Dolcy D’Cruz
World Bicycle Day is a special day meant to be enjoyed by people of all groups. The bicycle has been in use for two centuries, and every childhood story is incomplete without reminiscing about learning to ride a bicycle. In Goa, the use of the cycle has increased over the years. The number of people using geared cycles in the present day is increasing and the number of cycling.
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Freddie Colaco is a rider with the Panjim Cycling Club, and was the ride coordinator of leading the Panjim to Chorao cycling event in 2025, which drew riders from all over Goa to experience Goa’s first Ro-Ro (Roll-on/ Roll-off) ferry. “The most important factor when choosing a bicycle is affordability. Before anything else, a person needs to consider what fits their budget. The second consideration is the purpose of the bike, whether it is primarily going to be used as a mode of transport or as a fitness and sporting activity. Cycling specific bicycles have become quite expensive today. A good quality bike designed for fitness training, endurance riding, or long-distance cycling generally starts at around Rs 40,000 and can cost significantly more. For many people, this is a substantial investment and may not be easily affordable. Fortunately, there are several Indian-made bicycles that are more economical and offer good value for recreational riders. Imported bicycles, on the other hand, are considerably more expensive due to high import duties and taxes. In Goa, these bicycles are available through a few authorized dealers who also provide maintenance and workshop support. Cycling communities play an important role in encouraging participation in the sport. Most clubs have dedicated WhatsApp and Strava groups where members post details of upcoming rides,” says Freddie. When selecting a bicycle, riders should also understand the different types groups in Goa has increased too. Many Goans are going back to cycling, at least to stay fit and enjoy the health benefits. Choosing the right bicycle is essential for comfort, performance, safety, and long-term enjoyment of cycling, whether you are cycling for fitness, commuting, recreation, or competition. The right cycle provides a proper fit, which helps maintain good posture and reduces strain on the body. Using the appropriate bicycle for your intended use improves efficiency and available. “Road bikes, characterized by their thin tyres and drop handlebars, are designed for endurance and long-distance rides. Mountain bikes, which have wider tyres, are more versatile and commonly used by many recreational cyclists. They offer better grip and stability but also create more drag, resulting in a more intense workout. The material used in the bicycle frame is another important consideration. Many bicycles are made from aluminium, while the most premium models are made from carbon fibre. Carbon bikes are often handcrafted, making them lighter and significantly more expensive. Bicycle prices can range from around ₹2 lakh to as much as ₹25 lakh, depending on the brand, materials, and specifications. As for riding conditions, many cyclists actually enjoy riding during the monsoon season. World Bicycle Day is also celebrated in the monsoon. However, riders need to be cautious of slippery roads, potholes, and reduced visibility to ensure a safe ride,” he adds. makes riding safer and more enjoyable. Deciding to go on long rides by cycle is not an instant decision. It requires more training and strength to continue cycling. A suitable bicycle also enhances safety. Proper handling, braking performance, and stability are crucial, especially in traffic or on challenging terrain. When a bike is well-suited to the rider and the environment, it becomes easier to maneuver, stop quickly, and maintain balance.
Malcolm Coelho, is the president of the club, Xaxti Riders that was founded in 2017. The club will organise a ride today to celebrate the day from Ravindra Bhavan, Margao to Cavelossim and then for breakfast at Service In, Fatorda for a get together. “As a beginner, any cycle is recommended according to the rider’s body weight and fitness level. Many riders give up on cycling because they experience body pain and posturing problems from riding the wrong cycles. Every cycle has its own benefit and the rider has to choose it according to the cycling activity. There are many professional riders who can live with hybrid cycles with the flat handle bar and comes in the range of Rs 30,000 to Rs 35,000. The higher the cost of the cycle, the more expensive it is for maintenance. Some components are sensitive to water and dust on the rough roads. Less is more when it comes to cycling as they use their cycle more and everyday compared to some riders who buy expensive bikes but keep it parked at home instead of riding it daily,” says Malcolm. KRITIKA BHANDARI Professionally, a teacher at Chorao but cycling has become an inseparable part of Kritika Bhandari’s identity. She joined Panjim Cycling Club (PCC) in January 2022 at the age of 42 with the intention of overcoming diabetes and leading a healthier lifestyle. “I have covered an incredible 54,562 kilometres till date, including 121 century rides (100 km rides), eight 200 km rides, a 300 km ride, a 400 km ride, and my longest ride of 604 kilometres. What started as a health initiative has grown into a passion that has completely transformed my life,” says Kritika, who is proud of completing her first Super Randonneur (SR) series in January 2024 by successfully finishing the 200 km, 300 km, 400 km, and 600 km brevets. “People often ask me which bicycle they should buy. My answer is always simple, any bicycle with the right size and proper geometry is good enough to begin. Cycling is not about owning the most expensive bike; it is about having the right mindset, grit, determination, and consistency to achieve your goals. The bicycle is only a machine, the real engine is the rider’s willpower. Cycling has given me far more than medals and achievements. It has made me healthier, happier, fitter, and more confident. It has taught me discipline, perseverance, patience, and the value of showing up every day, regardless of the challenges. On this World Bicycle Day, I encourage everyone to embrace cycling, regardless of age or fitness level. Start small, stay consistent, and trust the process. The rewards go far beyond physical fitness—they enrich every aspect of life. As we say in Konkani, ‘Zaina ashe kaina, kelyar kiteak zata’ (Nothing is impossible; once you decide to do it, it can be achieved.),” says Kritika.
Ajay Dongre has been cycling for over 15 years and is the president of the cycling club in Ponda, Slopes and Bends. “There are two main flavours of cycling ‘on road’ and ‘off road’ cycling. On road cycling includes fitness rides, weekend fun rides, racing and multiday touring while cross country and downhill are flavours of off road riding.
There is bicycle for each flavour of cycling. For on road cycling, the bike is characterised by drop handlebars, thin tires and lightweight frame made of either aluminium alloy or carbon. Hybrid, unlike road bike, has flat handle bars, slightly wider tires with usually aluminium alloy frame and rigid fork while hybrid bike with flat handlebar and front suspension similar to hybrid but has front shocks. These bikes are comfortable on rough roads and can be used for light off road rides. Off-road cycling, on the other hand, includes the most common off-road bicycle is the hardtail mountain bike (MTB), which features front suspension, wide tyres, and gearing designed for climbing and navigating uneven terrain. For more demanding trails, riders often choose a full-suspension mountain bike, which incorporates both front and rear suspension systems. Because each type of bicycle is designed for a specific style of riding, it is important to choose a bike that matches the kind of cycling you enjoy and intend to pursue regularly,” explains Ajay.
