Today’s civilization is an age of rapid progress. Where people are always interested in earning more with less work in less time. As a result of which people are becoming lazy and getting sick both physically and mentally. It is a very difficult task for us to build good health and also transform our overall lifestyle. For me, that transformative experience came in the form of Cycling. As I began on my cycling journey, I did not expect that it would go beyond mere exercise, becoming a spark plug for positive change in various aspects of my life. Here, I will share my journey with my ‘two tired friend’ and how it has been so far!
Rediscovering the joy of my life:
I started cycling at the age of 10. We used to live in a very quiet place and I did not have any friends with whom I could spend time or play. As my parents were both working in an office, they did not have much time for me. So my father bought me a small bicycle and taught me how to ride. As expected, I did fall a number of times and had several bruises and cuts, but the only thing I knew was, ‘I shouldn’t stop!’. I actually liked riding my cycle and did not care about the little drawbacks. One day I succeeded in that pedaling thing and guess what! I was elated… I was jumping with joy!
Soon I took my first short-distance trip. Went to the nearby ‘bajar’ (the big marketplace that every locality has). I was so happy, I felt ‘not alone’ for the first time. I was already ‘best friends’ with my cycle by then…
Cycling gives me that kind of encouragement and freedom. I used to be a shy and a little bit more healthy child than other kids. As I had not any playmates in my area my only friend was my bicycle so I rode it a lot. I gradually built strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness. Regular cycling not only helped me shed extra pounds but also improved my overall energy levels and body composition. The joy of exploring new paths, trails and pushing my limits gave me a sense of accomplishment and motivation to keep going.
Mental Well-being and Stress Relief:
Cycling has been a life-changing activity for me. Not only does it boost my physical fitness, but it also has a profound impact on my mental well-being. With every ride, I feel a sense of relief and escape from the daily grind.
When I’m feeling sad or lonely, I hop on my bike and ride. The rhythmic motion of the pedals and the beautiful surroundings immediately soothe my soul. It’s like a stress relief drug that cures my pain in an instant.
Cycling provides the perfect opportunity to clear my mind, reduce anxiety, and connect with nature. The endorphin release during a ride brings about a sense of happiness and contentment, making each journey a mental refreshment. It’s truly a remarkable activity that never fails to put a smile on my face.
Adventure and Exploration:
Ever since I was a child, I’ve longed to explore the great outdoors and connect with nature. My adventurous spirit drives me to seek out awe-inspiring discoveries and the thrill of adrenaline-pumping experiences. That’s why I’ve devoted many years to cycling – it’s been my ticket to unlocking some of the most breathtaking landscapes and off-the-beaten-path trails.
Cycling is more than just a way to get around, it’s a portal to accessing remote and stunning areas that are often inaccessible by other means. Every twist and turn of the pedal greets you with the beauty of stunning scenery – from winding mountain roads to serene coastal paths, each vista is more breathtaking than the last. As you feel the wind rushing past your face and breathe in the fresh air, your senses will come alive, and you’ll experience nature in a more profound way than ever before.
Cycling is the key to unlocking undiscovered territories and embarking on an exhilarating adventure. Let the crowds behind, blaze your path through secret forest trails, rugged mountain passes, and concealed beaches. Discover the hidden gems that await you. I myself have explored the roads and hidden forest paths of my hometown, and cherish the beauty of it every time I ride. Even in my bustling working place, I choose a bicycle to avoid traffic jams and explore remote areas.
Cycling fuels me to push beyond physical and mental boundaries with every journey. So, document your cycling odyssey. Capture breathtaking landscapes, candid moments, and personal milestones with your camera or smartphone, and share them with others to inspire their own expeditions. As I’m sharing my experience with you, how about you sharing yours?
Riding with 3RD PLANET on World Bicycling Day
Eco-friendly mode of transportation:
This is an era of increasing environmental awareness and finding sustainable modes of transportation is crucial. Enter cycling, a simple yet powerful solution that not only benefits your personal but also contributes to a greener and cleaner planet. Cycling is a zero-emission mode of transportation. By choosing to ride a bicycle instead of driving a car using public transport fueled by fossil fuels, you significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Vehicles, especially those running on fossil fuels, release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere such as Carbon Monoxide, Nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.
By choosing cycling, you’re helping to reduce them. Cycling requires minimal resources compared to other modes of transportation. By embracing cycling, you are actively participating in the conservation of valuable natural resources and reducing the strain on the planet’s ecosystems. On the other hand, cycling can reduce traffic congestion in urban areas. If more people choose bicycles as a commuting medium for their day-to-day life there would be fewer cars on the roads, leading to smoother traffic flow and reduced travel times. Cycling is a visible and tangible way to showcase your commitment to the environment.
You inspire others and raise awareness about the importance of sustainable transportation. Your actions can encourage everyone to consider cycling, creating a ripple effect that expands the positive environmental impact of cycling.
Building community and connections:
Cycling is not just a solitary activity; it has the remarkable ability to bring people together, fostering a sense of community and connection. A bicycle can pave the way for new friendships, shared experiences, and a sense of belonging. In my area, there are no cycling clubs or communities so I put my cycle here in my working area and met many of them who are riding a lot daily. I took a few rides with them. I already made so many cyclist friends who invite me to their group rides, to join or participate in many cycling events.
Recently I participated in the 5 km MTB racing and 85.2 cadences racing here. I also rode at a rally organized by Kolkata Cycle Samaj on the occasion of World Bicycle Day at the Gouribari cycling training center. I’d like to inspire you to go on a group ride for once. Because joining a group ride allows you to connect with like-minded people who share their cycling journey and experiences which will encourage you to reach new heights and will make an unbreakable bond between them.
Cycling clubs provide a platform for cyclists of all levels to come together and make a new community. They often organize rides, training sessions, and social events. Nowadays the digital era has made it easier than ever to connect with cyclists from all over the world. I joined my cycling group through Facebook and now I am actively riding with them in many events. These virtual communities bring together diverse perspectives and allow for interactions with fellow cyclists, regardless of geographical boundaries.
Kolkata Cycle Samaj, 3rd June 2023
Cultivating Discipline and Goal Setting:
Cycling is not just about the physical benefits and adventure. It also serves as a powerful catalyst for personal growth and self-discipline. The simple act of pedaling can shape your mindset, gain determination, and empower you to achieve new heights in all aspects of life. Cycling provides an excellent platform for setting and achieving meaningful goals. Whether it is completing the distance, conquering a challenging climb, or participating in a cycling event, setting targets gives you a sense of purpose and direction. Regularly dedicating time to riding, establishing a routine, and sticking to a training schedule helps build discipline. By committing to cycling habits, you develop a strong work ethic and learn the value of showing up in every aspect of your life.
Cycling has transformed my life in numerous ways, far beyond what I initially anticipated. It has become a lifestyle choice encompassing physical fitness, mental well-being, environmental consciousness, community engagement, and personal growth. Through cycling, I discovered the joys of the open road and the potential for self-discovery and positive change. If you’re seeking a transformative experience that can enhance your overall well-being, I highly recommend giving cycling a try. Embrace the journey, and you may find yourself forever changed, just as I did!
