Bicycle

I grew up in Mumbai (then called Bombay) and a cycle was never used to commute to school (as it was in Pune- then called Poona). So to learn this particular vehicle one had to hire it for five rupees an hour, ensure the tyres were properly inflated, try to learn your skill in those 60 minutes and then walk back home after you have returned the cycle… A couple of grazed knees and a dented ego quite effectively and rapidly ended my cycle learning attempts.

Years later, I realised that my limited efforts had imparted a certain sense of balance and I actually took up cycling but as an exercise. Erratic and heavy traffic is a huge deterrent but it’s been thoroughly enjoyable so far. I am told Spinning is another option to exercising using a static cycle. It allows the person to simulate going uphill, downhill, he can stand up on the cycle and even move arms around without fear of being hit by a careless driver or worrying about being chased by stray dogs. The psychedelic lights and pulsating music only completes the sensory experience while exercising. Some clubs even offer a simulated program that imitates the Tour de France. Wow!


Its sole drawback seems to be that that it’s done indoors which is a good thing during the monsoon. I might even give it a try this year...

You can read more about Spinning here and here.