Lonavala ride-my first 150 kms ride!

On Sunday, 28^th February, I, along with my group of cyclists from #Mulund, took a ride to Lonavala from Mumbai (Mulund). This was my attempt for the longest ride till date and I decided to take this plunge since I had practiced quite well in the month of February clocking 80-100 kms each weekend.

Having said that, the ride to #Lonavala is different from the point of view that there is a ghat climb which is quite challenging. Having weighed various options, including whether or not to take this ride at all, I took the plunge. We gathered at 5 am to begin and started off. The group was around 15 odd cyclists but not all of them were to go till Lonavala. Some of them were aiming for a 100 km ride minus the ghat route. So in effect, we were 8-9 of us doing the entire Mumbai-Lonavala-Mumbai ride.

Since it was early morning, the weather was pleasant and with a few halts to regroup and to hydrate ourselves, we cruised smoothly till about 60 kms. We took a food break few kms before the ghat began to replenish our energies. We took care not to eat too heavy but at the same time good enough to feel strong. From the base of Khopoli the ghat till the table top of Lonavala is about 8 kms. Maximum elevation is 560 metre or 1837 feet.  If one has travelled via the old Mumbai-Pune highway, one would get the drift.

The climb started on an easy note with  little elevation but as it progressed, the ascend increased with many curves and other vehicles passing by. Fortunately, it was about 10 am so the heat wasn’t much then. The ride was slow and steady with rising elevation, drawing a lot of strength from the legs. To gain some momentum, I tried rising from the saddle but mostly it was sitting on the saddle. There is not much relief on the ghat since most of it is elevated barring minor flat spaces. One needs to take few breaks to hydrate oneself at few points and although the distance isn’t much, it does feel a lot. The last leg of the ghat passes from Khandala’s tourist spot, Sunset point and as one sees visitors assembled in various places, one gets a sense that the arduous journey is about to end. I think the end of the ghat section is at the Ekvira Maa temple and after that its flat or slope towards Lonavala town. Our pit stop was at Kamat’s restaurant and the group refreshed with some snacks and drinks again making sure that only what is necessary must be consumed and not a lot. After a break of about 45 minutes, we started on the return journey to Mumbai. As we rode on the ghat, it was a complete descend and not requiring much of pedaling. In fact, I reckon, some of the points are a bit dangerous due to the fast slopes converging at sharp turns making it a bit difficult to manage the ride. However, the trick is to keep your grip on the brakes, maintain a normal speed with a firm view of the road. The ghat ride on the way back was quick and one reaches the base of the ghat, Khopoli in few minutes. The temperature was rising and we could feel the heat since it was around noon and getting hotter. A bit unusual for the last day of February but it felt like the summers have begun.  We took few stops to hydrate ourselves and I poured some water on my head and my back to escape the heat emanating not only from the top but also from the concrete roads. When we checked the temperature it was hovering around 37 degrees Celsius and at one point touched 39 degrees. Averaging about 19 kms per hour, we rode slow and steady. At around a point called Morbe dam, we reached in excess of 100 kms and from here onwards every kilo meter, I rode would be above my longest ride. Earlier, I felt I should progress gradually from 100 kms but didn’t really think I would jump to a 150 km plus ride with a ghat section included.

Within a couple of hours, reached Panvel and now that Mumbai was within sight, it felt like completing the journey was a matter of time. Slowly, the heat stared abating which was a slight relief but also the energy was draining. Fortunately, I kept hydrating myself at regular intervals which meant that the heat wasn’t getting on to me much. I could see the last stop before Mulund, Airoli and was feeling triumphant about the ride and in some time, touched Mulund.

When I checked my Garmin, I had clocked 158 kms and the total ride time was 8 hours 6 minutes with an average speed of 19.6 kms per hour. Overall, an experience to cherish and great support by fellow riders from my cycling group!

Inauguration of Centre of Excellence at Anurag University

 

#AnuragUniversity, based in Hyderabad is spread over 50 acres with a built up area of over 700,000 square feet. Facilities at the University are equipped to train about 6000 students with the support of around 650 teaching and administrative staff.

Anurag University has been a #Qlik Academic Program partner since more than 3 years. This relationship has been quite fruitful and some of the results that are a product of this engagement include a Data Analytics Club by students, more than 90 academic program qualifications and certifications gained by students and Professors out of which 14% went on to gain employment basis these qualifications and certifications, webinars on the academic program.

As the next step forward, to further strengthen this relationship, a “Centre of Excellence in analytics powered by Qlik” was inaugurated on 10^th February. This Centre is a full-fledged computer lab dedicated for learning analytics through the resources offered by the Qlik Academic Program.

I had the pleasure of inaugurating this Centre along with the Vice Chancellor of the University S. Ramachandram and Registrar , Prof S . Sameen Fatima. The event was attended by over 150 students and faculties from the University.

AU has laid out some aims for establishing this CoE which includes enabling data literacy, developing analytics skills in the academic community, and organizing seminar/workshops and guiding the students for learning Data Analytics.

AU will also strive to achieve certain objectives which includes:

1. Making use of industry expertise to inculcate the importance of Data Analytics among students and academicians.

2. Encouraging students towards Product Development and Research.

3. Recognizing best performers through various initiatives moving forward.

The Centre of Excellence is the right impetus for students and Professors to get enabled in data analytics especially when there is a surge in data and being equipped with these skills is the need of the hour

For more information on the Qlik Academic Program, visit qlik.com/academicprogram

Keynote Speaker on Data Science FDP

 Humbled to be invited by Sinhgad Institute of Technology, Lonavala  as the Keynote Speaker for the FDP on #DataScience. It was nice speaking on the trends in data analytics and the #Qlik #Academic Program and interacting with the dignitaries and faculties on this topic.

Speaker at Round Table on Emerging Technologies for Industry Readiness

In a virtual round table organized by by Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation and #ICT Academy  on "Skills Emerging Technologies - Industry Readiness of Graduates on January 8th, I had to opportunity to speak on how data #analytics has the potential to create more opportunities for young talent in India and across the world. This thought was echoed by other Speakers on the panel who endorsed the view that data analytics is among the top skills that graduates should acquire to stay relevant in the market place

Supporting an NGO through fitness-thanks to Qlik!

 At the end of 2020, my organization #Qlik, organized a #Qlikathon where employees had the opportunity to pursue a fitness regimen and earn donations for the time/miles spent. For a fitness enthusiast like me, this was an opportunity to stretch myself a bit more to be able to earn points towards a charity of my choice. Fortunately, #Qlik supports a long list of charities from across the world where we can contribute, including many from India. I found an NGO, #Abhivyakti Media for Development, which is engaged in activities that supports the cause of marginalized communities and #womenempowerment, since more than 30 years. These are also the causes my mother, who's a social worker and an author, supports. It is based in the town I grew up in, #Nashik so in a way, its close to my heart.

I feel pleased to share that I was able to donate my entire proceeds of Rs.22,000 to Abhivyakti earned through my passions, running and cycling. It was a fulfilling journey and I am extremely thankful to #Qlik for organizing a #Qlikathon and giving us an opportunity to make a small difference to the society!