As the city slows down on weekend mornings, a growing number of Mumbaikars are swapping sleep-ins for saddle time, signing up for curated “breakfast rides” that blend fitness, community and a well-earned meal. From the breezy Worli promenade to quiet, traffic-free stretches, these early rides are fast becoming a preferred ritual for urban professionals.From burnout to building a communityAbhishek Tarfe turned his passion into a profession after leaving a demanding corporate job. “I got fed up with my job, would go early mornings, and had no time left for anything when I’d get back home. There would be meetings on weekends, so I had no life left. I didn’t know what to do with the money I made. Health was falling apart too. So I took the risk, quit my job and started doing something that made me happy. I had always been into sports and was passionate about cycling,” says Abhishek, one of the founder members of the breakfast ride initiative. What began as a personal escape has now grown into a structured weekend activity attracting riders across age groups.A ride for everyoneThe appeal lies in its accessibility. “The 16-km breakfast ride is beginner-friendly, with a flat route and guided support. The route is flat so you don’t need to be an experienced cyclist. We are there to assist with directions or any issues the participants have. As far as you can balance well and have traffic sense it will be perfect,” says Naman Rankhambe, one of the event guides.Abhishek adds, “The Worli promenade is what people love the most. I want people to get healthy, because eventually that’s what matters. People may probably have money but not always their health. The idea here is to make them earn their breakfast, and remind them of their childhood days of cycling.”Even those without their own bicycles can join in. Manali Kadam, 36, a marketing professional from Lower Parel, says, “I hired a cycle and had an amazing time. The cycles were all in great condition and thoughtfully arranged for riders of all height levels, which made it really comfortable for everyone. The fact that the volunteers kept a close eye on the group, making sure everyone was safe, really mattered a lot to me as I am not regular with a cycle.”Vansh Pardeshi, another participant, echoes the sentiment: “What I loved were the top-notch; high quality bikes provided by the organisers, each properly maintained. It was a pleasure to ride. The entire cycling run was incredibly enjoyable, covering a scenic 16 km route. Despite riding along coastal road, the management was seamless with well-planned stops, clear coordination, and complete rider safety. What truly stood out was the friendly, positive, and happy environment created by the team and that made the ride feel effortless and memorable. Genuinely enjoyed every moment of the ride.”More than just fitnessFor many, the experience goes beyond exercise; it’s about slowing down and rediscovering the city. One participant shares, “We sit, chill, talk and watch the horizon before heading to breakfast to a very cute cafe nearby. The best thing about this event is being able to cycle on the Worli promenade, which is completely car-free. We cyclists are so grateful to have this.” Another adds, “Mumbai is an emotion and cycling on a Sunday morning with empty roads and on a beautiful promenade is great. We have a safe space that’s cycle-friendly.”Akshat Pandey from Andheri says, “What truly stood out for me was the vibe; calm, energizing, and uplifting. Riding through the city in the early hours with fellow cycling enthusiasts created a strong sense of community and positivity. It was the perfect way to kickstart the day. The ride leaders were professional and supportive and safety was clearly a priority, with proper briefings, visible gear, and disciplined group riding.”Building connections on two wheelsThe rides have also become a social platform, bringing together strangers who bond over shared experiences. Kaivalya Guntuka, a 22-year-old student and volunteer, says, “I love meeting people across age groups and getting to know their stories. Cycling is something I truly enjoy, and with this breakfast ride, Abhishek gave me the opportunity to connect and grow. I’m also a morning person, so there’s no better way I’d rather spend my time.”Shreya Sawant, 34, a Malabar Hill-based marketing professional and content creator, says, “I have been on the Breakfast Cycling Ride a couple of times already and I love it. The fact that there are volunteers guiding us throughout the route really helps. My favourite part was riding on the coastal road promenade, along with the fun ice-breaker games that make it so easy to meet new people along the way. At the end of the ride we all go to a cafe that gives us a special discount. I believe it is the perfect way to wrap up the morning and then heading back home with some endorphins, great memories, and new cycling buddies.”For nutritionist and lifestyle expert Tanveer Kaur, 37, the mix of activity and community stands out. “I recently joined the breakfast cycling ride and had a really lovely experience. It was a beautiful, scenic ride, which made the entire ride even more special. Post the ride, we had a great breakfast. What really worked for me was that we got a chance to meet so many like-minded individuals. It was so nice to unwind with a great group of people after the ride. I’m definitely looking forward to many more such rides and experiences!” Box:5 THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND BEFORE HEADING FOR A BREAKFAST RIDE 1. Prioritise safety gearAlways wear a helmet, even on beginner-friendly routes. Reflective clothing, lights, and gloves can make a big difference, especially during early morning low-light conditions.2. Know the basics of road etiquetteYou don’t need to be an expert cyclist, but balancing well and understanding basic traffic rules is essential. Follow your ride leader, use hand signals, and stay in formation.3. Hydrate and fuel smartlyCarry a water bottle and avoid riding on an empty stomach. A light snack before the ride helps maintain energy levels until the breakfast stop.4. Choose the right ride for your levelMost Mumbai breakfast rides are beginner-friendly (like 10–16 km routes), but check the distance, terrain, and pace beforehand so you’re comfortable throughout.5. Come for the ride, stay for the vibeThese rides are as much about community as fitness. Be open to meeting new people, participating in group activities, and enjoying the post-ride breakfast—it’s part of the experience.
