Hyderabad: Colonel Tushar Bhakey is probably the only one among fitness enthusiasts in the city who cycles to work every day. The 49-year-old colonel, who served the Indian Army for 28 years, is currently on a two-year study leave, pursuing a PG in hospitality administration at the Administration Staff College of India (ASCI). Daily he cycles 33 km from Bolaram to Banjara Hills during the peak hours. It takes a little less than an hour to reach ASCI.
“I began cycling to the college since July this year. I don’t give up cycling during the rains. In case of a heavy spell, I halt and proceed. I enjoy cycling. It is faster than cars on the city roads. I choose to take this mode of travel since I am sitting at the college from 9 am to 5 pm. I take the Trimulgherry route towards Bowenpally fruits market, leading to Balamrai pump house, SP Road, then towards Begumpet, Punjagutta and reach Road No 3, Banjara hills, the Colonel said.
The officer leaves home around 7. 40 am and reaches the college at around 8.40 am. “My average speed down a hill would be 30-32 km per hour, while uphill is 18-21 km per hour.”
It is not that he has a smooth ride. About this, he said, “The route I choose is unfit to cycle since the sides of the road are broken and uneven. My prime concern is open sewerage and passengers from TSRTC buses.”
A few others from the corporate sector also cycle to the office. However, they do it once a week
Surya Prakash P., an office goer, used to cycle to reach office. However, he has taken a break due to the rains. “Every Friday, I cycle from Kapra to Gachibowli to reach office, peddling 32 kilometres, once in a week. Some of his colleagues have also followed suit. They, however, are on a hiatus due to the rains.
