My First Long Cycle Ride

Dileep rides for "Bangalore Randonneurs" https://www.audaxindia.org/bangalore-randonneurs-bangalore-c-9 and "GoGreenGoCycling" http://www.gogreengocycling.org/ and few solo rides with his friends.  He is a great inspiration to me and our kid. I wanted to go cycling with him for a very long time.  With the lock down slightly relaxed and cyclists allowed on the roads with all the precautions, we planned a short family ride of 15kms, considering our lil one's capacity to ride. It was super fun.  

 

And ever since I had been craving for more. That's the thing about any physical activity, walking, running, yoga cycling, gymming, you name it, once you get the taste of it, and you end up craving for more.  Anyway, I asked my husband if we could ride till my mom's place and he agreed. From our house till Mom's, it's around 22 Kms. I was over the moon and super excited. Once the plan was made, I told my mom that we would be coming early in the morning for a quick stop and ride back home. 

 

The night before, my excitement was on peak. I had to literally calm myself down and slept early so that I would be fresh and energetic in the morning.  So Sunday morning I was full of energy and enthusiasm and got ready.

 

The weather was just perfect. It had rained the previous day so I was a bit anxious that it should not be overcast as it would foil my plans.  But thank God, the skies were clear with just some specks of white clouds.

 

We started our ride exactly at 6:08 O'clock.  It was a wonderful experience.  Lovely breeze, fresh air brushing past my face, the adrenaline pumping as we cycled away. Sheer bliss.  I could feel my mind and body in the perfect symphony.  I inhaled the fresh cool air and exhaled deeply. I could feel my mind calming down. I could feel a peaceful feeling in my heart.  Whenever I am alone or doing my work, I chant slokas in my mind.  As I concentrated on my breathing, I was chanting the slokas; I was in a meditative mode.  All my physical and mental energies, concentrated at the “present”. Enjoying the moment. Literally no other thought in my mind.  I feel this was one of the reasons that I didn’t feel exhausted or tired at the end of the ride or rest of the day. In fact I felt really rejuvenated. 

 

 As we cycled together, in places where there was no traffic, we chatted or enjoyed the comfortable companionable silence.  That’s my idea of a perfect date.    

 

On the way we passed by many cyclists in small groups, maintaining distance and riding, and many solo riders.  Motivation and inspiration is everywhere, one has to just observe.

 

Finally, at 7:30 am we reached Mummy’s place. Mum was waiting eagerly for us.  We ate ravenously the delicious fare of piping hot idlis, chutney, sambar and vada.  We relaxed for a bit with hot coffee. Refilled our bottle and started back at 8:30 am.  The weather was still cloudy and cool and traffic had not started yet.  It was a comfortable ride home. Reached dot at 10 am.

 

I was absolutely ecstatic. For a first time long ride, it was no mean feat.  A classic example of the body can achieve what the mind believes. And the rest of the day I was perfectly fine. No pains or aches.  I am really grateful for this wonderful experience. My kid and nephew were really pumped and they wanted to go for a long ride too. That is what I want. Lead by example. Later they did go for a ride. What more could I ask for!! Another ride? Why not!!