Walk, jog, buy a cycle and bicycle!

November 30th, 2008
The People's Plaza
Hyderabad

It is the morning of the Hyderabad 10K Run. Huge crowds cheering the participants who have come from all walks of life and most of whom surely don't have the experience of running long distances.

Delayed by an hour, the 10K run was flagged off and off we went to conquer the 10 KM stretch of road circling the Hussein Sagar Lake.

Honest confession: I am in shape. Round is a shape. But I am in a shape that some people classify as "bad", though frankly, I think it may be mass hysteria.

Panting, frequent stops, motivational punch-lines and looking out for friends who had fallen behind got me through most of the race. Yes, with a smirk, I am happy (politically incorrect as I may be) to say that there were others who were unable to do as well as I was doing. That was enough to propel my screaming muscles through the initial half of the race.

Panting, even more frequent stops, more motivational punch-lines from dried mouths and parched lips, and waiting for friend who had fallen way, way, behind got me through the rest of the race. Yes, with a hungry stomach and a sense of achievement, I was happy(now, this is definitely politically correct) that I made a heroic effort at running continuously for more than just a few minutes at a stretch.

In under two hours, I finished the race, thanks mostly to my friends who cooperated with me and challenged me intermittently. The energy spent called for a hearty breakfast but the tiredness and hunger were not enough to stop us from sneaking away to watch a movie and have a little fun. Our official Hyderabad 10K run T-Shirts got us many glances from other movie-goers. Heh.

I think the effort was worth it, not necessarily for the cause that the race stood for (I, for one, believe more action is needed than citizen races to achieve what the race organizers advertised as the aim of the run.) but personally, I needed to get a push and get in a shape which people classify as not "bad". (Body shape called "superb", here I come...)

Anyways, this one experience (and the sweet body pain that lasted the whole week) was enough to ignite the fire of physical fitness + adventurous activities + "doing something new" in us.

 

December 6th, 2008
A market near our house
Hyderabad

Three of us are at a bicycle shop. Surprised? Well, we can't really help it if people are amazed at our abilities. Sorry, I forgot that I am a modest guy. So, we are out to purchase bicycles. Other friends tried their best to de-motivate us (as if that's possible) but we stood firm on our resolutions. We were at the threshold of a new life. A life full of energy, adventure and sheer coolness  ("awesomeness" would have also sounded good here.)

So we bought three Firefox Fusions worth 8K a piece. Lightweight body, 6 gears, front shockers, no mud-guards or silly stuff like that. Yes, really, we did it. There is no need for any more explanation, right?

SPOILER ALERT!!! - Those of you reading this, who think they know the end of the story (with a smirk and words to the effect of: "Another bunch of losers who overestimate their capabilities") are in for a major anti-climax.

 

December 7th, 2008
8.5 miles of road
Hyderabad

3 good friends are jogging their way to the Osman Sagar Lake. 3 of us future long-distance cycling champions (it never hurts to dream big!) are in tow, spinning the peddles from our home to the famous Osman Sagar Lake at 7 in the morning.

We covered the distance in an hour (8.5 mi = 13.6 KM approx.) At the Lake, we enjoyed a good sleep on rock stones and had a hearty breakfast at a nearby resort. It felt great to be at a quiet, serene place.

The return journey was slightly more difficult (it was about mid-noon and the sun was directly above us.) But as you must have come to expect by now, we are not really fettered that easily. Okay, I was panting most of the way but that doesn't really take away any coolness. It just doesn't, okay?

Home was a sweet, sweet sight. A few slices of pizza and a scoop of ice cream, home delivered thanks to the modern day free market, and it was time for a good siesta.

I warned you pessimists, this wasn't going to end the way you thought it would end! ;)

So this is how our first adventure on our spanking new bicycles took place. Hoping for many more such events.