World Bicycle Day: Head to cyclothon events in Thane this weekend

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When we reach out to Thane-based Chirag Shah, it takes some dropped calls before the bicycle mayor, one of the four in the city assigned by BYCS (Bicycle Citizens Network), a global non-profit organisation, finally answers. For the last week, Shah has been juggling calls from Beed, Satara, Sangli, and Dahanu; all from cyclists keen to participate in an upcoming cyclothon in Thane spearheaded by his group, Wheels and Barrels, this weekend.

A cyclist presents a rose to a motorist during an awareness programme in the city

Over 500 participants will slip into their cycling suits and head to Thane for what Shah calls "a celebration of a small, yet determined community". The theme for the event this year, we learn, is ‘Green Thane, Fit Thane'. "There's no right age to begin your fitness journey. Through the 10 km ride [2 km for children], people from all walks of life including athletes and young corporate workers to homemakers and pensioners, will personify this year's theme," Shah shares.

Children participate in a children's cycling rally in Panvel

On this quest for a fitter Thane, Shah is not riding solo; he's joined by a group of doctors who share the vision. "Since 2021, the doctors of MMR Hospital, Thane, have conducted numerous health camps for cyclists. For World Bicycle Day, we decided to join forces to spread the word of fitness beyond our circles," Shah reveals.

A moment from a previous cyclothon organised by the group in Thane

While the doctors will present an interactive discussion with the participants to break down the basics of fitness and movement sans the medical jargon, a Zumba session awaits those who need a little bit of music to get moving. "These activities will draw in larger crowds and introduce them to cycling. Even if two out of a hundred participants decide to kindle the fire going ahead, it's a win for us," he smiles.

Chirag Shah

Amidst planning the programme for the big day, Shah reminds us that a pressing concern, that of cyclists' safety, will not be forgotten. "We will amplify the 4 ft distance for cyclists' movement that we initiated in the city earlier this year after a chain of unfortunate accidents involving motorists. Co-existence is the way out of this dilemma. We will interact with motorists and educate them along the way to ensure a better future," he concludes.

ON June 2; 6.30 am
MEETING POINT MRR Children's Hospital, Vartak Nagar, Thane West.
CALL 9664231220 (for all details and queries)
FREE

Cycle in the city

Experts suggest their preferred routes for safe, smooth bike rides:

. Navi Mumbai: Panvel ST Depot to Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Building. The ‘shoe route' that covers the distance from Panvel to Kalamboli, and back.
Sudhir Chakole, bicycle mayor, Panvel

. Mumbai: Bandra Kurla Complex stands out as the safest bet for beginners. Marine Drive can be a good location for early morning rides; avoid evenings as vehicles tend to speed during these hours. Sanjay Gandhi National Park can be a great spot to learn or practice cycling.
Ravi Agarwal, founder, SoBo Cyclists

. Thane: The Kolshet Pipeline Road offers a breezy and scenic ride. The Thane cycle track in Pokhran is suitable for intermediate cyclists.
Chirag Shah, bicycle mayor, Thane

Sign up for these events

. Pedal in Panvel
Join this rally that will aim to spread awareness about a tobacco-free India. Choose from a 40 km or 15 km route beginning from Panvel. The ride will be followed by a Q&A session with medical experts and authorities about the perils of tobacco.
ON June 2; 6 am
MEETING POINT Orion Mall, Panvel.
LOG ON TO @panvelcyclingclub (for details)
FREE

. Meet the champs
This cycle rally will promote sustainable mobility and felicitate the best initiatives and campaigns that emerged from the city's cycling fraternity at a Bicycle Champions event that will follow.
ON June 2; 7.15 am
MEETING POINT Sports Complex, Kalina University Campus, Santacruz East.
LOG ON TO @cyclechalacitybacha (to register)
FREE

. Slow-mo in SoBo
Be the first one to ring in the celebrations at this slow-paced overnight cycling event that will take you through heritage sites in South Mumbai before the city wakes up.
ON June 1; 11 pm
MEETING POINT revealed on request
ENTRY Rs 399

Beginner's guidebook

. Always ride with a buddy if you are heading out early in the morning or at night.
. Avoid routes that involve flyovers as they might be risky.
. Adjust your saddle before the ride to suit your height.
. To avoid soreness, don't hunch your shoulders. Slide forward or back on the saddle to distribute your weight during the ride.
. Do not wear excessively tight suits to look sporty. Ask for a size that allows breathing space.
. Use an app like Strava to share your location with family or friends in real-time.