Cycling is the way to go for Mysuru residents

The passion for cycling, it seems, is catching up with the residents of the Palace City. The passion is growing among the people irrespective of profession and age, and hundreds of them, including children, youths, men and women, are seen cycling in many parts of the city. Many go on a ride to tourist hot spots like Chamundi Hill during their free time.

The passion is not limited to Mysureans, as even foreign tourists take bicycles to visit various places in and around the city. While some ride bicycles to maintain their health, several others go on a ride to enjoy the nature and to pass time.

H K Rajath, an IT professional, cycles every morning to maintain a healthy body. “I have been riding the bicycle for the past four years. I feel that cycling is a good exercise, compared to playing any other games,” he said.

Thejus Prasanna, a student and a tennis player, says, though he has a bike but uses his bicycle to attend tennis practice sessions. “I have been cycling since my childhood and continued the habit effortlessly. I just don’t need any warm-up before playing tennis, if I cycle,” he says.

Thejus often goes on adventure rides on his bicycle to Chamundi Hill and other places with his friends.

A group of 10 people formed Mysuru Cycling Club in 2012, just to enjoy their cycle rides. Today, the club has more than 100 riders. Cyclists from various backgrounds — students, professionals and home makers — are members of the club.

Manu Gowda, a member of the club, said the passion for cycling was growing among many people, irrespective of age.

“Earlier, we used to go on rides during our free time. But, now, our passion has turned into a habit and we go on rides regularly,” he said, adding that the club aims to promote safe recreational cycling activities.

Considering the growing passion for cycling, the club will organise ‘Chamundi Epic’, a cycle race, for the first time. Any individual, including children, can take part in the race. The event will be held in four categories — children (below 11 years along with parents), under 18, men and women, said Manu. Interested cyclists can register on 0821-4252299.