Trek Bicycle, one of the world’s leading bicycle manufacturers organized their marque multi-city event ‘Trek Founder’s Ride’ in Mumbai recently. The event witnessed over 100 cycling enthusiasts participating and navigating through the heart of the city. The event served as an enriching platform filled with cycling conversations; connecting riders and encouraging them to share their inspiring stories as well as receive cycling tips from the experts at Trek.
The event was anchored by Navneet Banka, Country Head, Trek Bicycles India along with its retail partner Imperial Cycles.
Head quartered in Waterloo, Wisconsin – USA, Trek’s story goes back to 1975 when two friends Dick Burke and Bevil Hogg living in Wisconsin teamed up to set-up a bicycle shop in their local vicinity. After facing initial non-success and subsequent shut-down, the two gentlemen deliberated on their passion for cycling business over a few drinks in a dimly lit Wisconsin supper club called ‘The Pine Knoll’.
With an idea to launch their own bicycle brand to cater American customers, they held a cordial debate on the topic of finding a brand name for their company. Bevil suggested ‘Kestrel’ – a swift bird of prey, while Burke recommended ‘Trek’ – inspired by his travel experiences. Dick Burke’s faith in the power of a good idea proved persuasive giving birth to Trek Bicycles company in 1976.
Today, Trek Bikes is present in over 100 countries and has established itself as one of the most technologically advanced bicycle company in the World. The American brand forayed into India market in 2007 through a distribution channel and in August 2017, Trek Bicycles India became a 100% subsidiary of Trek Bikes USA. With over a decade’s presence in India, Trek has grown leaps and bounds with more than 33,000 happy customers riding a Trek, in India.
The company is aggressively fueling the growth of cycling through its ‘Trek Founders Ride’ campaign which is aimed at acknowledging the local cycling community and laud their zest for all forms of cycling. Apart from Mumbai, Trek has completed Founder’s Rides in 13 cities across India, including Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Haldwani, Bangalore, Guwahati, Delhi, Nanded, Ahmedabad, etc.
Speaking on the occasion Navneet Banka said “Mumbai is one of the top 3 markets for Trek. The first-ever Founder’s Ride in Mumbai was an exciting experience as all the spots were filled in the first 10 days of opening registrations – which speaks volumes about the cycling culture in the city. The cycling community here is evolved and we can see a lot of enthusiasts anchoring the randonneuring laurel. Given the continuous push at all levels, we will further see more and more individuals take-up the sport.”
Viju Varghese, Head Sales and Dealer Development at Trek Bicycles India addressed the audience with a presentation highlighting Trek’s range of products like Madone, Domane, Marlin, and Trek’s range of Riding Gear, Merchandise, Accessories & parts – under its ‘Bontrager’ brand. The interactive presentation also explained about the patented OCLV Carbon technology, the new line of Trek gravel bikes, product price points, customer centric policies like Lifetime Warranty on bike frames and the unique ‘Unconditional Bontrager Guarantee’ program. Trek also educated all participants on the importance of bike maintenance and the company’s capability to make available models listed not just on India website, but also its high-end series listed in the US website in quick time.
Imperial Cycles, is a leading partner of Trek Bicycles India and the family run business recently celebrated its Golden Jubilee, marking a significant occasion in India’s cycling history. From humble beginnings of operating inside a 300 odd square feet garage in Kurla to expanding into a more modern retail format at Phoenix Market City Mall; the legacy of Imperial Cycles having sustained the highs and lows of the cycling industry has become stronger and better equipped to serve the market trends.
Expressing pleasure and joy on hosting the Trek Founder’s Ride, Ms. Bilkis Shaikh, Co-Founder of Imperial Cycles quoted “We are delighted to be a part of the historic Trek family. Over the years, cycling as a sport and as a recreational activity has seen tremendous growth in Mumbai. We have come a long way in this business and have evolved as per the changing market needs. Trek as a brand stand true to their endorsed quality. Working with quality brands and a quality team is our pride and we shall ensure we do better everyday. This event indeed was an elite event with happy riders and a great experience in itself. We aspire to provide these cycling enthusiasts with a-one-stop destination for all their biking needs.”
Committed to progress of cycling and celebrating their enduring partnership, Trek Founders Ride was flagged-off from Imperial Cycles at 6:30 am with cyclists decked up in their super best. Negotiating through the rough patches and barricades of Mumbai Metro construction sites in the dawn, and welcomed at the outspread of Eastern Express Highway feeling the cold winds cutting through the hair seeing the first light of the day, thereby leading into the calm streets of Powai and accomplishing at the grandeur of Renaissance Hotel.
The hospitality bestowed by the splendour of ‘Marriot Hotels’ is praiseworthy, and the organizers who catered to us with an elaborate and delectable menu, honouring participants with a classic black Trek T-Shirt left us fascinated with a hope to soon return in the next Founders Ride and furthering our belief in bikes!
Cover image: trekbikes.com
Follow me on twitter or instagram
Author: Vijay Malhotra, Mumbai
2 thoughts on “TREK FOUNDERS RIDE – MUMBAI”