Relishing monsoon on two wheels

Jaiti Datta / TNN / Updated: Oct 9, 2018, 12:15 IST

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Bhopalis make the most of monsoon on cycles

Wet roads, lush green surroundings, and thick covered forests make up for a perfect ride in this weather. Imagine riding through the woods with raindrops slightly pouring over your head. Rainy season surely makes up for one of the best times of the year to indulge in your favourite activities and cycling tops the chart. With better off-roading tracks in the season, it is one of the most preferred activities by the localities.We spoke to a few cyclists in the city who love cycling and setting on to long trails in this weather. Read on to find out how is to ride in this breathy weather as they share their experiences with us.
THE JOY OF BIKING IN MONSOON
This weather is surely the most preferred one by the cyclists in the city as shared by Mayank Raghuwanshi, a businessman. ‘Monsoon is the most pleasurable and suitable weather for cycling as these are the days with rains and cool breeze. We just did Bhopal to Pachmarhi last weekend and it was amazing.’ Another reason that adds on to the joy of biking in the weather is, “There are lesser chances of dehydration and sunstroke, during the cloudy and comparatively cooler days, cyclists prefer to take long distance rides as they can go anywhere they wish without worrying of roads getting heated up as in the summer season. Off-roading in this weather like moving through villages and forest areas make us enjoy more and it brings us closer to nature’’ says Arjun Mahatme, a civil engineer.

IT’S A LOT MORE THAN JUST CYCLING
A journey is never completed without ups and downs, refreshments, sightseeing and of course a lot of pictures. For Pravin Mishra, Wing Commander a perfect journey consists of gorging on to roadside bhajiyas and chai. Also, experiencing good luck in finding fresh fruits while riding through the roads just doubles the joy”. Mayank Raghuwanshi says “Though cycling is a complete activity within itself. We ride for joy and happiness, the poha jalebi party with fellow riders after a sweaty ride is our trophy. But yes, we do a lot of stretching of muscles before and after also to break the monotony, we do running and participate in marathons”

HOW LONG ARE THE JOURNEYS USUALLY:
Biking journeys can be as long as hundreds of kilometers, it solely depends on the beauty of tracks and the willingness of the bikers. Accounts officer, Pankaj Rawat is an avid cyclist and can go up to many kilometers. His day to day rides consist of a minimum of thirty to forty kilometers of distance. “After riding for ten kilometers every biker starts enjoying the ride, in this weather we all behave like kids and enjoy to the fullest.’ The longest that Shubhra Goel, Principal, Sidhharth Excellence Academy School, has ridden is to Badi-Bareli, a town 240 kilometers away from Bhopal. As a result of her love for traveling she covers long distances without even realising or getting tired. ‘We club our rides with treks and sightseeing, it becomes a complete package and in this weather, nature is at its best.’

SOLO RIDES V/S GROUP RIDES:
Every biker in the city has his own preferences to enjoy his cycling rendezvous, some like biking in groups while some are solitary riders. Akansha Jain, an entrepreneur prefers a solo trip on her bike. She shares her experience from a solo journey that she finished recently “When I returned from the cycle trip, I really felt a 360-degree change in my personality, thought-process, and outlook towards things. That’s because the entire journey involved decision making every time which boosted my confidence. I completely explored my inner capabilities and strengths. On the other hand, rider Pravin Mishra differs and likes biking with his friends as they share experiences while they go on different locations also he believes that setting on for a long journey with friends make up for good time spent together”