PEDALLING FOR FITNESS

In Goa, a cycling club is making all the difference in people’s life by encouraging its members to take up everyday rides covering 30 to 35Kms for a healthy living.

Come rain or shine, members of a cycling club in Goa—Xaxti Riders—pedal for about 30 to 35kms every day. And, they call such rides as ‘immunity booster’ and ‘stress buster’ rides. Formed in 2017, the one-of-its-kind cycling club has about 300 members. With the motto—‘live to ride’—the Club functions to promote fitness of the body and the mind. Ask its founder— Architect Sameer Nadkarni of Margao—and he says: “At Xaxti Riders, cycling is a passion, a sport and a fitness activity. We are not looking for customers here but are focused on spreading the benefits, free of charge.”

According to Nadkarni, who had started the club with about 4 to 5 members in Margao, the Club promotes cycling as a means to maintain fitness of lungs, cardio and joints. “Cycling not only boosts the immunity of the rider but also endorses social interaction. This encourages a new rider to take up the activity,” he adds.

So, what does it take to become a Xaxti Rider? “A cycle and helmet are the very basic requirements, which cost anything between Rs 20,000 and Rs 35,000 depending on the kind and quality of the bike. The budget increases as you add on accessories like lights, proper gear. To be a Xaxti Rider all you need is a cycle, a helmet and the passion! The Xaxti Rainbow Jersey will add the special Xaxti energy,” he chuckles. For any Xaxti rider, the recommended daily distance to be covered is about 20Km. For Sunday rides, the distance increases to 60Kms. “We reserve Fridays for our special elevation rides to Chandreshwar Parvat, followed by a fun filled breakfast at the foothill. We also have our waterfall rides in the peak of monsoons, Christmas rides and other special rides as and when occasions come,” he says. Xaxti Riders holds three major signature events in a single cycling calendar year. Among these events are the 100km long XAXTI 100, the extremely challenging 200km long XAXTI 200 and the ladies special 100km long ‘GO GIRLS GO 100.’ The Club also hosts a Talent Search Programme. “Young talent from in and around Salcete are encouraged and trained to take up cycling as a sport. They become a part of our race team, Xaxti Racing. We give them cycles, gear and structured training through online coaching,” the founder explains. Two Xaxti Riders had represented Goa at the Cycling Nationals held in 2021.

When it comes to the Club’s major achievements, it boasts of having cyclists, who have taken on personal challenges like Everesting, Inter-state endurance rides, rides in Leh Ladakh, and rides along the entire East coast of India.

As a community, Xaxti Riders collaborate with various government departments to raise awareness on a plethora of issues. Xaxti Riders had recently partnered with the Election Commission of India (ECI) Goa, through their South Goa Election Office, for promotion of ECI’s signature program of SVEEP (Systematic Voter Education & Electoral
Participation). Again, they joined hands with the Goa State Biodiversity Board to conduct environment and biodiversity awareness rides as well as promotion of ‘Save Soil Mission.’ In all such initiatives, the Club also collaborates with Verna Industries Association (VIA).