On single-speed cycles, Goan women showcase steely resolve in Kashmir

Panaji: Three Goan women cyclists proved their mettle in the rugged and hilly terrain of Baramulla, Kashmir, where they came close to winning a 65km cycle expedition to the Aman Setu at the Indo-Pak border in Uri. The three women, who are in their early- to mid-forties, rode steel frame, single-speed cycles — a feat made all the more challenging given that they were riding at an elevation of 5,226 feet.
Their competition was riding carbon fiber cycles with race spec carbon fibre wheels. Despite this, the three mothers came in fourth, fifth and sixth. The trio were participating in a rally organized in support of Kashmiri girls and women.
Chandor resident Gema Fernandes, 48, missed out on a podium finish as the Atlas roadsters provided by the Indian Army were no match for the carbon fibre cycles that the top three riders brought with them.
“It was a bit difficult considering we did not have gears,” said Fernandes. “My fingers were instinctively going to shift gears which were not there. This is the first time I rode non stop on a single speed for such a long distance.”
“This is one of our biggest achievements because we proved to ourselves that it is not the bike or the machine but the person riding that matters,” said 41-year-old Adlin Mascarenhas, who hails from Camurlim. Mascarenhas donated her reward money to the Indian Army’s initiative to empower local girls.
Mascarenhas, who usually rides a carbon fibre cycle, is no stranger to endurance races. The supermom has completed the 300km, 400km and 600km to earn the super randonneur title.
Quepem resident Avila Pereira completes the Goan trio, who were among more than 80 cyclists from across the country who were picked by the Indian Army for the challenging ride. The youngest rider was 11 and the oldest, 61.
“There were many climbs. Initially, we were very scared, wondering whether we would be able to complete the ride on a single-speed bike. Once the ride started, seeing the natural beauty of Kashmir, we completely forgot that we were on a single-speed bike,” said Mascarenhas.
The three Goan cyclists completed the ride in under three hours, and, buoyed by their staggering performance, they are also considering a 430km ride from Manali to Leh in the future.
The rally, which was organised by the dagger division of the Chinar corps, began from Showkat Ali stadium in Baramulla and concluded at Kaman Post, Uri at the Indo-Pak border.
“This ride in Kashmir was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It was really worthwhile, a special experience. There was so much excitement, but at the same time, a bit of apprehension, because we could see no man’s land across the fence. We could see the river Jhelum flowing next to us,” said Mascarenhas, adding, “The roads were much better than what we experience in Goa”.
Speaking to TOI, Colonel Mamta from the dagger division said that the Indian Army has started an initiative to empower women and girls within Kashmir, and the cycle rally was part of a plan to encourage local girls to take up sports and adventure activities. “The rally was held on Sunday. The riders were put up at the army guest houses in Baramulla,” Mamta said.