One More Hill ...

"Hill climbing" is generally acknowledged to be the toughest part of biking. The bicycle is the most efficient human-powered means of transport known to man, but climbing something like a "gentle Cat 5" often requires equal parts of audacity, fitness, and perseverance - with a healthy garnish of insanity thrown in for good measure. Riders, races and fortunes are made (or broken) on the mountains across the world, and conquering a particularly daunting specimen of geological formation in the local neighborhood is often a staple in the Biker's Bucket List. In addition to gaining bragging rights, it also signals the "arrival" of a biker from the recreational stage to a slightly more serious amateur status. Not all of us will be able to ride in the Tour de France, but all riders, irrespective of their abilities and professional status can share and understand the pain and suffering of climbing hills on a bike. This esprit de corps binds us together as a community. It is not too uncommon to see rival team members helping each other out in the grupetto as they muster resources to beat the cut-off time.

As TeamAsha embarks upon a new season of bike training, it would be amiss if we did not also think about the "hills and mountains" that underprivileged children from around the world face in their quest to live a better life. 

• One in five children in the conflict-driven regions of Africa and Asia will hold a gun in their hand, rather than a school certificate by the time they turn 16
  
• Around two-thirds of neonatal deaths occur in just 10 countries, with India accounting for more than a quarter and Nigeria for a tenth
  
• About 25% of Indian children in the age category 7-14 years, cannot attend school as they are the breadwinners for their families

(Please see the links at the bottom for more detailed reports)

While it would be unrealistic to hope for any overnight change in this situation, we might jumpstart the process if we apply a well-timed "nudge" to get the ball rolling. Our contributions may be lost in the annals of history, but every child who climbs up a step with our support is a hope - nay, a promise - of a more fulfilling life, a more secure future.

As each of us climbs and conquers our personal challenges this year, let us also spare a thought for those who face far greater obstacles in their daily existence. As your heart rate spikes, you feel that burning sensation in your legs, every breath feels a strained effort and you want to give up - remember, and repeat - "One more pedal stroke, one more foot, one more bike length, ONE MORE HILL ..."

Every journey begins with a small step :)

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Information about hill climbing categories here.

A (mostly) comprehensive glossary of biking lingo - Wikipedia.

Child mortality report (UNICEF): PDF file.

All India School Education Survey, done under the auspices of the Ministry of Human Resource Development 

Visit ChildInfo.org for more comprehensive reports on the state of children around the world.