Looking forward to an active participation!

Unity, Faith & Discipline is the guiding principle of Pakistan and this Independence Day we pay homage to our homeland by an"Azadi Ride"- whereby leading sports clubs of Islamabad will come together for a run, walk and ride.

All runs & rides shall converge at the iconic landmark of Chand Tara Shakarparian at 6 AM for the National Anthem. And after that we will start the ride.

Those returning during the ride please inform the coordinators.

It is an easy ride and it’s on the road so all kinds of bicycle can join.

Its summer time- bring along your family & friends and join us on an early morning ride around Shakarparian to take in the fresh environment!

Shakarparian ( also known as Shakarparian Hills) is also a national park area. It has a great importance in the history of Pakistan. There is a small monument to mark the spot where President Ayub Khan stood with other members and decided that this will be new capital of Pakistan. At a height of 609 meters, the terraced gardens offer pleasant and sweeping vistas of Margalla and Murree hills, Rawal Lake, Rawalpindi and Islamabad.Those returning during the ride please inform the coordinators. It is an easy ride and it’s on the road so all kinds of bicycle can join.

Looking forward to an active participation!

Check out Islamabad at night- its quite magical!

Its summer time and cycling at night gives a whole new perspective to the city, so step out and become part of the scene- a night ride experience not to be missed!

For those of you interested in 'Comparative Cultures' coupled with a bit of adventure, this is an opportunity for you to check out what the Capital has to offer!

The heritage site and the beautiful serene looking railway station has become one of the centerpieces of the 'Railway image' in the country !

The Golra Railway Station was established in 1882 during British rule and upgraded as junction in 1912. It was the logistics artery of British India during the Afghan military campaigns at the turn of the twentieth century. It is still operational but is not frequent to many trains. Situated southwest of Islamabad at the altitude of 1,994 feet, its magnificent building has Victorian architecture and is composed of yellow stone masonry. The station that once linked Peshawar, Kohat,Havelian and Multan now enjoys more importance due to its museum.

The Railway Heritage Museum was established in October 2003. From relics dating back to the inception of railways in the Subcontinent by the British, to memorabilia depicting the creation of the museum are housed and preserved in this heritage site. It contains artifacts reflecting history of railways over a period of more than 150 years including almost 100 years of undivided India.It also boasts of a special collection of memorabilia from different periods in time from the British Raj to the occupation of Indian-held railway station during the 1965 war with India.

An open yard displays a wide array of relics which have become extinct on the railway lines around the world. The steam and electric locomotives, a German postal car, a saloon car used by the last Lord Mountbatten, and another 1888 saloon car belonging to the Maharaja of Jodhpur made at the Ajmer Sharif Carriage Workshop from the Jodhpur railways, given as a wedding present to his daughter .

Cycling enthusiasts this is especially for you…a new track in your list of wanderings!

Nestled in the heart of Islamabad, a hidden gem awaits all nature enthusiasts and cycling aficionados! Recently revived and renovated this scenic cycling track offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, providing a unique opportunity to connect with nature and indulge in an invigorating outdoor experience.

As you cycle through the dense greenery, you will be surrounded by a calm ambiance that seems worlds away from urban chaos... you will be treated to breathtaking views, occasional glimpses of wildlife, bird song and the soothing sound of rustling leaves...

Discover Islamabad early morning, during Ramzan/Ramadan!

Riding at night gives a whole new perspective to the city, so step out and become part of the scene- an experience not to be missed...and for those of you interested in 'Comparative Cultures' coupled with a bit of adventure, this is an opportunity for you to join in on our very special ‘Pre- Sehri’ ride!

Ramzan/Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, reflection and community. The annual observance of ‘Ramzan/Ramadan’ is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam and lasts twenty-nine to thirty days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next. Fasting from dawn to sunset is considered obligatory for all adult Muslims who are not acutely or chronically ill, travelling, elderly etc.

The predawn meal is referred to as ‘Sehri' and the evening meal that breaks the fast is called ‘Iftari'. Both periods are characterised by hustle and bustle. Homes & markets are a buzz with activity and festivity!

For the more adventurous amongst you, we can even stop for a 'Sehri' break at a suitable place!

Shah Allah Ditta caves and few more miles up to the Losar Baoli are two historic sites in the Margalla Hills

Archaeological evidence indicates that the caves and the platform-like formations surrounding the area were first used for meditation by Buddhist monks and later by Hindu sadhus before Muslim ascetics took over during the Mughal period.

