Welcome to CCC Introduces, our series spotlighting our amazing community of contributors.
From: Mumbai
Lives: Mumbai
Club: Cobbled Climbs
Instagram: pedalling.adventurer
Tell us about yourself
By profession, I'm a lawyer (which is the maximum I would say about my job). Starting off my two-wheel journey on motorcycles, I wanted to slow things down and hence moved to cycling and never looked back since. From MTBs, hand-made steel bikes, monocoque Italian bikes and all-around gravel set-ups, I've owned and ridden it all! And I've loved every minute of it. It took me about 2.5 years to realize what I really wanted out of cycling, i.e., the thrill of exploring new places in the most connected way possible, but to keep my competitive spirit up, I try to combine this with audaxes and ultra-endurance events (or at least that's what I'm training for). But I know, down the road, I will want to participate in gravel races to further round my experience on the bike and give myself a pat on the back!
What do you love about cycling?
There's nothing really not to love above cycling, and I wouldn't even know where to start. But if I was to narrow it down to the ONE THING, it would be that it's introduced me to a community like no other and I've made lifelong friends through the sport in multiple countries. Like music, I believe cycling really transcends boundaries (and maybe that's why a bicycle does not require a carnet!).
What barriers have you faced in cycling?
I live in Mumbai, India, one of the most densely populated cities in the world. The biggest challenge was consistently waking up at 5 a.m. so that you could get the roads to yourself. Even then, it's the same 2 routes we're cycling on every day! To do this every day without variety remains my single biggest challenge on two wheels! But I enjoy it nevertheless but I do secretly wish I was in Girona ;)
Why were you interested in contributing?
As I said above, I have been lucky enough to meet some fantastic people thanks to cycling. Seeing a platform which is bringing like-minded people together is heart-warming. If people on the platform are able to make their voices heard and create a global community, it would enable so many conversations, trips, make exchanges of knowledge possible! I bet not a lot of people internationally see India as a viable bicycle trip destination, and if my contribution helps change that image, I would love to do that!
Your fondest memory on the bike?
Oh my, that's a tough one. The first time I climbed Mayor's Hill in Kuala Lumpur and saw the entire skyline at 6.30am. What a reminder of why we put ourselves through pain and torture. Truly felt at peace that day and I'm still chasing that feeling every time I get on the saddle. Maybe the Dolomites might cause it to come back but I'll keep chasing it until then!
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