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. *** Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women. By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement. Thank you for your invaluable support! Shownotes: Who is CandidaStarted riding motorcycles 16 years agoInitial career in finance before transitioning to travel and motorcycle ridingFirst motorcycle ride with her dadFamily support in pursuing her passionSocietal judgments and lack of support from some community membersInitial desire to travel but disbelief in achieving financial stability through itShift in perspective from chasing money to following passionExperience working at a strict IT company and the impact on her mental healthReceiving a call from a TV show inviting her to ride around IndiaOvercoming obstacles with her manager to pursue the opportunityUnexpected cancellation of the show and decision to continue the journey soloReflection on the adventure and challenges faced during the tripCreation of a Facebook page to update family and friends during travelsGrowth of the page to 10,000 followers during the seven-month tripTransition to Instagram and the rise to 246,000 followers over ten yearsOpportunities from brand collaborations that provide financial supportInvestment in real estate (building an Airbnb) to generate consistent incomeLeading motorcycle tours and the establishment of a tour businessThe emotional struggle of leaving a stable job for an uncertain pathExperience of living with very little money initiallyImportance of perseverance and believing in oneself despite challengesSocietal perceptions of women travelling alone in IndiaMedia interviews focused on negative aspects rather than positive experiencesGaining confidence through positive encounters and supportive individualsDelivering laptops and teaching children in CambodiaDesire to combine travel with making a positive impact on communitiesUpcoming plans for the next six monthsIncrease in female motorcycle riders over the past decadeCandida’s initiative to train 100 women monthly to ride motorcyclesRiding through 42 countries on a motorcyclePersonal challenges and medical issues (e.g., dislocated knee)Information on Candida’s motorcyclesNaming her motorcycles: "Sky" (Bajaj) and "Scarlet" (Triumph)Spending eight ...
