‘Going Solo’: A documentary on two women cyclists and their pursuit of freedom

Based on the ‘inner’ and ‘outer’ journeys of these two women is a documentary called ‘Going Solo’, which follows them before, during, and after one of the world’s most prestigious endurance cycling events – London-Edinburgh-London (LEL).

Talking about the making of the documentary, director Amey Gore said he was never into sports, however, after interviewing the subjects of the film, he realised that there was a lot more than just cycling as a sport. “They said that cycling is a coping mechanism for them and that was a cue for me to explore something larger than just concentrating on the technical aspects. The movie is about Indian families and social structures with cycling as a device to explore these larger narratives,” he shared.

Adding, Gore explained that more than anything else the movie is about freedom. “Everybody desires freedom in some way. But life, with its infinite variables, keeps us trapped in multiple loops. So, we need different activities to help us channelise our energies. If that does not happen, it completely changes your mindset, and you get bogged down by negativity. The film is essentially seeing how the energy of an individual conflicts with freedom and all the restrictions society brings. And we are seeing how cycling as a mechanism can help us channelise our energies and seek freedom.”

A glimpse into the lives of the women

Gareema Shankar cycling on the roads of Delhi. (Source: PR Handout)

Both Shankar and Singhi come from vastly different family backgrounds and upbringings. However, what unites them is their endeavour to do more with their lives. With this ambition, they undertook one of the toughest endurance cycling events in the world (read LEL).

Shankar, who was born into a wealthy family in North India, lived a rather privileged life. The only complaint was that it was like a cocoon – comfortable yet suffocating. As a teenager, she dreamed of roaming freely on her own. But her parents, in trying to protect her, often restricted her from going out alone.

For 37 long years, Shankar led a fairly predictable life. She got married and became a mother, but soon after a deep void began to set in. After the delivery of her baby, she became quite overweight. In hopes of shedding those extra kilos, she took up cycling –something she could be consistent with. She learnt cycling from her male cousin, but when she was younger, he would never allow her to cycle on the road. Soon after she took up cycling, she began to notice how her happiness had increased. Shankar even started discovering her city and became a regular rider, so much so that people started associating her bicycle with her.

Gareema Shankar training for cycling events. (Source: PR Handout)

“They would ask me why don’t I set goals for myself through cycling. This is the reason I started to challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone. I began attending cycling events. I would be thrilled after completing those races,” she said.

After she saw her team preparing for LEL, she got motivated and registered herself for the event just three months before it was scheduled. “It was an impossible task to achieve but I wanted to participate in it,” she shared. So, she took up the challenge of cycling 1,540 km in only 125 hours at LEL.

Four days into the ride, it was clear that she would not be able to finish in time. But while most riders in her position were giving up, Shankar rode on, determined to fight till the very end. Although she could not achieve her goal, the LEL community was overwhelmed with her enthusiasm and spirit and awarded her a medal.

Support and cheering Gareema Shankar received from the LEL community. (Source: PR Handout)

She recalled that before cycling, she was never into any sports. “I had never even been to a gym before. So, cycling was tough because I had no muscle memory. I had to practice very hard and build my stamina slowly,” she said.

Additionally, cycling in Delhi had its own unique challenges. Apart from women’s safety, rash driving, and bad roads, making it a nightmare to ride on these streets, Shankar’s parents would remain worried about her every time she went for a ride. And her own parenting skills were put to a test, as she tried to manage her training schedule with her maternal responsibilities. But cycling taught her to strike a balance between everything and live life on her own terms.

Her advice to anybody taking up a sport later in life is to always seek guidance from professionals. “Take it slowly just like a house is built brick by brick. Build your stamina gradually. And enjoy the whole process. The idea is to de-stress and not worry about achieving perfection,” Shankar said.

Meanwhile, Singhi had a rather carefree childhood, even though she was born in a traditional Jain family in Rajasthan. Even as a teenager, she could be seen riding on the streets of Jodhpur during the 1970s. However, after she got married, her life completely changed. Her husband’s family was conservative, and she had to single-handedly take care of the household – cooking, cleaning and raising two children. Soon, she started sensing a void in her life.

But it was at the age of 52, when she was already a grandmother that while visiting a bike shop to check out a cycle for her son, she ended up buying a bicycle for herself too. After that, there was no looking back.

“Initially, my family was against me taking up the activity. But nobody could stop me. I was unfettered to take up long-distance cycling events. After completing several long-distance Indian rides, I decided to take the plunge and participate in international events,” she said.

Clicked after successful completion at LEL 2022. (Source: PR Handout)

Last year, Singhi created history by becoming the first Indian woman to successfully complete the LEL event in time. She has faced several barriers along the way–from road accidents to conservative mindsets. But she is no mood to stop cycling behind her dreams. “People should do what they like. Age is no bar. I hope to motivate those girls who are afraid to go after their dreams. Put your heart and soul into something you love, and nothing can deter you,” she said.

For those interested to start cycling, Utsav Agrawal, a fitness coach at FITTR, has some tips

*Start with a bike that fits you properly: Ensure that your bike is the right size and properly adjusted to your body. This helps maintain proper posture and prevents strain on your joints and muscles.

*Warm up and stretch: Before hopping on the bike, spend a few minutes warming up your body with light aerobic exercises like jogging or brisk walking. Additionally, perform some dynamic stretches to loosen up your muscles, especially focusing on the lower body.

*Wear appropriate safety gear: Always wear a well-fitted helmet to protect your head in case of a fall or collision. Consider wearing padded cycling gloves to cushion your hands and reduce the risk of blisters. Reflective clothing or accessories can also enhance your visibility, especially when cycling in low-light conditions.

*Learn proper cycling technique: Take the time to learn and practice proper cycling techniques, such as maintaining a relaxed grip on the handlebars, using a smooth pedalling motion, and keeping your body relaxed and balanced. Learning the correct posture and technique can help prevent unnecessary strain and injuries.

*Increase intensity gradually: If you are new to cycling or have been sedentary for a while, it is important to gradually increase the intensity and duration of your rides. Start with shorter distances and easier routes, and then gradually progress as your fitness improves.

*Listen to your body: Pay attention to any discomfort or pain during or after cycling. If you experience persistent pain or discomfort, it is important to rest and allow your body to recover. Pushing through pain can lead to injuries. If necessary, consult with a healthcare professional or a cycling coach for guidance.

As for its benefits, Agrawal said that cycling is an excellent form of cardiovascular exercise that gets your heart pumping and your blood flowing. “Regular cycling can help improve your stamina, strength, and overall physical fitness. It engages various muscle groups, including your legs, core, and glutes. It is also a calorie-burning activity that can aid in weight management. Cycling can improve sleep quality, too. It helps regulate your body’s circadian rhythm, promotes relaxation, and reduces insomnia symptoms. Moreover, it is a low-impact activity, meaning it puts less stress on your joints compared to high-impact exercises like running or jumping. This makes it an ideal exercise for people who have joint issues or are overweight,” he said.

But its advantages are not only limited to physical wellbeing. “Cycling outdoors exposes you to fresh air, nature and sunlight, which can have a positive impact on your mental well-being. It can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve your mood and overall mental health. Cycling also releases endorphins, which are known as ‘feel-good’ hormones. Engaging in regular cycling can boost your energy levels over time, leading to better productivity throughout the day. It also provides opportunities to meet new people, make friends and share a common interest, especially if you join group rides or cycling clubs,” Agrawal noted.

Concluding, he said, “Cycling outdoors allows you to explore new places, enjoy scenic routes, and experience the joy of being in nature. It can make exercise feel less like a chore and more like an enjoyable hobby or adventure.”

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