Inspiring others, he pedals his way to good health

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Malout, October 23

Vinod Khurana, a 43-year-old music teacher and a passionate cyclist, is trying to revive the hobby in this small town.

He is a founder member of the Malout Cycling Club, having ‘Mission 100’ to inspire at least 100 persons to start cycling.

Khurana, who rides his bicycle at least 20 km every day to stay fit and build stamina, has already inspired 17 people.

In the past 197 days, he has not skipped his cycling routine even once.

“I went out of the town twice to meet my relatives in the past about six months and there too borrowed a cycle. This is a cheap and best exercise available these days. During cycling, the body inhales more oxygen, which is good for health. I am using an ordinary bicycle. On weekends, I cover a distance of 60-70 km and travel to neighbouring towns,” said Khurana.

“A large number of people ask me to give tips due to which I update my Facebook account daily and upload pictures with my bicycle. Even on Dasehra, I was awarded with Gold Cyclist Award by the local Dasehra management committee. A number of youngsters have now started cycling in the morning and evening. However, earlier, hardly any cyclists were seen on the roads in Malout,” said Khurana.

He added that people, Vipan Sachdeva, Shallu Kamra and others, were also contributing to promote cycling in the town.

There are some cycling groups in neighbouring towns – Bathinda and Gidderbaha as well.

The Bathinda Cycling Group is well established, which has even got much appreciation from bureaucrats as well as politicians for its routine activities and long rides.

It keeps holding events, which are even attended by bureaucrats. The Gidderbaha Cycling Group is also active in this area, promoting the sport.

Besides, some residents in Abohar are also getting inspired and are in process to make a cycling group. Some of them are also trying their strength in an ongoing 1,400-km long cycling event.