Fun Sustainable Transport
Biker of the Week - Akshay Gaonkar
[ Warning – Guest content. All views might sound more professional than normal ]
Biker of the Week – Akshay Gaonkar
Cycling: A way of enjoying life
Cycling was a fun activity and a hobby for me in my school days. After relocating to Bangalore I thought of buying a cycle and commuting to office daily. But I always thought it would take longer due to the distance and the traffic. One fine day I gave it a shot and to my surprise it didn’t. It took as much time as the motorbike and was definitely faster than the car. There was no looking back. Nowadays it’s a daily commute on a cycle. I have upgraded to a good brand called “Schwinn” and am soon importing a good road racer for myself.
A month into cycling I decided to take some challenges and did a Bangalore-Wayanad trip on cycle covering 307kms. The biggest feat in my recreational cycling was my ride from Bangalore to native Goa covering 588kms in just 2 days, this October.
I am stating this because people are worried about my 10km commute everyday. Trust me it’s easy. Very easy. Need proof? Visit my blog
Cycling is loads of fun and a good way to test your limits. It is a form of recreation, a sport and a means to commute. Needless to say, it gets you more respect as a responsible citizen and loads of attention on Bangalore roads.
Earlier, I never got enough time, or was lazy to Workout. Now, my workout is part of my daily 35km commute every morning. Cycling keeps me active and leaves me with a very good feeling. Within a few days I noticed an immense difference in my energy levels. When I get back home from work, I am relaxed and satisfied that I am contributing towards saving the environment. Moreover, it saves me money that I would otherwise spend on fuel, gym and health. And I save loads of time.
So, Let us step out of the comfort zone sometimes and do things that make sense. I turned green, what about you?
Some of the benefits of cycling:
- Cycling, especially in many crowded Indian metros, is one of the fastest ways to move about. Provided you take a few precautions and cycle sensibly, commuting on a bicycle could be a very rewarding experience.
- Healthier lifestyle – cycling is one of the easiest ways to start getting fit and trim. It is very good for the heart and it is easy on the body and joints.
- Faster than walking and in places like Bangalore even faster than cars, it helps us to be on time.
- Environment Friendly – no fuel, no pollution, hence a better way to care for the Mother Nature.
- Relaxing – biking to work peps you up with a good workout and a relaxing cycle ride back home let you loosen up and de-stresses you.
- Save some Gym fees. Saves on petrol and saves your money.
- Most importantly it will make you happy.
If you cannot cycle to work try and go for an hours ride in the morning.
Some tips when you ride your cycle or plan to buy a cycle.
- Always wear a helmet. We can live without a hand but not without head.
- Check various brands available in market and buy the one which feels good to ride and not just looks good. We are lucky to have some very good dealers in Bangalore. These guys know their stuff. The more you invest, a better product you get. Bicycles are astonishingly smooth to pedal (many new riders use the word “butter” when describing their first ride).
- Depends on traffic, but average commute time on the bicycle and motorbike should remain somewhat the same (+- 5 minutes)
- You are a part of a movement. Feel it. Live it.
- Ride SENSIBLY; there are enough nuts out there who believe they own the road. Again riding defensively does not mean you have to be timid, apologetic and yielding. Defend your riding space and line and stay out of others space and line.
We have clubs in Bangalore who go for weekend rides. You are welcome to join us. Doubt your capability? We have folks from 16-75 age group riding. ! For those wanting to race, we have fun filled monthly races.
Any questions about cycling or buying a cycle? Drop me a line. Will be happy to help you.
Biker Of The Week Archive
Comments
-
Have always thought about using a cycle to commute not only to office, but everywhere. Tried using it for my 10km commute to office every day for a week. Decided to abandon it since I found it way too cumbersome – used to reach office huffy-puffy and completely covered in sweat and smelling of diesel fumes. Didn’t feel fresh at all at the start of the day. Figured that if I use the cycle as my primary means of transport, I’m always gonna have to carry a change of clothes and a facewash at the very least. And frankly, I don’t find a cycle very reliable either since there is a possibility of a puncture in the middle of nowhere [its there in other vehicles too, but for cycle, it is higher]. If you wanna do cycling for fitness, why do these insane rides? Ride from Marathahalli to Cubbon Park and back about 10 times. Same thing, without the unnecessary risks and ‘adventure’.
-
Hey @farhad there is a way to solve most of the issues you faced.
Punctures – its the same for any vehicle ! No reason why cycles should have a higher probability of having a puncture.
Get a good bike. Wear a mask. Clean up once you get to your destination.
I have been doing it for the last 5 years, and its the best way to commute to work !
So good that you actually have withdrawal symptoms when you are forced to take a motorbike or car ! -
Hey. I live on Kanakapura road. Bought a firefox nitro recently. my first bike :)/ Can anyone suggest a good peaceful route I can take? I normally ride around sixish in the morning for an hour or so. The roads get really dusty around here, during the day, with the METRO construction going on.
Also, any bikers in this area? Because its awfully boring to ride alone & people stare a LOT so it would be wonderful to have some company. And since I’m a beginner I don’t really have the stamina to ride all the way to Cubbon park or somewhere that far to keep up with the bikers clubs. Let me know if anybody has any suggestions. Thanks :)
