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.
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"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.
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Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
This 70-year-old Surat textile tycoon pedals 40 km daily and 300 km yearly to Shirdi on same Rs 2,000 Atlas bike from 1990s
Suresh Jariwala , a 70-year-old textile businessman in Surat , begins his day at 5.45 am with a 30-40 km bicycle ride , a practice he has followed since 1972. Despite owning several new cars and electric two-wheelers, Jariwala chooses to ride a basic Atlas bicycle he purchased in the 1990s for Rs 2,000, a TOI report stated. Fitness by routine, not display "I ride because it's part of me," said Jariwala, who is well known in Surat's business community for his fitness habits and consistent lifestyle. His choice to cycle is not for show or sport but as a personal commitment to health and discipline. Jariwala's cycling routine began when his factory was located in Surat. Even after the unit shifted to Ankleshwar in 1982, he continued the practice. His commute included a 3-km cycle ride to Surat station, a train journey to Ankleshwar, and a final 4-km ride on another cycle kept at the station. He followed this pattern every day without breaks or changes. Three-decade-old bicycle still in use The Atlas bicycle entered his life in the 1990s. It is a basic model with a heavy frame. Despite the passage of time, the cycle remains in regular use. The frame remains intact and the wheels continue to function reliably, matching Jariwala's steady commitment. Fitness extends beyond cycling In addition to cycling, Jariwala walks 10,000 steps a day, takes part in races, and joins marathons . Once every year, he cycles 300 km to Shirdi in Maharashtra. His family, a joint household of 22 members, supports and respects his lifestyle. He is the youngest of four brothers, and the family includes members as young as three years old. Live Events Spirit over speed Navin Patel, a fellow textile businessman and friend, said, "Modern bikes are carbon fibre, super light. His is heavy metal. But his spirit? Lighter than wind." Jariwala's story continues to inspire those around him. His bicycle may be old, but his dedication shows no signs of slowing.
Time of India
5 days ago
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Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
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. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "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.