Marked on the ground close to the caves the location where Alexander arrived and was received by Raja Ambi, King of Taxila. The road next to the caves that leads to the main top of the mountain, Shah Allah Ditta road, is said to be built on the exact path followed by Pashtun emperor Sher Shah Suri during his visit.

Moving up the mountain from the caves, there is a stepwell called Losar Baoli. The Baoli is thought to have been constructed by the Emperor Sher Shah Suri in order to facilitate the caravans moving towards Kabul via Taxila. The Ride is a slightly tough but very scenic on the uphill stretch towards Losar Baoli.

Those who do not want to attempt the last uphill part can wait or return from the Shah Allah Ditta caves. Do inform the coordinators if you are turning back!

Looking for adventure? Dont miss our exciting annual ride among the various Heritage sites in Taxila - Not to be missed!

Taxila (meaning "City of Cut Stone") is an important archaeological site of ancient India, located in Taxila city, Rawalpindi District of the Punjab, Pakistan, situated about 32 km (20 mi) north-west of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, just off the famous Grand Trunk Road.

Ancient Taxila was situated at the pivotal junction of the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia. The origin of Taxila as a city goes back to c. 1000 BCE. Some ruins date to the time of the Achaemenid Empire in the 6th century BCE, followed successively by Mauryan Empire, Indo-Greek, Indo-Scythian, and Kushan Empire periods.

We will regroup at the Taxila Museum and get our bicycles from the truck. We will start our ride from the Taxila Museum and go to the different heritage sites ultimately returning back to the Taxila Museum. The ride would take min 4 hours with short stops at each site. We will be riding on and off road so chose your bicycle accordingly.

Daman-e-Koh is a viewing point and hill top garden -north of Islamabad and located in the middle of the Margalla Hills. Its name is a conjunction of two Persian words, which put together mean 'foot hills.' It is about 2400 ft from sea level and almost 500 ft from the city of Islamabad.

The 'Monal' climb has become of the iconic climbs for Cycling in Islamabad.We will go upto where the Monal restaurant was located on Pir Sohawa Road at an altitude of 3,500 feet (1,100 m). A popular destination for the residents as well as the visitors to the capital. Monkeys are a common sight along the road side, attracted by the food given by tourists.

The ride is Medium and Tough ride. We will ultimately ride where the Monal restaurant was located but for those who want to keep it easy can join the ride initially till Damn-e-Koh. Those returning during the ride please inform the coordinators.

Join us for a unique experience as we explore the magnificent big Banyan Tree at Sinyari. Located at the base of the Margalla Hills, it is believed to be over a thousand years old! It stands as a testament to nature's resilience and beauty, offering a serene escape into the wilderness of the Margalla Hills!

Did you know that a banyan tree can roughly grow up to 2000 years ? It has an interesting mechanism of expanding. From the branches of the trees, rope like structures called boughs fall towards the ground -and upon touching the ground- they become a branch... this way the tree keeps expanding even long after the death of the original tree!

Myths pertaining to Banyan trees are commonly found in almost all of the Sub- continental cultural/ religious traditions.

Seals dating back to Mohenjadaro also depict the Banyan tree, leading researchers to conclude that the reverence of the Banyan trees in Hinduism could have been borrowed from the indigenous religion of the Indus valley. With its a semi-divine status in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions people come and pray to the Banyan tree to get the blessings of the spirit. The Buddhists believe that it was under a Banyan tree that Buddha attained enlightenment and that is why they call it Bodhi tree meaning ‘tree of enlightenment'- a symbol for Buddha himself...

Instructions for participation:

• Assemble at the Khyber Gate of the F-9 Park (on Margalla Road). Cyclists, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts will come together for a brief introduction and safety instructions.
• From there the caravan will depart for the Big Banyan Tree, located just a couple of kilometers from the park.
• Cyclists will enjoy a leisurely ride through scenic route, while the other participants will drive to the location.
• Upon arrival, we will take time to explore and appreciate the grandeur of this ancient tree. Participants can learn about its history, ecological significance, and the biodiversity of the surrounding area.
• For those interested in further exploration, a short hike into the forest will be organized. This hike will offer an opportunity to discover more of the natural beauty of the Margalla Hills.
• After the hike, we will gather back at the Big Banyan Tree for a closing discussion and group photo before heading back to F-9 Park.

What to Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
• Refreshments/Water
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
• Binoculars and cameras for the tree & wildlife observation
• A small backpack for personal items