ME on my bike with a thrill until I came to that hill.
I start to pedal so hard I hit a bump and a jar.
Then I knew it was going to be far.
Up I go with no threat you should see how I sweat.
Each pedal is so tough. I knew this road was rough.
To the top, I must go.
Just a few more and I’ll be done.
Here I go now it’s fun. Down hill, all the way…. ! !
(The bike ride, a poem by Harold R. Hunt Sr.)
The humble bicycle represents the most cost-effective fitness tool to get in shape, reduce the risks to deadly diseases, and help stay alert and active. For this World Bicycle Day, June 3, we observed and spoke to a few passionate ‘biking’ lovers about their trail, routines, and returns.
Anant, a law graduate, an impassioned photographer, and a pensive young man, realized that his photography expeditions of the Dehradun valley, were more exquisite when accomplished on bicycle. He had the opportunity to explore the area more deeply, could take frequent halts, hit small conversations with local folks, meander his bike right next to the spring, and spend some ‘lone time’, where not many people ventured.
On his return from the weekend ‘bike’ expeditions, Anant’s parents, Suneet and Kirti, would observe his upbeat mood, reduced seclusion, newfound chattiness, improved appetite, and enhanced sleep. Ouch! Alike other conventional Indian parents, they too started wondering about his frequent absenteeism from home, early in the mornings. It is then when the doubts prevailed that the inquisitive mother asked him to introduce her to his new ‘friend’. Anant, in love with his new discovery, agreed to take his parents to Maldevta but the requisition was that they all ride their individual bicycles.
Anant’s father chided him informing that the 26 kilometre of distance would take them 1 hour and a half, on top of it all, they could get subjected to muscle cramps and pollution. Ultimately, when Anant insisted that cycle was the sole way to meet the friend, they gave in.
And the preparations for expedition started! Anant reminded them to pack some water, coffee, and snacks. The way was lengthy, and he wasn’t sure his new-found love could offer refreshments to him and his parents!!
On Saturday, at 5.30 AM, the troupe started for the unknown. There was a mix of doubts and anticipation in the air!
It was later revealed that they trailed the same path over, and over again. What transpired were the stories of exhilaration, recovery, and harmony. Gist of some are here for the readers’ perusal…
“Sedentary lifestyle had led to sleep deficiency, increased levels of anxiety and weight gain. These reasons together are enough for low productivity and irritability. Getting out on the cycle on a regular basis helped lift the stress. My BP has come down and knee pain subsided. The oxygen rich blood pumping in my brain keeps me mentally sharp. I get tired enough to get a proper night’s sleep”.
We wake up fresh every morning as we look forward to something that excites us!!
Suneet Agarwal, 53 years.
”Running caused me lower body problems…my knees pained during jogging. Riding bicycle has turned out to be a low impact form of exercise. There’s smooth even pressure to the pedals and therefore, no fear of injuries.
My immobile lifestyle had led to weight gain and muscle loss, also decreased respiratory health. With regular bike riding, I have been able to improve my lung capacity”.
Kirti Agarwal, 50 years.
But Anant’s story was more complex. He had signed in for a deeper impact. Besides building stamina and muscle strength, he had developed a better sense of direction and coordination too. One tends to observe more while riding the bike due to controlled acceleration and larger access to view. What he observed fed directly into his creative ability. He added,
“Cycling is environment friendly. I am saving money on fuel and exercising my body. It’s a win-win situation! I come across office rush around 9 AM while returning from Maldevta but I paddle my way and escape traffic jams.
I meet other cyclist on the way, and they appear to be a friendly lot. Some are regulars. I am hitting off quite well with some of them. We are nature lovers and the common interests and goals bind us together. Next weekend, we plan to go to Kumalda.”.
Anant’s mother stumbled on our discussion while he was explaining us his gains from regular cycling. Slyly, partaking the same devious intent, we chose not to clarify what was being discussed. She overheard the last two sentences and alas, still remains worried!
(The bicycle is your key to a better life. No wonder, some 160 million bicycles are sold worldwide today!)
Monica (Managing Editor) is the quintessential researcher - she thrives on showcasing overlooked aspects that form the foundation blocks of people, places and issues. She is a social scientist by profession with masters in Economics and loves to travel.