Mother’s Day Interview with Mommy Cyclist Namu Kini

Q. Introduce yourself and your baby/babies.

A. I’m Namu Kini, and I have 2 little critters Veda aged 12 and Surya aged 8!

Q. First things first, how did you fall in love with bicycling?

A. While I used to enjoy riding my BSA SLR in my high school days, I truly fell in love with cycling in the last few years, after my husband gifted me a bike for my birthday.

Q. What role does your bicycle play in your life?

A. It’s my Happy button — it’s what I do to de-stress. No matter what’s on my mind, a good bike ride will put a smile on my face! It’s also a fun way to get some exercise.

Q. How has your training/racing evolved/changed since becoming a mom?

A. Funnily, it has evolved only after I became a mother! Being a mom somehow pushes you to grow in new directions, and you use your multi-tasking skills to plan your rides and make sure they happen.

Q. What excites you about the growth of women cycling India?

A. That woman will let go of social norms, expose themselves to the elements, be it the sun or rain and enjoy the wind in their hair! In a country where women don’t want to “tan”, this is a big deal!

Q. Did you train /ride during your pregnancy?

A. No, I didn’t.

Q. What’s one thing that could improve your experience as a cyclist?

A. Invest in good equipment! And find a community — or start one — it’s more fun with friends.

Q. Also, what activities help your cycling?

A. Healthy eating of course!

Q. What motivated (or continues to inspire you) to get on your bike even after becoming a mom?

A. Firstly it’s my me time, that gives me pure joy! And secondly to inspire my daughters to be fit and strong.

Q. How do your kids react to you when you’re ready to take on the bike? Any hilarious comments or memorable incident that you’d like to share with us?

A. My kids now think it’s the norm for women to ride hundreds of kilometres — isn’t that awesome.

I had a bike crash at the Tour of Nilgiris after which I was quite disoriented and bruised for a while, but had to dig deep to pull it together and ride 100 km after the accident to finish the stage!

Q. Any tips or advice you would have for other moms with goals of getting back in shape and/or riding their bike?

A. Just jump of the saddle — no one forgets how to ride a bike. Cycling just makes you happier!

Q. Do you think it’s important for parents to ensure their kids have enough playground time?

A. There’s so much you learn on the playing field and it an essential part of a child’s (or grown up’s) development.

Q. Anything else you want to share with the beautiful mommies today?

A. Happy Mother’s Day!

More Mommy Cyclist Interviews-

Read Kavita’s Interview here.

Read Disha’s’s Interview here.

Read Deena’s Interview here.