Hitisha Mehta, 37, an interior designer and professional cyclist, recommends a peaceful stretch along Sewri Jetty, with the port and the sea in the backdrop
Central and South Mumbai : Marshland mornings
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Hitisha Mehta, 37, an interior designer and professional cyclist, recommends a peaceful stretch along Sewri Jetty, with the port and the sea in the backdrop. From her residence in Tardeo, the Sewri Jetty is 15 km away, and she cycles during the early mornings. "As it's a great spot for sunrise, there are always people and even photographers here, making it safe for solo women cyclists," she adds. Mehta also likes to head to the Yeoor Hills in Thane, which have adventurous curving roads. Walkeshwar's Banganga Tank-Hanging Gardens-Gateway of India route is a good idea, says Mehta, for SoBoites.
BONUS POINT: You could make a trip to the Sewri Fort as well
GETTING THERE: Parking is a problem here. Best to cycle till this point, or take the Harbour Line to Sewri station
Western suburbs: Caving in to Kanheri
Bertram Fonseca, a teacher at an international school and a cyclist, feels that for beginners the Sanjay Gandhi National Park is a good option. Over here, hit the road that takes you to Kanheri Caves (pictured above). "There are plenty of scenic stops that include a picturesque lake and rivulets during monsoons on the way. There is hardly any traffic," he says.
Cycles are available inside the park, of course, but there are two steps to get those wheels. One, you'll need to submit photo IDs. Secondly, and the more difficult challenge, is the high demand for these cycles on weekends. If you can get your own cycles, then nothing like it. "For the Kanheri Caves trail, one needs ample time on hand as it takes a couple of hours for a leisurely ride," says Fonseca.
BONUS POINT: There are gentle slopes along the path, which can be easily tackled by amateurs and beginners. For those who want to test their fitness levels, just before the caves, at the final stretch, the slope is a bit steep. Go for it
GETTING THERE: Drive or ride to SGNP. Pay the park's entry fees. Follow signboards that lead to Kanheri Caves. If you wish to add more to this route, experienced cyclists can take their wheels to Madh Island's Global Vipassana Pagoda, which takes another 2-3 hours of leisurely riding
Navi Mumbai: Panoramic vistas
Mahesh Kansara likes the Mumbai-Lonavala route as it covers 110 km, along Palm Beach road (pictured below). Another route is to go to the Kharghar Hills after covering the Palm Beach road. This route is flat and straight, flanked by tall buildings on one side and mangroves on the other. "The view is panoramic! Kharghar hills are quiet and peaceful," he says.
There are plenty of places to stop and soak in nature at The Jewel of Navi Mumbai, a shaded walking trail that is around a huge water body where there are plenty of birds. In season, if you are lucky, there will be plenty of flamingoes. Urban Haat, a hillock where exhibitions are held at Belapur, is also reachable by cycle.
BONUS POINT: On the way back, stop at Navaratna at Seawoods for a great South Indian breakfast
Getting There: Drive or take public transport till Palm Beach Road, which begins at Vashi. There is space for parking vehicles
Western suburbs: Rustic detours
Johann Daniels, 27, founder of a Borivli-based cyclists' association, tells us about one of his choicest locations for cycling. "The Uttan-Gorai-Manori trail begins with a mangrove landscape as one rides into the fishing town of Uttan from Mira-Bhayander station road. On the main road, heading towards Gorai, it's as if you are in Goa; the route is decorated with shacks and country homes."
The beauty of the route is that it is rustic. Daniels says that as you pedal harder you can feel the crisp air from the adjacent mangrove forests hit your lungs. "Soon enough, you reach Gorai, and this is where you can recharge yourself with a sumptuous breakfast by the beach. Moving ahead, you find the quiet portion of the route —Manori," he adds.
The ride ends at Manori Jetty, which is a few miles ahead of the quaint Manori Beach. "It's my favourite trail choice for off-road mountain biking. The narrow trails run through a dense patch of shrubs and borders the sea," says Fonseca, adding that for beginners, the Gorai Jetty to Manori Jetty trail is ideal. "It's a short route with almost negligible vehicular movement." If you want to, take a short detour into Uttan village — a lively hub, and you can proceed to the lighthouse. It's easy to find one's way back to the main road after this diversion.
BONUS POINT: This route has plenty of birds and wildlife, a big plus for nature enthusiasts. Additionally, you have the experience of ferrying your cycle
Getting there: Head to Marve Jetty in Malad and take the ferry to Manori. Or, start directly on the trail from the Mira-Bhayander road to Uttan
Going solo? Johann Daniels tells you what you need to know
<< Make sure you have ID proof on you and an emergency contact number that people can call, in the event of an accident.
<< Listening to music is avoidable as one needs to be alert when cycling, keeping one's eye on traffic and tuning in to the sound of horns.
<< A simple cycle is good enough for beginners. There is no need for gears or suspension. Once you become a
regular rider, you can buy a cycle with the trappings.
<< The most important equipment is a helmet. Buy a standardised one. Reflective gear, tail lights and front lights are also a must especially for early morning rides and evening rides.
<< If you need to take the train, you can do so to transport your cycle, after getting a ticket for it.
<< Sports inners are good insulators to cover your body with while cycling. Cover your face with a bandana or a face mask. Carry a one litre bottle of water before you start.
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