Murtaza Sadriwala, a member of a cycling group in Mumbai known as Spin Riders, shares their Sunday ritual and how they were able to change sedentary routines into an active lifestyle.
As the sun peeks over the horizon, casting a soft golden glow upon the sleepy Island City, a group of friends rise for their daily prayers and to embrace the serenity of the early morning. Determined to start their weekend with a burst of energy and positivity, they embark on a healthy journey by pedalling through the streets of Mumbai.
In the dim light of dawn, they gather at their meeting point, clad in vibrant jerseys and helmets that reflect the spirit of the city. Laughter and banter fills the air, punctuated by the rhythmic ticking of pedals and clicking of gears.
This is the usual weekend routine of ‘Spin Riders’, a group of Dawoodi Bohra cycling enthusiasts from diverse professions in Mumbai who discovered cycling as a powerful recipe for physical and mental healing after the first wave of the pandemic in 2020.
The Awakening
“As we all were grappling with the challenges of the lockdown and restrictions in accessing gyms and outdoor movements, we found ourselves in an unchartered territory,” narrated Husain Khergoonwala. “As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, the lack of outdoor activity and exercise started taking a toll on our physical and mental well-being. I shared this plight with a few of my childhood friends and they felt the same. We decided to make our sedentary routines more active and productive.”
The first challenge, he narrated, was to find the right kind of bike suited to their requirements in the shortest possible time due to lockdown restrictions. “After multiple conversations and meetings with several dealers, we found an importer in the Dadar neighbourhood who agreed to deliver the bicycles of our choice from the USA in under 30 days.”
However, the real struggle began when the time came to translate all that planning into its desired action. “Imagine coming out of a slumber without having to move for months. Every pedal stroke was met with resistance as our muscles protested against the unfamiliar strain. With each hill we climbed, our lungs got heavier and it felt like a daunting obstacle. But with determination and resilience, we kept inspiring each other and breaching our limits,” he added.
Embracing the City's Melting Pot
Describing how their weekly ride provides them with an immersive experience of the city, Hatim Dohadwala, a member of Spin Riders, said, “Our usual 35-40 kilometre adventure begins from the Byculla neighbourhood followed by a ride through the lanes of Mazgaon and the dock area. The first pause is at the iconic Gateway of India, where we soak in the cool early morning breeze and watch the sun rise over the Arabian Sea. We then weave through the lanes of Colaba, admiring the fusion of old and new structures that define the city's architectural landscape.” But the most enthralling part of their ride, he added, “is witnessing the bustling atmosphere at Nariman Point as young and old joggers, cyclists, skaters, yoga enthusiasts and nukkad natak artists (street show) dot the promenade.”
In 2021, as lockdown restrictions began to ease, the Mumbai Police launched the ‘Sunday Streets’ initiative to allow the public to spend some quality time on select roads for recreational activities. Nariman Point, Bandra Carter Road, and Mulund Goregaon Link Road were among these areas. “The intermingling of people from diverse backgrounds and the collective show of fitness enthusiasts and artists coming together to celebrate good health and life are the aspects we look forward to every weekend,” shared Dohadwala.
For People, For the Planet
With the post-pandemic era forcing a rethink of our lifestyle, people around the world are turning to more healthy and sustainable options, from cycling to school and work to adopting a healthy diet and exercise regime.
As per the World Health Organisation reports, cycling has become a major global health trend, with government authorities introducing policies and necessary infrastructure to promote the exercise. “Being in the field of IT, I spend half my time in front of a computer screen. But as a member of the Spin Riders, I make it a point to go for a spin every weekend and sometimes even during weekdays,” shared Husain Bhanpurawala. He added, “Besides our weekly cycling routine, we also participate in city-based cycling events and cyclothon for charity and contribute our efforts for people and the planet.”
In a world transformed by the effects of the pandemic, the journey of the Spin Riders serves as a reminder of the power of human connections, resilience, and the ability to create positive change. On the United Nations’ World Bicycle Day, we feature their story of changing sedentary routines into an active and energetic lifestyle. Their initiative inspires individuals to make small yet impactful changes in their lives, care for the planet, and forge lasting friendships on the road to a happier and healthier future.
