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| Dwayne takes position for the bike rally at 7 a.m. |
-Brian Mendonca
Today, Sunday, was different. It was Dwayne's day for his bike ride. For weeks he had looked forward to it - but would he get up at 6? (The reporting time was 6.50 a.m.)
The event was being organized by the Panjim Cycling Club (PCC). It was held at Porvorim. It was the first time that PCC was doing an event totally for kids. There were two events, one for easy riders (8 km.) and the other for a challenge route (14 km.). Dwayne (10) opted for the first.
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| Event poster |
I walked part of the route Dwayne was cycling on - in case he needed water. He gratefully gulped some sips as he swept past.
The organizers did an amazing job. The PCC volunteers of all ages were all looking smart in their PCC gear of yellow and green tees and leotards. The children were left off in waves of 7 or 8 at a time to avoid overcrowding. The lead pack was led by a marshal on a bike with a person brandishing a red flag to clear the way and warn the traffic.
Other wardens cycled at the side of the children seeing that they kept to the lanes. When the kids reached the other end and cycled back the wardens cycled on the median telling children to keep to their lane. Cops and volunteers were directing the traffic at intersections allowing the traffic to pass when there was a lull in the riders -- like water at the sluice gates. This was NOMOZO at its best. Ambulances were at the ready.
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| Kayden, Ansel, Aaron and Dwayne pose for a pic. |
The flag-off area at Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) gate, Porvorim, was buzzing with activity. The sponsors had put up their stalls and were selling their merchandise. Next to the slick black stage was a big electronic display screen showcasing all the activities of the PCC - even a trip to Karwar. The high resolution made you want to watch it. I noticed that on the trips they were following COVID protocol.
The instructions were crisp with a good sound system. Before the ride commenced tips were given as to how to ride. This was not a competition. One had to simply enjoy the ride. One of the expressions used was 'feather your brakes' i.e. use the brake lightly while doing downhill. After the ride there were games which the children were invited to play. A zumba performance was also on the cards in which the kids could join in.
The chief organizer of Saxtti Riders had come specially from Margao for the event. When he was asked to say a few words, he said that they had been planning to have an event solely for kids but it did not get off the ground. He was all praise for the initiative taken by PCC in taking up this challenge and organizing it so well.
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| Dwayne with his medal. |
Dwayne enjoyed the experience immensely. He proudly claimed his snack box by presenting his cycle tag number 051. The box -- sponsored by Tiffin Factory, Panjim -- contained a veg. pattice, veg. paozinha, muffin and a banana. Water was also available.
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