Hyderabad Bicycling Club

Last updated

Hyderabad Bicycling Club
Formation2007
PurposeBicycling
Location
Organiser
DV Manohar
Former organisers
Website Official website
Official Blog
RemarksMajor Events

The Hyderabad Bicycling Club (HBC) is a bicycling club for riders in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Founded by Krishna Vadi in 2007, the club has now emerged as the world’s largest cycling club, overtaking the Denver Front Range Cycling Club, USA. [1] It has grown over the years to reach its present membership strength of over 7,500 members and 2,800 members on Facebook. [2] It has bike stations at Gachibowli and Necklace Road. UN-Habitat agreed to partner with HBC in its unique initiatives to promote cycling in India. HBC is a founding member of the World Cycling Alliance and an associate member of the European Cyclists Federation. HBC tied up with GHMC, Hyderabad Metro Rail, TSIIC and the Traffic Police to promote the "Cycle to Work" initiative in a big way in Cyberabad area to substantially reduce vehicular pollution and traffic congestion there.

Contents

Members

The club consists of expatriates, NRI's who have relocated their base to India ,and local Hyderabadis who have passion a for cycling. The club is open for people to all ages, professions, and sexes.

The former organizer of the club was Shay Mandel, an experienced cyclist who has been cycling internationally for more than twenty years. Under his patronage, the club grew to a very large group of people, who now ride together regularly. He stressed the need for a balanced cycling regime, including power, endurance, and speed-building rides. The members also get technical lessons on biking, bike maintenance, and other useful tips from the organizer.

Currently, the Hyderabad Bicycling Club proudly boasts over 2000 members from the Twin Cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad and their suburbs. The Hyderabad Bicycling Club, in association with the GHMC (Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation-Govt. of Telangana), has set up its own "HBC Bike Station" on Necklace Road, having 30 hybrid bikes, 30 MTB bikes, 10 tandem bikes, 15 road bikes, and 15 kid bikes. These bicycles can be used by any person for a nominal fee per day on the main road.

Chapters

As Hyderabad is a big city, the club has two chapters: the HITEC City Chapter and the Secunderabad Chapter. Each chapter has a few ride leaders who organize at least one ride a week.

The riding starting point varies for each ride, and is designated on the club's meetup website.

Media coverage

The activities of the club and its members have been regularly covered in the media. Following are few of the mentions:

Events

Enduro3 Adventure race

HBC Teams in Enduro3 race (L-R): Sudhanshu, Ankit, Isha, Nileema, Satish, Sandeep, Sunil, Shilpa and Shay HBC EnduroTeams.jpg
HBC Teams in Enduro3 race (L-R): Sudhanshu, Ankit, Isha, Nileema, Satish, Sandeep, Sunil, Shilpa and Shay

Enduro3 [17] is the only adventure race held in India, and combines various activities of cycling, trekking, rowing, orienteering and river crossing. This race is one of the most difficult races held in India, where less than 40% of the participating teams are able to complete the race successfully.

The race mandates a team of 3 members, with at least one female member. HBC had sent 3 teams for the adventure race, namely:

  1. Team HBC Beacon: Shilpa Garg, Shay Mandel, Sunil Menon (leader)
  2. Team HBC Quake3: Nileema Shingte, Bachina Satish, Sandeep Pathak (leader)
  3. Team HBC Sharkies: Isha Arkatkar, Sudhanshu Mohanty, Ankit Kumar (leader)

All the HBC teams successfully completed the race.

Cross-Country Cycling race

HBC conducted the first ever cross-country cycling race in Hyderabad on 29 March 2009. Held in the picturesque background of Hyderabad Central University, the race attracted 30 participants, covering a distance of 15 km in 3 laps. The race trail included flat roads, muddy tracks, rocky mountains and water crossing. The motive of the race was to promote cycling amongst people, to voice the concern for the ailing environment and to raise awareness about maintaining fitness in the sedentary lifestyles.

The race attracted people of all ages, professions, and sex, and was a huge success.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bicycle</span> Pedal-driven two-wheel vehicle

A bicycle, also called a pedal cycle, bike, push-bike or cycle, is a human-powered or motor-assisted, pedal-driven, single-track vehicle, with two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other. A bicycle rider is called a cyclist, or bicyclist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cycling</span> Riding a bicycle

Cycling, also known as bicycling or biking, is the activity of riding a bicycle or other type of cycle. It encompasses the use of human-powered vehicles such as balance bikes, unicycles, tricycles, and quadricycles. Cycling is practised around the world for purposes including transport, recreation, exercise, and competitive sport.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Penny-farthing</span> Early type of bicycle

