The BSA Hercules Cyclothon Bengaluru 09 was jointly organized by TI Cycles of India, manufacturers of BSA Hercules cycles, and Sport18, a media house on October 11th at BIEC (Bangalore International Exhibition Centre).
Satish and myself had the opportunity to participate in the amateur category event. We both boarded different buses along with our cycles on Friday evening to Bangalore.
I reached my cousin's place by Saturday morning and headed to Kormangala indoor stadium to deposit my cycle and complete my registration formalities. The registration happened smoothly and it was hearting to see so many people turn out just for registration. Many people had to go back disappointed as they could get cycles on rent. I met Satish at the venue and we both completed our registrations and booked the bus for pick-up the next day. We got our bib and goodies bag, deposited our cycles and headed in different directions with an eagerness to come the next day for the event. The goodie bag consisted a haversack, helmet, green tea, soup packet, energy drink. Dunno why they gave us green tea and soup packets...perhaps those were companies sponsoring the event. After roaming around the city I hit bed at 23:00 just in time for a good nap.
I woke up the next day at around 04:30 and left for Yelanhanka new town Bus Stop which was the pick-up point. There were already a couple of excited citizens waiting there for the bus. Sadly the bus reached our pick-up point at 07:30 1.5hrs late.
After we reached the BIEC venue we had to hurry to find out cycles and fill in our bottles. Satish and I quickly grabbed some sandwiches and donuts at the food court and headed off towards the starting point. But alas we were late for our category and had to join the corporate category for our race.
I started off at a quick pace with the objective of catching with the amateur group. The route planned was very nice with people on both sides of the road cheering us. There was a huge representation from the army too who cycled along with us.
The recharge counters were set at every 9k. The 36k ride was a easy ride and I managed to finish it in just over an hour. There were lot of events at the venue and I kept myself busy clicking pictures of some beautiful scenes around... :-)
There was a BMX stunt show which I have recorded some parts. You can have a look at it here. Check the fall :-)
I wanted to take part in the Elite group, as this was the only group that had prize money, all the other rides were fun rides...
To be able to get an entry in the Elite group, you need to register at http://www.cyclingfederationofindia.org and should be associated to a cycling club. I will get myself registered to this org.
Most of the participants in the Elite group had road bikes (I guess I will also have a get one soon) and I guess were Asian champions.
The most amazing part of the event was that there were any 7000 people participating, it was a largest cycling event held in India. BSA were selling one of their cycle model for 1700Rs whose original price was around 3500Rs. It was a nice way to promote cycling in India.Overall I enjoyed the show immensely though I felt it could be organized better.
I decided to cycle my way back to my cousin's home which was another 35k. I met a 76 year young cyclist who also participated in the amateur category!! He was cycling his way back home.
I felt really nice speaking to him and hearing his experiences. He started cycling after he retired at the age of 58!!
It taught me a lesson that you are never too old to start a new hobby, just follow your heart, just ride!!
The following were the Race Categories:
Race Distance Eligibility
Elite Ride & Amateur Ride 36Km Born on or before 10.10.1991
Teen Ride (13yrs-17yrs) 5K Born between 10.10.92 - 09.10.97
Fun Ride (8yrs-12yrs) 2K Born between 10.10.97 - 10.10.2002
Green Ride and Corporate 25K Born on or before 10.10.1991
10K 10K Born on or before 10.10.1991
For more information about the cyclothon event click here http://bsaherculescyclothon.in.com.
Its time we have such events in Hyderabad too...we would be really proud to organize such a event at such a large scale.
Psst...there is a cyclothon event happening in Mumbai around Feb. 2010. I'll keep you posted about this event.
I clicked nearly 124 pictures, please have a look at them here.
Keep cycling and catch you at the rides!!
HBC
Sunil
Life is a cycle. Cycle seen to be poor man's vehicle, slowly people in india start realising the physical excercise it provides to maintain once health(not to mention the fun part of it). Its always a fun to have good bicycle/daily short ride on it. Thanks for posting this. Hope to see more event organized in different cities.
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