Meet Mumbai's pedal pushers preparing for Tour de India 2013

A life on wheels minus the pollution, taking in scenic landscapes and breathing in the fresh morning air may sound like a dream for some, but is actually a reality for members of cycling groups in the city, who have hit the road with a vengeance. While cycling is a passion for all of them, the reason why they decided to take to the wheels differs. Read on to find out more.

Exploring north and south
Mumbai on two wheels
Shammi Sethi from Every day short night rides, says, “When we started five years ago, we used to meet up every night at 9.30 pm at Otters Club on Carter Road and ride together from Carter Road to Bandstand. Now, we cover a larger area like NCPA to Colaba. At that time a lot of people were either new to cycling or were getting back to it after a big gap. So, the idea was to ride short distances together, as it’s safer to ride in a group especially when you are new to cycling. We post details about future rides on the groupwall of our page and people can join in or create another group event. Age is not a barrier. When we started off we had a girl who was just nine years old, and now also have riders who are as old as 50.”

How to enroll It’s an open group anyone can create a cycling event and invite friends or other members.

USP of the group From short distances they now cover the length and breath of the city. So, you get to explore the city on two wheels in an eco-friendly way.

Cycling for foodies
Sunil Gandhi of Cycling for foodies says, “ I started this group about two years ago, after I revived my cycling. I always believed that if there is a carrot dangling in front of the cycle, the cyclist would move fast and regularly. So the idea of cycling around and having good food with friends came about. Before Facebook became popular we used to interact via a cycling social site www.cyclists.in and later on as more people took to Facebook we moved our group there, though the old one does exist too. Group members can post an event and invite members to share it with friends. Any member, who feels that he/she knows about some place which would be of interest, creates an event, giving  details such as the location of the destination, the start point of the route and approximate timings where members can join the group. Normally before this, there is a small post which tries to gauge the best  day. Once that is decided, the event is placed with all the details. We have a varied age group, from 16 to 50 plus members. I am 55, cause having a good time, does not mean you have to belong to a particular age group.”

How to enroll Search for the group on Facebook, and send a request to be accepted as a member.

USP of the group It’s a combination of getting to explore a new place, bonding over food and a group workout, all rolled into one with the aim to have a good time.

Best cycling locations you can opt for
Prateek says, “Areas near Malshej , Lonavala , Kamshet or the Konkan belt – Kashid, Murud , Shree vardhan and Dapoli are good if you want to do mountain cycling near Maharashtra. They offer everything – the adrenalin rush, the adventure, good weather, good roads,  the landscape beauty, fresh air, clear waters, majestic mountain ranges, the thrill, good lodging and eating facilities and the ease to successfully complete the trip – all in one.”

Things to remember, If you plan to go on a cycling tour
Short distance trips should be one to three days

A long distance trip should be five to 10 or more days

Try cycling in the city, and get used to the traffic

Always wear a helmet

Make your first few rides with an experienced rider

Avoid racing and speeding, if the tour is for leisure

Respect the area and people where you cycle

Do your research, if you are planning for a 10 day trip or more

Lakecity pedalers – the first cycling group in Thane
Jose George of Lakecity pedalers, says, “Our group ‘Lakecity Pedalers’ was initiated in March 2008. The objective was very clear from the onset, it was purely to promote cycling as a lifestyle alternative. There were no cycling groups in the city in Thane or in Mumbai at that point of time.
Through Orkut we got some enthusiasts and we had our first ride on March 23. We have come a long way since then. We now have a Facebook page where we discuss and decide on the route, distance and timings before we agree on a cycling event. We do have an age criteria. You have to be 18 or above to be a member.”

How to enroll You can become a member just by joining the group in Facebook after approval from the admins. There is no membership fee.

USP of the group It’s the first cycling group in Thane and Mumbai according to Jose. The
The group has put together some unique events like the Pedal for Peace initiative. The last event was a 180 team race Veloraid with a unique concept only for amateurs.

In 2009, the group attempted and replicated the Great Escape rally of Mahindra’s on mountain bikes in Shahpur around the Harshgiri lake resort getting the direction maps from Mahindra & Mahindra.

Jose adds, “We are the only ones to conduct offroad rides inside the Yeoor Jungles of Thane which has an unforgiving terrain.”

If you don’t want to be a part of a cycling group, you can always enrol for cycling trips. Prateek Deo of Life Away From Life is one such individual who actively organises such trips to the year.

Upcoming cycling trips you can sign up for?

 Maharashtra Konkan cycling
Approximate distance covered 200 kms in 4 days
Cost per person `6,000
When Dec 7

Mumbai to Nilshi (Kamshet)  cycle trip
Approximate distance covered 150 kms in 3 days
Cost per person `5,000
When Dec 14