Green cycle = Green earth

The bicycle is the most civilized conveyance known to man. Other forms of transport grow daily more nightmarish. Only the bicycle remains pure in heart.

-Iris Murdoch

Cycling, as our writer, Parth Joshi has often discussed in some previous articles, has grown to be a far more significant entity in the course of the modern world than a mode of transportation. It is at once a refreshing way to commute, a liberator of the claustrophobic vehicle ‘chain of thought’ (remember the sweet sweet nap on a bus?), and in a present day society paranoid and apathetic towards the state of the environment at the same time, a message – practical as well as metaphorical.

Our interview today is with one of those few who actually make an honest effort towards realizing their dreams. Vaibhav Desai has planned a trip across the world on, no need to guess, a bicycle to spread environmental awareness. Parth had a brief tête-à-tête with Vaibhav, learning more about him and the project he has envisaged.

Parth: Knowing that cycling has been a long time hobby of yours, what made you, or when did you realize that the moment was right to set upon a project of such an intensive magnitude?

Vaibhav:Right from my childhood I had the strong feeling to explore the world. I literally used to travel from one place to other by drawing routes on my atlas and map books with a pencil during my schooldays. I have been toying with this idea for a long time. As soon as I completed my graduation, I knew that I had a job in my hand.As per the norm, I wanted to work for a while and then go for an MBA.

Wanting to utilize the gap between my last day of exams and first day of the job, I set out for the Mumbai -Leh expedition. A year after that, I did the Mumbai -Kanyakumaricircuit with support of Godrej. These expeditions, along with a Basic mountaineering course, helped me in planning the GreenCycleGreenEarth project.I have researched and planned the all aspects of the project except the finances (which is essential, but not the most important required) and backup support.Still I don’t want to wait my whole life for the lack of money because I fear there won’t be many places left in future. Hence, the time is now.

Apart from exploration, I am trying to reach out to people and make them realize that this is more than a recreational adventure activity. Mother Earth is beautiful and precious.We all know the present state of the environment. What started out as a hobby has now become into a passion… a passion to “Reach Out to People” and sensitize them.Cycling is my passion and also a vehicle (a medium) to spread the message of a Greener,Sustainable & Peaceful Future.

Parth: Can you tell us about some of your past adventures that led you to this campaign?

Vaibhav:

Break Free [June -July 2008]

Mumbai – LEH (Over 3000 kms)

Solo Bicycle expedition Covering

Mumbai – Daman -Gujurat – Rajasthan – Punjab – Himachal Pradesh – Leh.

In June 2008 soon after finishingmy last semester engineering exams, I left home with my friend’s bicycle (a Ranger Swing in search of an ultimate adventure to discover India at my own pace.

Save energy, Save Earth [2010]

Mumbai – KanyaKumari (Over 2500 kms)

Solo Bicycle expedition Covering

Maharashtra – Goa – Karnataka – Tamil Nadu – Kerala

SuportedByGodrej & Boyce

A Journey to the southern tip of India passing through green Konkanregion,Karantaka’s rich forests and Kerala backwaters.Along the way I held seminars at Godrej Dealers to create awareness on Global Warming.

Parth: What is the core focus of your current campaign and what mediums are you planning use to generate awareness?

Vaibhav: To cycle through all the states of India which would take me a minimum of 2 years and (if I generate appropriate funds/ sponsorships) to cover 50 countries across Central Asia, Europe and Africa. My focus during the travel would be to reach out to people through schools,colleges, social clubs etc. and sensitize about environmental issues and inspire them to move towards action rather than just being good listeners.

Mediums to spread the message: Banner on cycle (Logo, tagline and website link et al), my website, social networking sites, local newspapers and media.

Parth:80, 000 kms across four years – that is a long commitment involving a lot of logistics and operations. How do you go about the planning for such a mammoth undertaking?

Vaibhav: Yes, these figures do look huge (800000 and 4 years, which may be 5,these right now are just the minimal statistics), but I have meticulously planned the route according to the geographical aspects,holy places,environmental issues and weather.

Since I don’t have any financial backup at the moment the task looks unachievable. However, I would rather not think negatively and enjoy each moment, day (steps) as it comes. Currently, I am concentrating on South India then the rest of the country, followed by Central Asia,Europe and Africa.

I rate the requirements for such project in the order given below.

a.Mental Fitness

b.Physical fitness.

c.Financial Support.

d.Weather,political issues, etc.

Parth: Are you banking completely upon sponsorships or have devised some manner to generate funds for your trip as you go along?

Vaibhav:At first I was banking completely on sponsorships(Thanks to Godrej for keeping my job secured and Wildcraft for donating the equipment).Presently after giving seminars I do put in a request for funds (if those people have contacts).I am still looking for sponsorships and planningfund raising seminars for the same.

Parth: Green, Sustainable and Peaceful future – apart from the awareness perspective through the trip, in what other ways do you hope to accomplish the mission?

Vaibhav: I admit that while it’s nice to read that line,implementation lies on a much higher plane of difficulty.

I give seminars/Slideshows through my project to schools, colleges, social clubs etc. Though I can’t have a proper follow up on the things being implemented after my seminars but it is extremely crucial to keep on trying.It’s not the job of any government or organization, but everyone’s duty to conserve and enjoy nature.

Parth: Any message for the readers?

Vaibhav: Extinction is the law of nature but due to us, we witnessing unnecessary destruction. My wish is to enjoy this beautiful earth till I die. The most important word here is ‘beautiful’ so I shall keep on trying to conserve and spread the message. At the end it’s not about saving Mother Earth but saving ourselves.

You can follow Vaibhav’s journey on his website or on Facebook. Please try to help him in any way you can, through money, appointments or equipment.

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About the author

Parth Joshi: I work as a marketing no-good, while away time, squander on monkey see, monkey do idiosyncrasies, and think of myself as the cleanest dirty soul around! Love to wander, cycle, click, scribble… If all the world was apple pie and all the seas were ink and all the trees were bread and cheese what would we have to drink?!