70-year-old Surat tycoon shunts fleet of cars, pedals 40km daily on 3-decade-old cycle

SURAT: A fleet of gleaming cars and electric two-wheelers sits idle in his courtyard, but 70-year-old Suresh Jariwala mounts a three-decade-old, iron-framed Atlas bicycle and pedals into the sunrise. "I ride because it's part of me," said Jariwala, textile tycoon, fitness fanatic , and cycling legend in Surat's business circles. Up at 5.45am, he pedals 30-40km before most pour their tea.

He's been at it since 1972. Not for show. Not for sport. But for soul.

Back when the factory was in Surat, he rode a Raleigh bicycle to work. The factory's shift to Ankleshwar in 1982 changed nothing - except the commute from his home at Salabatpura in Surat. Three-km to Surat station. Train to Ankleshwar. Another 4km to factory on a second cycle stashed at the station. Repeat. Daily. No break. No fanfare.

Atlas came into his life in 1990s. Price: Rs 2,000. Model: basic, heavy, built to last. That's the one he still rides. Thirty years later, frame solid, wheels steady, rider relentless.

Home is a joint family of 22. Jariwala is the youngest of four brothers. Eldest brother is 80. Youngest grandchild is three. All admire his discipline. Some try to match it. Few succeed.

Jariwala also walks 10,000 steps. Joins races. Runs marathons. Once a year, cycles 300km to Shirdi in Maharashtra.

"Modern bikes are carbon fibre, super light," said Navin Patel, fellow textile businessman and close friend. "His is heavy metal. But his spirit? Lighter than wind." No rust. No retirement. Just rubber on road, iron in soul.