cycling in Chennai

jimara · Apr 25th, 2007, 21:26

Hello, hello!

We are almost ready to move to Chennai (in June). I've posted some questions before, so thanks for the help so far!

Now, this question may sound a bit crazy, but I would like to know if we can use a roadbike in Chennai? And I don't mean a leisure ride along the beach, but a good work out (like 60 to 80 km).
My husband and I are cycling freaks. Now we are really doubting if we should take the bikes with us.
The apartment we have (in Greenway's - near Boat Club) doesn't have that much storage, and no point in having the bikes if we don't use them.

We had a first impression of the city (we were there last week for house hunting), and so far we say: NO WAY! But maybe there are cycling opportunities that we aren't aware of.
So:any cycling tips??

If we can't do that, I at least have to find out a really nice gym (with also group work out classes).
Again, around the Boat club area.

Something else: we visited the Madras Club. It looks nice, only very expensive, but we are willing to pay for it... only if it is really good. I went their on a Saturday morning and the club was almost empty! No one playing tennis, only 1 lady in the gym, empty playground...A bit weird I thought. Anyone who is a member there and can give us a good reason to join? We would do it for the social contacts.

Thanks.

Nick-H · Apr 25th, 2007, 21:57

Hello jimara, welcome (almost...) to Chennai.

A lot of Chennai people get around on two wheels, and most of them see to forfeit their brains the moment they mount --- especially the motorised ones.

I think your first impression of Chennai traffic is correct.

And I doubt that you would have much more fun riding down the coast, where buses and trucks will try to mow you down.

But the next post might be from an avid cyclist telling me how wrong I am!

Boat Club itself, as you'll already know, is calm, secluded, quiet, and probably the most expensive patch of Chennai in which to live a luxury lifestyle. Riding your bike round those roads would probably be sweet --- but short! It is not a big area.

cyberhippie · Apr 25th, 2007, 22:29

Riding down the coast............I was crapping myself in the bus!!

capt_mahajan · Apr 25th, 2007, 22:34

I used to walk round and round Boat club road early morning, and found it too short.

Cycling will be even shorter.

I cant think where you will cycle longer distance.. the main roads have pretty crazy traffic quite early in the morning.

Unless you drive out of the city somewhere to cycle... but my guess is that will be quite a long drive.

gertie · May 1st, 2007, 21:07

Jimara,

There is a bike hash that operates every fortnight in Chennai. I have only been to the running hash, so I can't comment on distances or what its like, but thought I'd let you know. The runners are a very friendly group, good for meeting people.
Do a google search and you'll find the details - I don't have them to hand.

Gertie

jimara · May 2nd, 2007, 08:59

Thanks Gertie! I am familiar with the hash, these are the first things we will join. I haven't done a bike hash yet, but it is a good idea.

By the way Gertie, some weeks ago I asked for Belgians living in Chennai. You told me you know about 1 family living there. Correct? Do you still have some contactnr or email?

Thanks,
Jimara

Ruby · May 2nd, 2007, 12:44

Hi Jimara
This time last year my partner and I purchased bicycles in Chennai (Broadway street in the Egmore area) and travelled down the East Coast Road. Whilst we were on the East Coast Road loaded up with our home-made panniers and heavy/clunky Hercules bikes an English man on a lightweight road bike came alongside us and chatted. He was out for a saturday morning ride along the East Coast Road and then back to Chennai. He lived and worked in Chennai and did the ride each weekend. So I would say that there is a fair bit of riding you could do. Just get out on there on the road and the opportunities will arise.
We also rode through the streets of Chennai at dusk and found it to be a thrilling experience. As always the locals were very curious and helpful.
Enjoy!

jimara · May 2nd, 2007, 13:29

Ruby!! You make my day!!

