Bandipora Cyclists Scale Razdan Top, Spread Message of Healthy Lifestyle

Convener News Desk

Bandipora, August 17: Five cyclists from the Bandipora Cycling Club (BCC) achieved a remarkable feat by cycling to Razdan Top in Gurez on Saturday, using the challenging mountain route to promote fitness, mental well-being and a healthy lifestyle among youngsters.

The cyclists— Umar Shafi Khan, Shabir Ahmad Mir , Mir Jaffar, Aamir Shahi and Ehsaan-ul-Haq—started their expedition from Bandipora at around 6:30 am and reached Razdan Top at about 5:30 pm. The team later continued towards Gurez Valley and reached Kanzalwan village at around 7:30 pm.

Team leader Umar Shafi Khan said the expedition was not merely an endurance challenge. “En route, we interacted with locals, tourists and youngsters at several locations, including Bonakoot, Pethkoot, Yale, Lal Qila Morh and Tragbal, spreading awareness about the benefits of cycling and the importance of maintaining a healthy and stress-free lifestyle”.

Khan said many youngsters they met during the journey showed keen interest in their expedition. “We encouraged them to take up cycling and other physical activities to remain fit and avoid unhealthy and antisocial habits, including drug addiction,” he added.

“We also urged people to cycle during their leisure time so that they can remain physically and mentally healthy and stay away from various social menaces,” the cyclists said.

Another cyclist Shabir Ahmad Mir said the route offered a memorable experience but the steep gradients and high altitude made the journey particularly demanding.

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“The route was great, but the gradient and altitude were challenging. You have to understand that you are climbing to Razdan, which is at an altitude of about 12,000 feet. We had to keep track of every bend and maintain momentum. That was where our experience and skill came into play,” he said.

The cyclists stayed in Gurez on Saturday and returned to Bandipora on Sunday evening.

Mir Jaffar said the Bandipora Cycling Club currently has around two dozen cyclists who ride together every morning in Bandipora to remain fit and promote the culture of cycling. “we travel to different villages every morning with a purpose to encourage the youngsters of that village also to start cycling”

He said youngsters today face considerable stress due to academic, professional and personal challenges, which is increasingly affecting their physical and mental well-being.

“Cycling is a means not only to stay physically fit but mentally fit as well,” he said.

Another cyclist Aamir Shahi said the group also wants to revive a cycling culture that was once common in Kashmir.

“Cycling was common during our childhood, but now scooters, motorcycles and cars have almost extinguished that culture. By cycling together every day, we are trying to motivate others to make cycling a habit, stay fit and save fuel,” he said.

Ehsaan ul Haq said nowadays even for short-distance travel, people often prefer cars or motorcycles when cycling or walking could be healthier alternatives.

“Even to go to a nearby market, we travel by car or bike. Cycling could be a better option, if not walking,” he said, adding that an increasing number of people are joining the group for their daily rides.

The cyclists said their journey to Razdan Top was aimed at demonstrating that physical activity can become part of everyday life while also encouraging youngsters to make healthier choices and reconnect with cycling.