This Goan motorcyclist with a prosthetic leg rides with a passion

A genetic condition affected the development of Kartik Davray’s right leg, compelling him to use adaptive prosthetics for most of his life. And, at the age of 16, Kartik had to undergo an amputation below the knee.

But, that did not stop him from riding a Hero Xpulse 200cc. On International Prosthetics and Orthotics Day, Gomantak Times Digital talks to motorcyclist Kartik about life, biking and resilience.

After the surgery, it was like life had thrown him a curveball — a plot twist straight out of a movie. One moment, he was just managing to cruise through life, and the next, he was missing a crucial part of himself.

But, as a motorcycle enthusiast, he wasn’t about to give up. “I’ve been riding scooters since I was 16, and soon I progressed to . It began as a practical mode of transport, but before I knew it, motorcycling festivals had sparked an even deeper passion for bikes,” he says with a smile on his face.

A LOOK THAT SPEAKS VOLUMES: Kartik plans to open a bar called Pegleg in the near future.

It was through this journey that Kartik discovered his true calling – off-roading. The dirt, the dust and the unpredictable trails, these were what truly excited him.

Some might think losing a leg would be the end of such , but for him, it was only Act II. Mastering chaos across terrains that would make even the bravest pause, little did he know that he’d be doing it all with a prosthetic leg.

Imagine hurtling down a rocky trail, dirt flying everywhere, your heart pounding in sync with the engine – that was Kartik, harmonising with his mean machine.

“I had two options – give up or adapt. Naturally, I chose the latter. I strapped on a high-tech prosthetic leg and got back on the bike. Off-roading with a prosthetic leg brought its own unique challenges, though," he says.

"Every rider knows the importance of shifting weight and hugging the with their legs. You learn to adapt. I wasn’t going to let a missing leg stop me from conquering mountains or tearing through sand dunes,” he shares.

DEFYING LIMITS: Kartik Davray's journey challenges societal perceptions.

NEW PERSPECTIVE ON RIDING

The biggest challenge wasn’t physical, it was societal. There’s a notion that people with prosthetics need sympathy, but it’s a form of positivity that needs to change.

Just look at how little attention our paralympians get, despite winning gold medals for the country.

People often ask him, “Isn’t it hard to ride with a prosthetic leg?”

He says, “I didn’t get into this sport for smooth roads and cruises. I’m here for the dirt, the chaos and the moments when my bike and I are one, pushing through impossible terrain.”

The reactions are priceless, watching people’s faces when they realise one of his legs is prosthetic. “It’s like revealing a secret superpower,” he emphasises.

SUPERPOWERS UNLOCKED: With a prosthetic leg and an unwavering spirit, he embraces the dirt, the chaos and the thrill of adventure.

LESSONS IN RESILIENCE

Off-roading isn’t just a hobby for Kartik, it’s a way of life. “Every trail I conquer is a reminder that obstacles, whether they’re rocks, sand or personal challenges, are meant to be overcome," he says.

"I’ve ridden through jungles, deserts and , and not once did I ever think, ‘I can’t do this’. This mindset has translated into all areas of my life. You just have to find your way,” says Kartik, who plans to open a bar called Pegleg in the near future.

Riding with a prosthetic leg is pretty cool, not because Kartik is defying all odds, but because he has an incredible story, a killer bike and a titanium leg and a brain that just won’t quit. He is still here, still riding and still taking on the toughest terrain called life.