“Gliding along the Konkan Coast, kissing the ocean, wind in our hair and blisters on our back sides...Sounds like fun, doesn’t it?” Thus goes the intro on a Facebook page, ‘Pedaling towards a Beautiful India’, set up by a group of youngsters. This group of six adventurous boys from Global Public School, Thiruvankulam, is all set to embark on a cycling trip from Kochi to Goa via the Konkan coast, pedaling about 800 kms.
And all this is for a cause, says the team which comprises Pavan Saigal, Alfred Thomas Pinto, Siddarth Deecee, Joseph George, Aqil Kallangodan and Alif Kallangodan. They hope to spread awareness about the rising levels of pollution and encourage others to take to cycling as a means of regular transport.
“There are many who are hesitant to take up new challenges. By doing this, we’re opening a door of opportunity for lots of other kids our age to take on similar challenges, which would in turn, inspire others,” says Aqil Kallangodan.
What started off as a plan to visit Goa for Christmas transformed into a greater mission when their teacher Shamim Mohammed suggested that the boys cycle to Goa. This is what put us on the road to this fantastic idea, says Siddharth.
The boys will set off on December 15 and reach Goa in 10 days. Enroute to the land of sun and surf, these young lads will visit various schools and orphanages along the route to spread the message of cycling and promote this green mission. The boys will carry their required luggage on their cycle backs. “We’ll try our best to travel light,” Siddharth says with a smile.
“We see a lot of people around who just ply from point A to B in a luxury car. What these students aim is to spread awareness about cutting down on the carbon footprint, and to highlight the fact that this is every individual’s duty. It is high time we give cycling a serious thought. It is an excellent way to improve health and also a step towards a cleaner environment,” says Shamim, the school’s head of sports and enrichment. “These students have spent their lives in the cities and this is also great opportunity for them to explore and get in touch with rural India,” she adds.
The boys plan to set off on their Bergamont Vitox 6.3 cycles, and hope to ride from early morning to about6.30 pm, pedaling upto a 100 kms each day. Enroute, they plan to halt at Bekal and Gokarna.
The young guns have been training hard, pedaling about 30 kms each day, under the leadership of Ajit Varma and Paul of the Cycle Club in Kochi. “They have been a source of great help and inspiration for the students,” says Shamim. As a prelude to their cycling mission, the team participated in the Kochi Cyclothon which was held in the city recently. In a session held at the school on Friday, the team interacted with their fellow students, and the exercise proved inspiring for them as well as their peers, who are also now eager to take up similar initiatives.