January 9, 2025 • 21 mins
Bhaskar`s Saga So Far Lockdown to Long Distances:
Wow, what an inspiring journey! It’s incredible to see how Bhaskar transformed from short rides to becoming an ultra-long-distance endurance cyclist in such a short span of time, especially after starting this journey post-COVID lockdown. Your progression from casual 10-15 km rides to completing major events like Climbs Ka Baap-1200 km, COORG-1000 km, and numerous other milestones shows immense dedication, discipline, and a true passion for the sport. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of your journey that highlights your achievements and what makes them remarkable:
Key Milestones of Your Cycling Journey:
1. Starting Point: Post-COVID, you began your cycling journey by taking short 10-15 km rides to burn off excess energy and reconnect with fitness.
Quickly transitioning from these short rides to taking on virtual events is a sign of how your passion and commitment began to grow.
2. Attraction to Virtual Events: The shift to virtual events likely provided the motivation and structure needed to start pushing your limits.
Virtual events can provide a sense of community and competition, which can be a great tool for long-distance cyclists looking to improve.
3. Solo Long-Distance Rides: As you became more committed to the sport, you moved towards solo long-distance rides.
The ability to go on extended rides alone requires not just physical stamina, but also mental resilience and self-reliance. Solo rides, particularly on the scale you’re describing, are an impressive way to test endurance and strengthen your skills.
4. Completed Ultra-Endurance Events:
Climbs Ka Baap-1200 km: Successfully completing this ultra-long-distance event speaks volumes about your climbing abilities and endurance, especially with the challenges posed by climbs.
COORG-1000 km: Another huge accomplishment, showing your capacity for multi-day cycling events.
PBP-1200 (OTL - Outside Time Limit) even if outside the time limit speaks to your consistency and dedication. Completing this legendary event multiple times is a testament to your persistence and drive, especially considering the sheer distance and the fact that it’s one of the toughest randonneering events globally.
PONG-1000 (LF) and DEVBHOOMI-1000 (TLTCLF): These events further highlight your ability to tackle significant challenges across different terrains and conditions.
5. Impressive BRM Record: Completing 125+ BRMs in 30 months is an extraordinary accomplishment. BRMs are tough and require not just endurance but also strategic planning, consistent pacing, and discipline. This shows you’re not just a one-off long-distance rider but someone who lives and breathes endurance cycling.
6. SR (Super Randonneur) Achievements: Achieving 29 SRs is remarkable. The SR status is awarded to cyclists who complete 200 km, 300 km, 400 km, and 600 km brevets in a single year. It’s not just about completing the distances but doing so within specific time limits.
The fact that you’ve completed SRs in times like 111 hours, 5-day SR, 6-day SR, and 7-day SR demonstrates your versatility and ability to adapt to different challenges.
7. Solo 1000 km, 1200 km, and 1500 km Rides: o Doing solo 1000, 1200, and 1500 km rides is an extraordinary feat, especially considering the mental strength required for such distances when riding alone. This takes a deep understanding of your body, pacing, and logistics. 8. The Ultimate Solo Journey – 2555 km Delhi to Machilipatnam.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
All right, welcome back to another deep dive.
(00:02):
Looking forward to this one.
Today, we're really gonna get into something
I think is fascinating,
and that's the world of ultra endurance cycling.
Oh yeah.
And we're looking at it through the lens
of Boscar's journey.
Interesting guy.
Yeah.
From what I've heard.
Yeah, you sent over some source material.
Some incredible material.
Yeah.
(00:23):
About his accomplishments.
And I'm ready to just have my mind blown by this guy.
I have a feeling you're gonna be impressed.
Yeah.
What Boscar does goes way beyond
just casual weekend rides.
Right.
We're talking about pushing the limits of human endurance.
Hundreds, even thousands of kilometers.
Yeah.
In a single ride.
Yeah, it's incredible.
Often solo too, which adds a whole other layer
(00:45):
of complexity to it.
A whole other level.
Yeah.
We've got a lot to cover in this deep dive.
Yeah.
From his early days.
Getting into cycling.
Yeah.
All the way up to.
Some truly epic events like this.
A 2,555 kilometer ride.
In just 12 days.
That's the one that really caught my eye too.
To put that in perspective for you,
that's like cycling from New York City
(01:07):
to Denver solo in less than two weeks.
Mind boggling.
It's just, it's mind boggling.
Okay, let's rewind a bit.
Oh, okay.
And start with Boscar's origin story.
Yeah.
Our sources say his journey actually began
during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Ah, interesting.
Back in 2021.
It seems like a lot of people turned to cycling
during that time.
(01:28):
Yeah.
Looking for a way to stay active, you know.
And burn off some energy.
Yeah.
But for Boscar, it seems like it quickly
became something much more.
Yeah, he started with shorter rides, like you said.
Kind of burning off that energy.
But then he discovered virtual cycling events.
And that's when things really took off for him.
That's where I think his passion
for those longer distances was really ignited.
(01:51):
Yeah.
I mean, those virtual events probably opened up
a world of possibilities for him,
connecting him with a community of other cyclists,
introducing him to different types of challenges.
Right, yeah.
And showing him really what was possible.
Yeah, and it wasn't long before those virtual rides
translated into real world solo adventures.
(02:11):
Exactly.
She started tackling longer and longer distances.
Building up that foundation of endurance and self-reliance
that's so crucial in ultra-endurance cycling.
Yeah, and so let's dive into some of those.
Was who?
Milestones.
We have on the list Climbs Kebab.
Climbs Kebab, okay.
It's a 1,200 kilometer ride.
1,200 kilometer.
(02:32):
Completed in just 88 hours and 35 minutes.