Ok, I will temper my enthousiasme. Probably East Coast road is the only option, but I am very happy to hear there are people attempting to cycle in Chennai.
Where we are at the moment (singapore), most expats also don't use a bike (to dangerous they say). But after some weeks, we just discovered the roads. Soon, we saw we were absolutely not the only one cycling. In fact, there are many cycling assocations here.
What I mean is, although most people NEVER would even think about using a bike in Chennai, some are more adventurous and try it out.

We used to travel on the bike also. Now we have a 2 year old daughter, so that is over now.

Mmm...start to think what to do with the bikes... they are already planned to ship to my home country...
But we are taking the mountainbikes to Chennai. At least we have something.

Thanks again, Ruby.

Peter A · May 10th, 2007, 12:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimara

Hello, hello!

We are almost ready to move to Chennai (in June)...

Now, this question may sound a bit crazy, but I would like to know if we can use a roadbike in Chennai? And I don't mean a leisure ride along the beach, but a good work out (like 60 to 80 km).
My husband and I are cycling freaks....

Thanks.

Hi there.

My wife and I are, similarly, moving to Chennai in late June from Australia and I've also been wondering a similar thing (I need my cycling too). I'm pretty convinced cycling on the city roads will be suicidal (based on our reccy visit to Mumbai where the trafic was unbelievable!). Not sure which part of Chennai we'll live in yet, but figure that in due course I'd just get the driver to drop me and my bike out of town for my fix of Sat and Sun early morning road cycling.

I've seen reference on the internet to something called the Chennai Cycling Club (presumably a group rather than a place) but have difficulty tracking down any information.

Anyway, I thought I'd let you know that I'll be in Chennai soon, so you know at least one other person will be there with a road bike. (I'm going to bring an indoor trainer also but I'm sure we could make the road cyling happen). Maybe you both would like to meet up wih me? and if we find no one else, perhaps we can form our own cyling club!!

Cheers

Peter

jimara · May 10th, 2007, 13:21

Hi peter,

Australians are sports fanatic, so we can talk serious here!
We have decided to ship the roadbikes to belgium, and to keep the mountainbikes. We assume hash bike is in the bush (that is what a hash is), so we are better of with the mtb. I also have a childseat on my mtb, so we hope we can use that. I am definitly trying to bring my daughter to school on the bike. (should be 10min cycling).

If we want to cycle on the road for long distance, we will put thin tires in the mtb. I know, it is not the same, but that's the best solution for the moment.
I will miss my roadbike!!!

I am for the moment training for a race here in Singapore. It will be the last day before they are packing my bike...

I hope we can meet soon after your arrival. Just reply on this posting.

red ninja · May 11th, 2007, 08:58

The traffic always seems daunting to start with, no matter which city in India you are in. What you have to strive for is tuning into the natural flow of the traffic, once you grasp this any road is a good road.

noflylist · May 11th, 2007, 09:00

...other suggestion is, Indians are late risers, so cycling shoud not be too bad early morning, say about six...

red ninja · May 11th, 2007, 09:10

Spot on if you were riding out of Madras at day break you could be half way to Pondy before the traffic gets mad

Nick-H · May 11th, 2007, 11:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by noflylist

... Indians are late risers ...

Life is well under way here by 5.30 or 6.30 am. Even 4.30 for some people.

But the office hours start later, maybe 10.00, for many, which makes the 'early rush' a bit later than it would be in, eg London.

Daryl D'C · May 11th, 2007, 20:44

Hey, I've been in Chennai for 2 months for work and have only just found this forum!

Cycling in Chennai... I have a Specialized Roubaix that's sitting at home in London. Would I bring it next time... I'd love to, but I wouldn't use it in the city. Lots of people have bikes, but they're heavy pieces of junk, cheap to repair and you'd be travelling at a snail's pace in the city.

I know Boat Club Road, and the Madras Club... but the best place to ride would be along the East Coast Road... down to Mamallapuram and Pondicherry... at dawn when the sun's not too hot. The roads are wide and smooth (motorists pay a toll).

If you can't bring your bike to Chennai, join Gold's Gym. The website is www.goldsgymchennai.com. They have spinning bikes and classes every day at 9.30 and 10.30am.

