The Mainland India On A Pedal Bike

Featured in Times of India, Thiruvananthapuram.
Click here —>> Experiencing adventures of life on a borrowed cycle

Neither was I a cyclist nor did I have a cycle,
Nor any cycling experience,
Nor an idea about pedal bike.

The idea for this project was initially proposed by my climbing buddy, Anurag, at the Manaslu basecamp. I wanted to execute it shortly after my return from Manaslu in October 2021. Time passed as I pondered, wrestling with doubts, as neither was I a cyclist nor did I have a cycle, nor any cycling experience, nor any idea about cycling gear. Then, one day, a simple thought crossed my mind: Why not start now?

And so, it began. Seven months of fitness training, involving half marathons, 10km runs, 100kms, along with three weeks of cycling practice and couple of hours training at the cycle repair shop to fix basic problems.

Just five days before setting off, as a final step of preparation, I went for a self-endurance analysis test for 230 km in a single day: My First ever long distance trail.

Long Day a 100 km ride in the High Altitude ups and downs. This was clicked by a guy from Madhya Pradesh. A memorable day

Ladakh Mountains. 11 km before Fotu la. Good weather that day. I started a long night sound sleep in Bodh Kharboo.

An hour before Himachal. After this point a 40km downhill via Gata Loops. The border mountains of Himachal and Ladakh

Dusty roads and under construction tunnels between Jammu and Banihal

Starting from Gandhinagar, Gujarat, I pedalled through the great Indian desert in mid-summer, crossed formidable high-altitude passes, and followed the endless Indian coastline. On my borrowed 2014 model Montra bike (7×3), I faced unexpected hurdles – from common punctures to dealing with broken spokes on the rear wheel, bent rims, broken chains, and rusty handle bearings.

Ignorance proved both a challenge and an advantage. Not knowing what you don’t know can sometimes be a blessing. Despite obstacles, tasks can be completed, even when they’re tough.

After those tiring rides it was a cake walk in the Atal Tunnel. I have completed most treacherous and extraordinary journey of my life

A couple of nights stay in Manali. I was a student of ABMIVAS. I found shelter here. What a lovely moment it was.

48 degrees summer hot in Orissa. Sat and took a nap in a petrol pump at Balasore. Sudden change in temperatures, I struggled to adapt for the first 2 days in the East Coast

Pantanivas in Orissa. I visited Kalijai temple in Chilika lake and this pic was taken by the homestay guy.

Srirangam. I llived in the Ramanuja Home for piligrims. Tamilnadu – its true the stories never end here.

Rameswaram. Posing for instagram photos that day. But I never posted this photograph on insta. Opposite winds made me angry

The Pamban bride on the Bay of Bengal connecting the Mainland India and the Rameswaram Island.

Between Alleppy and Cochin. This church was built during the time of Vasco da Gama.

In Payyanur at a stranger’s house before departure to Mangalore.

Bekal fort. Posing again to save memories of my most important days.

A disastrous day. Cyclone warning and the ferry cancelled to Gokarna. Total 75 kilometers extra pedalling in a downpour

Gokarna to Goa. Downpour continued for another 10 days. This was at Karwar port.

Numerous acquaintances, endless wide-open spaces, lengthy high-altitude tunnels, daunting gorges, extreme hot and cold winds, opposite forces, enduring 12 days of continuous rain, and moments of introspection and transformation, the journey took shape. Upon returning home, the adventure had evolved into something akin to a science, philosophy of life or fantasy fiction.

Ajinkya joined us from Goa to Pune. We made him pedal 150 kilometers from Karad to Pune. Heavy rains and high speed pedalling via Satara and we made it to Pune that evening.

Lonavla. I was alone form Pune to Vashi. Akilesh went ahead. I had to take a day break in Pune tto meet Dhaval.

Vasai creek Mumbai. Last six days and the severity of monsoon is almost over.

Met some pilgrims to Ramdevra in Valsad. Purohit Dhaba offers free shelter and food for pilgrims and cyclists. I to joined the prayers, though I dint understand the language. I clapped and followed the rythm.

Last day of Rain. Smooth roads of Gujarat. This was the last day I pushed 172km in less than 9 hours.

The last day. It was a quick 10 min acquaintance with this guy, but he follow me and likes my evry instagram post. I am most respectful for this guy. He is from Memdavad. We are in touch every day now.

Out of 84 days, 78 were spent in motion. Covering over 8000 kilometers through 14 states – encompassing three-fourths of India’s border.

Start Date: May 12th, 2023
End Date: August 3rd, 2023
Distance: 8103 km

The love from the people of India, I am inspired. And I am lucky, I could to see that much of this incredible country. You know, one life time, what, 10 lifetimes also fall short to explore this Nation. Incredible India! Yes, there is still lot of this country left for me to cover. I completed that part too. However, still there is some more distance remaining. Just browse through the next post for the NE Chapter.

Though I embarked on this journey alone, I was never truly alone. This journey wasn’t just one man’s. I’m grateful to have been surrounded by so many incredible individuals. A few joined me during the journey, and each one of them remains just a phone call away.

While one chapter concludes, the next eagerly anticipated chapter awaits. The enchanting North-Eastern states is in the next post.

This journey doesn’t mark an end; rather, it signifies a new beginning in my life.

Best,
Venky

Venky’s Limits & Beyond
No Guts…! No Glory…!

If you had enjoyed this, be sure to check out the 4-episode series on my YouTube channel. And, if you like what you see, don’t forget to show your support by subscribing!