Freedom ride 2014: Freedom from lethargy

I was quite excited for the Freedom ride 2014. After a break finally, got back on tracks of endurance sports. And this time, it became the toughest race. It was a good opportunity to participate in one of the best rides of 2014 - a 67KM route, through the tortuous serpentine routes across beautiful hilly terrain of Hyderabad. Many thanks to Qualcomm for sponsoring the program, Saturday ride group for practice, and thanks to the organizers for a successful event.

It is a break from the monotony and reviving the habit of being on the road with a cycle or on a run. Last time I did the AHM Delhi half marathon in November 2010.

The up hills were already challenging, and the strong morning head winds accentuated that challenge with little more support from a hot weather. It’s a mixed feeling at the end, with good mixture of struggles, cramps, pain, and some dogged school-boyish determination to finish. After Mumbai full marathon in 2009, this ride was quite challenging, given the limited preparation I had. These five hours efforts needed 5 bananas, four frooties, 4 chocolates bars, and 1-2 two liters of glucose water on the way.

I will not dare to narrate my experience to my mom (the pain part at least), as I know I will get the default comment, who told to you to cycle :)! However, sore legs, cramped thigh muscles, and all that pains are a distant memory Now. Whenever I will look at the medal – there will be a sense of small achievement, yes I could do it!

 

Back on the wheels - the comeback ride

After a hiatus, it was a great ride. Thanks to Qualcomm cycling group for rejuvenating that dormant spirit. It's a perfect example - how an enthusiast can bring down the lethargies of many individuals. This is a resurrecting act for Qualcomm Hyderabad cycling group. I joined on the 6th weekend ride that comprised a diverse group with different levels of enthusiasm and experience. And, thanks to Girish for driving the activities.

Another highlighting point is the Hyderabad Bicycling Club, and it's zenith of success in driving cycling activities in the city. It's another example of how good things can happen if honest and spirited efforts can be made. Now there are multiple points to hire a cycle, and go for a ride. More importantly, the push and inspiration they provide to bring more people. Not to exclude the cycle to work initiatives.

The ride starts from Hyderabad Bicycle Club, near Hi-Tech city. Riders hire bikes or bring their own, and the group moves on different routes to reach Himayat sagar, and returns back through Narsingi and ring road. I joined near IIIT junction. It was just a great road from IIIT junction, and the straight but humpy bumpy road cutting across the financial hub of the city. It is always a pleasant experience driving or riding on these roads. It passes through Infosys, ISB, Wipro, Microsoft, ICICI etc.  to name a few, and connects to the outer ring road. Then the challenging part comes, to cross a hill. The slopes are smoother  yet  it was a challenge to ride that uphill. It was my first time on that uphill, and could finish it. After a smother ride, we reached the destination - Himayat Sagar.

We stayed for few minutes near Himayat sagar, and had some photo opportunities. The energy levels of the group is just amazing.  The returning journey was not as challenging as the onward journey. It was more of a balanced ride. The sun God was kind this time, and we are spared of another Hyderabad summer afternoon. Finally, we covered around 30 Kms, and as the comeback ride, it was good enough for me. And, it's a great  feeling after getting back on the bike for a longer distance than "cycle-to-office" route.

Details of the ride:

Route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6351808

Assemble & Start Point – HBC Bike Station (Beside Quality Pearl Inn) https://www.google.co.in/maps/place/HBC+Bike+Station+Gachibowli/@17.4291548,78.3706612,17z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xa06d59e6c1659c0d

Assemble Time: 4:30 PM

Start Time: 4:45 PM

Finish Time: 7:00 PM

Rent for Cycle: Rs40 for 4 hours.

Route Description:

Total Distance: 25 Kms (To and Fro)

Terrain: Plain