Wow, that's less than four days to cover a distance
that's longer than the entire length of California.
And keep in mind, these events have strict time limits.
So he wasn't just cruising along.
He had to maintain a really demanding pace
(02:52):
to make those cutoffs.
And then there's the Korg 1000.
The Korg 1000?
Also in 1,000 kilometers.
But completed in 72 hours and 40 minutes.
Okay.
Now, what makes this one stand out to me
is he tackled this one on a mountain bike.
That means navigating rough terrain,
dealing with the extra weight of the bike.
(03:13):
Yeah.
And just pushing through a whole other level
of physical exertion.
I'm trying to wrap my head around all of it, honestly.
Impressive.
Seems like he enjoys pushing those boundaries.
Right.
Because he also took on the legendary
Paris Breast Paris.
Oh, wow.
A 1,200 kilometer event on a mountain bike.
He finished that one in 94 hours.
(03:34):
Yeah.
And the Paris Breast Paris
It's already
is already considered one of the most challenging
cycling events in the world.
Yeah.
But doing it on a mountain bike
just adds another layer of complexity and difficulty.
It's clear this guy is not afraid of a challenge.
Not at all.
He kept the momentum going.
He did.
With Pongdam and DevBumi events.
(03:54):
Both covering a thousand kilometers.
Both one thousand kilometers,
demonstrating some serious consistency here.
Yeah, he's just getting warmed up at this point, I think.
But what really stood out to me
going through this material
is his dedication to something called BRMs.
BRMs.
You've got over 125 of them logged in just 30 months.
(04:15):
Ah, yes.
The BRMs or Brevis de Rondoners Mondeux.
Okay.
These are organized long distance cycling events.
Okay.
With very specific rules and time limits.
Wow.
To complete even one BRM is an accomplishment.
Right.
But 125 in such a short span of time.
Yeah.
That's a whole other level of dedication.
(04:36):
It speaks volumes.
It really does.
About his discipline and commitment to this.
Absolutely.
But as impressive as the BRMs are.
Right.
They're just one piece of the puzzle.
Okay.
And he's also earned the very prestigious title
of super randoner.
Super randoner, help me understand.
Okay.
What goes into achieving that?
So to become a super randoner or SR for short.
(04:57):
A cyclist needs to complete a series
of four incredibly challenging BRMs.
Okay.
Ranging from 200 to 600 kilometers.
Wow.
All within a single calendar year.
Okay.
And get this,
Bhaskar has done this a staggering 29 times.
29 times.
29 times.
(05:17):
That's unbelievable.
It's incredible.
And we're not even talking about the same SR
over and over again.
No.
He's got an SR completed in a mere 111 hours.
Wow.
Four five day SRs.
Okay.
Four six day SRs.
Why?
And even three seven day SRs.
He's not just mastering one type
of ultra endurance challenge.
Right.
He's proving himself across a whole spectrum.
(05:38):
Yeah.
Of distances and timeframes.
It's clear he's pushing himself to the limit.
From the absolute limit.
In every way imaginable.
But out of all these incredible achievements.
Right.
The one that really blew my mind.
Okay.
Was his solo journey.
Right.
From Delhi to Machilipatna.
Delhi to Machilipatna.
I mean 2,555 kilometers in just 12 days.
(05:59):
That almost seems superhuman.
And what really makes this ride stand out I think,
is the level of self sufficiency required.
Right.
He had to plan his route,
carry all of his supplies,
navigate unfamiliar roads,
deal with whatever weather conditions came his way.
Oh.
All while being completely alone.
That must require.
(06:19):
Incredible.
Incredible mental fortitude.
An incredible amount.
Yeah, not just to keep pedaling,
but to handle.
Every logistical detail.
Every single.
Every obstacle that arises.
That comes up.
He was a one man cycling machine on that journey.
And believe it or not.
Okay.
This isn't even his only solo adventure.
Really?
We've also got details on a 1500 kilometer journey
(06:41):
he undertook with a friend.
Okay, so a little company on that one.
An incredible shared experience.
And then there's a 1250 kilometer ride
with over 9,000 meters.
9,000.
Meter of elevation gain.
He must have some serious leg muscles after that one.
Can you imagine those climbs?
It's just, it's clear that Bhaskar is constantly seeking.
(07:01):
Right, new challenges.
And pushing himself beyond his comfort zone.
It's amazing to see someone so dedicated
to pushing the limits of human endurance.
Absolutely.
I'm curious, what drives someone
to take on these kinds of challenges?
What motivates a person?
What makes someone like Bhaskar tick?
To dedicate their life to ultra endurance cycling.
(07:24):
What makes someone like Bhaskar tick?
That's a great question.
And luckily the sources you provided
give us some insights into his motivations and his mindset.
All right, spill the beans.
Okay, so.
What keeps him pedaling forward?
Well, first and foremost,
he seems to be driven by personal goals
and just the pure thrill of the challenge.
(07:47):
There's a sense of satisfaction that comes
from setting a goal that seems almost impossible
and then pushing yourself to achieve it.
So it's about proving to himself what he's capable of.
Exactly, exactly.
And then there's that rewarding feeling
that comes from pushing past your limits,
both physically and mentally.
That sense of accomplishment.
(08:07):
When you overcome an obstacle or achieve a milestone,
you never thought possible.
Right, right.
But it's not just an internal drive.
Okay.
He also draws strength
from the supportive cycling community.
That makes sense.
Having a network of like-minded individuals
who understand the challenges and the triumphs
must be invaluable.
Especially during those long grueling solo rides.
(08:29):
Yeah, like having a virtual peloton.
Yeah, it's like having a virtual peloton
pushing him forward.
Right.
Even when he's physically alone.
Yeah.