If anyone has a spare racing bike and fancies going out for a ride... do post back... otherwise... I'll see you at Gold's gym!

Apr 25th, 2007, 21:26	#1
jimara Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: singapore Posts: 23	cycling in Chennai Hello, hello! We are almost ready to move to Chennai (in June). I've posted some questions before, so thanks for the help so far! Now, this question may sound a bit crazy, but I would like to know if we can use a roadbike in Chennai? And I don't mean a leisure ride along the beach, but a good work out (like 60 to 80 km). My husband and I are cycling freaks. Now we are really doubting if we should take the bikes with us. The apartment we have (in Greenway's - near Boat Club) doesn't have that much storage, and no point in having the bikes if we don't use them. We had a first impression of the city (we were there last week for house hunting), and so far we say: NO WAY! But maybe there are cycling opportunities that we aren't aware of. So:any cycling tips?? If we can't do that, I at least have to find out a really nice gym (with also group work out classes). Again, around the Boat club area. Something else: we visited the Madras Club. It looks nice, only very expensive, but we are willing to pay for it... only if it is really good. I went their on a Saturday morning and the club was almost empty! No one playing tennis, only 1 lady in the gym, empty playground...A bit weird I thought. Anyone who is a member there and can give us a good reason to join? We would do it for the social contacts. Thanks.

Apr 25th, 2007, 22:34	#4
capt_mahajan Infidel Sufi Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: styx Posts: 13,608	I used to walk round and round Boat club road early morning, and found it too short. Cycling will be even shorter. I cant think where you will cycle longer distance.. the main roads have pretty crazy traffic quite early in the morning. Unless you drive out of the city somewhere to cycle... but my guess is that will be quite a long drive. __________________ . Outside the machine

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Cycling in Kerala	TonyMS	Kerala	16	Mar 13th, 2007 04:39
Cycling Shorts in Chennai/Bangalore	littlebiker	Chennai (Madras)	1	Apr 17th, 2006 19:52
cycling in rural india	Leith	Buses, Automobiles, Motorcycles, and Bicycles	21	Nov 30th, 2005 11:02
Cycling from Delhi to Chennai	JPJ	Chai and Chat	1	Oct 6th, 2003 23:23
Cycling Partners (Pokhara-Chennai)	dhead	India Travel Partners	9	Sep 4th, 2003 10:15

Apr 25th, 2007, 21:57	#2
Nick-H This is just a cameo appearance Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 36,225	Hello jimara, welcome (almost...) to Chennai. A lot of Chennai people get around on two wheels, and most of them see to forfeit their brains the moment they mount --- especially the motorised ones. I think your first impression of Chennai traffic is correct. And I doubt that you would have much more fun riding down the coast, where buses and trucks will try to mow you down. But the next post might be from an avid cyclist telling me how wrong I am! Boat Club itself, as you'll already know, is calm, secluded, quiet, and probably the most expensive patch of Chennai in which to live a luxury lifestyle. Riding your bike round those roads would probably be sweet --- but short! It is not a big area.

Apr 25th, 2007, 22:29	#3
cyberhippie Account Closed by User's Request Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: the Netherlands Posts: 6,009	Riding down the coast............I was crapping myself in the bus!!

May 1st, 2007, 21:07	#5
gertie Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Chennai Posts: 156	Jimara, There is a bike hash that operates every fortnight in Chennai. I have only been to the running hash, so I can't comment on distances or what its like, but thought I'd let you know. The runners are a very friendly group, good for meeting people. Do a google search and you'll find the details - I don't have them to hand. Gertie

May 2nd, 2007, 08:59	#6
jimara Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: singapore Posts: 23	Thanks Gertie! I am familiar with the hash, these are the first things we will join. I haven't done a bike hash yet, but it is a good idea. By the way Gertie, some weeks ago I asked for Belgians living in Chennai. You told me you know about 1 family living there. Correct? Do you still have some contactnr or email? Thanks, Jimara

