Even symbolic rides accomplish little given the bandobast required beforehand.
By ET Bureau |
Agencies
Harsh Vardhan arrived on a bicycle at Nirman Bhawan to take charge as Union Health Minister in the newly-elected PM Modi's cabinet in New Delhi.
The irony of US President Donald Trump’s gas-guzzling cavalcade, not to mention a helicopter for a faster commute from the airport, traversing London on World Bicycle Day on Monday was not lost on anyone.
Rather, it begged the question whether holders of high office anywhere in the world should even bother to symbolically cycle to work on special days given the amount of bandobast required to ensure such rides are safe and unhindered.
It is heartening, however, when ministers who pedal an agenda also cycle the talk, so to speak. Two ministers in the current government at the Centre, Arjun Meghwal and Mansukh Mandaviya, routinely cycled to Parliament even as MPs; the latter even cycled to Rashtrapati Bhavan for his swearing-in last week. So, their relevance on World Bicycle Day ranks right up alongside the invariably pro-bicycle Dutch government.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal (C) rides a bicycle on World Bicycle Day in Chandigarh.
But the popularity and viability of this mode of transportation also needs suitable roads, good traffic management and conducive weather, and, sadly, India has not paid enough attention to the first two in most places and can do nothing about the third.
Add to that the need of some Indians to not only be powerful but also be seen to be powerful ensures vast vehicular entourages for most high office-holders, leaving them regularly riding only exercycles, if any at all.
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A Run For Their Money: Unique Races Around The World
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Marathons are a dime a dozen these days. But if adventure and wanting to beat the odds is more your thing, give these unique races around the world a shot.
Last man standing
This world run has a moving finish line in the form of a car. The vehicle starts moving 30 minutes into the race, and gradually increases its speed to out-run participants. The last person left running is declared the winner with all proceeds from the race going to fund spinal cord research. Participants from 58 countries across the world set off at exactly at the same time for this race. Last year, Polish runner Bartosz Olszewski ran 88.24km.
(Text: Shannon Tellis)
Marathons are a dime a dozen these days. But if adventure and wanting to beat the odds is more your thing, give these unique races around the world a shot.
Last man standing
This world run has a mo..
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If you’re going to only participate in one marathon, Bordeaux’s Marathon du Médoc is the way to go. Created in 1984 by a group of passionate marathoners, the 42.195 km circuit winds through the scenic vineyards of Médoc. Runners in fancy-dress costumes are encouraged to sample a variety of wines and gourmet food like oysters, steak, cheese and ice cream while enjoying the dulcet tones of 23 orchestras scattered across the course. Be warned though, registrations close at 8,500 participants, so book your spot early.
If you’re going to only participate in one marathon, Bordeaux’s Marathon du Médoc is the way to go. Created in 1984 by a group of passionate marathoners, the 42.195 km circuit winds through the sceni..
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If you thought running a marathon was tough, try doing it semi-naked. Last month, Manila held the city’s first underwear run which saw hundreds of near naked people pounding the pavement. Underwear runs have been around for over a decade and are generally held for a cause. Some crowd favourites are the annual Cupid’s Undie Run held on Valentine’s Day and the Gildan Underwear Run in New York which sees thousands strip and run a 1.7 mile course through Central Park.
If you thought running a marathon was tough, try doing it semi-naked. Last month, Manila held the city’s first underwear run which saw hundreds of near naked people pounding the pavement. Underwear r..
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Imagine sprinting alongside a 15,000-strong crowd of Han Solos, Jedis and Chewies while R2D2 and Stormtroopers cheer you on. A Galaxy fan’s paradise, the Star Wars Half Marathon sees racers run across a 13.1-mile course. Some daring participants even attempt the Darth Vader Challenge, a trifecta of the 5K, 10K and halfmarathon. Whether you run for the light or run for the dark, there is a sweet Star Wars-themed finishers medal up for grabs.
Imagine sprinting alongside a 15,000-strong crowd of Han Solos, Jedis and Chewies while R2D2 and Stormtroopers cheer you on. A Galaxy fan’s paradise, the Star Wars Half Marathon sees racers run acros..
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Said to be the world’s most dangerous race, the Jungle Marathon is a deadly 254 km course that winds through the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. Runners have six days to battle their way across inhospitable jungle terrain, including swamps with lurking snakes and crocs, with nothing more than a map, compass and kit with essentials like hammock, bottles, first aid etc. Designed to test the stamina and endurance of any ultra race competitor, runners are forced to use their skills, speed and navigation to make it safely from checkpoint to checkpoint.
Said to be the world’s most dangerous race, the Jungle Marathon is a deadly 254 km course that winds through the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. Runners have six days to battle their way across inhospit..