It's a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.
Right.
That can be incredibly motivating.
It sounds like that sense of community is really crucial
in a sport like this.
Yeah.
But the challenges can be so intense
and isolating at times.
(08:50):
It can be, yeah.
But I'm also curious about the advice that Bhaskar has
for aspiring ultra-endurance cyclists.
What kind of wisdom does he share from his experiences?
Well, one of the key things he emphasizes.
Yeah.
Is the importance of starting small.
Right.
Gradually building up your distance and your stamina.
(09:11):
So you're not just jumping into a thousand kilometer ride.
No.
Right out the gate.
It's about respecting the process.
Okay.
And laying a solid foundation.
That makes sense.
You wouldn't expect someone to run a marathon.
Right.
Without training properly.
Exactly.
And ultra-endurance cycling is no different.
No different.
What else does he suggest?
He's a big advocate for listening to your body.
(09:33):
Okay.
And understanding the importance of pacing.
Right.
Nutrition and recovery.
Yeah.
These are all critical elements.
Right.
That can make or break a long ride.
It's like he's saying you need to become an expert.
Become an expert on your own body.
On your own body.
Knowing how to fuel it properly.
Yeah.
When to push.
(09:53):
Yeah.
And when to rest.
He also encourages setting realistic goals.
He does.
Staying consistent with your training.
Right.
So it's not just.
It's not just about physical endurance.
About physical endurance.
It's about mental discipline as well.
It's about having that strategic approach.
And having that strategic approach exactly.
Yeah.
And perhaps most importantly.
Okay.
(10:13):
He emphasizes the need to embrace the challenge.
Yeah, right.
And not be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone.
I love that.
Right.
It's like he's saying that discomfort
is where the magic happens.
That's where the growth happens, yeah.
But speaking of challenges.
Okay.
I wanna delve deeper into the mental aspect.
Right.
Of ultra-endurance cycling.
(10:33):
Right.
These rides, especially the solo one.
Right.
It's not just about being able to be as much.
Oh, absolutely.
Like a mental battle.
As much a mental battle as a physical one.
As a physical one.
Yeah.
What kinds of things has Bhaskar said?
Well, he talks about.
Yeah.
Dealing with those mental and emotional demands.
Facing sleep deprivation.
Right.
Extreme weather conditions.
Mechanical breakdowns.
(10:54):
You name it.
All while pushing his body to the absolute limit.
That's incredible.
It takes a special kind of grit.
It does.
To push through those challenges.
Yeah.
Especially when you're out there alone.
Miles from civilization.
Miles from civilization, yeah.
What are some of the insights?
So, one thing he emphasizes.
He shared about managing those tough moments.
(11:17):
Is the importance of staying positive.
Okay.
And focused on the present moment.
So being mindful.
A phenomenon there, yeah.
Not getting overwhelmed by the enormity of the challenge.
Not getting overwhelmed.
And just focusing on the next pedal stroke.
Exactly.
The next kilometer.
Yeah, he also talks about breaking down the challenge
into smaller, more manageable chunks.
Okay.
(11:37):
Instead of thinking about the entire 2,555 kilometers.
Right.
He might focus on reaching the next town.
Yeah.
The next rest stop.
Right.
Or even just the next hill.
So it's creating these mental checkpoints.
Exactly, mental checkpoints.
Along the way.
Along the way.
Making the overall goal.
Making it seem less daunting.
Less daunting.
Yeah.
He also mentions the importance of having a strong why.
(12:01):
A strong why, yeah.
A clear sense of purpose.
A clear sense of purpose.
That keeps him motivated.
Keeps him going.
When things get tough.
Yeah.
I'd love to hear more about his why.
Sure.
What is it about ultra endurance cycling?
Well, it seems to be.
That keeps him coming back for more.
A combination of factors.
(12:22):
Okay.
He's spoken about the personal satisfaction.
Yeah.
Of setting a challenging goal.
Right.
And then achieving it.
Right.
Proving to himself that he's capable of more.
Okay.
Than he initially thought possible.
So it's about pushing those boundaries.
Pushing his own boundaries, yeah.
Exploring the limits.
And exploring the limits of human potential.
Of human potential.
(12:42):
Absolutely.
He's also mentioned that sense of freedom.
He has.
An adventure that comes with exploring new places.
Right.
And pushing those physical limits.
It's a way for him to connect with nature.
Right.
Test his resilience.
Yeah.
And experience a level of self discovery.
Okay.
That's difficult to find elsewhere.
It sounds like he's found a way.
(13:04):
I think he has.
To turn those incredible physical challenges
into a form of personal growth and self exploration.
He really has.
And it's inspiring to see someone using a sport
in such a profound way.
I think that's one of the most fascinating aspects
of Bosker's story.
It's not just about breaking records.
Right.
(13:24):
Or achieving these incredible physical feats.
Right.
It's about the internal transformation.
Yeah.
That occurs along the way.
Yeah.
Pushing past.
Your perceived limitations.
Yeah.
Overcoming self doubt.
Yeah.
And discovering a strength.
Yeah.
You never knew you possessed.
And that kind of mental and emotional resilience.
Oh absolutely.
Spills over.
It spills over.
Into other areas of life.
Into every area of life.
(13:45):
Yeah.
Absolutely.
The skills that he develops on these ultra endurance rides.
Yeah.
The discipline, the perseverance,
problem solving, the resilience.
Yeah.
Those are all qualities that are valuable.
Right.
In any challenging pursuit.
Right.
Whether it's running a business.
I don't even want to speak out of the apple book.
Running a business will never attempt
a 2,555 kilometer bike ride.
(14:06):
Right.
There are still valuable lessons.
There are.
That we can glean.
