I never really thought of cycling as a sport in itself; for me, it was just a way of getting to school. As a student, I always liked participating in various sports like volleyball and basketball, but I never considered riding my bike to school as a sports activity. It was during the lockdown when I first realised how important cycling had become for me. The inability to move out of the house put a stop to my only workout session-cycling, making me gain weight. I began to feel restless, as even after the lockdown had ended, the schools weren’t reopening. Ultimately, I decided to look for a group that could help me regain punctuality with cycling. As a result, I joined the Noida Cycling Club (NCC).

I was on my first ride with NCC four weeks ago, expecting it to be regular cycling, but as I arrived at the GIP mall, which served as the meeting point, my entire perspective on group cycling changed. Each member of the Noida Cycling Club welcomed me just like players of a cricket team meet a debutant. I was amazed by the gesture. The fact that I had never taken any security measures while cycling throughout my life made the safety gear carried by NCC riders look extraordinary to me. The riders were wearing multiple pieces of safety equipment, and senior members of the club advised me on the precautions I needed to take and the gear I needed for the next ride. The club as a whole appeared to be synonymous with benevolence to me.

It is only my fourth ride today, and I have already begun to feel that the Noida Cycling Club has started to play the role of a teacher in my life. The lessons I learn from the club are never limited to cycling or the sports world; they apply to every dimension of life. The club is gradually making me punctual-the riders always arrive on time and finish the ride within the given time without compromising the distance. Also, the way the NCC cars surround the riders  doesn’t just make me feel secure but also special. I feel proud to be associated, as the club cares for my health and well-being. Last week, when I slipped in the mud and got hurt, the medical team of the NCC was super quick to put a band-aid on my scratched knee. They even asked me if I wanted them to drop me back, but thankfully I wasn’t feeling that hurt.

At times, I go for solo rides also, but with NCC rides every week, solo-riding has just become a medium for me to miss the club rides a little less. The wonderful experience of riding with the Noida Cycling Club has its reach beyond the physical world. The club’s media team captures marvellous photographs of us, which we later post on digital platforms to promote the idea of staying fit.

Lastly, I only wish to ask everybody reading this article to join the Noida Cycling Club. It can become your door to good health, happiness, and new learning.