Cycling expedition for women’s fitness and cancer awareness

Goa to Mumbai solo cycling by Smita Mandapmalvi

Objectives of the expedition

For awareness, generally meetings, interactions, brochures and discussions are made. But there are other options also. When we use some unique medium such as cycling, we can connect with many people and communicate our message to them. With this in mind, I, Smita Mandapmalvi, am planning a solo cycling expedition from Goa to Mumbai. Yes, you read it right. It will be 8- day long solo cycle expedition and total distance to be covered is around 600 kms. This expedition has the following objectives

1. To talk about women’s fitness and cancer awareness
2. To motivate youth and women that such things are achievable
3. To interact with health workers working in hospitals, primary health centres, sub centres etc. on the route from Goa to Mumbai.
4. To discuss women specific health issues and threats with women and girls.


Cycling is such an innovative social medium to relate with people. All of us have cycled at least in the past in our life. Everyone gets interested to interact with a cyclist. And that too a woman solo cyclist cycling this distance is still sort of rarity in our country. Along with this, cycling itself coveys a message towards awareness for health and fitness.

Route and schedule

I plan to do this cycling expedition in 8 days. It will likely to be started from Goa on 22nd January and will end in Mumbai on 29th January. I will cycle around 80- 85 kms every day and will interact with people on the road. I will also visit NGOs, hospitals, PHCs, sub centres etc. Rough halts would be Goa (Ponda), Sawantwadi, Kharepatan, Ratnagiri, Chiplun, Mahad, Pali, Kharghar and Mumbai.

Cycling achievements

Before this, in 2019 I had cycled from Pune to Delhi- 1500 kms in 15 days with the mission- pedal for change. In 2020, I cycled around 600 kms in tribal region of Pune, Nashik, Thane and Palghar districts with the motto “I can, you can.”

I will interact with various social organizations, schools, colleges etc. on this entire route. You can help me to connect with organizations on this route. For details, you can contact:

- Smita Mandapmalvi: 9284419532

Medical social worker by profession in B. Y. L. Nair Charitable Hospital, Mumbai and cyclist by passion.