Absolutely.
From Boscar's journey.
He's showing us that we all have the potential.
Yeah.
To achieve incredible things.
Both physically and mentally.
Right.
It's just a matter of setting our sights high.
Yeah.
Embracing the challenge.
Yeah.
And being willing to push beyond our comfort zones.
(14:27):
He's like a living example.
He is a living example of the human spirit.
Of the power of the human spirit.
Yeah.
Reminding us that we're capable of so much more.
So much more.
Than we often give ourselves credit for.
Than we give ourselves credit for.
But beyond those personal achievements,
I'm curious about his impact on the cycling community.
Okay.
And the world at large.
Has he inspired others?
(14:50):
Oh, absolutely.
To take on their own challenges.
He's a role model.
Has his story resonated with people
beyond the realm of ultra endurance cycling?
His story has struck a chord with people
from all walks of life.
Yeah.
His dedication.
Yeah.
Humility.
Yeah.
And unwavering pursuit of his goals.
(15:10):
Yeah.
Has made him a role model for aspiring athletes.
Yeah.
And really, anyone seeking to push their own boundaries.
It's like he's showing us that you don't have
to be a superhuman.
Right.
To achieve extraordinary things.
You don't.
It's about having the courage to take that first step.
Yeah.
Embrace the challenge.
Yeah.
And believe in your own potential.
(15:30):
And by sharing his journey.
Yes.
So openly and authentically.
Yes.
He's inspiring others.
He is.
To find their own ultra endurance challenges.
Right.
Whatever they may be.
Whatever they may be, exactly.
It's a reminder that we all have mountains to climb.
We do.
Both literally.
Literally.
And figuratively.
And figuratively.
(15:51):
And that the journey itself.
Journey itself.
Is just as important.
As the destination.
As the destination.
I love that.
It's a message that transcends any particular sport
or activity.
It's a message about the human spirit.
It is.
And our innate capacity for resilience,
growth, and self discovery.
I agree.
(16:12):
But before we wrap up our deep dive.
Okay.
Into Bhaskar's world.
Yeah.
I want to touch on one more thing.
Okay.
We've talked a lot about his accomplishment.
That's right.
And his mindset.
But I'm curious about the logistical and technical side.
Okay.
Of ultra endurance cycling.
Right.
What kind of gear training and preparation.
Well the bike itself.
(16:32):
Goes into.
Leads into epic rides.
Is obviously key.
What does it take?
Ultra endurance cyclists need a bike that is lightweight.
Yeah.
Durable.
Right.
And comfortable enough to ride for hours on end.
So we're not talking about your average
department store bicycle here.
Definitely not.
Yeah.
These bikes are often custom built.
(16:53):
Okay.
Or heavily modified.
Okay.
They have very specific demands of long distance riding.
I see.
They typically have a more relaxed geometry.
Okay.
For comfort.
Okay.
Wider tires.
For stability and puncture resistance.
Right.
And a range of gearing options to tackle different terrains.
And I imagine there's a whole world of specialized gear.
There isn't.
(17:14):
Is beyond the bike itself.
Absolutely.
Everything from clothing and shoes to lights, bags,
and tools.
Yeah.
Needs to be carefully chosen for both performance
and comfort.
Yeah.
And considering supplies,
I imagine these rides require a lot of food, water,
and gear.
Ultra endurance cyclists typically use a combination
of frame bags,
(17:35):
saddle bags,
and handlebar bags.
Okay.
To carry everything they need.
Wow.
Including food, water, tools,
spare parts, clothing,
and camping gear for overnight rides.
It sounds like there's a lot of planning.
For any.
Preparation involved.
A lot of planning and preparation.
And even beyond.
The physical training.
Physical training, yeah.
Bhaskar talks about the importance.
(17:57):
He does.
He talks about the importance of meticulous route planning,
studying maps,
identifying resupply points,
and anticipating potential challenges.
It's not just.
Not just about physical strength.
It's about logistics.
It's about strategy being prepared for the unexpected.
Yeah.
(18:17):
Well, we've definitely uncovered
a lot of fascinating information about Bhaskar's journey
and the world of ultra endurance cycling.
A fascinating world.
But as we approach the end of our deep dive.
Okay.
I'm curious to hear your final thoughts.
What's the key takeaway?
You hope our listeners walk away with.
It's been quite a journey
(18:37):
exploring Bhaskar's world
and the incredible challenges of ultra endurance cycling.
Yeah.
If I had to distill it all down to one key takeaway.
I'd say it's this.
We often place limits on ourselves,
but those limits are often far more mental.
Yeah.
Than physical.
(18:58):
Bhaskar's story demonstrates the extraordinary things
we can achieve when we break free
from those self-imposed boundaries.
Yeah.
It's like he's saying,
don't tell me what I can't do, watch me do it.
Exactly.
Exactly.
And it's not about comparing ourselves
to an elite athlete like Bhaskar.
Right.
It's about recognizing that we all have
(19:19):
a wellspring of resilience and potential within us.
Maybe your ultra endurance challenge
isn't cycling thousands of kilometers.
Maybe it's writing a book or starting a business
or overcoming a personal obstacle.
The principle is to set a goal
that seems just outside your reach.
Right.
And then go after it with everything you've got.
You know, as we've been talking about Bhaskar's journey.
(19:41):
Yeah.
I've been thinking about those moments
when he hits the wall, you know.
Right.
When his body is screaming at him
to stop.
Right.
What keeps him going?
Yeah.
Is it sheer willpower
or is there something deeper at play?
That's a fascinating question.
And honestly, I think it's a bit of both.
(20:01):
There's definitely an element of grit and determination.
Right.
A refusal to give up even when the going gets tough.
