KOCHI: On a rainwashed Sunday morning, avid cyclists pedalled away to predetermined distances all over the state as part of observing the UN World Bicycle Day. While over 160 cyclists participated in the 50-km ride organised by the Cochin Biker Club in association with Grand Hyatt Hotel, members of the clubs from Kottayam, Alappuzha and Kayamkulam took off from their respective homes to converge at Mankombu for a big get-together.
Abraham Clancy Ross, the vice-president of Cochin Bikers Club, said this was the first official World Bicycle Day.“The UN on April 12 approved June 3 as the official day of creating awareness on the multiple societal benefits of using the bicycle for transport and leisure. As part of the day, we decided to conduct a 50-km ride,” he said.The hosts, who were expecting around 30 participants, were in for a surprise when around 160 cyclists turned up. “Some came with their families. The youngest participant was a 13-year-old while the most senior participant was aged 71 years,” said Abraham.
Though the club had set 16 years as the minimum age for participation, the enthusiasm shown by youngsters had them tweaking the rule a bit, said Abraham. The rain also didn’t play spoilsport.
“Rather than dampening the participants’ spirit, the rain actually added to the excitement,” he said, adding the club had taken all precautions and even notified the participants about the precautions they should take while going for the ride. “We had informed the participants of the measures via WhatsApp and posted safety-related videos on our Facebook page. So the participants came well prepared for a ride in the rain,” he added.“This was actually a preparatory ride; a prelude to the 100-km ride we plan to hold on June 24,” said Abraham.
The one with experience
Dr Abraham Mathew, 71, a paediatrician and one of the oldest participants of the ride, said he found the experience thrilling. “It brought back good memories of the past. I had been an avid cyclist for 34 years, but nowadays I go cycling only twice a week. There were days when I cycled more than 50 km. Now, I do around 20 km to 30 km,” said Mathew. If you negate problems like low visibility and chances of skidding, the ride was really very exciting, he said.
“I began cycling in 1984. It is a really good mode of exercise and transportation. If you consider running and other associated workouts, a lot of pressure is exerted on the knee and ankles; but not in cycling. Also, you can do it any time. You do not need a court or playground for this and also get to see or discover new places,” he said.
A new way of getting together
Cycling is fast becoming a passion not only among youngsters but also the older generation. This was evident during the ride organised by the Alappuzha Bikers’ Club (ABC).“We are an active group of bikers and have been in contact through various WhatsApp groups dedicated to cycling. So when ABC suggested organising a get together of all those who consider cycling a passion as part of UN World Bicycle Day, everyone started packing their gear,” said Pramod Madappally Chira, who works with an insurance company.
Rain fails, big time
The heavy rain that had been pouring from Saturday night did not stop the riders from Kottayam, Alappuzha and Kayamkulam from setting out on their beloved bicycles. “Every single one of us took off from our homes at 6 am. There were 27 riders from Alappuzha, 12 from Kottayam and 13 from Kayamkulam. The riders converged at Changnassery and from there they took off to Mankombu in Alappuzha. We covered around 72.3 km during the ride. After the ride, it was decided to conduct such combined ride every month,” said Pramod.
The rain and camaraderie made the entire experience memorable, he added. “Cycling is gaining popularity in the state, but needs to be made more popular. Our ride helped elicit the interest of those we came in contact with. Many motorists stopped and talked to us. They showed interest and congratulated us for organising the endeavour,” said Pramod, adding the oldest person came along for the ride was an ex-military personnel aged 75.