A family that cycles together stays together!
This weekly section publishes the experiences of our readers since Covid-19 struck. Today, meet the Sahni family that has been pedalling away their pandemic blues, every evening.
Entrepreneur Kabir Sahni has a family of nine and a cheerful dog, named Buddy. To cope with these trying times, the Sahnis, from Gurugram, go out cycling every evening. No activity such as playing board games or baking can match up to the fun of being outdoors, they say. And the best part is, they found their buddies within the family!
During the pandemic, Kabir bought five bicycles. Every evening, he, along with his mother, brother, his wife, and kids go out cycling, with their masks in place. It’s an activity they all love wholeheartedly and it keeps them fit, healthy and happy.
The bonding of the family strengthened with this outdoor activity, says Kabir. “It’s been ages since I played a sport or a game with my father. In the lockdown, we played carrom, monopoly and ludo but soon got bored. We wanted to go out and cycle. We got new bicycles for children, and then my brother and wife bought cycles for themselves. I, too, ordered my cycle so that we all could go out together,” says the 33-year-old.
The family began going to nearby places such as Sector-15 Part 1, Leisure Valley Park, and Sector-29.
“We met a couple of people on our way and formed a WhatsApp group for walking and cycling,” he shares.
“The kids really enjoy cycling, as this is their only getaway from their online classes. We make sure we have masks on and bathe after coming back. We have kept spare shoes outside for cycling. A little change is always good,” says Saachi Sahni, a jewellery designer, mother of four-year-old Shezad, and Kabir’s brother Bir’s wife.
Such activities bring the family closer, believes Kabir’s mother Sangeeta (57), who would earlier cycle alone. She is delighted that the whole family is getting to spend a lot of time together. “Cycling alone was never so exciting. Now, it has turned into such a fun activity. We are not just having meals together but exercising together, too. We’ll continue cycling even after the gyms reopen,” she says.
Are you inspired to push the pedal?