Yeah.
But I also believe there's a deeper connection
to something larger.
Okay.
Than himself.
A sense of purpose.
Right.
That transcends the full challenge.
Yeah, it's like he's tapping into a source of energy
and motivation that goes beyond.
(20:21):
Beyond the physical realm.
The physical realm.
And I think that's what makes his story so inspiring.
Right.
He's not just proving something to himself.
He's showing us what's possible when we align our actions
with a deeper sense of purpose.
It's about finding that thing.
That lights you up, that makes you want to get out of bed
in the morning and push yourself beyond your perceived limits.
(20:44):
It's a beautiful reminder that we're all capable
of achieving extraordinary things
when we connect with that inner drive.
I agree.
And that the journey itself,
with all of its challenges and triumphs,
is just as important as the destination.
Absolutely.
Well said.
And who knows, maybe your journey will inspire
someone else to embark on their own adventure.
(21:05):
Yeah.
The ripple effect of one person's determination
can be truly remarkable.
It's been an incredible deep dive into the world
of ultra-endurance cycling
and the inspiring story of Bhaskar.
We've explored the physical and mental challenges,
the logistical complexities, and the deeper motivation
(21:27):
that drives someone to push themselves
to these extraordinary limits.
And uncovered some valuable lessons about resilience,
goal setting, and the boundless potential
of the human spirit.
So to our listener,
we encourage you to keep exploring,
keep challenging yourself,
and keep pedaling forward on your own unique journey.
(21:47):
And remember, the finish line is just the beginning
of another adventure.
Thanks for joining us.
All right, welcome back to another deep dive.
(00:02):
Looking forward to this one.
Today, we're really gonna get into something
I think is fascinating,
and that's the world of ultra endurance cycling.
Oh yeah.
And we're looking at it through the lens
of Boscar's journey.
Interesting guy.
Yeah.
From what I've heard.
Yeah, you sent over some source material.
Some incredible material.
Yeah.
(00:23):
About his accomplishments.
And I'm ready to just have my mind blown by this guy.
I have a feeling you're gonna be impressed.
Yeah.
What Boscar does goes way beyond
just casual weekend rides.
Right.
We're talking about pushing the limits of human endurance.
Hundreds, even thousands of kilometers.
Yeah.
In a single ride.
Yeah, it's incredible.
Often solo too, which adds a whole other layer
(00:45):
of complexity to it.
A whole other level.
Yeah.
We've got a lot to cover in this deep dive.
Yeah.
From his early days.
Getting into cycling.
Yeah.
All the way up to.
Some truly epic events like this.
A 2,555 kilometer ride.
In just 12 days.
That's the one that really caught my eye too.
To put that in perspective for you,
that's like cycling from New York City
(01:07):
to Denver solo in less than two weeks.
Mind boggling.
It's just, it's mind boggling.
Okay, let's rewind a bit.
Oh, okay.
And start with Boscar's origin story.
Yeah.
Our sources say his journey actually began
during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Ah, interesting.
Back in 2021.
It seems like a lot of people turned to cycling
during that time.
(01:28):
Yeah.
Looking for a way to stay active, you know.
And burn off some energy.
Yeah.
But for Boscar, it seems like it quickly
became something much more.
Yeah, he started with shorter rides, like you said.
Kind of burning off that energy.
But then he discovered virtual cycling events.
And that's when things really took off for him.
That's where I think his passion
for those longer distances was really ignited.
(01:51):
Yeah.
I mean, those virtual events probably opened up
a world of possibilities for him,
connecting him with a community of other cyclists,
introducing him to different types of challenges.
Right, yeah.
And showing him really what was possible.
Yeah, and it wasn't long before those virtual rides
translated into real world solo adventures.
(02:11):
Exactly.
She started tackling longer and longer distances.
Building up that foundation of endurance and self-reliance
that's so crucial in ultra-endurance cycling.
Yeah, and so let's dive into some of those.
Was who?
Milestones.
We have on the list Climbs Kebab.
Climbs Kebab, okay.
It's a 1,200 kilometer ride.
1,200 kilometer.
(02:32):
Completed in just 88 hours and 35 minutes.
Wow, that's less than four days to cover a distance
that's longer than the entire length of California.
And keep in mind, these events have strict time limits.
So he wasn't just cruising along.
He had to maintain a really demanding pace
(02:52):
to make those cutoffs.
And then there's the Korg 1000.
The Korg 1000?
Also in 1,000 kilometers.
But completed in 72 hours and 40 minutes.
Okay.
Now, what makes this one stand out to me
is he tackled this one on a mountain bike.
That means navigating rough terrain,
dealing with the extra weight of the bike.
(03:13):
Yeah.
And just pushing through a whole other level
of physical exertion.
I'm trying to wrap my head around all of it, honestly.
Impressive.
Seems like he enjoys pushing those boundaries.
Right.
Because he also took on the legendary
Paris Breast Paris.
Oh, wow.
A 1,200 kilometer event on a mountain bike.
He finished that one in 94 hours.
(03:34):
Yeah.
And the Paris Breast Paris
It's already
is already considered one of the most challenging
cycling events in the world.
Yeah.
But doing it on a mountain bike
just adds another layer of complexity and difficulty.
It's clear this guy is not afraid of a challenge.
Not at all.
He kept the momentum going.
He did.
With Pongdam and DevBumi events.
(03:54):
Both covering a thousand kilometers.
Both one thousand kilometers,
demonstrating some serious consistency here.
Yeah, he's just getting warmed up at this point, I think.
But what really stood out to me
going through this material
is his dedication to something called BRMs.
BRMs.
You've got over 125 of them logged in just 30 months.
(04:15):
Ah, yes.
