Rides With Ajeet Minhas- Early Cycling In Punjab

Rides with Ajeet Minhas

Founded on January 26, 2014, by the resilient Abhishek Kashyap, Punjab Bikers Club (PBC) is not just a cycling club, it’s a movement. Our mission is to promote Safe, Proper & Healthy Cycling and Cycle Tourism, especially in the rural areas where the simple joy of riding can create lasting positive change. Our main objective is clear – RURAL EMPLOYMENT GENERATION. We believe that cycling is not just a mode of exploration; it is a vehicle for economic prosperity and community development.Nestled in the heart of Punjab, Hoshiarpur is a cycling haven waiting to be explored. With minimal traffic, well-maintained roads, lush greenery, serene lakes, and challenging climbs for the adventure seekers, Hoshiarpur provides an idyllic backdrop for cycling enthusiasts. It’s a region where every pedal stroke unveils the natural beauty of the surroundings. Whether you’re a casual rider or an avid cyclist seeking thrilling climbs, Hoshiarpur has it all. Our club is dedicated to harnessing the potential of this picturesque region to create a cycling paradise.The heart of our mission lies in creating sustainable opportunities for the local population. When cyclists from outstations visit Hoshiarpur, they bring more than just their bikes; they bring opportunities. By promoting cycling tourism, we aim to generate income and employment for the locals. From homestays and local eateries to bike rentals and guided tours, every aspect of the cycling experience contributes to the prosperity of the community. Punjab Bikers Club invites you to be a part of a movement that extends beyond cycling trails. Together, let’s pedal towards a future where every spin of the wheel contributes to the prosperity of the community. Join PBC, explore Hoshiarpur, and become a catalyst for positive change through the joy of cycling.Join us in the cycling revolution, explore the breathtaking landscapes of Kandi, and be a part of a community that celebrates the freedom and joy that comes from the wheels beneath us.

Ajeet’s contribution to the Punjab Cycling:

Ajeet Minhas played a vital role in building the stepping stone to the World of cycling in Punjab. In 2014, when PBC started promoting the culture of cycling this young lad was always there. He was full of enthusiasm and sportsman spirit for the rides.He would join with his friend HarAziz.

13-4-2014 first City Ride at Jalandhar, Punjab
24-4-2014 ADAMPUR EXPRESS RIDE
11-05-2014 Jalandhar Cantt Shatabdi Ride
15-6-2014 Jalandhar Peri Feri Ride
29-6-2014 Jalandhar Turbo Run
25-07-2014 Kanjli Ride
15-8-2014 Ride to Wagah Border

From a mother’s pen : “Ajeet a Taurus baby was born on 15th May 1998. A freak accident in which an overloaded tipper crushed his car took away Ajeet from us on 24th Dec 2016 . It was devastating but in this short span,he lived his life to the fullest . He was a very bubbly kid,very friendly. He took to cycling at the age of 14 . Infact, he was a pioneer in cycling .Just when the world would be sleeping he would take his cycle and go to the villages and all unknown terrains. Much as his mother would be worried about him, all the time he was like mom this is the best form of exercise .You are like a free bird .You can feel the freshness in the air, you can be yourself.The accident changed me, I was shattered . A part of my heart was gone… how could I live without him! I felt guilty when I laughed , I felt guilty when I would do anything which he liked . Then one day I took to cycling. It was hard ,I didn’t own a cycle, I didn’t know anything about the technicalities of cycling and then Ajeet my angel helped me . I would not stop . It became my passion . I could go on and on . Ajeet being a passionate biker once took his bike to Palampur in our SUV .And there he could not fix it . He spent almost half of the day to fix it and then went off to the hills . His life was full of adventure . He was a blue eyed boy of his teachers and was a very popular kid in school . He has friends from all age groups . So much so that when he left people from different streams and age group would come and we Were so surprised . Then we decided to take to road safety and on 15th May 2017 ASSR was formed . It was to educate people on road safety which is lacking in our country . We are constantly trying to educate the youth on not using mobile phones while driving , to discourage over loading ( due to which he passed away ) . Our motto is the three E’s. Education Enforcement Road engineering . We work towards these through cycling rallies , through walks, through talks in schools . And hope we will be able to keep Ajeet alive through our endeavours .”

Early cycling in Punjab

Step into the early days of cycling in Punjab with a tale of exploration, determination, and the birth of a cycling community. The journey began in March 2014 when a couple embarked on their first ride from Jalandhar to Hoshiarpur, marking the inception of their cycling adventures in the region.Living in Mahilpur at the time, most of their rides unfolded in the picturesque Jaijon Doaba region. However, the initial foray into cycling in Punjab was met with concern from friends and relatives who worried about the safety of the adventurous duo.What set the Punjab cycling experience apart was the noticeable absence of a cycling culture. Unlike their experiences in Kochi, where cycling was an established way of life, they found that in Punjab, most people were riding mountain bikes, and a cohesive cycling community was yet to be built. Recognizing the need to establish a cycling community, the couple understood that it all needed to begin with promoting the right way of cycling—emphasizing correct techniques, incorporating scientific approaches, and maintaining the right posture. Long-distance cycling, they realized, was only possible with bikes of the right size, proper fitting, and adherence to safety measures like helmets, lights, and reflective vests for enhanced visibility on the roads.

For Saran Preeti, the journey was not just physically challenging, but it also presented social hurdles. Amidst taunts, gazes, and occasional shouts, she continued cycling with determination. The couple faced skepticism and sometimes felt like outliers with their unique cycling postures and an array of gadgets. Yet, undeterred, they persevered through the hurdles.

13 APRIL 2014 RIDE ON BAISAKHI

Punjab Bikers Club had their first inaugural event in Punjab, an extraordinary event that unfolded on the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi, marking the onset of the harvesting season. This ride not only met but exceeded the expectations of the riders of Jalandhar, providing them with a unique platform to nurture their sportsmanship spirit. The event, graced by a soft drizzle, created an environment that was not only pleasurable but also infused with a spirit of sportiveness and boundless energy for the riders. Against the backdrop of this joyous occasion, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the entire cycling community for standing up to the occasion and making this event a resounding success.

A special note of appreciation goes to the Jalandhar Commissionerate office for their invaluable assistance in facilitating this maiden ride. The support and presence of esteemed personalities such as Civil Surgeon R.L. Bassan and IMA President Dr. Sushma Chawla, who jointly flagged off the ride, added a touch of prestige to the event.We also express our gratitude to Mr. Mahajan, whose commendable efforts played a crucial role in effective communication with the riders of Jalandhar, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants.

The Green Pedallers Pollution-Free Ride was not just about cycling; it was a celebration of sustainability, community, and the vibrant spirit of Baisakhi. As we look back at this memorable event, we thank everyone who contributed to its success and commend the cycling community for their enthusiasm and support.

Stay tuned for more exciting events and rides from Punjab Bikers Club as we continue our journey towards promoting a healthier and more sustainable way of life through the joy of cycling. Thank you for being a part of this eco-friendly celebration!