There was a time when the major means of transport for most Goans was cycling. But today, as the popularity of two-wheelers and cars has increased and their prices have decreased, cycles can hardly be seen any more on our roads. However, due the importance of cycling as far as our health as well as pollution-free environment is concerned, there are a number of organisations that are re-introducing and promoting cycling amongst Goans. ‘Cycling Goa’ is one such organisation that held a unique event, ‘Multi-city century ride’, along with Pro Byke, on Sunday, April 24.
The multi-city century ride was part of the endurance rides for cycling. As per Terence Moniz, the secretary of Cycling Goa, these are not races, but timed rides. This event was specially organised in order to attract newbies to cycling. The participants had to complete a ride of 100 kms on a circular route within the given time of 6 hours 45 minutes. One speciality of the event was that it had multiple starting points. One could start the ride from Panjim, Ponda, Margao or Vasco, the city that is the closest to them. The starting point itself would be the last destination where the rider would come back riding through all the other cities.
According to Joseph Rodrigues, the Vice-President of Cycling Goa, the response they received for the event was awesome as they met many new riders. There were three father-son duos and women participants too. “It was very encouraging,” said Joseph, a Karate instructor by profession who started cycling as a cross training exercise. When he met many people interested in cycling through his posts on Facebook, it led to the foundation of Cycling Goa.
The event on Sunday received a great response from youngsters as well as people in their 40s. Dr Milind Colvalcar, 42, from Mapusa, said, “Though I started cycling for fitness, later I started enjoying it and so began participating in these competitive brevets.” This was the fifth event Colvalcar participated in and he loved the experience. “Cycling was fun as along with the adventure, I could also see Goa and enjoy the nature around. I am looking forward to participating in more such events,” he added.
The youngest participant at the event was Daniel Tuinman, 15, who participated along with his father, Alfred Tuinman. He said that the habit of cycling was inculcated in him by his father. The father-son duo had great fun, chasing each other throughout the ride.
Along with the multi-city century ride, Cycling Goa also organised another 25 km and 50 km event ‘Populare’ especially for women. Cycling is considered a male-dominated activity and Populare was organised to increase the participation of women. Nisha Madgavkar from Verem has been cycling for around a year and found the experience of riding with friends, fun. Another participant, Majusha Soman from Old Goa, who participated in a cycling event for the first time, said, “My husband who has been riding for a while, motivated me to participate in the 25 km event. Though at first I thought I wouldn’t be able to complete, I am happy that I managed to finish the ride in the given time.” Now, she feels confident enough to participate in a 50km ride the next time.
Though cycling is good for fitness as well as eco-friendly, not many people are aware of it. Brian Soares, the president of Cycling Goa, feels, “Though people practice cycling, not many understand its structured format and technical know-how. It’s necessary that more and more people know about its benefits and start practising it themselves. And that’s our main objective behind organising these short rides.”
