Rajender Prasad’s unique passion for cycling

Meet the 46-year-old cyclist from the city who wants to spread benefits of pedalling

Meet Rajender Prasad, who has a unique passion for cycling. Ever since he took to this sport very late in his career at the age of 46 years, Prasad has had a non-stop date with cycling. Inspired by Laxman Reddy, the veteran president of Hyderabad Cyclists Group, and Ravinder Nandanoori, the founder of HCG, Prasad makes it a point to cycle daily for not less than 50 km.

“My tryst with cycling came in 2018 but I went into serious cycling business from 2019. I have covered around 36,500 km till date. Sometimes I cycle for 200 km on a day but the average distance will be around 100 km daily.

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The longest distance I cycled was 600 km which I did in 38 hours,’’ said Prasad, an employee of CRM Institute Group in Bowenpally, who was given a certificate for completion of 600km brevet in July 2018 by Hyderabad Randonneurs.

According to Ravinder, Prasad came with an ordinary cycle to the group. “Seeing his enthusiasm, we decided to encourage him and today he is one of the ace and active cyclists of the city. We want young people to follow in Prasad’s footsteps,’’ said Ravinder.

Recently, the 48-year-old Prasad was honoured by the Hyderabad Cyclists Group for non-stop cycling of 1000 days. Starting on February 19, 2018, he has been pedaling even during the lockdown period because of Covid-19. “That was a big challenge for me.

In the initial days when the lockdown was very strict, I had no other alternative than to cycle on the terrace of my building. It was difficult but I managed to cycle around for two or three hours. But after relaxation, I continue to explore new areas. There is no specific route as I keep cycling to new places and new distances. Cycling has become a passion for me.

I even cycle in inclement weather and have not stopped a single day to pursue my love for cycling,’’ said Prasad. Prasad owes his initial days of cycling to Ravinder Nandanoori and Laxman Reddy. “He taught me the fundamental rules of cycling. Laxman Reddy was always there to encourage me to take to cycling.’’

Now riding a Polygan F3 model, Prasad wants to spread awareness of cycling. “I want to tell people to take to cycling as it will control pollution in the city and the State and at the same time helps in keeping good health. My wish is to take the tenth class students to a 100 km ride on cycle. More and more younger children should cycle to bring more awareness in this sport,’’ he signed off.

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