By Violet Pereira, Team Mangalorean
 
 
Mangalore : Yezdi and Jawa Owners organised a bike rally in the city to mark the 10 International Jawa Day, on July 8. About 33 participants taking part in the rally, were flagged off from the starting point at Shanti Nilaya Ground, Balmatta at 4.45 pm.

The rally proceeded through Kankanady, Falnir, Hampankatta, KS Rao Road, Navbharath Circle, PVS Junction, MG Road, Lalbagh, Bejai, Circuit House, Kadri Park Road, Kadri, Bendoor and culminated at Shanthi Nilaya Grounds, Balmatta. The rally day was marked by bikes of the range 175, 250 and 350cc, which were marketed in India from 1960 --1996.

Jawa motorcycles were introduced by czechoslavakian Jawa Company in India in 1960 and the production was carried out directly in India by Ideal Jawa India Ltd based in Mysore. Jawa and Yezdi bikes, especially the ones with fuel tank padding and ignition systems on the fuel tank are now collectors items. The company stopped production in 1996.

Every year the second Sunday of July is  observed as International Java Day, and to mark this day the vintage bikes rally is organized. A number of 33 Yezdi bikes  took part in the rally and Java Jet of 1960 model was the oldest bike owned by Dilip Kumar of Someshawar in the rally.  The riders on the Jawa and Yezdi motorcycles rode around the City, roaring their revving motorcycle engines.

Java Colt and Java Monarch were the centre of attraction in the rally because they are very rare to find  these days. The fans of the Java Bike formed a union and started this rally. It is learned that the funds raised through this event will be donated to a Animal Care Trust.

Some bikes are still in working condition but some are using only for rallies because of the maintenance, said Benjamin who came all the way from Cochin by Java Road King bike. He also travelled by bike to Ladak two months back to take part in a rally there, he said.