Venky’s Limits & Beyond - India on Pedal Bike
The North East - Season 2
In 2023, I cycled ~11,000 km circumnavigating India along its border. During this journey, I had to opt out of Manipur and Mizoram due to sociopolitical situations in Manipur. The journey was more than fascinating, as I managed to cover all of India in 100 days. I feel truly blessed to have achieved this impeccable milestone. I would rather describe it as a bounty of memories and stories gathered over a lifetime, with the northeast holding a special place in my heart.
For Limits & Beyond: Season 2, I am planning to revisit the northeast and cover all eight states.
The route spans over 3,000 kilometers, with an average of 100 kilometers per day, aiming to complete in around 30 days. Starting from Bagdogra and ending in Agartala, this ride will not only test my endurance, but it will also help me understand the entirety of India, which is not possible even in one lifetime. This is not a repetition; this is an expansion of Season-1, with more exploration of areas, regions, and stories that are unknown to many of us.
Though we may appear dissimilar and our languages don’t seem to connect, we share strong common bonds in many ways. Reflecting on my previous journey, the northeast always reminds me of people—simple yet stronger, most welcoming, and resilient.
This experience will push my fitness to new levels, testing personal endurance while promoting the importance of fitness, cultural exploration, and environmental consciousness. To promote integrity though…
Route Map
Bagdogra to Gangtok
(North Sikkim is an Option)
Gangtok to Guwahati
Guwahati to Shillong to Guwahati
Guwahati – Itanagar
Itanagar to Tinsukia
Tinsukia to Kohima
Kohima to Imphal
Imphal to Aizawl
Aizawl to Agartala
Start Date - 7th Nov 2024
Duration - 27 to 30 days
Starting Point – Freewheels Cycles, Sevoke Road, Siliguri
Ending Point – Agartala Town
Speed
An average of 100 km per day is targeted, which can improve as I adapt to the cycling routine. The goal is to complete the entire distance consistently without any breaks or rest days, which is what makes this project truly extraordinary.
The goal is to cover 100 to 150 kilometers per day. However, the time required can vary, with some days the 100km can be covered in 4 hours, and some days may require up to 8 hours depending on energy levels and weather conditions. It can be particularly challenging to push through on a bright sunny day. A cloudy or rainy conditions can make the distance feel much easier to manage. Mornings are normally exhausting. Evenings are good.
Gear
Bicycle– Avitri Mantis M850
Cycling Gear – Puncture kit, Helmet, Saddle bags, Gloves etc
Camping Gear – Tent, Mat and Bed Sheet & Blanket
Misc – Bungee rope 4 feet, Locking tags, garbage covers and rain covers& Medical kit
Accommodation and Safety Strategy
To ensure safety and comfort, night stays are found through various methods. Camping in safe zones whenever possible, and leveraging platforms like Couchsurfing, Instagram, and other social networks to find hosts. Also reach out to fitness academies in towns and cities for night stays, and additional support.
If conditions become particularly challenging, a low-cost hostel/homestay may be booked as a last resort. Based on my prior experiences, I am aware of the unpredictability each day presents. And No night rides except it is absolutely necessary.
Timely completion of the project may present an opportunity for setting a personal record, however the primary goal is not to prove anything to anyone. Instead, the focus is on testing endurance and strength on a deeply personal level, aligning with the overarching purpose of the project.
Communication Protocols
Emergency Response Plan
In the event of a medical emergency, the plan is to abandon the journey and fly home if serious illness, injuries, etc. As long as health remains stable, no additional emergency response will be needed.
Status Tracking
The daily rides will be tracked and recorded using the Strava app. Link to Strava click here...
Fundraiser
A fundraiser page created on Ketto.org as part of the standard operating procedures to make the project official.
