World Bicycle Day 2025: Your guide to a thrilling cycle ride in the rains
On June 3, Trichy-based ultra-marathoner and triathlete C S Siddharth has a special cycling activity planned. 'We are organising a city-wide
Bicycle Treasure Hunt
that blends adventure, fitness and the cause of
sustainable transportation
," he says. Why June 3? To celebrate World Bicycle Day. While weather conditions, especially the early monsoon in Maharashtra, have made it difficult for regular riders to continue with their routine cycling, it hasn't entirely stopped them from doing what they love.
Safety and preparedness, over speed and competition
To celebrate the special day, numerous cycling groups and individuals plan to go pedalling on routes they love. Charvi Khurana, a Mumbai-based cyclist who loves midnight rides, plans to ride her bike on her usual Andheri to Colaba route. Citing the weather and road conditions, she says, 'Safety comes first whether it's monsoon or not. It's all about keeping dry and using the roads wisely, while wearing your safety gear of course.' Riding your bike in the monsoon is tricky. Siddharth shares, 'During the monsoons, balance your training between indoor and outdoor cycling. On a very heavy rain day, train indoors and when skies clear up, hit the wet roads with wider threaded tires on fender-equipped frames, and grippy shoes. I think these are most important for safety.' Charvi adds, 'Avoid roads that are slippery. Control and comfort are more important than speed in the rain.'
image by Abhishek Tarfe of Velocrush India
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Of nostalgia and learning new things
During cycling events in the monsoon, organisers prioritise preparedness and safety. 'We have more volunteers on the road. The pace is slowed and if it's raining heavily, we take a bigger halt. These events are about having fun, remembering your childhood days and making memories,' says Abhishek Tarfe, Founder of Velocrush India. While childhood memories drive some, for others, cycling is a new learning experience. Vinod Pukhraj Choudhary, a Pune-based marathon runner and cycling enthusiast, often rides from Pune to Lonavala. He tells us, 'I started cycling just to try something new, but I quickly fell in love with it. There's something about being out on the road that feels incredibly freeing. It's not just about fitness anymore. It's a way of life. It helps me stay consistent with my routine and connects me with a like-minded community. It has become a part of who I am.'
HIGHLIGHT DATA
2.6 crore
Number of Indians that use cycles for transportation
(Source: DownToEarth.org)
Image by Abhishek Tarfe of Velocrush India
Choose the right equipment
Sahil Uttekar, co-founder of Pune-based bicycle brand Vir Mobility, shares tips for the right monsoon cycling setup.
Aluminum frame cycles
: Resistant to rust, ensuring durability and low maintenance
High-quality gears
: They help maintain smooth shifts and better control even when the drivetrain is wet or muddy
Bikes and tyres
: Choose MTBs or all-terrain bikes for better traction. Fat tyres give added stability on slick surfaces
Waterproof accessories
: Mudguards, panniers, and sealed lighting systems are essential
For electric cycles
: Components with a good IP (Ingress Protection) rating ensure resistance to rain and water splashes
Monsoon cycling essentials
-Helmet
-Reflective rain jacket
-Water-resistant shoes
-Phone pouch
-Tyres with adequate traction
- High lumen front and rear lights
"Riding 30-50 kms at night or during monsoon means battling sudden hurdles. So, you need a sharper focus and concentration. Carry some nutrition gels, dates or snack bars and stay hydrated. These are things you shouldn't neglect"
- C S Siddharth, ultra-marathoner and triathlete
Cycling during the monsoon is a very pleasing activity. The roads feel quieter, the scent of wet earth is nostalgic, and there's a sense of calm. Of course, you need to prepare well for a ride in the rain, but it's always exciting.
- Charvi Khurana, a cyclist
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