"Bicycle club, coffee shop"

(NLĐO) - Cycling helps improve health, and the enjoyable "ending" is gathering at roadside cafes to chat about all sorts of fun things.

For nearly 20 years, the "exercise cycling club" initiated by 72-year-old Nguyen Minh Hoa, residing in Long Thanh My ward, has consistently maintained a good habit: physical exercise combined with enjoying morning coffee.

Mr. Nguyen Minh Hoa (left) cycles for exercise in the morning.

Initially, the group had only 6 people, but now it has 18 members. Their schedule is fixed: they set off at 5 a.m., have breakfast at 7 a.m., and finally, go to a coffee shop. Therefore, they are jokingly called the "Coffee and Cycling Club" by the locals.

The team's route is also fixed, starting from Nguyen Van Tang Street, turning onto Le Van Viet Street, and then entering the Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Park.

Mr. Nguyen Minh Hoa (second from the right) with the Cycling Club, relaxing with a cup of coffee after a bike ride.

Regarding the reason for choosing the high-tech zone as their operating location, Mr. Hoa explained: "At this time, the lanes for two-wheeled vehicles are still empty, not affecting other road users. By 7 a.m., when workers arrive at their companies, the group has already completed their cycling 'quota'. Our principle is to strictly abide by the Law on Traffic Order and Safety, ensuring safety for ourselves and the community."

After completing their exercise bike ride, Mr. Nguyen Minh Hoa (standing) and his teammates enjoy coffee.

Only a few people were still of working age, so they took advantage of the opportunity to go home early. "Team leader" Hoa and many other members were retired and had more free time. They looked for places to rest and relax before going home.

Cycling helps improve health, and the enjoyable "ending" is gathering at roadside cafes, sipping coffee and chatting about all sorts of fun things. The hearty laughter of the group, along with the irresistible taste of the coffee, helps everyone feel optimistic and happy.

Mr. Nguyen Minh Hoa (far left) with members of his cycling and coffee team.

Life goes on like that. The bicycles, combined with cups of coffee, contribute to the members maintaining good health, staying young longer, and everyone is happy and optimistic. Mr. Hoa jokingly said, "We're addicted to two things: cycling and coffee."

(Entry for the "Impressions on Vietnamese Coffee and Tea" contest, part of the 3rd "Celebrating Vietnamese Coffee and Tea" program, 2025, organized by Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper).

Rules of the "Impressions on Vietnamese Coffee and Tea" contest. Graphic: CHI PHAN

Source: https://nld.com.vn/cau-lac-bo-xe-dap-ca-phe-196250424130658721.htm