FIVE WOMEN’S STORIES THAT WILL INSPIRE YOU TO START CYCLING

The world of cycling might appear to be male dominated with pictures of pro-athletes and elite racing; but the fact is cycling is an inclusive activity and welcomes everyone. Last week, we celebrated International Women’s Week and a few women cyclist stories were shared on the social media handles of Pedal and Tring Tring. So, in this blog, I am sharing inspiring stories of five women who discovered the joy, freedom and transformative power of cycling. Their efforts and enthusiasm shows that there are no barriers to cycling – it’s all in the mind; and it’s never too late to start peddling towards a healthier and happier you.

Sharvari Vidwans

“My Name is Sharvari A.K.A @cyclewali on Instagram. After completing a diploma in mechanical engineering, I pursued post diploma in product and tool designing. While doing the same, I participated in a team event at one of the engineering Tech Fests, where we showcased a Folding Bicycle made from scrap and won the second prize for the same. After graduation, I’ve done a lot of freelancing jobs that required specialised skills I acquired during my engineering, however, my heart was stuck with the bicycle after that tech fest. I enjoyed riding bikes as a kid but I tasted success at building one too and it was more fun. So, I decided to learn professional Bicycle frame building from UK and post that, I also became a certified Bicycle Mechanic in 2020. My journey of being a bike mechanic still continues.”

My moto: Cycle anywhere and wherever you can.

Shilpi Sahu

“I am an employee of an MNC in Whitefield, Bengaluru. I have been cycling to work, about 11 km one way, for the last 14 years. I started cycling because traffic to work used to be unpredictable on most days. I found driving very stressful. One day, I bought an entry level bike and started cycling to work. I noticed that I wasn’t all that tired. I felt alert at work and stayed fit because cycling, however slow, was part of my routine.

Every year, traffic got worse, but I kept adapting to it with detours. Bengaluru weather is quite pleasant to cycle in morning and evenings, mostly all year around. Rains can be handled with accessories like raincoats and mudguards. Bengaluru traffic may be infamous but I found that cycling is the fastest way to beat it, so you waste the least time in traffic and spend more productive time at work and with family. Today, we have a big cycling group at my workplace. Many employees commute to work on cycle as it is convenient. We have showers, changing rooms and many perks for cyclists.

As a woman, I dont find any deterrents to cycling in Bengaluru, as most of my commute is during daylight hours and on predictable routes. I pass through some lakes during my commute that are beautiful green spaces but officially banned by the city govt for cyclists. It’s ironic that cycling is considered as an elite sport but is actually a common mode of transport for most blue collar workers. Despite my company encouraging cyclists, the push to provide better infrastructure is missing at the city level. Having safe cycling infrastructure can make a big difference to the city traffic by moving people from private vehicles to active mobility, thereby reducing pollution levels and improving both mental and physical health of citizens. 

I sometimes draw cycling related sketches @brakefail22 on instagram and X. Inspiration for these are derived from my first hand experiences while commuting on my cycle.”

Sujatha Rangaraj

As a kid, I yearned for independence. I wanted to freely go to shops, school, and college without relying on others for rides or waiting in long queues for public transport. That desire sparked my cycling journey, and now it’s evolved into a lifelong passion.

Cycling has profoundly impacted my daily life, both physically and mentally. Physically, it has kept me fit, strong, and trim, allowing me to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Mentally, cycling has been a game-changer. The rush of dopamine releases happiness hormones, enabling me to handle stress with ease. Cycling also boosts my confidence, making me feel more resilient and capable of tackling life’s challenges.

As a woman rider, I’ve faced unique challenges that come with balancing multiple responsibilities. Before stepping out, I have to manage my household duties, take care of my kids, and attend to my family’s needs. However, I’ve found a way to overcome these obstacles. By waking up early, I make time for my fulfilling rides, which energize me for the day ahead. This routine has allowed me to prioritize my passion for cycling while still fulfilling my responsibilities as a woman and a homemaker.

