Cruising through picturesque landscapes, four lane highways and rocky terrain on a bicycle for days on end is no longer a male-dominated arena.
Women riders from the city have taken their passion for cycling to the next level by participating in various cycling marathons across the country, the most recent one being the Tour of Nilgiris, which will take off on December 16 and last for eight days.
We spoke to these Bangalore-based women cyclists who can't wait to participate in the adventurous cycling tours that the country has to offer. And they don't mind the rough terrain and crazy routines.
“Times have changed. Since its inception six years ago, we have had a constant 10-12 per cent participation from women. This year too, it's the same," says Sridhar Pabisetty, co-founder of the Tour of Nilgiris.
“I have been cycling since I was a child. After taking it as a professional sport four years ago, it is my love for nature and travel that keeps me involved in cycling. As for these tours, apart from the scenic beauty, attractive prizes and mesmerising places involved, I participate in the tours just because of the risk involved and also because it tests my endurance. It's good to let go and face your fears sometimes," says Manjula Sridhar, a professional cyclist who travels across India on her bicycle.
For cyclists Supriya Nadig and Karthika R, the joy of riding cannot be replicated. “The more I ride, the more I stay healthy. And it is not just physical health but also mental and emotional. The tours are a great opportunity to test your limits and have fun too," says Supriya.
“While concentrating on the road, you can still see the captivating scene ahead. Just being able to breathe in the pristine mountain air and the cool breeze makes it a great experience. Being one among a 100 riders, with the support provided by the organisers, gives me the drive to ride," adds Karthika.
The terrain is harsh so the organisers of Tour of Nilgiris take necessary precautions.
“Cyclists are instructed to reach the final destination of the day by 6 pm so that no one stays out after dark. Moreover, we also arrange for a sleeping truck and an ambulance which will pick up any cyclists facing any sort of trouble. We also have a GPS device which will connect the headquarters with all the cyclists at all times," says Pabishetty.
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