It has been quite some time that I have been using a bicycle as my primary mode of commute. I use bicycle to commute to work and to travel around on other days. My love for bicycle as the mode of conveyance is the new found love. It was mid-2014 when I gave up on my scooter and public transportation and started to cycle regularly. Cycling started as a hobby and I cycled mostly in and around Kathmandu on Saturdays calling my own adventure as #saturdaycycling.
Gradually, I fell in love with cycling and started to cycle more often. In no time cycling changed the way I commute. I am often asked why do I cycle? People tend to ask me for any particular cause or factor that motivates me to use cycle on a daily basis. People often assume few things about my cycling habit. Some of the most common assumptions being; I am concerned about my health, I am concerned about the environment, I am too poor to buy a motorbike, I want to be cool, I want to present myself being different, I want to lose weight and blah blah blah. But the only reason I cycle is because I like cycling and I feel good when I cycle. This is the only underlying reason. No, I am not health concerned neither an environmental activist nor poor or show off (maybe I am, but not in relation to my cycling).
Gradually, I fell in love with cycling and started to cycle more often. In no time cycling changed the way I commute. I am often asked why do I cycle? People tend to ask me for any particular cause or factor that motivates me to use cycle on a daily basis. People often assume few things about my cycling habit. Some of the most common assumptions being; I am concerned about my health, I am concerned about the environment, I am too poor to buy a motorbike, I want to be cool, I want to present myself being different, I want to lose weight and blah blah blah. But the only reason I cycle is because I like cycling and I feel good when I cycle. This is the only underlying reason. No, I am not health concerned neither an environmental activist nor poor or show off (maybe I am, but not in relation to my cycling).
When I first started cycling for fun, I never thought I would cycle to work. I had no idea cycle would replace my scooter, make me avoid restaurants having no proper spot to park my cycle. I happened to make few new friends and renewed friendship with few old friends who shared a common enthusiasm and love towards cycling. In a very smooth way, cycling got into my way of life. I also convinced my friends to get on the saddle and ride around. In some instances, I succeeded and in some, I failed. But I'm convinced (at least for now) that cycling for me is the most enjoyable way to commute these days. I feel really good when I am on my bicycle. I remember the days when I used to find it funny if I saw a law school faculty member on a bicycle. I would have never hesitated to judge a lawyer getting to Supreme Court in cycle, a weirdo. In every way possible, I would not have missed any chance to make fun of this guy. Really, who would go to law school, to an NGO, and to Supreme Court in the bicycle that too in Kathmandu, Nepal? It has just been a year and I turned into the same guy, but trust me, this has been the most constructive change of my life.
I also acknowledge few undeniable fact about my cycling habit. I feel it has significantly increased my stamina. I am a self-reliant commuter (my commute is not affected by fuel crisis that cripples the valley every now and then). I get to see amazing places in and around Kathmandu. I get to take pictures. I get to feel tired yet rejuvenated during trail rides. I do not have to worry about ma. pa. se. (drink and drive) every time I decide to grab a beer for myself. I have saved some money (my mom would disagree on this when considering my investment in cycling and related accessories). I have made some really good friends (who should be reading this post rightly) and this is why you are seeing this post. Most of all, cycling makes me happy.
I also acknowledge few undeniable fact about my cycling habit. I feel it has significantly increased my stamina. I am a self-reliant commuter (my commute is not affected by fuel crisis that cripples the valley every now and then). I get to see amazing places in and around Kathmandu. I get to take pictures. I get to feel tired yet rejuvenated during trail rides. I do not have to worry about ma. pa. se. (drink and drive) every time I decide to grab a beer for myself. I have saved some money (my mom would disagree on this when considering my investment in cycling and related accessories). I have made some really good friends (who should be reading this post rightly) and this is why you are seeing this post. Most of all, cycling makes me happy.
However, there are few concerns about cycling on daily basis in Kathmandu. The air pollution level (can fix with quality mask), getting to work all sweaty, the effect of rain on me and my fancy phone, walking into meeting with high-level professional with helmet in your hand and strap in your pants, and most of all drivers who think cyclist have no right to be on road. But again these are like minor glitches in things you love doing (you do it anyway). I love cycling even with all this concerns and challenges. However, I do not undermine these concerns and have made (or at least tried) to make myself a safer and smarter cycling enthusiast. I hope with time I will get better at addressing the downside of cycling in Kathmandu.
In closing, I would like to make it plain and simple. Cycling is fun and you might like it if you give it a shot. I do not think we need any reasons or justifications for cycling but you need some motivation, I am sure you’ll find plenty. If you are skeptic about my suggestion this is what John F Kennedy said about cycling, “Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bike.”
Go Cycling!!
P.S. Initially published in himalayanridersmtb.com
