According to the most recent study by the University of Minnesota’s Transportation Happiness Map, people on bikes are the happiest commuters. Besides the feeling of freedom while riding in Goa, this Sunday, the road from Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, crossing through Sernabatim and Cuncolim and back to Ravindra Bhavan will be a wave of orange, the colour of special ride jerseys that the women riders of the ‘Go Girls Go’ will be sporting. The annual ride organised by Xaxti Riders will see the participation of more than 100 women cyclists from across Goa.
The ride will begin from 6.30 am on Sunday morning as the volunteers, medical teams and even refreshments will be organised along the route to keep the particpants hydrated and refreshed. “The participants in 100 kilometres will take about 6-7 hours to finish the ride while those in 50 kilometres category will need about 3.5 hours. The start and finish point for the rides will be Ravindra Bhavan, Margao. Hot tea from Harman Chahawala and chutney sandwiches will welcome the riders. There are washroom facilities available at this venue,” says Savia Viegas, one of the founding members of Xaxti Riders, a Margao-based cycling club.
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The age of participants this year varies between 7 and 70 years. The riders will have water points at Sernabatim and Ambedkar Circle, Curchorem, and breakfast points at Cuncolim and Ravindra Bhavan, Margao. washrooms facilities will be available at Sernabatim and 7th Heaven Service Station.
“The response has been tremendous, particularly in the second edition. By then, many women cyclists, including senior citizens, had enough confidence and experience on the saddles. So the participation and enthusiasm was boundless, to say the least. This time Xaxti Riders are associated with Lorraine’s Physioedge. There will be a Physiotherapy Corner at Cuncolim Control Point and Ravindra Bhavan Finish Point to take care of the post ride aches and pains,” says Savia.
The number of participants have been growing every year, “The numbers vary depending upon various factors but the participation is certainly and steadily growing. One is the participation by the younger cyclists. But more crucial is the participation by mid-career women which is extremely welcome since the health problems start around that age. This year’s theme is ‘Save the Girl Child’. The number of registered participants are 100 plus this year,” says Savia.
With women cyclists meeting over something they love doing, it is surely a time for bonding over this sisterhood. “Apart from fostering the sisterhood on cycles, it provides crucial health benefits. All of us go out of our way to help and mentor the new participants during the ride. There is also lot of fun at the begin and finish points as well on the watering and breakfast points. All in all the atmosphere is very festive,” adds Savia.
