Twelve cyclists will set off this October 2, pedalling between Bangalore, Goa, Mumbai, Delhi, and Udaipur for causes they are passionate about. The deal? They cycle for the love of cycling, at their own cost, talking with people living in smaller towns along the route, finding out more about their lives, and what problems affect them. And what can you do? Donate for the causes they are associated with, and are cycling to create awareness about. And if you like cycling for a cause, you could hop on too.
“Ride2Light is an initiative that combines the two Cs — that all of us involved are passionate about — cycling and causes,” says 29-year-old co-founder Siddarth Dudheria, who works for Eka software. All riders taking part in this cause have been cycling for a long time, from distances ranging from 10 km to over 600 km. While the expedition covers 2,400 kilometres, cyclists can cover any stage they want. There is no registration fee, and Siddarth say cyclists can sign up along the way to join for a cause and participate. The expedition which starts in Bangalore on October 2, will take cyclists through Goa (October 5), Gateway of India (October 9), Udaipur (October 13) ending at India Gate on October 18.
“We are riding for causes such as girl child education, building toilets and creating sanitation awareness – those are causes close to my heart. My friend and co-founder Santosh Baradwaj, who works with Honeywell, is from a village called Mittur and he’s rallying for the Mittur Charitable Trust that takes care of students in this village in Vellore district. Another rider, Guru, is keen on spreading awareness on para- athletes, inspired by a para-athlete Aditya, who cycles. We are also raising cancer awareness for Yuvraj Singh’s YouWeCan.” Milaap.org is the platform where you can donate to these causes, he adds, and stresses that using your card to donate is as easy as shopping online. Only, this time it’s for a cause.
“Wherever we go, we reach out to cycling clubs. We are not backed by any sponsors. Some people, knowing of our journey have offered us food or stay, along the routes. Otherwise, our cyclists pay for themselves. Most of our journeys are through small towns. We feel these causes matter to the small towns too. We carry a bat and ball, create a circle with our cycles and start playing cricket and invite locals to join in. We start talking to them, asking what they think of our causes. It’s an impromptu connect to find out what they are doing in their places for sanitation, education for girls. We don’t like to give talks or preach. Most of them ask us one question ‘Why do you all cycle so much’?’” says Siddarth.
The first edition of Ride2Light will be flagged off on October 2 at Freedom Park at 6.30 a.m. It’s an open event where many from the cycling community will gather.
For details check www.ride2lightindia.org
