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Cycling

Subgroup: 

Cycling

The   Cycling Subgroup offers all kinds of   rides : Leisure to Professional eg: Off road tracks across the hills to places like Khanpur Dam, Taxila, the old Murree road etc.  and in and around Islamabad itself, to enjoy the lush greenery and fascinating landscapes. The Sub Group occasionally coordinates with other similar   interest groups based in Islamabad eg: The Critical Mass Cycling Group.

Coordinator: Haroon General

Co-coordinator: Kamran Shami

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Subgroup Programmes: 

Cycling - RIDE TO SHAH ALLAH DITTA CAVES AND BEYOND

Cycling - RIDE TO SHAH ALLAH DITTA CAVES AND BEYOND

Saturday, 15 February 2025

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!

Cycling -  RIDE AROUND THE TAXILA HERITAGE SITES

Cycling - RIDE AROUND THE TAXILA HERITAGE SITES

Sunday, 12 January 2025

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.

 

 

 

Cycling - DAMAN-E KOH AND BEYOND !

Cycling - DAMAN-E KOH AND BEYOND !

Saturday, 14 December 2024

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.

Hiking, Cycling, Wildlife & Environment - THE BIG BANYAN TREE OF SINYARI

Hiking, Cycling, Wildlife & Environment - THE BIG BANYAN TREE OF SINYARI

Sunday, 3 November 2024

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

 

Cycling -  "THE JUNGLE TRACK": SHAKARPARIAN PARK!

Cycling - "THE JUNGLE TRACK": SHAKARPARIAN PARK!

Sunday, 15 September 2024

A family ride

Come join us on this relaxing ride to investigate the 'Jungle Track'

- an exciting addition to the Shakarparian Park!

An off-road track that- within minutes- takes you away from the hustle and bustle of city life to a calm and remote silence as you wind your way through trees and foliage!

Cycling - SUMMERTIME MAGIC...-NIGHT RIDE AROUND CONSTITUTION AVENUE!

Cycling - SUMMERTIME MAGIC...-NIGHT RIDE AROUND CONSTITUTION AVENUE!

Saturday, 10 August 2024

The magical world of night cycling!

Join us for a summertime 'night' ride around the Constitution Avenue and check out on the beautifully lit buildings... somehow it all looks so different!

There are many benefits that come with cycling at night that can have a positive effect on your mind, body, and soul, such as dealing with less traffic and increased fitness!

 

Cycling -DISCOVERING  SHAKARPARIAN !

Cycling -DISCOVERING SHAKARPARIAN !

Sunday, 14 July 2024

Shakarparian (Urdu: شکر پڑیاں; also known as Shakarparian Hills) is a hill and a national park area. This hill 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.

Summer Time: Bring along your family & friends and join us on an early morning ride around Shakarparian to take in the fresh environment.

Looking forward to an active participation!

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.

Cycling - A "SPECIAL" SUMMERTIME NIGHT RIDE AROUND ISLAMABAD!

Cycling - A "SPECIAL" SUMMERTIME NIGHT RIDE AROUND ISLAMABAD!

Saturday, 8 June 2024

Check out Islamabad at night!

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!

Cycling -  THE JUNGLE TRACK: SHAKARPARIAN

Cycling - THE JUNGLE TRACK: SHAKARPARIAN

Sunday, 12 May 2024

Join us on this relaxing ride through the jungle- to investigate the 'Jungle Track'!

An exciting addition to the Shakarparian Park- an off-road track...that within minutes, takes you away from the hustle and bustle of city life to a calm and remote silence as you wind your way through trees and foliage!

 

 

 

Cycling - 'PRE SEHRI' RIDE AROUND ISLAMABAD -Discover Islamabad at its peak early morning, during Ramzan!

Cycling - 'PRE SEHRI' RIDE AROUND ISLAMABAD -Discover Islamabad at its peak early morning, during Ramzan!

Saturday, 6 April 2024

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!

For those of you interested in 'Comparative Cultures' coupled with a bit of adventure, this is an opportunity for you to join in on this very special ‘Pre- Sehri’ ride and for the more adventurous amongst you, we can even stop for a 'Sehri' break at a suitable place!

'Ramzan/Ramadan’ is the 9th.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 5 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,traveling, 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!

 

Asian Study Group (ASG) Office:

Malik Complex

80 West, Jinnah Avenue

Blue Area, Islamabad.

 

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