Well, Bangalore, here we are, a month into 2016…
Many of us may be sitting around thinking of how we’re too old or too out of shape to make a new start into fitness, so we’re here to give you some much needed motivation to get you on the right track to finding the new fit you.
So, I’m here to tell you guys about one bad-ass Bangalorean…Sebastian Francis. The man who wanted to go to Goa…so he decided to cycle there.
Sebastian, the fifty-something father and fitness fanatic, never lets age or distance stop him from his fitness goals. He re-discovered his love of outdoor activities and cycling a few years ago while in Leh (a part of the Himalayas). As a way of preparing himself for the Tour de Nilgiris, he decided to cycle to Goa, a distance of 660 km!
Here’s a quick run down of what Sebastian did to prepare for this adventure, and a quick reminder to all our readers that it’s never too late to go after your fitness goals:
How long have you been cycling? Where did the passion start?
Outdoor activities have always interested me. In 2012, a friend and I decided to cycle up the road from Leh to Khardungla Pass, which is the highest motorable road in the world. It wasn’t easy at all but we did it. I was tired and exhausted physically but completely motivated in spirit.
This ride rekindled my inherent passion for outdoor activities and there after I took to cycling regularly over the weekends.
You recently cycled to Goa…Where did your motivation come from?
My greatest asset is my mental strength and endurance. I firmly believe that there are somethings in life you just have to do and hence the decision to go ahead with this ride didn’t take long. My passion for outdoor activities was my motivation to embark on this solo ride.
So you rode 660 km, how long did that take you?
Five days. I did 125 km a day and then celebrated with some close friends while getting some much needed relaxation.
Any advice for people who want to train for a long ride like yours?
There’s a developing cycling community in Bangalore, they are great for motivation and keeping on track. You can connect with several riders in the Bangalore Cycling Club page on Facebook to see what’s out there. Riding in Nandi Hills is also an excellent way to cover distance and condition your body for the road.
Crossfit and kettle bell classes are also a great way to get and stay in shape!
Well there you have in Bangalore, it’s new too late to get started, set a goal, and crush it!
If you have any other fitness role models you feel we should know about, write to us and put us in touch with them!
Until then: Stay happy, stay healthy, stay fit xx
If you’re looking for some great cycling gyms, check out Spedals or the AMAZING Psycling classes at The Hood.
Check out The Hood:
2nd Floor
SoulSpace Paradigm
Marathahalli Outer Ring Road
Find them on Facebook here
Spedals
#768, 3rd Floor, 80 Feet Road,
4th Block Koramangala,
Bangalore – 560034
(Above Ruosh Showroom)
8971027245
080 – 40910788
Find them on Facebook here!