Candida Louis, a 28-year-old adventurer from Hubli, South India, embodies the spirit of wanderlust and the pursuit of freedom through motorcycle riding. From a young age, she shared unforgettable rides with her father, sparking a passion that led her to become a motorcyclist herself. Over the past 12 years, she has transitioned from a pillion rider to the one in the front seat, fully embracing the thrill of the open road. A birthday gift of her first motorcycle marked the beginning of an incredible journey that fuelled her dreams of riding around the world.

After spending five years working at Oracle and Infosys, she found herself disillusioned with the daily commute and long hours. Looking out of her office window, she envisioned a life on the open road, fuelling her determination to break free. In 2015, she took a three-month sabbatical to ride through North and South India, and the experience solidified her desire to pursue a life of adventure. Following her journey, she resigned from her desk job and spent four months travelling, embracing the confidence and freedom that riding provided.

In this conversation, Candida emphasised the importance of following one’s passions, stating, “If you love something, if you’re very passionate about it, at least try to take that first step... Just take that risk, and it will prove to be the right thing.” This philosophy drives her as she continues to chase her dreams, having recently crossed multiple countries on her motorcycle in a remarkable eight-month journey from India to Australia. With each adventure, she inspires others to embrace their dreams, take risks, and discover the incredible experiences that life has to offer.

Candida’s journey is not just about riding motorcycles; it’s about finding one’s true self and the freedom that comes with stepping outside one’s comfort zone. As she explores the world on her bike, she encourages others to do the same, reminding them that the journey begins with that first courageous step.

*** This episode was recorded live at the Armchair Adventure Festival 25th - 28th July 2024. Buy tickets now for #AAF25 - THE UK'S MOST ADVENTUROUS FESTIVAL. Mt Edgcumbe, Cornwall, 24-27th July 2025, Use TG10 to get a 10% discount on tickets. www.armchairadventurefestival.com. ***

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Shownotes:

Who is Candida
Started riding motorcycles 16 years ago
Initial career in finance before transitioning to travel and motorcycle riding
First motorcycle ride with her dad
Family support in pursuing her passion
Societal judgments and lack of support from some community members
Initial desire to travel but disbelief in achieving financial stability through it
Shift in perspective from chasing money to following passion
Experience working at a strict IT company and the impact on her mental health
Receiving a call from a TV show inviting her to ride around India
Overcoming obstacles with her manager to pursue the opportunity
Unexpected cancellation of the show and decision to continue the journey solo
Reflection on the adventure and challenges faced during the trip
Creation of a Facebook page to update family and friends during travels
Growth of the page to 10,000 followers during the seven-month trip
Transition to Instagram and the rise to 246,000 followers over ten years
Opportunities from brand collaborations that provide financial support
Investment in real estate (building an Airbnb) to generate consistent income
Leading motorcycle tours and the establishment of a tour business
The emotional struggle of leaving a stable job for an uncertain path
Experience of living with very little money initially
Importance of perseverance and believing in oneself despite challenges
Societal perceptions of women travelling alone in India
Media interviews focused on negative aspects rather than positive experiences
Gaining confidence through positive encounters and supportive individuals
Delivering laptops and teaching children in Cambodia
Desire to combine travel with making a positive impact on communities
Upcoming plans for the next six months
Increase in female motorcycle riders over the past decade
Candida’s initiative to train 100 women monthly to ride motorcycles
Riding through 42 countries on a motorcycle
Personal challenges and medical issues (e.g., dislocated knee)
Information on Candida’s motorcycles
Naming her motorcycles: "Sky" (Bajaj) and "Scarlet" (Triumph)
Spending eight months on an incredible journey, crossing multiple countries from India to Australia
Candida's desired future destinations
Camping vs. hotels
Safety considerations for camping in India
Preference for hostels and Airbnbs in rainy conditions
Experience with motorcycle breakdowns and learning repairs through necessity
Cleaning motorcycle for Australian quarantine regulations
Carrying essential tools and supplies
Experiences that challenged her confidence
Safety measures with modern motorcycle gear
Overcoming fear and getting back on the bike
Social Media Presence
Final words of wisdom
Encouragement to pursue passions despite challenges
Importance of taking the first step

Social Media

Website: candidalouis.com Instagram: @candidalouis Facebook: www.facebook.com/candida.louis1

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