Join this cycle ride to explore Aarey Forest

Participants ride through Aarey in last week’s edition of the trip. Pic/Kaustubh V Girkar

Mumbai resident Gaurang R Kanvinde has been a cyclist for nearly five years now. He began the practice while living in Bengaluru, and around four years ago, moved to Mumbai where the Aarey Colony became his favourite route to ride through. "When I visited Aarey initially, I felt a sense of freedom. Even though I used to ride for fitness, riding into the forest slows down the pace of the world for me. Around this time I also began touring the Konkan with my cycle, and the experience became more than just cycling; meeting and spending time with people turned into a big part of it as well," he shares.

Inspired by his experiences, earlier this year, Kanvinde started his own cycling tour company called Konkan Pedals. After a brief hiatus due to the second lockdown, the company restarted operations with the Discover Aarey weekend cycle tours that take participants through the hidden trails of the forest, while also introducing them to the local Adivasi communities that reside there to understand their lifestyle and means of sustainable living. This weekend, Kanvinde is all set to host the second edition of the ride, which invites people from all age groups for a two-hour retreat to the forest. It includes a scenic bike ride and will be followed by breakfast at the homes of members of the Adivasi community. The breakfast is special, he points out, because that's where participants can learn about the practices of sustainable living, through interactions and observation. "For us participants, it's just a forest that we visit occasionally, but for the communities there, it's their home. The fact that they've lived there for that long without damaging the forest means that they've figured out how to live sustainably. This can teach us what to do in our own spaces," he adds.

The weekend ride will have spots for five to 10 participants, and will follow necessary safety measures in light of the pandemic. "We can provide cycles to participants. While it's not advisable to wear a mask while riding since it can lead to suffocation, and cycling in itself is a socially-distanced practice, we will ensure that while interacting with others, masks are worn and safety precautions are followed," he concludes.

On: September 25 and 26, 7 am
Meeting Point: Aarey Picnic Point, Goregaon
Log on to: konkanpedals.in
Cost: Rs 150