Wheelie wonka and the bicycle adventure

Defying the nippy weather, 13 cycling enthusiasts had a field day in Bandra, as they crisscrossed the suburb's bylanes and promenades, on an hour-long rollercoaster

Remember the last time you took a long, winding bicycle ride through narrow leafy lanes, busy streets or just about whatever that floats your boat?



Well, we couldn't, either. Maybe that's why we couldn't resist joining the Mocha Trip and Gear group when they announced their organised bike ride around Bandra last Sunday. This was a trail that was open everyone. The only catch? Must. Love. Bikes.

The chosen destination were quaint, bohemian neighbourhoods around Bandra. These bustles like the rest of the city in the day, but when things are calm on early Sunday mornings, Bandra takes on a charm of its own. There are few things worth getting out of bed for on a nippy Sunday morning and as it turned out, this was just one such thought.

8:00 A.M
Caffeine-flavoured kick-off
The energetic group of 13 was ready to cycle their way around Bandra. The start off point was in front of retro coffee house, Mocha Mojo. They pedalled along with gusto and sped behind the organisers, who led them on their bike.

8:05 A.M
From peaceful churches to busy butchers
The normally quiet and serene Chapel Road (except for rush-hour traffic on weekdays) was taken by surprise as the group rolled in merrily around the lovely white cross at the street centre, and streamed into two neat lines as they entered the narrow paved lane. The resident butcher and his customers' expressions of amusement was a sight. People on their way or returning from Sunday mass seemed a wee bit surprised at this motley bunch on bicycles.

8:15 A.M
The hilly struggle
Having left behind Chapel Road, the group stuck together and rode past Lilavati Hospital and Mount Carmel Church. They remained steadfast on their path to the age-old cine landmark, Mehboob Studios which they sped past shortly after, only turning their heads briefly to take in the sites and sounds as they began their struggle up the Mount Mary hill.

8:20 A.M
The old men and the sea
The group sped faster downhill than their feet would allow, rolling down the slope right into Bandstand. We noticed that the older lot slowed down to soak in the wondrous sea and its salty breeze as they pedalled languorously while the younger ones sped away at full speed, eager to get to the designated stop. They took a short break at the Taj Land's End where everyone caught their breath; They were entertained by a few boys from the Gear group, who performed endless feats on the bicycle (visit their shop if you're curious.)

8:35 A.M
Carter road magic:
After their short halt at Bandstand, it seemed the sea-loving bunch couldn't get enough of the salty air and rode forward to Carter Road. Here, they were joined by plenty of exercise-junkies. From joggers in their colourful spandex to amused policemen to a cool bearded skateboarder -- he didn't hesitate a moment before throwing himself into the mix and skating in between them. Yes, Carter Road wove its magical spell yet again.

8:45 A.M
Au00a0twisted tale
Right off Carter Road, the group got adventurous and dared to veer off the designated path for a slight change in scenery. Not sufficiently deterred by Mount Mary's comparably smaller hill, they ventured toward Pali Hill and looked furious as we rode easily past them on a scooter leaving them to huff and puff their way up.

8:55 A.M
It's downhill from here
Once they had reached the top they enjoyed the fruit of their effort and rolled down without so much as touching their foot to the pedal. Through 16th Road and Khar Gymkhana, the city was already getting more and more vibrant with life.

9:10 A.M
Coming full cycle
The group came to a screeching halt in front of Mocha Mojo, sweaty but content. Not to mention warmer than anyone who chose not to cycle that cool morning.