The BRMs or Brevis de Rondoners Mondeux.
Okay.
These are organized long distance cycling events.
Okay.
With very specific rules and time limits.
Wow.
To complete even one BRM is an accomplishment.
Right.
But 125 in such a short span of time.
Yeah.
That's a whole other level of dedication.
(04:36):
It speaks volumes.
It really does.
About his discipline and commitment to this.
Absolutely.
But as impressive as the BRMs are.
Right.
They're just one piece of the puzzle.
Okay.
And he's also earned the very prestigious title
of super randoner.
Super randoner, help me understand.
Okay.
What goes into achieving that?
So to become a super randoner or SR for short.
(04:57):
A cyclist needs to complete a series
of four incredibly challenging BRMs.
Okay.
Ranging from 200 to 600 kilometers.
Wow.
All within a single calendar year.
Okay.
And get this,
Bhaskar has done this a staggering 29 times.
29 times.
29 times.
(05:17):
That's unbelievable.
It's incredible.
And we're not even talking about the same SR
over and over again.
No.
He's got an SR completed in a mere 111 hours.
Wow.
Four five day SRs.
Okay.
Four six day SRs.
Why?
And even three seven day SRs.
He's not just mastering one type
of ultra endurance challenge.
Right.
He's proving himself across a whole spectrum.
(05:38):
Yeah.
Of distances and timeframes.
It's clear he's pushing himself to the limit.
From the absolute limit.
In every way imaginable.
But out of all these incredible achievements.
Right.
The one that really blew my mind.
Okay.
Was his solo journey.
Right.
From Delhi to Machilipatna.
Delhi to Machilipatna.
I mean 2,555 kilometers in just 12 days.
(05:59):
That almost seems superhuman.
And what really makes this ride stand out I think,
is the level of self sufficiency required.
Right.
He had to plan his route,
carry all of his supplies,
navigate unfamiliar roads,
deal with whatever weather conditions came his way.
Oh.
All while being completely alone.
That must require.
(06:19):
Incredible.
Incredible mental fortitude.
An incredible amount.
Yeah, not just to keep pedaling,
but to handle.
Every logistical detail.
Every single.
Every obstacle that arises.
That comes up.
He was a one man cycling machine on that journey.
And believe it or not.
Okay.
This isn't even his only solo adventure.
Really?
We've also got details on a 1500 kilometer journey
(06:41):
he undertook with a friend.
Okay, so a little company on that one.
An incredible shared experience.
And then there's a 1250 kilometer ride
with over 9,000 meters.
9,000.
Meter of elevation gain.
He must have some serious leg muscles after that one.
Can you imagine those climbs?
It's just, it's clear that Bhaskar is constantly seeking.
(07:01):
Right, new challenges.
And pushing himself beyond his comfort zone.
It's amazing to see someone so dedicated
to pushing the limits of human endurance.
Absolutely.
I'm curious, what drives someone
to take on these kinds of challenges?
What motivates a person?
What makes someone like Bhaskar tick?
To dedicate their life to ultra endurance cycling.
(07:24):
What makes someone like Bhaskar tick?
That's a great question.
And luckily the sources you provided
give us some insights into his motivations and his mindset.
All right, spill the beans.
Okay, so.
What keeps him pedaling forward?
Well, first and foremost,
he seems to be driven by personal goals
and just the pure thrill of the challenge.
(07:47):
There's a sense of satisfaction that comes
from setting a goal that seems almost impossible
and then pushing yourself to achieve it.
So it's about proving to himself what he's capable of.
Exactly, exactly.
And then there's that rewarding feeling
that comes from pushing past your limits,
both physically and mentally.
That sense of accomplishment.
(08:07):
When you overcome an obstacle or achieve a milestone,
you never thought possible.
Right, right.
But it's not just an internal drive.
Okay.
He also draws strength
from the supportive cycling community.
That makes sense.
Having a network of like-minded individuals
who understand the challenges and the triumphs
must be invaluable.
Especially during those long grueling solo rides.
(08:29):
Yeah, like having a virtual peloton.
Yeah, it's like having a virtual peloton
pushing him forward.
Right.
Even when he's physically alone.
Yeah.
It's a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.
Right.
That can be incredibly motivating.
It sounds like that sense of community is really crucial
in a sport like this.
Yeah.
But the challenges can be so intense
and isolating at times.
(08:50):
It can be, yeah.
But I'm also curious about the advice that Bhaskar has
for aspiring ultra-endurance cyclists.
What kind of wisdom does he share from his experiences?
Well, one of the key things he emphasizes.
Yeah.
Is the importance of starting small.
Right.
Gradually building up your distance and your stamina.
(09:11):
So you're not just jumping into a thousand kilometer ride.
No.
Right out the gate.
It's about respecting the process.
Okay.
And laying a solid foundation.
That makes sense.
You wouldn't expect someone to run a marathon.
Right.
Without training properly.
Exactly.
And ultra-endurance cycling is no different.
No different.
What else does he suggest?
He's a big advocate for listening to your body.
(09:33):
Okay.
And understanding the importance of pacing.
Right.
Nutrition and recovery.
Yeah.
These are all critical elements.
Right.
That can make or break a long ride.
It's like he's saying you need to become an expert.
Become an expert on your own body.
On your own body.
Knowing how to fuel it properly.
Yeah.
When to push.
(09:53):
Yeah.
And when to rest.
He also encourages setting realistic goals.
He does.
Staying consistent with your training.
Right.
So it's not just.
It's not just about physical endurance.
About physical endurance.
It's about mental discipline as well.
It's about having that strategic approach.
And having that strategic approach exactly.
Yeah.
And perhaps most importantly.
Okay.
