A LESSON IN CYCLING

 

It was late 1980s when Atlas Company launched India’s first geared cycle ‘Atlas Concorde Pro-10’. It soon found place of pride, next to the bed, in my single room bachelor accommodation. It was proudly paraded in the evenings on Delhi roads where I competed with mechanized vehicles, overtaking few of them on open stretches. I was getting self-obsessed with my cycling prowess.

          One day I decided to cycle from Delhi to Saharanpur, which was my old station, to attend the rank party of a friend. Starting early, I pushed a fair distance before stopping for a short rest next to a canal. A boy, 17-18 years old, riding his old-style cycle (also called milk man’s cycle) stopped next to me and looked admiringly and fixated at my cycle. He queried about the gears and rounded handle. I explained the use of gears and adjustable handle and seat as also about the speedometer and the odometer installed to give out instantaneous speed and cumulative distance covered respectively. He wanted to know more about the cycle and my experiences with it. Feeling elated at his admiration I liberally shared my exploits. “I am enroute to Saharanpur and intent to cover this distance of about 235 kms by night today.” He was eyeing the bike longingly. I offered him to test drive the cycle and helped him to strap up his feet on the pedals. He made few small circles carefully and abruptly brought the cycle to a dead stop right in front of me, with both feet on pedals. He balanced the stationary bike perfectly while continuing to converse with me. I was amazed by his skill and thought it was extra ordinary. He alighted the bike after few minutes of remaining perfectly balanced on the cycle.

Finally, it was turn to set course and I obligatorily asked him his destination. He had gone to his mother’s village to attend a function and was returning to his village. I asked him if he was a student, he replied that he never went to school. “What do you do then?”  “I ride cycle” he replied. He explained, on seeing my perplexed looks, that he does endurance rides on cycle as show for public to earn his livelihood. His elder brother was an endurance rider and did shows in nearby villages which attracted big crowds. He died few years back and he took upon himself the continuation of this job and is the sole bread earner of his family. What are the distances? He said he only does it in small circles as it is organized for people. And what is the endurance? Well, most of my shows are for 6-7 days and the max I have done is 10 days nonstop. “Non-stop, for, 10 days?” I almost shouted. “Yes of course you can’t stop, it’s a public show.” He laughed. “You will not get any money and people will abuse you. Few times I have fallen but I immediately got up and continued.” I asked how he felt after those sleepless days. He laughed, “It is tiring and for few days, I roam around like a zombie but I overcome it soon and get ready for the next show.”  Feeling belittled, I said, “My distance of 235 km would look like a child’s play.” “No, not at all, pedaling slowly at one place is different. Long rides like you are doing are difficult. I have never pedaled more than 20 km straight leg. Though I wish someday I own a cycle like yours.” Wishing and thanking me he left. I kept looking at him, dumbstruck, till he disappeared into the curvature of the road.

 I recollect the event and use it, like Gandhiji’s talisman, whenever self becomes too much. One wish of mine though, might remain unfulfilled. I want to confess, if we ever meet again, that the biking feats I narrated were all exaggerated.