stunts. Now a day’s stunts have become a common thing among bikers. Give any biker a decent bike he/she can do a basic burnout. Aspiring stuntmen are slowly emerging in the stunting scene of Nepal. This is influenced heavily by international scenario. Since the last five years bike stunting has grown over the years. It is dangerous sport you need a lot of practice and patience to learn and master the various stunts. It has been categorized as deadliest urban sport. Safety gears and helmet for the rider is the basic requirements for stunt riding. One must go through medical and professional supervision and adopt all safety gears because bikes are heavy. Though it seems easy at first actually it is very tough to maneuver. One wrong move could be fatal. Today there are various motorcycle groups in Nepal who are dedicated at concept of free style riding and taking it a notch higher. Some clubs like Adventure Riders Group, Flo Riderz Motorcycle club, KTM Street riders cycling team, Riders of faith etc. organize stunt shows and also charity related events. People from Dharan started a face book page and now bike riders from various cities of Nepal like Kathmandu, Pokhara etc. have started dedicating to promote bike stunts, sharing the modification of motorcycles and after that the followers of the page have increased tremendously. The message that we spread among youngsters are safety first. Take precautions and maximize safety measures because you are exposed to constant risk of injury even while you are learning. Do not perform alone have some professional help to guide you. Bikes are heavy than a person and accidents are prone to take if you start having control on the machine and perform stunts. Prudence and safety is advised because it is at top priority in a stuntman list.
In an interview, Suraj shared his thoughts about this sport which is mentioned below:
WHEN DID YOU START STUNT RIDING?
I started it earlier as a hobby. I made it as a profession since 2011.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU IN THIS SPORT?
It was my hobby when I was young. A friend of mine from Nepal Automobile Sports Association (NASA) inspired me to pursue this sport.
WHAT IS THE PRESENT SCENARIO OF BIKE STUNTS IN NEPAL?
At the present time there are minimum numbers of professional riders in Nepal. Those who have joined are mainly because of their hobby. I don’t find its future here and neither generate earnings like abroad.
HOW CAN WE MOVE AHEAD PROFESSIONALLY SO THAT THE FUTURE OF STUNT RIDING CAN BE SECURED?
Government should take an incentive to promote Nepali riders. They can form a club of stunt riders and promote us internationally. If we are able to show stunt shows on television then we riders would get highly motivated to come up with challenging stunts on television channel.
HOW MANY CLUBS ARE THERE IN NEPAL OF PROFESSIONAL STUNT RIDERS?
Very few to say. Some of them are NASA (Nepal Automobile Sports Association), ROB (Ryderz of Bhaktapur), Riders Nepal, Riders unified etc. These clubs are performing stunt shows at their own expense. Nepali riders must get encouraged and as a member of these clubs we can work together as a team.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THE STUNT SHOWS?
I have participated in many stunt shows like No for drugs campaign at Basantapur. Making awareness about HIV Aids, at riders show in Bhrikuteemandap, Kumaripati festival, etc. I have participated in many small shows.
HOW MANY STUNTS DO YOU PERFORM? WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE STUNTS?
Wheelie, rolling stoppie, rolling burnout, chain saw, one hand wheelie, high chair, old school wheelie, 360 stoppie, drifting, Christ stand, parking tricks are some stunts I do. There is nothing as favorite stunt. After doing them I generally like them all.
HOW DARING AND RISKY DO YOU THINK THESE STUNTS ARE?
It is extremely daring sport. It is risky while starting as a beginner. Practice makes the man perfect is the perfect example in this job. It is crucial that you take safety precautions.
HOW CAN WE TAKE SAFETY MEASURES IN BIKE STUNT?
You must have safety gears with you always. Knee pads, elbow pads, body armor, helmet, riding globes, fuel riding boot. Bike stunting carries risk for life. You can get injured permanently. Precaution is the first step.
WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSION TODAY AND HAVE YOU MADE BIKE STUNT AS A PROFESSION OR NOT?
Currently, I am doing small business and running a hostel for boys called as “liberty boys hostel ‘’ at New Baneshwor. I have not made this as a profession. We don’t have that kind of environment in Nepal. As a hobby I do bike stunts.
WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE FOR THE YOUTHS OUT THERE?
I want to tell that in Nepal, youths today are constantly exposed to rough riding on the roads. I urge you don’t do it. While you are riding on the road always take safety and precaution. Follow the traffic rules. While overtaking make sure you are not hampering anyone. This is my message for all.
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