(10:13):
He emphasizes the need to embrace the challenge.
Yeah, right.
And not be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone.
I love that.
Right.
It's like he's saying that discomfort
is where the magic happens.
That's where the growth happens, yeah.
But speaking of challenges.
Okay.
I wanna delve deeper into the mental aspect.
Right.
Of ultra-endurance cycling.
(10:33):
Right.
These rides, especially the solo one.
Right.
It's not just about being able to be as much.
Oh, absolutely.
Like a mental battle.
As much a mental battle as a physical one.
As a physical one.
Yeah.
What kinds of things has Bhaskar said?
Well, he talks about.
Yeah.
Dealing with those mental and emotional demands.
Facing sleep deprivation.
Right.
Extreme weather conditions.
Mechanical breakdowns.
(10:54):
You name it.
All while pushing his body to the absolute limit.
That's incredible.
It takes a special kind of grit.
It does.
To push through those challenges.
Yeah.
Especially when you're out there alone.
Miles from civilization.
Miles from civilization, yeah.
What are some of the insights?
So, one thing he emphasizes.
He shared about managing those tough moments.
(11:17):
Is the importance of staying positive.
Okay.
And focused on the present moment.
So being mindful.
A phenomenon there, yeah.
Not getting overwhelmed by the enormity of the challenge.
Not getting overwhelmed.
And just focusing on the next pedal stroke.
Exactly.
The next kilometer.
Yeah, he also talks about breaking down the challenge
into smaller, more manageable chunks.
Okay.
(11:37):
Instead of thinking about the entire 2,555 kilometers.
Right.
He might focus on reaching the next town.
Yeah.
The next rest stop.
Right.
Or even just the next hill.
So it's creating these mental checkpoints.
Exactly, mental checkpoints.
Along the way.
Along the way.
Making the overall goal.
Making it seem less daunting.
Less daunting.
Yeah.
He also mentions the importance of having a strong why.
(12:01):
A strong why, yeah.
A clear sense of purpose.
A clear sense of purpose.
That keeps him motivated.
Keeps him going.
When things get tough.
Yeah.
I'd love to hear more about his why.
Sure.
What is it about ultra endurance cycling?
Well, it seems to be.
That keeps him coming back for more.
A combination of factors.
(12:22):
Okay.
He's spoken about the personal satisfaction.
Yeah.
Of setting a challenging goal.
Right.
And then achieving it.
Right.
Proving to himself that he's capable of more.
Okay.
Than he initially thought possible.
So it's about pushing those boundaries.
Pushing his own boundaries, yeah.
Exploring the limits.
And exploring the limits of human potential.
Of human potential.
(12:42):
Absolutely.
He's also mentioned that sense of freedom.
He has.
An adventure that comes with exploring new places.
Right.
And pushing those physical limits.
It's a way for him to connect with nature.
Right.
Test his resilience.
Yeah.
And experience a level of self discovery.
Okay.
That's difficult to find elsewhere.
It sounds like he's found a way.
(13:04):
I think he has.
To turn those incredible physical challenges
into a form of personal growth and self exploration.
He really has.
And it's inspiring to see someone using a sport
in such a profound way.
I think that's one of the most fascinating aspects
of Bosker's story.
It's not just about breaking records.
Right.
(13:24):
Or achieving these incredible physical feats.
Right.
It's about the internal transformation.
Yeah.
That occurs along the way.
Yeah.
Pushing past.
Your perceived limitations.
Yeah.
Overcoming self doubt.
Yeah.
And discovering a strength.
Yeah.
You never knew you possessed.
And that kind of mental and emotional resilience.
Oh absolutely.
Spills over.
It spills over.
Into other areas of life.
Into every area of life.
(13:45):
Yeah.
Absolutely.
The skills that he develops on these ultra endurance rides.
Yeah.
The discipline, the perseverance,
problem solving, the resilience.
Yeah.
Those are all qualities that are valuable.
Right.
In any challenging pursuit.
Right.
Whether it's running a business.
I don't even want to speak out of the apple book.
Running a business will never attempt
a 2,555 kilometer bike ride.
(14:06):
Right.
There are still valuable lessons.
There are.
That we can glean.
Absolutely.
From Boscar's journey.
He's showing us that we all have the potential.
Yeah.
To achieve incredible things.
Both physically and mentally.
Right.
It's just a matter of setting our sights high.
Yeah.
Embracing the challenge.
Yeah.
And being willing to push beyond our comfort zones.
(14:27):
He's like a living example.
He is a living example of the human spirit.
Of the power of the human spirit.
Yeah.
Reminding us that we're capable of so much more.
So much more.
Than we often give ourselves credit for.
Than we give ourselves credit for.
But beyond those personal achievements,
I'm curious about his impact on the cycling community.
Okay.
And the world at large.
Has he inspired others?
(14:50):
Oh, absolutely.
To take on their own challenges.
He's a role model.
Has his story resonated with people
beyond the realm of ultra endurance cycling?
His story has struck a chord with people
from all walks of life.
Yeah.
His dedication.
Yeah.
Humility.
Yeah.
And unwavering pursuit of his goals.
(15:10):
Yeah.
Has made him a role model for aspiring athletes.
Yeah.
And really, anyone seeking to push their own boundaries.
It's like he's showing us that you don't have
to be a superhuman.
Right.
To achieve extraordinary things.
You don't.
It's about having the courage to take that first step.
Yeah.
Embrace the challenge.
Yeah.
And believe in your own potential.
(15:30):
And by sharing his journey.
Yes.
So openly and authentically.
Yes.
He's inspiring others.
He is.
To find their own ultra endurance challenges.
Right.
Whatever they may be.
Whatever they may be, exactly.
