A passion that takes him to the basics

Ravinder, a former bronze medallist in the 1987 National Games kayaking and canoeing competitions, has a passion for bicycles and is a proud owner of a Speedking, which is powered by a motor

Even as the focus is on bicycles for all the wrong reasons in the wake of the recent twin-bomb blasts at Dilsukhnagar, for the 45-year-old Ravinder Singh, they are an integral part of his daily regimen.

This former bronze medallist in the 1987 National Games kayaking and canoeing competitions, has a passion for them and is a proud owner of a Speedking bicycle with a number plate (AAX 4511), too, which is powered by a motor. It was made in Mumbai in 1974. Another 1953 Raleigh cycle, made in England with a carpet lamp, bell and a decent lock, is among his priceless possessions.

The daily regimen

The morning session of training for Ravinder, who has made the Hussainsagar and its periphery his second home for close to two decades now, is incomplete without a 10-km ride on Necklace Road.

“It helps me to maintain my cycle and physical fitness. It also enables me to interact with my trainees from different locations,” says Ravinder.

“I have never really checked the mileage of the Speedking cycle, which has a two-litre fuel tank. But it should give about 40 km per litre comfortably. More than this, I enjoy riding it and also the curiosity of the passers-by,” says a smiling Ravinder. He would rather prefer to pedal his way rather than using the motor.

Ravinder’s other antique possessions include a 1935 model of parachute-folding cycle presented to him by Col. Panicker.

“This cycle is very dear to me as it was used during World War II by the gentleman himself when they dived from a chopper on the ground and pedalled their way to safer places,” he reminds. “But now, I don’t use it much,” he added.

How about spare parts for the bicycles?

“Not a problem. I manage with ‘matchables’ when you don’t find the original ones,” says the bachelor who resides in Red Hills.

Laments lack of space

“Yes, it is a pity that there is no real space for cyclists on Hyderabad roads now. It is really tough to ride a bicycle because of heavy and indisciplined traffic,” argues Ravinder.

“It definitely hurts when terrorists are using cycles nowadays,” feels this gentleman whose hobbies include visiting old temples, forts in his 1953 Willys Jeep, which was used for hunting in the past.