There's something about riding a bicycle amongst the nouveau riche crowd of this city. They do not respect any vehicle and its owner that is smaller than theirs. Therefore being on a bicycle, and one that is not expensive, is quite a humbling experience. The administration has built cycling paths alongside the main roads but they're used less by cyclists (who prefer being on the main road) and more by cars and two-wheelers as shortcuts to their homes and yes before I forget, by people to walk their dogs and spread their poop as if the act will bring them good fortunes.
The other evening an autorickshaw driver with a couple of his goon friends sitting inside hurled the choicest abuses on me while I was negotiation a turn on a roundabout, I did raise my hand to announce my intention of turning but who gives a shit about it when you're riding a bicycle. It was humbling because I know that in all probability they wouldn't do so if I were on my motorcycle. I controlled my fight-impulses as knew I couldn't tackle four men alone, especially with no police around. It took me a whole two kilometers in the darkness of the night to calm down and accept the fact that I had just been treated either as a poor man or maybe presumed to be a school boy as I was wearing my sleeveless grey sweater and white shirt (a common uniform in many schools here). However you do chance a few kindred spirits on the roads who do give way to cyclists and maybe even a pass a smile (now lemme think...ummm! nope that's never happened. Might happen if I'm riding a Hayabusa).
Whatever it was the fact remains that when people think they can take you down, even on these roads, they probably will. A few days down the line, I'm absolutely calm thinking about the incidence. Cycling my way up to my institute nine kilometers away is a humbling experience almost everyday. When I see Royal Enfields roar past me, I think about mine that is parked silently at my place. I sure love cycling nowadays that it is winter season; summers would roast me half way.
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| The bicycle model that I own. The BSA Mach |
Whatever it is, it's neither easy nor pleasant to commute on a cycle but that's exactly the point. You willingly jump into a mild adversity to test your mettle, both physical and mental, just another form of practice to strengthen your senses and sinews. When I look back, a decade ago, I couldn't get myself to cycle because I found it demeaning in many ways. I was very conscious of the fact that people will think that I don't have the means to sustain fueling my scooter (I had a Vespa back then). Even today, my father finds it awkward that I ride a bicycle to work. He has discourage me many a time saying that I should maintain my status as I keep riding my motorcycle till I buy a car. I understand what he's saying, he's only echoing the thoughts of my city folk something that I have rubbished in my mind. In fact I feel that now, for the first time in my life, I would not mind riding a baabu cycle. This is something that would've appalled me till even last year. However I do not plan to buy or ride a baabu cycle and will carry-on with my semi-trendy racing cycle as that would really tarnish my father's respect in the society. I'm just happy that today I have no qualms, in my own mind, about riding a baabu cycle to work :)
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| A typical baabu cycle: ridden mainly by poor people in the city. It is extremely sturdy and low maintenance but if you ride it, you'll definitely be considered belonging to the economically weaker section of the society. We joked about this bicycle when we were in school and it still is one of the most uncool things you can ride in the city. If I were ever to tell my dad I'm buying this, it might lead a war-like aggression against the idea at my place. |
