Delhi said it on wheels yet again. After being a part of various motorbike expeditions and car rallies, this time Delhi played host to the Dare To Change Ride. Organised by Firefox Bikes, the event attracted scores of amateurs in the age group of 15 to 60 years. The ride commenced from the Firefox Bike station at Lajpat Nagar and proceeded to Oberoi hotel, India Gate and Khan Market, etc. before culminating back at Lajpat Nagar. The two-hour long rally which was flagged off early morning marked the closing ceremony of Tour De France, said to be the toughest race of cycling extending three weeks and covering 3,600 kms.
Speaking just before the rally took off, Rajesh Girdhar, a participant from Noida dealing in fitness equipments said, “Being a fitness freak and dealing in fitness equipments I cycle regularly. In fact, my whole family loves cycling, including my little daughter who is all of five years.” His wife, Vipla, was one of the participants at the rally.
Rati Choudhary, another female participant said, “I do cycling but only on Sundays. I would love to do more of it but the Delhi roads are not conducive for cycling. I hope the road conditions will improve. Taking part in the rally is exciting and fun-filled and such events should be organised on a regular basis.”
Harmeet Pal Singh, another participant, chipped in, “I used to do cycling in my college days, and today I am going to ride a cycle after a gap of nearly two decades and would love to make it a daily affair to keep myself fit and healthy.”
There were more than 100 participants, including around 25 women. The participants were all geared up to give off their best in the stiff competition. Dressed largely in eye-catching cycling shorts to go with matching T-shirts and colourful helmets, the participants presented a vivid contrast to the time when people turned up to participate in cycle rallies dressed in their staid office wear, or at the most, the age old blue track suit. Though amateurs, they seemed to express the joyousness of the occasion and were undaunted by the sweltering heat of a muggy monsoon morning.
Speaking on the occasion, Shiv Inder Singh, Managing Director, Firefox Bikes Pvt. Ltd. said, “Cycling is not only an environment-friendly transport but it keeps you healthy. This campaign is an initiative to do things you almost never pushed yourself to do and to promote a healthier lifestyle.”
