Hyderabad Cyclists Ready to Kick Off the Riding Season
As the days turn cooler, cyclists in Hyderabad are gearing up for an exciting riding season. The period from October to February is widely regarded as ideal for outdoor cycling, prompting many enthusiasts to prepare for various events and group rides. From morning commutes to weekend excursions, the city’s cyclists are embracing the season with enthusiasm.
Growing Cycling Community in Hyderabad
The cycling community in Hyderabad has seen significant growth over the years. Ravinder Nandanoori, founder of the Hyderabad Cyclists Group, highlighted the surge in participation since he began cycling in 2017. Initially, their group comprised just a handful of riders. Today, they boast over 10,000 cyclists across various groups in the city. Nandanoori expressed that the upcoming cyclothon has added excitement, but their passion for cycling remains constant.
Training Methods and Local Routes
The local cycling groups incorporate a mix of endurance rides, sprints, and hill training. Endurance sessions typically involve non-stop rides of approximately 50 kilometers, covering iconic locations like the Dr BR Ambedkar statue and Tank Bund. Hill training takes place on routes through Mahendra Hills, Jubilee Hills, and BNR Hills, providing cyclists with diverse terrains to challenge their skills.
Fitness and Community Spirit
Sampath Uppala, a cycling enthusiast and IT professional, shared his journey into cycling, which began in 2021 for fitness reasons. He enjoys the camaraderie among cyclists, ranging in age from 20 to 70. On average, he logs 700–800 kilometers monthly, with longer rides covering substantial distances, such as trips from Hyderabad to Tiruchy. Their collective experiences are often documented on Instagram to promote cycling awareness.
Regular Rides and Enjoyable Routes
Priya Langote, another cycling member of the Bike-O-Holics group, emphasized the joy of cycling during this season. Her group consists of around 14 to 15 regular riders, who meet early in the mornings. Their rides, typically ranging from early dawn to mid-morning, explore scenic locations such as Wipro Lake, Forest Trek Park, and Sri Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple in Sangareddy. For them, cycling is a daily ritual combining fitness and fun.
A Strong Sense of Community
Radha Valasareddy, a member of Hyderabad Cycling Revolution, noted that the community aspect significantly enhances their motivation. Riding together fosters a sense of celebration and collective awareness. Cyclists prioritize safety by adhering to lane discipline and traffic rules, and they conclude each ride with a beloved ritual of enjoying chai and bun maska.
Popular Cycling Trails in Hyderabad
- Pala Pitta Cycling Park, Kondapur
- Osman Sagar, Gandipet
- Himayat Sagar Lake, Gandipet
- Mrugavani National Park, Moinabad
- Shamirpet Lake & Deer Park
- Ameenpur Lake
- Narsapur Forest
- Ananthagiri Hills, Vikarabad
This festive season, as the weather remains pleasant, the focus for Hyderabad’s cyclists will be on embracing both fitness and camaraderie. As they prepare for the riding season, their passion for cycling shines bright across the city.