The penny-farthing, also known as a high wheel, high wheeler or ordinary, is an early type of bicycle. It was popular in the 1870s and 1880s, with its large front wheel providing high speeds, owing to it travelling a large distance for every rotation of the wheel. These bicycles had solid rubber tires and as a consequence the only shock absorption was in the saddle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bicycle touring</span> Holidays with bicycles

Bicycle touring is the taking of self-contained cycling trips for pleasure, adventure or autonomy rather than sport, commuting or exercise. Bicycle touring can range from single-day trips to extended travels spanning weeks or months. Tours may be planned by the participant or organized by a tourism business, local club or organization, or a charity as a fund-raising venture.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fixed-gear bicycle</span> Bicycle that has a drivetrain with no freewheel mechanism

A fixed-gear bicycle is a bicycle that has a drivetrain with no freewheel mechanism such that the pedals always will spin together with the rear wheel. The freewheel was developed early in the history of bicycle design but the fixed-gear bicycle remained the standard track racing design. More recently the "fixie" has become a popular alternative among mainly urban cyclists, offering the advantage of simplicity compared with the standard multi-geared bicycle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Secunderabad</span> Place in Telangana, India

Secunderabad is a twin city of Hyderabad and one of the six zones of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) in the Indian state of Telangana. It is the headquarters of the South Central Railway zone. Named after the Mir Akbar Ali Khan Sikander Jah, Asaf Jah III, Nizam of the Asaf Jahi dynasty, Secunderabad was established in 1806 as a British cantonment. Although both the cities are together referred to as the twin cities, Hyderabad and Secunderabad have different histories and cultures, with Secunderabad having developed directly under British rule until 1948, and Hyderabad as the capital of the Nizams' princely state of Hyderabad. Since 1956, the city has housed the Rashtrapati Nilayam, the winter office of the president of India. It is also the headquarter of the 54th Infantry Division of the Indian Army. There are also many apartments and residential areas, particularly in the small neighbourhood of Yapral.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cycling in Melbourne</span>

Cycling in Melbourne is an important mode of transport, fitness, sport and recreation in many parts of the city. After a period of significant decline through the mid to late 20th century, additional infrastructure investment, changing transport preferences and increasing congestion has resulted in a resurgence in the popularity of cycling for transport. This is assisted by Melbourne's natural characteristics of relatively flat topography and generally mild climate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cycling in Chicago</span>

Since the advent of the bicycle in the 1860s, Chicago has been distinguished as one of the premier cycling locations in the United States, with such public cycling destinations as Grant Park, Burnham Park and the Chicago Park District's Lakefront Trail.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glossary of cycling</span> Bicycling terminology guide

This is a glossary of terms and jargon used in cycling, mountain biking, and cycle sport.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Electric bicycle</span> Bicycle with an integrated electric motor

An electric bicycle, e-bike, electrically assisted pedal cycles, or electrically power assisted cycles is a motorized bicycle with an integrated electric motor used to assist propulsion. Many kinds of e-bikes are available worldwide, but they generally fall into two broad categories: bikes that assist the rider's pedal-power and bikes that add a throttle, integrating moped-style functionality. Both retain the ability to be pedaled by the rider and are therefore not electric motorcycles. E-bikes use rechargeable batteries and typically are motor-powered up to 25 to 32 km/h. High-powered varieties can often travel more than 45 km/h (28 mph).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roadster (bicycle)</span> Type of utility bicycle

A roadster bicycle is a type of utility bicycle once common worldwide, and still common in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and some parts of Europe. During the past few decades, traditionally styled roadster bicycles have regained popularity in the Western world, particularly as a lifestyle or fashion statement in an urban environment.

Cycling quickly became an activity after bicycles were introduced in the 19th century and remains popular with more than a billion people worldwide used for recreation, transportation and sport.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation</span> City governing body in India

Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is the civic body that oversees Hyderabad, the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Telangana. It is the local government for the city of Hyderabad. It is one of the largest municipal corporations in India with a population of 7.9 million and an area of 650 km2.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cycling in London</span> Overview of cycling in London, England

Cycling is a popular mode of transport and leisure activity within London, the capital city of the United Kingdom. Following a national decline in the 1960s of levels of utility cycling, cycling as a mode of everyday transport within London began a slow regrowth in the 1970s. This continued until the beginning of the 21st century, when levels began to increase significantly—during the period from 2000 to 2012, the number of daily journeys made by bicycle in Greater London doubled to 580,000. The growth in cycling can partly be attributed to the launch in 2010 by Transport for London (TfL) of a cycle hire system throughout the city's centre. By 2013, the scheme was attracting a monthly ridership of approximately 500,000, peaking at a million rides in July of that year. Health impact analyses have shown that London would benefit more from increased cycling and cycling infrastructure than other European cities.

