In a world where passions and professions often seem worlds apart, Michael Sylvester, aka SJ Michael, is a shining testament to the power of embracing multiple identities. By day, he harnesses his technical prowess as a Senior Systems and M365 Engineer, but as the weekend sun rises, he transforms into a free-spirited rider, fuelled by an insatiable thirst for adventure. “During weekdays, I’m an IT engineer and on weekends, as a rider,” he says with a smile, perfectly encapsulating his dual identity. His fascination with bikes began early, but circumstances kept him from exploring it as a hobby. That changed dramatically when a friend invited him as a pillion for a breakfast ride organized by Royal Enfield—an event exclusively for their bikes.
“That ride was an eye-opener for me. Experiencing the camaraderie among bikers and the thrill of the open road was something I’d never felt before,” he recalls. From that moment, he knew biking would become an integral part of his life.
His first ride was for a cause organised by Astar Hospital in Nampally. Initially a pillion rider, he eventually got to take control of the bike on the way back. “It was a disaster,” he admits adding, “I struggled to balance and quickly realised my lack of fitness and riding skills. But instead of being discouraged, I felt a deep urge to improve.” That challenging ride marked the beginning of his journey as a rider.
Like many, Sylvester did face daily stresses and health challenges. “The demands of work would sometimes spill into weekends,” he shares. “I turned to physical activity, fresh air and sunlight to relieve that stress. Biking became my way to escape and recharge.”
He also struggled with weight issues, due to which, he began going to the gym inconsistently and not seeing results. “I wasn’t monitoring my health properly—my BMI, diet, or habits. I faced body shaming, bullying and I didn’t like it.” A pivotal moment came during a ride when he met a fellow biker who was also a certified trainer. “He listened to my goals and crafted a plan to help me lose weight and get fit. It wasn’t an instant transformation, but a process. I learned to be patient and consistent.”
The journey took 240 days, during which Michael transformed from 116 kg to 92 kg. “It’s still a work in progress, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come. My mantra is simple: If not now, then when?”
A few years after that initial ride, his dream of owning a bike came true when his mother gifted him his first two-wheeler.
“That bike was incredibly special to me,” he says, reflecting on the moment. “It wasn’t just a mode of transport; it was the foundation of my biking journey.” This heartfelt gift fuelled his passion and determination to develop his skills. He spent months mastering basic bike handling skills, practicing on local trails and gradually increasing the distance and difficulty of his rides.
“Every ride was a lesson. From managing tricky terrain to understanding my own limits, those early days were all about learning and growing.”
About a year and a half into his biking journey, he joined a local biking community, a decision that profoundly impacted him.
“Being part of a community introduced me to so much. New trails, techniques and people who shared the same passion. Every rider brought something unique to the group and I learned so much from them.” The sense of belonging and shared enthusiasm for biking became a driving force in his journey.
With his growing skills and confidence, he began exploring new trails and destinations. Each ride was a chance to discover diverse landscapes, meet new people and experience different biking styles. As Michael gained experience, he felt a strong desire to give back to the biking community. He began leading group rides, sharing his knowledge, and encouraging others to embrace the joy of riding. “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone else’s excitement when they discover biking for the first time,” he says. “It’s a privilege to be part of that journey for others.”
Despite his achievements, his passion for biking remains as fresh as ever. He continues to attend skills clinics, workshops and conferences, constantly seeking to improve his riding, maintenance and safety knowledge. “Riding is a journey, not a destination,” he emphasises. “There’s always something new to learn, and that’s what keeps it exciting.” Michael’s journey into biking was influenced by a combination of personal, environmental and psychological factors. “Health and fitness were a big motivator. I was looking for a new way to stay active and improve my overall well-being. Biking seemed perfect since it’s low-impact and adaptable to different fitness levels.” Beyond the physical benefits, biking became a form of stress relief. “During a stressful period in my life, biking helped me clear my mind and relax. It became my escape from the daily grind.”
Environmental influences also played a role. A friend, an avid biker, introduced him to the sport. “He lent me his bike, took me on my first ride and showed me the ropes. That support made all the difference,” he recalls. Living near local trails made it even easier to explore biking and discover its joys.
Psychologically, biking ignited Michael’s sense of adventure. “I’ve always loved trying new things and exploring new places. Biking offered a sense of freedom and challenge that I was looking for,” he says. “The idea of setting goals and achieving milestones on my bike has been an incredible motivator.”
He credits his ability to overcome these challenges to preparation, mindfulness, and support. “Researching routes, planning ahead and keeping my bike in top condition minimise risks. Practicing mindfulness and taking care of my mental health help me stay focused. Connecting with other riders and sharing experiences is incredibly motivating. The encouragement from friends and family keeps me going.” One of Michael’s standout experiences was riding to the India Bike Week (IBW) with Hero. “This was my first ride to IBW and it was incredible. Hero covered the stay, entry parade, food and goodies, while we took care of our bikes and fuel. The camaraderie with fellow bikers and the challenges along the way made it unforgettable.”
Passing through the ghats was a highlight. “The roads were breathtaking and the quick breaks became impromptu photo sessions as people stopped to admire our bikes. At IBW, I saw everything from customised and vintage bikes to superbikes. The stalls, the energy, the sheer diversity—it was the best experience ever.”
He believes biking events like IBW are essential for the community. “They bring people together, creating opportunities for networking and building a sense of belonging. These events foster personal growth, offering workshops and challenges that push you to improve. They raise awareness about biking safety and infrastructure while encouraging a healthy lifestyle. For newcomers, these gatherings are a source of inspiration and for seasoned riders, they’re a celebration of achievements.”
His story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Whether it’s navigating complex IT systems during the week or conquering challenging trails on weekends, he approaches life with the same dedication and enthusiasm. For Michael, the road ahead is endless and he’s determined to ride every mile with purpose and joy.
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