The Solitary Cyclist

The title is a nod to Sir. Arthur Conan Doyle - Solitary Cyclist is one among his sherlockian works. I am a fan.

I am a cyclist first and a biker next. I really love cycling - so much so that once I've even done a 14 km stretch inside the city! Then why , you may be inclined to ask , do we not see you more often riding your first love ? Well! The college starts 9.00 am ; by 8.45 am I am barely up from my bed and searching for my toothbrush - ergo, I may be excused.

Still, given the leisure of time and good weather - there's nothing like a gentle bicycle ride down the city by-lanes . Its a bit risky to try this sport on the busy city streets - so keep to less busier streets and the by-lanes.

Why? Why? When the entire world is crazed about getting as fast as they can get - Why cycling ? It has got to do with the lifestyles we have made for ourselves. I get tired of the rat-race too often. I need my time out. In my bicycle , slowly going along - watching as the world hurries ahead. I'll tell you how it feels like - watching an entire movie in slow motion. A bike ride can never give me that. I get to see old couples holding hands to cross the roads, little kids on the way to school - sulking and dragging along their busy parents , everyone busy and hurrying along and time's almost stopped for me - man , its almost surreal!

And I am solitary - there isn't anyone cycling to work /college nowadays. Even school kids - I never see them on bicycles on my way. Everyone should try it out sometime - Just slow your world down - enjoy the ride . There are simpler pleasures that always bring more joy.

The bike ride is "Riding with the wind" . Cycling is "surfing the breeze" . :-)

And by the way, did I mention it is healthy ?