Who doesn’t binge on gujiya, Dahi Bhalle, and other scrumptious delicacies on Holi? For those willing to shed those extra calories and work it out, the Noida Cycling Club organised a special ride on the Sunday after Holi. The 60km ride took off from Noida’s famed Great India Place Mall to Delhi’s diplomatic enclave Chanakyapuri, with a pitstop for breakfast at the Gujarat Bhawan restaurant.

The main aim of the Noida Cycling Club is to promote fitness as a way of life. The Holi-special ride, however, was specially targeted at burning additional calories. Twenty-one riders arrived with their high-end bikes at the Great India Place at 6 am. A female rider who had joined as a beginner the previous weekend showed her determination by announcing that she would finish her first long ride with the Noida Cycling Club. 

To achieve peak performance while avoiding dietary deficiencies, the cyclists were given Steadfast Nutrition’s Power Active sachets.

The riders got going at 6:10 am, halting at the Noida Gate for their first stop. The blazing lights at the Noida Gate statue were a stark contrast to the early morning darkness, making the sight mesmerising.

After a discussion over the prospective route to be taken, the riders arrived at New Delhi’s gorgeous and iconic monument India Gate.

The picturesque route provided the riders enjoyment and a sense of inner tranquility during their ride. The bandwagon took a pitstop at central Delhi’s 11 Murti and clicked some lovely photographs.

The rigours of the journey had stirred a healthy appetite among the riders by the time they arrived at the Gujarat Bhawan. They eagerly dismounted from their bikes and headed towards the restaurant. After going through the healthy Gujarati menu, everyone was eager to grab a bite. Sounds of cheerful conversation and laughter filled up the dining area; many regaled one another with accounts of their Holi celebrations. 

Several people were motivated by seeing NCC riders. One cyclist, who had received a medal for sustaining a 45-day riding streak at the “Tour de 100” event, shared his encouraging experiences with the others. Every rider’s face was beaming with joy. The memories and moments were captured by the cyclists in the form of photographs.

The breakfast break reenergised the riders. They began making their way towards the finishing line, competing fervently in groups. Riders took a halt on their way back to their respective destinations and eventually waved goodbye to each other, challenging one another to continue their rides with the Noida Cycling Club.

One cyclist, who had shifted base from Mumbai to Delhi, said the Noida Cycling Club was way above all the cycling clubs in Mumbai.

I was originally a resident of Mumbai but moved here recently. I used to ride with clubs in Mumbai, but coming here and riding with the Noida Cycling Club has elevated the experience to another level altogether. The group has made an indelible mark on me,” the rider said.

The Noida Cycling Club does much more than a riding club and works tirelessly to disseminate the message of fitness. The club is famous for infusing freshness into the lives of its members. The adoration and motivation that riders feel once they become its members motivate them to succeed in the sport.