This should not end here but it should be a beginning for a successful future where we all riders can be on the same platform and do more.
My name is Murtaza Kara from Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania and I have been an active cyclist for the past 4 years. I must congratulate the management of SJ, for coming up with such a fantastic idea that has brought many riders from around the globe on a common platform, intending to keep themselves fit but also help the fellow human beings who are in need.
This should not end here but it should be a beginning for a successful future where we all riders can be on the same platform and do more.
For the GF rides done in the mornings while fasting, I would advise the following:
1. Try to avoid fried and heavy food during your iftaar the preceding evening and during the suhoor.
2. Try as much as possible to keep drinking water and juices between iftaar and suhoor.
3. In the morning before starting your fast, have a very light porridge.
4. Do some body streches before one starts a ride. When you start riding don’t over use your energy earlier but instead conserve. Don’t bother about your pace.
Try riding at zone 2 to zone 3 of your heart rates.
5. If possible, ride in a group of minimum 3 riders where first of all you don’t get bored, you will feel you have a company and should you hit headwinds then you can do chain gang riding.
For my weekdays rides, I used to ride them Solo, but you need to have the motivation that you want to strike a certain distance and ride at a certain pace.
My suggestion would be for members to ride frequent GFs on non-Ramadhan months in order to train your body and muscles to adapt to such strenuous riding.
Hence, an individual should not attempt a GF in Ramadhan if he or she has not trained for such rides during other months where one can eat and drink.
It is all about your dedication, mental strength and commitment.
You need to tell yourself that I need to abandon my bed, I have to go out and achieve this goal and make the intended gain. It is about having the will and getting the way.