Venus de Miles is an all-women's bike ride in Colorado and Illinois. The event is organized by and benefits Greenhouse Scholars, a nonprofit organization that provides scholarship, mentorship, leadership training, and more to high-performing, under-resourced students in college.

The history of cycling in India dates back to 1938. The Cycling Federation of India takes care of the sport. Cycling is unknown as a professional sport in India but popular as a common recreational sport and it is a good way to keep fit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maxwell Trevor</span> Indian cyclist

Maxwell Trevor is an Indian cyclist. Considered one of India's best cyclists, Trevor is a national record holder, winner of more than 250 medals and an eleven-time national track champion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cold-weather biking</span>

Cold-weather biking, cold-weather cycling, or winter biking is the use of a bicycle during months when roads and paths are covered with ice, slush and snow. Cold weather cyclists face a number of challenges in near or below freezing temperatures. Urban commuters on city streets may have to deal with "[s]now, slush, salt, and sand", which can cause rust and damage to metal bike components. Slush and ice can jam derailleurs. Some cyclists may bike differently in winter, by "slow[ing] down on turns and brak[ing] gradually" in icy conditions. Gaining traction on snow and ice-covered roads can be difficult. Winter cyclists may use bikes with front and rear fenders, metal studded winter tires and flashing LED lights. Winter cyclists may wear layers of warm clothes and "ea[r], face, and han[d]" coverings may be used. Specialized winter bikes called fatbikes, which have wide, oversized tires that are typically inflated with low pressure, are used in snow trail riding and winter bike competitions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nallagandla Lake</span> Lake in the Nallagandla area in Telangana, India

Nallagandla lake is a natural rain-fed lake in the Nallagandla area in the north-western fringe of Hyderabad in the Indian state of Telangana. The lake bed is around 90 acres, that includes permanent marsh on the south-western edge of the lake. The lake bed shares its boundary with the Hyderabad Central University in the east and is surrounded by residential buildings on the remaining sides. The lake bed acreage is under threat from the construction activities around the lake. The plan of the lake as per the survey of GHMC conducted in 2013 can be found here.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cycling in Canberra</span> Means of transportation in Canberra, Australia

Cycling in Canberra, the capital city of Australia, is a popular means of transportation, sporting and recreational pass time. Commuting in the city is supported by an extensive network of urban cycleways and on-street bicycle lanes. As a city established in the 20th century, Canberra's development was heavily influenced by the automobile for much of its history. The popularity of cycling in the city has increased dramatically in the 21st century with growing awareness of environmental issues, government policy supporting active transport and investment in cycling infrastructure. This has led to the development of a strong cycling culture.

References

  1. "The Great Hyderabad Cyclothon II by Hyderabad Bicycling Club (HBC)". www.ragalahari.com. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  2. "Cycling Groups". Hyderabad Cycling. 31 August 2020. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  3. Meera Kohli (January 2009). "Pedal Power". You & I magazine. Archived from the original on 30 January 2009.
  4. Abhijit Dev Kumar (19 February 2009). "Pedalling away to heart's content". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 26 February 2009.
  5. Yogendra Kalavalapalli (1 July 2008). "Cycling for the cause of environment". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 22 June 2011. Retrieved 19 January 2020.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  6. Reachout's News Bureau (February 2009). "Hyderabad's first Cyclothan, a bicycle rally to create awareness about the benefits of cycling held in City". www.ReachOutHyderabad.com.
  7. Surender Reddy (23 February 2009). "Peddling Away - Happy Roadies". The Deccan Chronicle . Archived from the original on 31 March 2009.
  8. Priya Giri (2 April 2009). "Gen N on a speed trip". The Deccan Chronicle . Archived from the original on 2 April 2009.
  9. Janardhan (19 April 2009). "Cycle Yathraku... Chalo Chalo!". Eenadu . Archived from the original on 2 June 2009.
  10. Anjita Lal (April 2009). "Hyderabad Bicycle Club!". Of Distinct Expressions .
  11. Christina Francis (28 April 2009). "Cool techies cycle to work". The Deccan Chronicle .[ dead link ]
  12. Arundhati Basu (10 May 2009). "Pedal Power". The Telegraph (Kolkata) . Archived from the original on 14 May 2009.
  13. Asha (10 May 2009). "Ride with the wind". [www.cluburb.com]. Archived from the original on 11 November 2009.
  14. DC Correspondent (23 July 2009). "A healthy toast to freedom". The Deccan Chronicle . Archived from the original on 27 July 2009.
  15. Eenadu correspondent (2 August 2009). "Narsapur Ride". Eenadu .
  16. Paul, Sanjay Samuel (5 June 2023). "G20 delegates enjoy cycle ride in Hyderabad". Deccan Chronicle.
  17. "Enduro3 Adventure race". enduro3.com.