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

When we reach out to Thanebased 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 nonprofit 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 cityOver 500 participants will slip into their cycling suits and head to Thane for what Shah calls ldquoa celebration of a small yet determined communityrdquo The theme for the event this year we learn is lsquoGreen Thane Fit Thanersquo ldquoTherersquos 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 yearrsquos themerdquo Shah sharesChildren participate in a childrenrsquos cycling rally in PanvelOn this quest for a fitter Thane Shah is not riding solo hersquos joined by a group of doctors who share the vision ldquoSince 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 circlesrdquo Shah revealsA moment from a previous cyclothon organised by the group in ThaneWhile 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 ldquoThese 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 itrsquos a win for usrdquo he smiles Chirag ShahAmidst planning the programme for the big day Shah reminds us that a pressing concern that of cyclistsrsquo safety will not be forgotten ldquoWe will amplify the 4 ft distance for cyclistsrsquo movement that we initiated in the city earlier this year after a chain of unfortunate accidents involving motorists Coexistence is the way out of this dilemma We will interact with motorists and educate them along the way to ensure a better futurerdquo he concludes ON June 2 630 amMEETING POINT MRR Childrenrsquos Hospital Vartak Nagar Thane WestCALL 9664231220 for all details and queriesFREECycle in the cityExperts suggest their preferred routes for safe smooth bike rides Navi Mumbai Panvel ST Depot to Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Building The lsquoshoe routersquo that covers the distance from Panvel to Kalamboli and backSudhir 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 ThaneSign up for these events Pedal in PanvelJoin this rally that will aim to spread awareness about a tobaccofree India Choose from a 40 km or 15 km route beginning from Panvel The ride will be followed by a QampA session with medical experts and authorities about the perils of tobaccoON June 2 6 amMEETING POINT Orion Mall PanvelLOG ON TO panvelcyclingclub for detailsFREE Meet the champsThis cycle rally will promote sustainable mobility and felicitate the best initiatives and campaigns that emerged from the cityrsquos cycling fraternity at a Bicycle Champions event that will follow ON June 2 715 amMEETING POINT Sports Complex Kalina University Campus Santacruz EastLOG ON TO cyclechalacitybacha to registerFREE Slowmo in SoBoBe the first one to ring in the celebrations at this slowpaced overnight cycling event that will take you through heritage sites in South Mumbai before the city wakes up ON June 1 11 pmMEETING POINT revealed on requestENTRY Rs 399Beginnerrsquos 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 donrsquot 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 realtime