Cycling under the stars
Published on: May 11, 2010 - 01:00
BY PURVI RADIA | NT NETWORK
Goa blessed with serene and calm environment attracts tourist who come
to wind up here. This crowd added to the existing local population has
made Goa’s roads congested with traffic.
Apart from that our modern lifestyle has increasingly served to cut us
away from non-polluting modes of transport such as cycling. The founder
member of the Goa Cycle Club, Mr Joseph Rodrigues says that the positive
effects and health benefits obtained by cycling are numerous. To
encourage more and more people to take up the gear and cycle and so
benefit has been the primary goal of the Goa Cycle Club who has seen an
increase in active membership.
Mr Rodrigues says that cycling alone can balance the overall fitness
level and that too at a very low cost saving one the trouble to go and
enrol at high cost gyms. He has also begun a new concept known as
critical mass rallies in the state, which is where bikers ride along the
busy roads to spread awareness.
Cycling reduces pollution and helps you maintain a healthy life and of
course it is the cheapest mode of transport. A recent activity of the
Goa Cycle Club is a night cycle ride which will be held on May 11. He
says organising night cycle rides are fun, especially during this season
as it is very hot during the day. After the first successful night ride,
he is expecting a good response for this cycle ride.
With hardly any light to show direction, and just a moonlight and a
starry night guiding the cyclists under the dark cover, the enthusiasts
will cover at least 10 kilometres which is nearly one hour of cycling.
Cycle enthusiasts participating are recommended to wear reflectors on
their body and to fit a torch onto their cycles and carry some
refreshments if needed. To avoid any untoward incidents, Mr Rodrigues
says they have curtailed the number of participation.
Don’t be sceptical when it comes to cycling. Understand its benefits
first and enjoy the healthy experience that comes along with it. Mr
Rodrigues offers a word of advice “take up cycling seriously, only then
will a person understand its value”.
(Compulsory cycle lights and reflector belts across the back and front.
Attach a torch if you do not have a cycle light. Bring your friends
along. The event is free and only for those above 16 yrs of age. Bring
whistles, if your cycle does not have a bell. Limited group so call and
confirm participation on 9822166165)
http://www.navhindtimes.in/iexplore/cycling-under-stars
