Albert Einstein said, 'Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.' Cycling is one way that helps people do so and connect with each other. For some, it is a great healer. Over the last 10 years, cycling for fitness and leisure has grown manifold in Goa with the emergence of several clubs and groups.
Some of these cycling clubs and groups consist of endurance riders, who have clocked long miles, and are motivating others to follow in their footsteps. GT connected with some of them to know what it takes to keep the flame of cycling burning.
CLUB PROBYK
Founded in August 2013, this Panjim-based club is known for its signature events -- Friendship Ride, Liberation Day Ride and Santa Ride. The aim of this club, which has around 300 cyclists, is to put Goa on the cycling map of India and the world.
XAXTI RIDERS
This Margao-based club has a large pool of cyclists who meet on weekends to explore Goa's hinterlands. Come rain or shine, members of this group average rides of 40 kms daily, making it the most active cycling club in Salcete and Goa since October 2, 2017.
PANJIM CYCLING CLUB
'Love every ride' is the punch line for the members of this group that has been promoting healthy living and lifestyle since 2018. The signature event of this Panjim-based club -- PCC Century Ride (100 kms) -- happens in December, every year.
PRO PEDALERZ
On any given day, at least 15 members of this Margao-based club cycle an average of 25 to 30 kms. But on weekends, the intensity is higher and the rides range from 50 to 100 kms, taking the cyclists to the far corners of Goa.
SPORTIF AMIGOS
Besides exploring places on cycle, this Margao-based group also organises activities like trekking and running for its members. The group made its advent into cycling in August 2021 and is attracting youngsters to ride more and more.
SLOPES AND BENDS
Members of this Ponda-based cycling group, formed in 2013, are more efficient at riding on hill slopes because of the hilly topography of the taluka. The club is also well-known for organising 'on-and-off' cycling trails that involve riding on both road and offroad.
AMONA CYCLING
Compared to other cycling groups, this one is comparatively smaller consisting of around 18 cyclists who are making their presence felt on the roads. They ride on some of the most scenic routes Goa has on offer and have mastered the art of climbing hill slopes.
VASCO CYCLISTS
This is a group of around 100 cyclists who have been riding consistently since 2018 for fun and fitness. The meeting point for these riders is the Dabolim junction from where all their rides begin.
On weekends, they stretch their limits for longer ride ranging between 50 and 100 kms.