City bizman defies age, conquers the hill

Ludhiana: Harpreet Singh, a 53-year-old businessman from Ludhiana did cyclists in the city proud by successfully participating in the MTB Shimla-2016, an international cycling event. Singh, the eldest of participants, has been flooded with congratulatory messages.
"Although I happened to be the eldest of all the participants, yet I personally feel age is not a parameter for fitness.What really matters is how much time you invest in your body. I have been cycling regularly and have realised that this event is more of a mind game. But one needs to be careful to avoid injury," said Harpreet.
He said participating in the event with almost 105 cyclists from different states and countries was a special experience. He also said members of the Ludhiana Cycling Club had been motivating him.
It was a two-day event, in which 120 kilometers had to be covered. The race was held over a period of two days, including free and competitive rides.
Harpreet said on day one, they covered 57 kilometres. Out of this, 38 kilometres was competitive and the elevation gain was 1,450 meters. The race went on from Shimla to Sadho Pul and then to Dochi, further to Janedh Ghat. The night halt was at Kanechi.
On the second day, the race covered a distance of 48 kilometers, including the competitive section of 36 kilometres and elevation gain was 1,646 meters. The ride, started from Kanechi to Sadhu Pul to Janedh Ghat and then to Koti. It ended at Chini Bangla in Kufri.
Singh said cycling is his passion and he has been the eldest participant for the third consecutive year. "Cycling with people from across the country and world is a different experience. I want more cyclists from the city to participate in such events. This way, we will let the world know that we are not only the leading producers of cycles but we also have best cyclists," said Harpreet.