In its bicentennial year, the low-impact, environment-friendly option for swift movement is still the symbol of freedom in a cluttered modern-day cityscape. Karl von Drais’ creation is enjoying a new wind in India thanks to the endeavours of ventures like Ciclo (pronounced Chee-klo) Café, which is organising the Hyderabad edition of Ciclothon with two ride categories — 30 km and 60 km — on June 25. India’s first cycling café chain started out with the aim of bringing bicycling enthusiasts in the city together. Voted amongst the top 10 new concept destinations in India by NDTV, Ciclo pushes the idea of cycling as a lifestyle choice.
‘The etymology of Ciclo comes from both Spanish and Italian – two countries associated with cycling in a big way,’ says CEO Ashish R Thadani who believes in promoting cycling as a culture and passion more than as a business.
Ciclo, currently operational in Hyderabad, Chennai and Gurgaon will soon expand its wings in Bangalore and Coimbatore. He says, ‘The Café provides sales and servicing of premium bicycles to bikers who can also have a snack while getting their rides fixed. They can also rent cycles at nominal rates to try out cycling. A wide range of F&B services for all foodies is another attraction.’
The Hyderabad edition of Ciclothon, bound to attract many avid cyclists in the city will be flagged off at Ciclo Café in Jubilee Hills. Leanna, bike store manager of Ciclo Café Hyderabad, feels ‘next to swimming, cycling is the best low-impact option to stay healthy’.
‘Done the right way, cycling could liberate you mentally, while providing excellent cardio-workout.’ When offering advice to cyclists gathered in the café, she is particular about the nuances of cycling like maintaining posture and seat height and optimising the usage of gears for long-distance cycling.
Sanjeev Ramki and Arrzaan Jila manage the marketing of the café pan India. In Arrzaan’s words, ‘We want to replicate the idea of Ciclothon, which made a name for itself in Chennai, across other major cities. Cycling as an activity and sport is growing leaps and bounds in India and we want to be a pioneer in ushering the cycling community to the next level.’
Sanjeev, a triathlete and one of the few amateur runners in India to qualify for the prestigious Boston Marathon in the Open Category believes cycling is about building communities, especially when the cyclists come to the café for a ride, servicing or catching up with a coffee and meal.
The unique event which will focus on celebrating every finisher, also aims to train cyclists to stick to a group of choice, thereby harnessing team spirit. Apoorva Bura, a CBIT graduate, like many other cyclists who enjoy bicycle-rides at sunrise, feels that cycling keeps the mind off monotonous stuff, and the physical activity keeps you mentally active all through the day as well. Let’s hope the spirit of Ciclothon takes this beautiful city towards a definitive environmental change!
