What could
be a better place to flag off a cycle rally to bring in awareness among people
regarding the benefits of cycling. S.P. College which was built exactly a
century ago has been a mute witness to the transformation of this city from the
“City of Cycles” to two wheelers and four wheelers.
I reached there at
6.15 am and found this huge crowd in front of me waiting to get their names
ticked off (against the online registration)
Noticed people
from all age groups. I was told that the eldest guy was 82 years old (and the youngest was 6) About 1200 citizens took part.
The organizers
made all the necessary announcements and the guys who opted for the 22 kms
cycling was waved off first.
There
were other shorter Cyclothon tracks of 12 kms and 8 kms.
I could not
snap pictures en route as I was a participant in the 22 km rally. The route was
from S P college, Tilak Rd, FC Rd, University Rd, Pashan, Bavdhan, Chandani
Chowk, Paud Rd, Karve Rd and back to S P College.
It was nice
to see early morning Sunday joggers on the way. It was also nice to see very
young boys and girls taking part in the cycle rally. They were later
felicitated on completion.
On the whole there was a sense of happiness and
camaradeire among all the participants with the feeling that they have
accomplished something.
Have made a
one minute video on the complete event.
While
clicking S P College, my cycle decided to make its appearance in the
foreground, participant number PC 118 :-)