Chandigarh: As the sun rises over Sukhna Lake, a rhythm takes over the city. The hum of wheels on tarmac, greetings exchanged at tea stalls, and the camaraderie of early morning rides form a daily ritual for a growing group of elderly cyclists in Chandigarh. With its cycle tracks, proximity to hilly terrains, and a culture embracing fitness, Chandigarh has seen senior citizens take to cycling, not just as an exercise, but as a way of life.Rakesh Mohindra, 62, has been cycling for 45 years. A librarian at the University Institute of Applied Management Sciences in Panjab University, Mohindra describes cycling as his form of meditation. “I had limited means when I started,” he says. “But it became a habit, and then a way to connect, with myself and with others.” Now Mohindra is part of a group called Chandigarh Cycling and his mornings begin before sunrise, meeting fellow cyclists between 5.30 and 7am at Sukhna Lake, before setting off in different directions, New Chandigarh, Mohali, or up toward the hills around the city’s four dams.For him, cycling is more than physical fitness. It’s observation, reflection, and self-discipline. “You start noticing the city, the environment. It keeps you aware,” he adds. Equipped with GPS trackers and mobile apps, Mohindra keeps a log of his rides, encouraging university students and friends alike to join him. “You compete with yourself, and that’s enough.”Col Harpinder Virk (retd.), 64, shares a similar story, though he only began cycling seriously after retirement. “I’ve always loved cycling, but modern gear, road bikes, mountain bikes, made it easier to push further,” he says. What started as casual rides soon became routine. Today, he clocks 30 to 40 kilometres a day, with his longest single ride covering over 200km, to Anandpur Sahib”We, in Chandigarh, are lucky. Elevation rides are right around the corner,” he says, noting routes through Kasauli and Morni. For the past 16 years, Virk has been part of a group called Red Shoe Riders, which gathers by 7am at the lake, chats over tea in Sector 7, and then disperses. “Our motto is health and happiness,” he says simply, adding, “Cycling works for any age group.”Makhan Singh, 61, a retired school teacher, took to cycling after a personal loss. After losing his son in an accident, he found himself withdrawn and struggling. It was during the lockdown that he began cycling.”Cycling helped me out of depression,” he says. “It keeps my body functional, my mind fresh. And the people I’ve met through it, they’ve become friends.” He rides about 50 kilometres daily with the Third Pedal Group, covering different routes each day.Singh sees cycling not only as personal therapy, but also as a possible influence on younger generations. “If the youth see us, maybe they’ll spend less time on phones. Maybe it’ll keep them away from addictions. We ride three hours every morning, it’s something worth sharing.”In a city that was planned for openness, greenery, and access, cycling has grown into a full-fledged movement. While concerns about pollution and congestion rise in urban India, the sight of silver-haired cyclists pedalling up to Sukhna or along the Pinjore stretch offers a fresh motivation. On this World Heart Day, the message from Chandigarh’s elderly riders is clear. It’s not just about cycling. It’s about routine. And for many, it’s about healing.
