It all started 14 weeks ago when a multinational firm announced the first ever competitive cycling event for amateur cyclists in Noida. All the budding cyclists who discovered cycling as their hobby were telling each other to register.
The journey of training for the cyclothon was more fun and crazy than anything we had ever done. This time it was competitive unlike friendly rides that we all had picked up during COVID times. There were teams from all over India. It was magnanimous. We had a promo ride every week 4 weeks prior to the race. Beautiful arrangements with ride marshals, route plans, amazing goodies and refreshments were made for us each time. This itself made us feel how important, challenging and exhilarating the event had to be. Then finally a week before the event, the route of the race was revealed. Crazy riders went for route recce and practice. 25 riders from the 7XCC group also participated in the craze. Can’t forget the BIB expo they arranged for Jersey chip and T shirt collection. More than 1500 cyclists came to collect these and we had body fat checkups. An amazing display of cycling gears and health supplements was done at the BIB expo. It was a beautiful surprise and amazingly well organized so as to bring together so many cyclists. We developed a beautiful bond among cyclists through all these activities prior to the event itself.
Then came the race day. All alarms set, all cycling gears set with only cyclists on the roads. GIP mall to Iskon Mandir Flyover was blocked by authorities for cycling. 4 races lined up one after another. Tyres screeching on the road, beautiful weather and clouds marked the beginning for the big cyclothon. Celebrated guests RJ and Dhol marked the beginning of the race. Beautiful race, awesome josh, prize ceremony, live telecast of the event and amazing refreshments marked the end of the event.
