Leave fuel rides! Hop on your green two-wheeler

Do you remember the last time you pedalled your way to workplace? Not surprisingly, the answer will be an emphatic no.

With helmets and gloves on, it is indeed a refreshing sight, to see people from cross sections class heading towards their workplaces, on their green machines in many foreign countries. Not only does cycling give you monetarily relief, considering sky-rocketing prices, but also a healthy living.

Waking up for the noble cause, a group of like-minded people from the capital city, has come out to promote cycling culture across Uttar Pradesh. Picking up the idea from countries, like China, France and Great Britain, Lucknow is set to host one of the biggest cyclothons held in recent time. So for all the cycling enthusiasts, it is time to gear up for taking out their favourite machines and pedal along the city roads on September 30.

Based on the theme 'pedal for a cause' the event-"Hercules Cycle' on" is expecting a participation of more 3000 people, according to organisers. And when the youngest chief minister of the country Akhilesh Yadav would be flagging it off, it has to be special. While Hercules cycles is the main organiser of the event, ACC cements and HOPE initiative are also doing their bit. Hindustan Times is the media partner of the event.

"The event is a mass participation opportunity for professionals, amateurs, casual bikers, students, kids and women. It aims at changing perceptions and attitudes towards cycling, overlooking an eco-friendly approach towards healthy living," says Deepak Kumar Sahi, chief executive, Envisage Communiqué Pvt Ltd, one of the organisers.

The event will be flagged off from La Martiniere Boys Ground at 6.30am. After passing through Lohia Path, the bikers will move towards Gandhi Setu to reach Lohia Park. From here the bikers will take the Fun Mall Road towards Uptron crossing and back to the La Martiniere Boys ground.

"We are trying to invite some sports personalities also. The CM has given us the consent. He may also ride the bicycle," Sahi says.

The event has been divided into two categories. A 10-km run for people between 8 and 50 years. People above 50 years can be part of a 5-km ride.

Free registrations for Lucknow are available online at www.envisagecycleon.com. Also, drop boxes have been placed at London Looks (Gomtinagar, Lucknow), Radio Mirchi office, Gomti Nagar and Silver Edge near Jopling Road.

"The Hercules Cycle'On, as is the name of the event, is a multi-city activity, with prospects of rolling across UP starting from Lucknow and later covering Kanpur, Noida, Agra, Meerut, Varanasi and Allahabad," Sahi says.