May 2nd, 2007, 12:44	#7
Ruby Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Sydney Posts: 1	Hi Jimara This time last year my partner and I purchased bicycles in Chennai (Broadway street in the Egmore area) and travelled down the East Coast Road. Whilst we were on the East Coast Road loaded up with our home-made panniers and heavy/clunky Hercules bikes an English man on a lightweight road bike came alongside us and chatted. He was out for a saturday morning ride along the East Coast Road and then back to Chennai. He lived and worked in Chennai and did the ride each weekend. So I would say that there is a fair bit of riding you could do. Just get out on there on the road and the opportunities will arise. We also rode through the streets of Chennai at dusk and found it to be a thrilling experience. As always the locals were very curious and helpful. Enjoy!

May 2nd, 2007, 13:29	#8
jimara Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: singapore Posts: 23	Ruby!! You make my day!! Ok, I will temper my enthousiasme. Probably East Coast road is the only option, but I am very happy to hear there are people attempting to cycle in Chennai. Where we are at the moment (singapore), most expats also don't use a bike (to dangerous they say). But after some weeks, we just discovered the roads. Soon, we saw we were absolutely not the only one cycling. In fact, there are many cycling assocations here. What I mean is, although most people NEVER would even think about using a bike in Chennai, some are more adventurous and try it out. We used to travel on the bike also. Now we have a 2 year old daughter, so that is over now. Mmm...start to think what to do with the bikes... they are already planned to ship to my home country... But we are taking the mountainbikes to Chennai. At least we have something. Thanks again, Ruby.

May 10th, 2007, 13:21	#10
jimara Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: singapore Posts: 23	Hi peter, Australians are sports fanatic, so we can talk serious here! We have decided to ship the roadbikes to belgium, and to keep the mountainbikes. We assume hash bike is in the bush (that is what a hash is), so we are better of with the mtb. I also have a childseat on my mtb, so we hope we can use that. I am definitly trying to bring my daughter to school on the bike. (should be 10min cycling). If we want to cycle on the road for long distance, we will put thin tires in the mtb. I know, it is not the same, but that's the best solution for the moment. I will miss my roadbike!!! I am for the moment training for a race here in Singapore. It will be the last day before they are packing my bike... I hope we can meet soon after your arrival. Just reply on this posting.

May 11th, 2007, 08:58	#11
red ninja red ninja Join Date: May 2007 Location: melbourne australia Posts: 5	The traffic always seems daunting to start with, no matter which city in India you are in. What you have to strive for is tuning into the natural flow of the traffic, once you grasp this any road is a good road.

May 11th, 2007, 09:00	#12
noflylist Account Closed on User's Request Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Houston Posts: 833	...other suggestion is, Indians are late risers, so cycling shoud not be too bad early morning, say about six...

May 11th, 2007, 09:10	#13
red ninja red ninja Join Date: May 2007 Location: melbourne australia Posts: 5	Spot on if you were riding out of Madras at day break you could be half way to Pondy before the traffic gets mad

May 11th, 2007, 20:44	#15
Daryl D'C Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chennai Posts: 1	Hey, I've been in Chennai for 2 months for work and have only just found this forum! Cycling in Chennai... I have a Specialized Roubaix that's sitting at home in London. Would I bring it next time... I'd love to, but I wouldn't use it in the city. Lots of people have bikes, but they're heavy pieces of junk, cheap to repair and you'd be travelling at a snail's pace in the city. I know Boat Club Road, and the Madras Club... but the best place to ride would be along the East Coast Road... down to Mamallapuram and Pondicherry... at dawn when the sun's not too hot. The roads are wide and smooth (motorists pay a toll). If you can't bring your bike to Chennai, join Gold's Gym. The website is www.goldsgymchennai.com. They have spinning bikes and classes every day at 9.30 and 10.30am. If anyone has a spare racing bike and fancies going out for a ride... do post back... otherwise... I'll see you at Gold's gym!