Cycling has become a favourite pastime of young professionals. They have been exploring the city and outskirts on the cycle. Most of these trips happen on weekends.
Software engineer Girish Motwani loves cycling and finds these trips a good excuse to step away from the humdrum of the city. "We usually transport the cycle to locations in the Western Ghats like Chikkamagaluru and Mahabaleshwar, or head out to closeby spots like Ooty, Wayanad and cycle there. I've cycled from the city to Hessarghatta, Savandurga, Manchanabele Dam and Kanva Reservoir too," he says. He adds that after a trip like this, he is able to handle work better during the week.
"I read a lot of travel blogs and travelogues to get information about such spots. The intention of such trips is to cycle a lot and enjoy it. One has to plan the trip according to the elevation of the place," he adds.
Even for Shanthi Prasad J C, senior operations manager with an MNC who has been cycling for decades, such trips have proved exciting. He loves cycling during the monsoons as the weather is best then. "I go for such trips regularly, sometimes two to three times in a month. I head out to the Western Ghats or Jog Falls. I love interacting with the local people and relishing the regional food to feel the true essence of the place," he details. He adds that when travelling in a car, one doesn't notice or enjoy the location as when one is on a bicycle.
Sarathy PB, who works as a UEX expert, says that he goes to Mallalli Falls in Somwarpet, Madhugiri Fort, Avalabetta, Channagiri and Gudibande Fort in Chikkaballapur often. He echoes the concerns of many other cyclists and says that it is important to plan effectively for these trips. "Cycling trips are not like long drives. It is a new experience riding on long routes. These can be more fun and challenging," he says.
"One needs to be at their healthiest best. Make sure you walk a lot before you go on a long ride. Travel with plenty of water, glucose and fruits to refresh yourself," he says. Sarathy adds that once such details are paid attention to, these trips can be turn out to be life-changing.
