Wheels in Motion: Building a Cycling Community at Ashoka

During the pandemic, with endurance events paused and athletes losing interest, a small group of students from Ashoka University began cycling to the nearby villages of Sonipat. They were instantly captivated by the serene beauty of the paddy fields and towering sugarcane crops. As the fog lifted, it revealed crisp mornings filled with the soft sounds of nature, the hum of spinning pedals, and the steady rhythm of their breath as they found their cadence.

Cycling outside campus ignited curiosity among the Covid-locked student community and that was the purpose and inception of the Ashoka Cycling Club – an initiative to curate a cycling community that makes cycling a safe and enriching experience for learners as well as skilled riders. At its core, the Ashoka Cycling Club remains a small, close-knit group united by a shared passion for cycling. The club believes that exploration and togetherness foster a sense of belonging. Members are encouraged to lead rides, design new site routes, discover interesting food checkpoints, and share enjoyable experiences with the community.

While recreational off-campus rides have been the club’s primary focus, they are now working towards forming a team of cycling enthusiasts who will be trained to represent Ashoka University in various cyclothons and competitions. The broader goal is to establish cycling as a recognised sport at Ashoka, while also creating a fun, inclusive cycling space for students, faculty, and staff.

One of the highlights of the 2023-24 academic year was the club’s participation in the HCL Cyclothon Noida. Another key achievement was the scouting ride to the Yamuna River Bank, which has since become a favourite destination for club members and the student body. Throughout the year, the club organises various community-building activities on and off-campus, including slow cycling races, on-campus biking events like “Speeding Under the Stars,” and off-campus trips to Murthal and Domino’s. To date, the Ashoka Cycling Club has completed over eight rides, giving students opportunities to explore off-campus. Upcoming events on the club members’ bucket list include the 7-day cycling challenge, cycling with faculty, and participation in the HCL Cyclothon 2025.

The club is supported by a group of dedicated individuals who work to ensure that all participants have memorable experiences, whether during club events or meetings. Weekend rides and events like “Cycling Under the Stars” are designed to bring together people who enjoy cycling as a leisure activity, as well as those who approach it as a competitive sport. The club ensures that its events cater to both types of cyclists. These activities consistently result in new friendships, stronger bonds, and lasting memories, fostering a strong sense of community.