The city of Mumbai experienced and indulged in these memories on 21st February, 2010 at The India Mumbai Cyclothon 2010 – BSA Hercules India Cyclothon and Mumbai Cyclothon, Tour-De-Mumbai. This event was a fitness and environmental initiative supported by the Times of India, TATA, CNBC TV18, Cafe Coffee Day, Cinemax, Bisleri, Red FM, Lilavati Hospital and many more.
Early on a Sunday morning, giving up on your craved-for-all-week sleep (any Mumbaikar would empathize) was voluntary. The excitement and the buzz in the air transformed the city into a euphoric, transcendental bubble. A huge, unexpected crowd of over 8000 were the co-creators of the success this event was. Everyone from dabbawalas to Gen-Z, nature lovers to fitness freaks, corporate to elite, desi to videsi - all enthusiastically ready to pedal the old fashioned way. Or shall we say the new re-cycled way?
On the eve of this event, the city was pumped with high adrenaline. And then, the morning arrived. A maelstrom of emotions – the air smelt of passion, competition, exhilaration, high spirits and overwhelming mirth. Mumbai, away from her mundane routine was celebrating the carnival mood to the hilt.
THE CYCLING WAY FORWARD
Bandra Reclamation to Carter Road. Different tracks had their twists and the turns depending on the route one picked. Sea Link was a major attraction. There were ‘eight fold paths’ to choose from.
THE RACE PACE
The International Elite Race was organised for UCI certified professional cyclists only. A 100 kms, these races were serious, professional races undertaken by the world’s best cyclists. Unlike the Tom & Jerry ones, these races tested speed and endurance levels of the cyclists. Next on the list were our Elite Indian (Men) cyclists who competed for 50 kms. Organized by the Cycling Federation of India, there were renowned cyclists from 22 states in India. A total of 14 professional teams competed with each other. Reputed international cyclists like Stuart O'Grady and Baden Cooke took part and the winner of the International Elite Race was Saxo Bank's Jose Juan Haedo. Dirk Muller from Team Nutrixxion and Tobias Erler from Tabriz Petrochemical followed. Among the Elite Indian winners were Dayala Ram Sharma, Shishpal Jatc R and Sarpreet Singh – Jai Ho!
UPLIFTING WHEELS
Two 24 km professional races were designed for the amateurs, seasoned cyclists and corporates called Amateur and Corporate Group Rides. Also, there were 12 km races known as Green Rides designed for our very own janta along with a 2 km race – Kids Race - to encourage youngsters. An exceptional mention is deserved here for a special race that was organised for participants on wheel chairs. A heartening sight!
CYCLING KA DUM
Amidst all the janta and the elite was our very own Sallubhai, emphasising his cycling ka dum in a lead role, supported by brother Sohail and sister Arpita. Being a regular cyclist himself, he was here to promote the cause – ‘Burn Fat, Not Fuel’, ‘Healthy You, Healthy Planet’, ‘Healthy Heart-Beats’, ‘Pollution Free Ride’ and several other ‘Being Human’ causes. He also stated that according to him, this is the perfect weapon to combat traffic in Mumbai.
THE JANTA BOL
“We were not really ready for the 12 kms, but everyone was encouraging each other to complete the race. The rising sun fuelled our energies, bringing in the brightness and colour as we got ourselves geared. We even got lost! But the traffic police was cheering, helping and supportive to everyone around,” said Dhara Shah, a participant of the Green Ride.
Another participant, Dr. Kartik Shah added, “The fun of going without cars and the exhilaration of driving on the busiest roads of Bandra was fun. We loved the biscuits, snacks, free water and the timely medical help provided. Kudos to the traffic police for their great work!”
Dhara continues, “I felt like I had reached the New York setting in the song ‘Pretty Woman’ - from Kal Ho Na Ho - skating on one side, performances on the other, open invitations to drumming, music, healing practices and cycles on another!”
En route to the finale were some heart touching Capeoria performances, various martial arts, yoga and skating all over Carter Road, luring the janta to be a part of it all.
Intense experiences never have enough words to describe them well enough and Mumbai experienced just that. A ‘never-thought-possible’, car-free, pollution-free, expense-free, vivacious and healthy Sunday morning!