WONDERFUL CYCLING MEMORIES – 1980
WITH MY FRIEND FOR 56 YRS ALLAN PINTO!
Today is World Bicycle Day! It took me back 41 years – 6th May 1980!
…. And this is what I found in my photo album – A fading photo and newspaper clips (NT 8th May & Gomantak 9th May 1980) of a cycle trip, the two of us made, from Porvorim to Belgaum (single seat) and returned back, – with two friends, whom we had asked to go there by bus (in case of problems) – double seat (as we ran out of money there!)
We were fresh Leo Club of Porvorim charter members and were sponsored by Lions Club of Porvorim, and assisted whole heartedly by all members, especially CA V Y Pawar, who made all arrangements for our stay in Belgaum.
It started out with 14 of us friends to go as a group to Belgaum on cycles. But as the days passed, many of the plans of the friends got punctured, and they dropped out, leaving only two of us. We decided not to back out!
Allan had his grandfather’s cycle which was approx 50-60 yr old, with drum brakes and I had my brother’s 10 up old blue coloured cycle.
It took us 1.5 days to reach Belgaum, via Anmod Ghat; and just a day to return via Chorla Ghat, because we had two friends to carry back.
Today as I look back, it was a herculean feat for that era, without mobile and contact only after reaching Belgaum. The ghats were pristine and our people had faith in us.
Today, the cycles may not be there, but I have a dear friend Allan Pinto, and a heap load of beautiful memories.
Thought I will share these memories on the World Bicycle Day! Cycling is healthy – Happy Pedaling, by wearing a mask, but not during cycling!
Copied with permission from Sanjeev Sardesai’s facebook wall post
https://www.facebook.com/sanjeev.v.sardesai/
