Saturday, April 22, was Earth Day. As I met up with my gang for our weekend ritual, it struck me that for once I was engaged in an activity that’s totally good for Mother Earth, and for me too! Yes, I am talking about cycling, which has the least amount of carbon footprint. And once you get pedalling, it’s addictive, and great for fitness. Not just getting fit, I’m making fab friends too. I belong to the group Pulsing Pedals, which has inspired me the late riser to wake up early and go exploring in pockets of the city I didn’t even know existed! Here’s the low-down on some popular cycling groups in the city. Go join one... and thank us later! 

CYCLE NETWORK GROW (CNG)
Started in: 2016
Area of operation: Across Calcutta
Number of riders: 150
Cyclometer record: Top speed of 25km per hour; maximum calories burned in a day: 2,500
Inspiration: “The idea behind CNG is to bring all interested cyclists on a common platform, irrespective of their city or community,” said co-founder Ashish Bajaj, an investment banker by profession and biker by passion.

USP: CNG plans different rides for different age groups. ‘CNG Amateurs’ is a subgroup for school-going kids and their rides are planned according to school timings and holidays. “We have evening rides for senior members as well. We also have a ‘Cyclists’ Adda’ where cyclists come along with their friends and family to socialise and ride with us,” said Ashish, adding that, “CNG is like a little family. We focus on building not only friendships but professional relationships as well.”
Events: CNG organised a cycling rally, Syclovia Kolkata 2016, and also hosted a ride in collaboration with Cycling India, called ‘I Ride with India’. “It was a multiple-venue event, where our cyclists rode at the same time with cyclists from 100 other Indian cities. Our attempt will be presented to the Limca Book of Records,” said Ashish. On December 26, 2016, they organised a cycling treasure hunt, and a midnight cycling adventure tour of Calcutta on February 18. 

Ride management: CNG assigns a ride coordinator for every ride. “Managing a riding group is not easy as we have people from 12 years to 65 years. However, we have a seven-member core team that makes our job easier,” pointed out Ashish.

DISCOVER ON WHEELS (DoW)

Started in: 2014
Area of operation: Usually along NH-2 and NH-6 
Number of riders: 125
Cyclometer record: 600km covered under 30 hours

Inspiration: “We started riding for health and were riding individually in our own areas, but it always helps to be regular and stay motivated if you have buddies riding alongside,” said co-founder Nishant Maheshwari, who works in public relations.
USP: DoW has a strong network of competitive cyclists. Members have participated in challenges across India. Each week the group selects a new trail and after every ride, they try out a new eating place. The group has many youngsters. “We have been able to motivate many school and college students to come outdoors and cycle with us,” said Nishant.

Events: DoW has the franchise to organise brevets (non-competitive long-distance endurance rides of 100, 200, 300, 400 and 600km to be completed in a stipulated time) in Calcutta. Successful finishers get medals from a French cycling body, Audax Club Parisien. They are also the first group to organise a duathlon (running + cycling) event in the city. 
Competitions: “Some months back, a three-member team successfully completed a 600km journey from Pune to Goa under 30 hours. Another member has cycled the length and breadth of India and started on a world tour on his two wheels in March,” said Nishant.

Ride management: “I have learnt so much while addressing individual queries of our members. We have our own Facebook page, WhatsApp group and a dedicated website,” said Nishant. 

PULSING PEDALS

Started in: 2016
Area of operation: South Calcutta
Number of riders: 70
Cyclometer record: 1,200+ km per week
Inspiration: “Even if 10 people choose not to use a car and rather cycle over short distances, it would have a significant impact on our carbon footprint. As for the health benefits, there is no better sport than cycling. I started cycling when I was diagnosed with diabetes and till now, no other activity has shown such a significant improvement on my health,” said businessman Kunal Guha, co-founder.

USP: Pulsing Pedals encourages homemakers to sign up as they often get confined to the home. “Even on our daily rides, we have so many women, children and elders,” said Kunal. “We also have a retired colonel in our group, who in his day rode from Delhi to Mumbai on a cycle and even now never fails to set an example for the younger generation. We also have a differently abled rider, who cycled from Manali to Leh with one arm.”
The group is a mix of all age groups. “Right now, we are in the middle of planning an international cycling holiday,” said Kunal.

Events: Pulsing Pedals regularly plans short trips for its members, going off to places like Narendrapur and Baruipur. “We also do social work. Last year, we rode across the city and distributed energy drink sachets to the poor and also organised an event called ‘Santa On Wheels’, where our riders distributed cakes and essentials to the underprivileged,” said Kunal.
Ride management: “We have our own Facebook page, WhatsApp group and a group on Strava (activity training app and social network for athletes), where we post our routes and activity statistics,” said Kunal.

RIDE THE TALK

“Starting off from shorter rides on the EM Bypass covering 5-10km to recently riding 125km to Basanti and back, I have realised that ‘I don’t ride a bike to add days to my life but to add life to my days’. Riding with a group has many benefits — you get the right info about riding, alternative routes and good advice from experienced riders. Apart from improving your skills you make new friends. Also, they say you lose about 450 calories after an hour’s ride at 21kmph. So, I no longer feel guilty about gorging on sweets!”
— Saikat Bhadra, a 53-year-old member of CNG who returned to cycling recently

GEARUP

Cycle @Rs 10,000 onwards from www.cyclingboutique.in
Select the correct frame size, brake type and suspension system. Pick your roadie, mountain bike or a hybrid according to your own adventure diet. 

Helmet
Rs 799 onwards from www.decathlon.in*
A must-buy, helmets are functional as well as fashionable. 

Gloves 
Rs 499 from www.sportxs.com
Sweaty palms keeping you off track? Put on a fine pair of cycling gloves that give you a comfortable grip and reduce the impact of jerks.

Cyclometer 
Rs 999 from www.decathlon.in
Cyclometers — a cyclist’s personal journal — record distance travelled, average speed, inclinations, cadence and what not! It’s time to share your achievements on social media. 

Cycling shoes
Rs 14,534 from www.amazon.in
Tough yet flexible, these shoes ensure an efficient transfer of power from your legs to the pedals. 

Hand pump
Rs 349 from www.amazon.in
Small, portable and on-the-go saviour for every biker.

Headlight + Backlight Combo 
Rs 1,199 from www.decathlon.in
A mandatory buy for all responsible riders who venture into the dark. 

Saddle Bag
Rs 299 from www.decathlon.in
Easy to attach on your bike, holds essentials like phone, wallet and even snacks. 

Bottle holder 
Rs 165 on www.amazon.in
It’s important to be hydrated on long biking trips. Attach a bottle holder to your cycle to sip on an energy drink while you pedal.

*Decathlon products are also available at the Decathlon Howrah store in Uluberia

Is cycling your passion? Tell us about your most memorable ride at t2@abp.in