It's a reminder that we all have mountains to climb.
We do.
Both literally.
Literally.
And figuratively.
And figuratively.
(15:51):
And that the journey itself.
Journey itself.
Is just as important.
As the destination.
As the destination.
I love that.
It's a message that transcends any particular sport
or activity.
It's a message about the human spirit.
It is.
And our innate capacity for resilience,
growth, and self discovery.
I agree.
(16:12):
But before we wrap up our deep dive.
Okay.
Into Bhaskar's world.
Yeah.
I want to touch on one more thing.
Okay.
We've talked a lot about his accomplishment.
That's right.
And his mindset.
But I'm curious about the logistical and technical side.
Okay.
Of ultra endurance cycling.
Right.
What kind of gear training and preparation.
Well the bike itself.
(16:32):
Goes into.
Leads into epic rides.
Is obviously key.
What does it take?
Ultra endurance cyclists need a bike that is lightweight.
Yeah.
Durable.
Right.
And comfortable enough to ride for hours on end.
So we're not talking about your average
department store bicycle here.
Definitely not.
Yeah.
These bikes are often custom built.
(16:53):
Okay.
Or heavily modified.
Okay.
They have very specific demands of long distance riding.
I see.
They typically have a more relaxed geometry.
Okay.
For comfort.
Okay.
Wider tires.
For stability and puncture resistance.
Right.
And a range of gearing options to tackle different terrains.
And I imagine there's a whole world of specialized gear.
There isn't.
(17:14):
Is beyond the bike itself.
Absolutely.
Everything from clothing and shoes to lights, bags,
and tools.
Yeah.
Needs to be carefully chosen for both performance
and comfort.
Yeah.
And considering supplies,
I imagine these rides require a lot of food, water,
and gear.
Ultra endurance cyclists typically use a combination
of frame bags,
(17:35):
saddle bags,
and handlebar bags.
Okay.
To carry everything they need.
Wow.
Including food, water, tools,
spare parts, clothing,
and camping gear for overnight rides.
It sounds like there's a lot of planning.
For any.
Preparation involved.
A lot of planning and preparation.
And even beyond.
The physical training.
Physical training, yeah.
Bhaskar talks about the importance.
(17:57):
He does.
He talks about the importance of meticulous route planning,
studying maps,
identifying resupply points,
and anticipating potential challenges.
It's not just.
Not just about physical strength.
It's about logistics.
It's about strategy being prepared for the unexpected.
Yeah.
(18:17):
Well, we've definitely uncovered
a lot of fascinating information about Bhaskar's journey
and the world of ultra endurance cycling.
A fascinating world.
But as we approach the end of our deep dive.
Okay.
I'm curious to hear your final thoughts.
What's the key takeaway?
You hope our listeners walk away with.
It's been quite a journey
(18:37):
exploring Bhaskar's world
and the incredible challenges of ultra endurance cycling.
Yeah.
If I had to distill it all down to one key takeaway.
I'd say it's this.
We often place limits on ourselves,
but those limits are often far more mental.
Yeah.
Than physical.
(18:58):
Bhaskar's story demonstrates the extraordinary things
we can achieve when we break free
from those self-imposed boundaries.
Yeah.
It's like he's saying,
don't tell me what I can't do, watch me do it.
Exactly.
Exactly.
And it's not about comparing ourselves
to an elite athlete like Bhaskar.
Right.
It's about recognizing that we all have
(19:19):
a wellspring of resilience and potential within us.
Maybe your ultra endurance challenge
isn't cycling thousands of kilometers.
Maybe it's writing a book or starting a business
or overcoming a personal obstacle.
The principle is to set a goal
that seems just outside your reach.
Right.
And then go after it with everything you've got.
You know, as we've been talking about Bhaskar's journey.
(19:41):
Yeah.
I've been thinking about those moments
when he hits the wall, you know.
Right.
When his body is screaming at him
to stop.
Right.
What keeps him going?
Yeah.
Is it sheer willpower
or is there something deeper at play?
That's a fascinating question.
And honestly, I think it's a bit of both.
(20:01):
There's definitely an element of grit and determination.
Right.
A refusal to give up even when the going gets tough.
Yeah.
But I also believe there's a deeper connection
to something larger.
Okay.
Than himself.
A sense of purpose.
Right.
That transcends the full challenge.
Yeah, it's like he's tapping into a source of energy
and motivation that goes beyond.
(20:21):
Beyond the physical realm.
The physical realm.
And I think that's what makes his story so inspiring.
Right.
He's not just proving something to himself.
He's showing us what's possible when we align our actions
with a deeper sense of purpose.
It's about finding that thing.
That lights you up, that makes you want to get out of bed
in the morning and push yourself beyond your perceived limits.
(20:44):
It's a beautiful reminder that we're all capable
of achieving extraordinary things
when we connect with that inner drive.
I agree.
And that the journey itself,
with all of its challenges and triumphs,
is just as important as the destination.
Absolutely.
Well said.
And who knows, maybe your journey will inspire
someone else to embark on their own adventure.
(21:05):
Yeah.
The ripple effect of one person's determination
can be truly remarkable.
It's been an incredible deep dive into the world
of ultra-endurance cycling
and the inspiring story of Bhaskar.
We've explored the physical and mental challenges,
the logistical complexities, and the deeper motivation
(21:27):
that drives someone to push themselves
to these extraordinary limits.
And uncovered some valuable lessons about resilience,
goal setting, and the boundless potential
of the human spirit.
So to our listener,
we encourage you to keep exploring,
keep challenging yourself,
and keep pedaling forward on your own unique journey.
(21:47):
And remember, the finish line is just the beginning
of another adventure.
Thanks for joining us.
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