Bandra to Nariman Point: 7-yr-old rides the HT wave

On a bright Saturday morning, as most Mumbaiites lazily woke up to a weekend, around 100 cycling enthusiasts had already gathered at Bandra for a ride to Nariman Point.

On a bright Saturday morning, as most Mumbaiites lazily woke up to a weekend, around 100 cycling enthusiasts had already gathered at Bandra for a ride to Nariman Point.

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The cycling rally, organised by HT in association with the Bandra Cycle Club, was flagged off by actor and model Parvin Dabas from SV Road junction near Lucky restaurant, started at 6.30am. While the oldest participant was just shy of 71 years, the youngest cyclist was only seven.

From Bandra, the group covered 25km through Worli Naka, Haji Ali, Peddar Road and Marine Drive to reach Nariman Point at 7.50am.

Ashpreet Arora from Chembur, the youngest cyclist, covered the entire stretch by 7.40am. His father, Jitendra Arora, followed the cyclists in his car. “I asked my son yesterday if he wanted to take part in the rally, since he has always loved cycling. He excitedly agreed, and today, he has managed to complete it.”

When he reached the finishing line, Ashpreet’s first words to his father were: “Papa, I am tired.” Ashpreet is a Class 2 student at Ryan International School, Chembur.

The event’s oldest participant, 70-year old Atul Nanavati, was riding a cycle for the first time in two years. “The experience was rejuvenating.”