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 - "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!
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 !
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!
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
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!
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!

Cycling - SPRING IS IN THE AIR...A RIDE TO THE ROSE & JASMINE GARDEN
Sunday, 10 March 2024
An easy ride for everyone to enjoy, it’s on the road so all kinds of bicycles can join...and since spring is in the air, for flower lovers this is a special oppoprtunity for you !
The Rose and Jasmine Garden is a public garden located within the recreational area of Shakarparian near Sports Complex Aabpara, on Kashmir Highway in Islamabad.
The park contains numerous kinds of roses, over 10 kinds of Jasmine, and an array of other flowers. Every year, the garden hosts many festivals and flower shows!

Cycling - RIDE TO KOT JANDAN
Sunday, 18 February 2024
Off-road cycling to Kot Jandaan...a test of the rider's endurance and perseverance-so bring out your MTB and stake your claim in the hills!
An easy part to Chauntra Village is followed by a tough part that will take us all the way up to the village Kot Jandaan!
Tough climbs, breathtaking views, exciting and thrilling downhills... not many have been here,and not many can... challenge yourselves, this is your chance to add to your list of accomplishments!
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Cycling - TAXILA HERITAGE SITES!
Sunday, 14 January 2024
Foreigners please check for your NOC requirements.
Join us on our our most popular annual ride among the various Heritage sites in Taxila!
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 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...
Please Note:
- It is a self-drive trip.
- Bring along plenty of refreshments for a rest/picnic break !
- For 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 off the truck.
- We will then start our ride from the Taxila Museum and go to the different heritage sites ultimately returning back to the Taxila Museum.
- The ride will take min. 4 hours with short stops at each site. We will be riding on and off road so chose your bicycle accordingly
- Registration Deadline: 8th January, 2024. Ride will be canceled in-case the minimum number (ten persons) don’t confirm.
- Bicycle: Must be fully checked with working brakes! Get your bicycle checked a day before the ride.
- If you need a bicycle it can be rented (Members Rs. 500/-) you can collect the bikes directly from AeroCycling (0313-2925478) just show your ASG membership card for special rates!
- Helmets: Strongly advised, for your own safety
- Camera/Phone: For preserving your memories!
- Save the number of your Ride Coordinator for guidance/assistance regarding route or in case you intend to leave the group halfway during the ride!
- Ride type: Medium
- Bike Type: Hybrid & MTB

Cycling - SHAH ALLAH DITTA CAVES AND BEYOND!
Sunday, 17 December 2023
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 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.
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!
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