12 INDIA TODAY PUNJABI F AUGUST 2018Feature
Wheeling
in Style
Boring gym machines
are a thing of the
past. These cycling
enthusiasts in the
region are taking the
road to fitness
amidst nature
_ By Preet Onkar SinghLIFE & FITNESS
Fly like a Bird
Patiala-based Rubina Miglani, 32, pedals
50-60 km every day. This has not only
helped her stay fit but also be in control of
her life. “I loved cycling to school and college
but later had to quit it due to the crazy traffic.
But a year and a half ago, I joined Friends
on Wheel and got back to cycling again.
I enjoy biking in the wee hours on long
routes on my quad road bike.” Now Miglani
no more needs a gym to stay fit. “Cycling
is meditation for me, and it is a lot of fun to
ride in groups. As part of the Green India
movement, I hope the government creates
separate cycling tracks on highways. This
would encourage more people to join in.”
Miglani recently participated in the Shivalik
Signature cycling event and covered 615 km
in 21 hours.Wave of Enthusiasm
Neelam Mahi, 35, from Hoisharpur, swears
by her all-women group that never misses
their evening rides that stretch 30-35 km.
“The trend of cycling has certainly caught
on and we are a group of 12-15 women
who cycle daily for fitness and leisure,” says
Mahi, who enjoys riding her Trek 3500,
a cool off-road and mountain bike. She
further says, “Initially, one does hesitate
to ride a gear cycle but once it catches on,
then there is no looking back.”Photographs by Sandeep SahdevWave of Enthusiasm