What motivates anyone to something? Well, the answers will be different for everyone. So what actually motivated me to start cycling?is it because some of my friends and fellow society members have started cycling. Or is it the fact that I am not able to exercise due to Covid-19 lockdown and I need some physical activity.Or I just want to follow the trend as everyone else is talking about cycling?
The pandemic situation forced every one of us to be locked in our houses. It was really difficult for me to have the same routine as before. Exercising in-house is just not possible for me. Though I tried for a couple of days. It’s not something I enjoyed. Then I met a friend, Sumit, who is regular into cycling, actually, he motivated me to take up cycling which I have already described in my first post.
After a couple of rides in the city starting from 20km up to 40km and trying different routes it gave me a sense of joy which you can experience only when you are on the saddle early morning at 5.30am and see the very same road, area, city differently.
Ride to Tulapur:
It was an unplanned ride. Four of us started at 5.30 am from our society, we thought we will go to Aalandi and come back, upon reaching Aalandi we decided to go further to Tulapur. I was super excited, energized, friends thought I had something in the morning as I was unstoppable that day. Little exaggeration but you will relate to me if you are in the same situation.
I thought I knew the route so other decided to follow me, I said just 10km but the road was not ending and I was unstoppable ha ha ha ha till the time our good friend Ritesh stopped to ask a gentleman if we are heading in the right direction, and we were not heading in the right direction we had taken a parallel road but I must say the road was really good and the ride was really enjoyable on that road, we passed an early morning vegetable auction market –we did not see any social distancing.
Finally, we reached Tulapur with the help of google maps and it was a sense of achievement. Tulapur is a place of worship for all Maratha’s, Samadhi of Shri Chhattrapati Sambhaji Maharaj is situated at the confluence of the Bhima and Indrayani rivers. The Sangameshwar temple built on the banks of confluence is a popular spot for tourists and devotees as well.
Return Journey:
After spending a few minutes at the Samadhi we started our return journey, on the way we stopped to have some Bananas. Energy is a must to complete the remaining journey. For me the return journey started becoming difficult when the flyover elevation started, thoughts crossed to my mind that I should just take an auto and go back home, but all my friends were all in full force so I made my mind that I won’t quit, will complete the ride. Finally, I did finish the ride a little late by 15-20 minutes than the other riders, I felt it was an achievement in itself.
Things this ride taught to me:
- Unplanned group rides are always best.
- Sometimes the road/path you accidentally take make your journey most memorable.
- It’s easy to find motivation, just look around.
- Never give up even though your mind and body say so. Take a break, rest, and try again.
Hope you enjoyed reading it. Do check my other blog posts on cycle rides.
aapla, Rahul
I think you have been in your best in this ride. None of us ever imagined your speed.