Fifty kms of cycling in Indore on a cold Sunday morning organized by Scott Sports India with The Perfect Bike Shop. New Friends, new memories, amazing route with South Indian breakfast and coffee.
Watch the full video of Scott Coffee Ride on my YouTube channel ‘Pedal and Tring Tring’, Subscribe and hit the bell icon to receive notifications about the new videos.
What is Scott Coffee Ride?
Organized by Scott Sports Network in collaboration with dealers/partners, the Scott Coffee Ride is an inclusive event which is more than just a casual bike ride. It’s a community of cyclists coming together to explore the city on two wheels, enjoy the sunrise, and bond over a shared passion for cycling. The ride typically starts early in the morning, with participants setting off from a designated location for a predefined route. Depending on the event, the distance can vary, catering to cyclists of different skill levels.
Scott Coffee Ride Indore edition with The Perfect Bike Shop:
On 28th January 2024, I had the privilege of attending the Scott Coffee Ride Indore edition. All participants are required to pre-register for this event which includes a registration fee. Post registration, all participants receive a smart looking Scott Jersey, an opportunity for networking with other cyclists, a good ride experience, breakfast, and amazing memories.
I had rented a bike from The Perfect Bike Shop in Indore city. They gave me an Avanti Hybrid bike which was comfortable to ride and performed well on the concrete roads and stood the test of gravel patches in between. I enjoy riding hybrid bikes and with Avanti I never felt any missing link. With shimano gears I could shift on the inclines and climb comfortably. The brakes were effective whilst the handlebars offered a relaxed riding posture. Thanks to Avanti for being my companion in this journey.
Underdressed to ride on a cold morning:
The ride was flagged-off from The Perfect Bike Shop at 6.30am by the shop owners – Jitendra Khatri and Sumit Khatri. Around 50 riders joined the ride, and we pedaled on the main road. The route became more scenic as we entered the village area. The sunrise view was mesmerizing. It was a cold winter morning, and I wasn’t prepared and riding in a half-sleeved jersey and cycling shorts. While most of my co-riders wore extra layers, jackets, full pants, gloves, and scarves, and had their bodies covered to keep themselves warm. My eyes and nose were watering as I faced the morning chill unprepared. But somehow, I managed and focused on enjoying the ride.
Relaxing ride through the village route:
The village route was almost car-free with cyclists riding with full freedom. We stopped for quick drinks break and refueled our energies with bananas and juice. The pathway through the farms was energizing and something I often miss in the chaotic urban life. As we passed through the small village houses, men and women looked at us with curiosity. A man standing outside his house shouted, ‘is this a race’ and a co-rider responded loudly ‘no, it’s a leisure ride’. We kept pedaling in the company of cows, buffalo’s, ducks, goats, and dogs. The entire village stretch was calm with natural surroundings. I totally loved this patch and appreciate the countryside.
No Shortcuts: In life we often find an easy way out. Try to sneak in quickly. Savour on fast food to pacify hunger. Buy a VIP pass to skip the queue. Escape the grind. Look for quick fixes. List is endless. There is no secret code to bypass hardwork. One cannot reach the finish line and be on the podium without labouring the journey. Don’t succumb to the temptation of shortcuts. Accept the mantra of “No Shortcuts” There are no shortcuts to anything worth having. Embrace the grind, savor the struggle, and celebrate the incremental progress. It’s the long road that leads to the most breathtaking views. It was an amazing experience to be a part of the SCOTT Sports India Coffee Ride with the “The Perfect Bike Shop” in Indore city.
The highway segment: converse to the village route
Once the village route was crossed, we entered the highway stretch which was a complete opposite experience. Noisy, with vehicles and intimidating drivers passing us as we rode on the extreme corner of the road to be safe. I don’t want to say much about this segment and leave it to your imagination. Although I am use to riding in the city traffic in Mumbai, this is something I also wish to avoid as much as possible.
Coffee Break:
The city stretch with traffic was finally over as we stopped at a local coffee shop after completing 50 kms of cycling. We bonded over scrumptious South-Indian breakfast and hot coffee. Conversations went on as we exchanged our personal experiences. Post a satisfying meal, we regrouped for a photo and said goodbye to each other.
What makes Scott Coffee Ride so special?
- Here are just a few reasons why you should consider joining the SCOTT Coffee Ride in your city –
- Explore the city’s unique charm on two-wheels!
- Ride with a supportive cycling community and make new friends!
- Enjoy a delicious post-ride treat!
- Get a limited-edition Scott cycling jersey as a souvenir after registration!
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, the Scott Coffee Ride welcomes everyone with open arms as I speak from my personal experience. The inclusive atmosphere and varied routes ensure that there’s something for everyone. Just remember to bring your own bike, helmet, and a positive attitude!
How to join?
Stay tuned to Sport Network’s website and social media pages for updates on upcoming Scott Coffee Rides in various cities. Registration is usually open online, so don’t miss your chance to be a part of this exciting event – https://sportnetwork.in/pl/book-your-service/coffee-rides
I hope you got a feel of the experience that Scott Coffee Ride offers, through my YouTube video and this blog post.
No matter which part of the world you are reading this blog, the most important thing is to just go out on a bicycle and ride with a spirit of exploration!
You can also watch the interview I did with the owner of The Perfect Bike shop – Mr. Sumit Khatri.
You might also like to read: MAGUCHO EXPERIENCE: CYCLING WITH GUL PANAG AT MULSHI LAKE IN PUNE
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Author: Vijay Malhotra, Mumbai