One of the most memorable experiences in my cycling journey was when I won the first prize in my age category at the Dhapoli cycling race, covering a distance of 51 kilometers. The feeling of standing on the podium, hearing the national anthem, and receiving the award was truly overwhelming. Another highlight was my podium finish at the Jio Cyclothon.

To all the women out there who want to start cycling but feel hesitant, I’d say: don’t wait for the perfect moment, just hit the road! Nobody is perfect on their first ride, but with every pedal stroke, you’ll overcome your fears and doubts. As you continue to ride, you’ll gain confidence, build strength, and develop a passion for cycling. Before you know it, you’ll be inspiring others to take up the sport. So, take that first step, get on your bike, and start pedalling – you never know where it might take you!

Gul Panag

“My cycling journey resumed in 2022. My father, an avid cyclist, who cycles an average of 35 km a day, conceived an idea of pedaling to the picturesque Ladakh from Manali. 

During my academic life, I often had saddle time accompanying my brother for short distances. But the activity took a backseat as professional pursuits advanced. 

I’m always up for a challenge and this particular ride to Ladakh was going to be an epic adventure. “Let’s do it Dad” I said.

I bought a mountain bike and started training about two months before the planned ride. I clocked 25km a day – three days a week. 
Having pursued a Fitness regimen for the last two decades, I was comfortable from a cardio perspective. But needed to retrain my body – both for saddle time and for longer endurance since our plan for the Ladakh ride was to do about 70km a day. 

Five riders came together for the Ladakh ride. My father, my husband and two friends Monisha and Rajesh. I think it was by far one of the finest holidays I’ve had. 

Cycling uphill at 15,000+ altitude was a physical and mental test with lungs gasping for breath. Despite my prior experience of summiting this route from behind the comfort of the windshield and the sheer aggression of a motorbike; the journey was more exhilarating on a human powered vehicle. 

The slow course of this expedition created a natural harmony of our minds with the panoramic landscapes. The silent sight of the mighty mountains, vastness of the skies, depth of the flora and fauna painted an everlasting sight and fuelled our souls. 

The Result: I was bitten by the cycling bug and introduced myself to the term ‘Cycling Addict’. 

Consequently, I now regularly dedicate time to cycle about 30 to 50 kms. My son has an evolving interest for the two wheels as he accompanies me for weekly outings. This Mom-Son duo are bonding over engaging conversations on our rides as we sing, chat, admire, absorb and delve into various topics. This is one of the best ways to bring up children with an active lifestyle. Leaving you with my favourite quote, Every ride is a tiny holiday”.

Tasneem Ali

“My cycling story takes me down memory lane, when I had bought a bicycle for my daughter in order to keep her busy with some sport, way back in 2018.

A few months later it started gathering dust and had to be made use of, somehow I pushed myself into riding over the roads of NCPA, where I trained myself for a year, gradually increasing my distance and bike handling skills, it gave me the confidence to join a Cycling Group (West Coast Riders) fun doubled as we rode together as I learnt a lot from my co-riders.

Not much time had passed and we hit the lockdown where everything came to a standstill, a little later I teamed up with a friend, who also happened to ride an MTB and lived nearby, this was when my actual riding began, he trained me for long distance, taught me road etiquette, how to read maps, plan routes and everything that was required to become a good rider.

After which I never looked back, my passion for riding kept growing.

The beginning of Twilight is one of the best experience, which offers one the freedom to glide over empty roads under dark skies.

Gradually, I started pushing my limits, thereby increasing my distance from a decent Century to a Double Century ride.

A lot of people say I Inspire and Motivate them, while at the same time I seek Inspiration from my Senior cyclist and still have a lot to learn as they say the ‘Sky is the Limit’ where the growth and learning should never stop. This is my cycling story which has just begun.”

Also read: FROM CALICUT TO SOMNATH – MY SOLO CYCLING ODYSSEY

TURNING DISABILITY INTO DESTINY: MY JOURNEY TO PARALYMPIC GOLD

Thanks to our readers for contributing their stories.

Follow this blog on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, Strava Club

Author: Vijay Malhotra, Mumbai.