Cycling
Subgroup:

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

Subgroup Programmes:

Cycling - A RIDE To DAMAN-E-KOH & MONAL
Sunday, 28 May 2023
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 together means foot hills. It is about 2400 ft from sea level and almost 500 ft from the city of Islamabad.
Monal is located on Pir Sohawa Road at an altitude of 3,500 feet (1,100 m), Monal climb has become of the iconic climbs for Cycling in Islamabad.
Both are 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 to Monal 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.

Cycling - THE VERY SPECIAL 'PRE-SEHRI' NIGHT RIDE- AROUND ISLAMABAD!
Saturday, 8 April 2023
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 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, 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 activilty and festivity!
For the more adventurous amongst you, we can even stop for a 'Sehri' break at a suitable place!

Cycling - INSIDE F-9 PARK!
Saturday, 18 March 2023
Repeating on popular demand and the weather is perfect!
A Family Ride
Fatima Jinnah Park also known as Capital Park or F-9 Park, is a public recreational park that spans the whole of Sector F-9 of Islamabad. It is named after Mādar-e Millat Fatima Jinnah, the younger sister of the founder of Pakistan Muhammad Ali Jinnah. At 304 hectares (750 acres), it is just smaller than New York's Central Park. . It was designed by Michael Japero, and was inaugurated in 1992. The park’s original master plan was prepared by the Japan International Cooperation Agency and was revised in 2005 by Pakistani architect Nayyar Ali Dada.
Fatima Jinnah Park's vast acreage is mostly covered by greenery, with a few man-made structures dotting the landscape. Most of the park area is effectively a wildlife sanctuary, except for a few areas of the park that are close to residential districts. A well laid network of footpaths lies inside the park, with neat grass and a few statues.
Recently new cycling route & tracks have been added within the F-9 Park, this month we will explore these!
It is an easy ride for everyone to join and it’s on the road and on slight off roads so all kinds of bicycle can join.

Cycling - INSIDE F-9 PARK !
Saturday, 11 February 2023
sA family ride
Fatima Jinnah Park also known as Capital Park or F-9 Park, is a public recreational park that spans the whole of Sector F-9 of Islamabad. It is named after Mādar-e Millat Fatima Jinnah, the younger sister of the founder of Pakistan Muhammad Ali Jinnah. At 304 hectares (750 acres), it is just smaller than New York's Central Park. . It was designed by Michael Japero, and was inaugurated in 1992. The park’s original master plan was prepared by the Japan International Cooperation Agency and was revised in 2005 by Pakistani architect Nayyar Ali Dada.
Fatima Jinnah Park's vast acreage is mostly covered by greenery, with a few man-made structures dotting the landscape. Most of the park area is effectively a wildlife sanctuary, except for a few areas of the park that are close to residential districts. A well laid network of footpaths lies inside the park, with neat grass and a few statues.
Recently a new pump track and cycling routes have been added within the F-9 Park, this month we will explore these!
It is an easy ride for everyone to join and it’s on the road and on slight off roads so all kinds of bicycle can join.

Cycling - RIDE AROUND TAXILA HERITAGE SITES
Sunday, 15 January 2023
Join us on a ride around the various Heritage sites in Taxila.
Taxila (meaning "City of Cut Stone") is an important archaeological site of the ancient Indian Subcontinet. It is 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 at Taxila 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.
Pl. Note: This is a self-drive trip. For the bicycle transport (Shahzore pickup truck) will be arranged from the gathering point. You can even drop your bicycle a day earlier at AeroCycling.
We will regroup at the Taxila Museum and get our bicycles for 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 choose your bicycle accordingly.
Bring along refreshments!

Cycling - RIDE TO SHAH ALLAH DITTA CAVES AND BEYOND
Sunday, 18 December 2022
Join us for a ride to the historic Shah Allah Ditta caves and few more miles up to the Losar Baoli, which is a slightly tough but very scenic uphill stretch!
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 is 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.
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 - A MEGA RIDE- FUN FOR THE FAMILY!
Sunday, 6 November 2022
Enjoy the wonderful weather and come along this Sunday for a joint session with cyclists from various cycling groups !
'Cycling Sunday' is an activity where the citizens use a Car free zone to cycle in. The Zone is from Beverly Center to D Chowk on Jinnah Avenue. Planned are various races for the entire family- children and adults!
We will join the cycle ride which is the last activity of the event.
Those who want to join earlier activities can join on their own.
Towards the end of the ride it would be dark so don't forget to bring lights with you!

Cycling - A RIDE TO THE ROSE & JASMINE GARDEN
Saturday, 15 October 2022
Perfect weather and an easy ride for everyone...it’s on the road so all kinds of bicycles can join!
We will cycle to the Rose and Jasmine Garden -a public space located within the recreational area of Shakarparian -near the Sports Complex on Kashmir Highway. The park contains numerous kinds of roses, over 10 kinds of jasmine, and an array of other flowers. A horticulturists haven,the garden hosts many festivals and flower shows annually!

Cycling - 'NIGHT VIBES' : CRUISING AROUND CONSTITUTION AVENUE!
Saturday, 24 September 2022
The magical world of night cycling!
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.
Join us for the ASG 2022’s last 'night' ride around the Constitution avenue and check out on the beautifully lit buildings... somehow it all looks so different !

Cycling - A "SPECIAL" NIGHT RIDE AROUND ISLAMABAD!
Saturday, 14 May 2022
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- 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 check out what the Capital has to offer!
Route: Flower Market, Super Market, F-6 > Agha Khan Road > Marriott > Constitution Avenue > D Chowk Jinnah Avenue > Centaurus Chowk > Faisal Chowk > Faisal Masjid > Margalla Road > Rana Market > Jinnah Super > Super Market.