Dr. Harsh Shah, a knee replacement surgeon, Bhas Bapat, a scientist at PRL, and Gaurav Shah, owner of Crossword, all took up cycling as a serious endurance sport. Their shared passion for cycling led to memorable expeditions, including trips to Mount Abu and the Tour of Nilgiris. Their enjoyment of these rides was so profound that they decided to share their passion with family and friends. Thus, the Sunday Revolution was born.

What started as a simple Sunday ride quickly gained momentum. Over 100 riders joined in cycling expeditions of 40 to 50 kilometers around Ahmedabad. The enthusiasm was contagious, and soon, more than 125 people signed up. Inspired by the growing interest, the idea of forming a cycling body took root, leading to the creation of the Ahmedabad Bicycling Club (ABC).

Reflecting on the club’s inception, Dr. Harsh Shah shares, “When we went for the Tour of Nilgiris (900 kilometers over 8 days across 4 states), we saw the vibrant cycling culture in Bangalore, with over 1000 members. We returned with the idea of creating something similar in Ahmedabad, and that's how ABC came to be.”

The Growth of the Club

Every Sunday, around 40 to 50 members gather at a designated point and complete a pre-decided route. The Sunday rides quickly became a source of rejuvenation for the body and soul. As the riders began reaping the benefits of cycling, they felt compelled to spread their newfound knowledge to others.

The initiators of ABC believe that cycling is still an untapped sport in many parts of India, despite it being one of the best forms of non-impact exercise. They feel that cycling offers an unmatched connection with nature—something cars cannot provide due to their speed. While cycling can be exhausting and tiring, it is also exhilarating, offering the unique experience of “the wind in your face.”

The initial Sunday rides have since evolved into regular rides on Tuesdays and Fridays. "Team-Up Tuesday" encourages group riding, where slower cyclists are motivated to increase their pace, and faster riders practice patience by riding alongside others. "Freaky Friday" is all about pushing limits, with participants aiming to go as fast as possible.

Formation of ABC as a Non-Profit

ABC officially became a non-profit organization on May 18, 2010, when its constitution was signed by a core group of 11 members. Currently, the leadership roles of president, secretary, and treasurer are held by Dr. Harsh Shah, Bhas Bapat, and Vandan Dalal, respectively. The constitution follows a democratic structure, ensuring that the committee and office bearers rotate at fixed intervals through elections held by voting among members.

Today, ABC continues to grow, with a dedicated community of cyclists who share a passion for the sport and a desire to promote cycling as a way to improve health, enjoy nature, and experience the thrill of the ride.