Rides Beyond Limits : 3800 km in 35 days Local Roads to solo Long Hauls
Bhaskar an Endurance cyclist's extraordinary journey, detailing their ambitious "Kashmir to Kanyakumari Challenge" virtual involving a grueling 3,800km cycle ride within 35 days. This involved multiple long-distance rides, including several double-century rides and a challenging 310km ride from Hyderabad to Vijayawada. Despite setbacks like flat tyres and exhaustion, the cyclist persevered, ultimately completing the challenge .The narrative highlights the physical and mental endurance required, alongside the unexpected joys and challenges encountered along the way.
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Episode Transcript
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(00:00):
Welcome back listeners. Ready for another deep dive? Definitely. All right, buckle up everybody
(00:05):
because today we are diving deep into a story that's uh well it's about resilience. It's about
pushing limits and maybe a little bit about those moments where life throws you a curveball. Yeah,
yeah those moments we can all relate to. Exactly and the story we're exploring today centers on
Bhaskar, a cyclist who embarked on an incredible journey while caring for his critically ill
(00:28):
father. We're going deep into Bhaskar's personal account. Try to understand how he not only coped
but thrived under some serious pressure. I think what's so powerful about Bhaskar's story is that
it's not just about physical endurance. Yeah, he accomplishes incredible feats on a bike but it's
more about the power of setting goals and you know like reclaiming that sense of control when
(00:49):
things feel chaotic. Absolutely and it all starts with a pretty major curveball. Bhaskar's dad
suffers a stroke and a lung infection requiring intensive care at home. Yeah, can you imagine
trying to manage that level of care while juggling everything else in life? I mean online classes,
work, everyday stuff. It had to be immensely challenging. No doubt emotionally and logistically
(01:11):
just a heavy burden and that's where cycling comes in. Right. Initially it seems like you know it's
just a way to cope with stress, get some rehab in, kind of like doctor's orders after his dad's
surgery. Yeah, makes sense. But then something really interesting happens. It becomes about
something bigger. Way bigger. Like it's not just physical recovery anymore. It's almost like he's
(01:32):
reclaiming a sense of purpose, you know? Yeah. Like finding that agency when so much feels out of
control and he starts small with these cycling challenges. Even wins a few. Earns this title
Independence Day Super Challenger. Gets medals the whole nine yards. That's gotta be a huge
turning point. Yeah. Those medals, I mean they represent more than just winning. Right, absolutely.
(01:55):
It's like it's tangible proof that he can still achieve things. You know, push himself even in
the middle of everything else. It's something we can all connect with, right? For sure. You set a
goal no matter how small and you achieve it. It's like this reinforcement that we're capable of more
than we think. And for Bhaskar, that early success, it kind of fuels him. He sets his sights on a much
(02:17):
bigger challenge. We're talking about the Kashmir to Kanyakumari Challenge now. Yeah, that's where
things get serious. This is not just a weekend ride. 3,800 kilometers. Over 2,300 miles. In just 35
days. Fortitude. Yeah, this is fascinating stuff. This is Bhaskar's Kashmir to Kanyakumari Challenge.
And this is a virtual event covering, get this, 3,800 kilometers in just 35 days. Wow. It's over
(02:42):
100 kilometers a day. Every day. Every day. Every single day. It's hard to even imagine that kind
of distance. How do you even approach something so massive? You get a clever strategy of what cyclists
call radial rides. So imagine cycling along highways, going out maybe 50 to 70 kilometers,
and then turning back. It's like creating your own out and back adventure, but on this massive scale.
(03:05):
Clever. But I imagine even with a plan like that, sticking to 100 kilometers every single day has
got to be tough. Yeah, you're absolutely right. Because life happens, things get in the way,
and he couldn't always hit his initial goal of like 125 to 150 kilometers daily. So that forced
him to adapt. Makes sense. Yeah, and I think that's such a crucial lesson for anyone chasing those big
(03:26):
goals. You know? Yeah. Be ready to adjust. Stay flexible. Don't let those setbacks derail you.
Okay, I'm hooked. Good. What kind of setbacks are we talking about? Did he have any particularly
memorable challenges? Yeah, so this is where the outer ring road of Hydrobed comes in. It's a 160
kilometer loop that ultimately led to his first ever 200 kilometer ride. Wow, his first 200k was
(03:50):
part of this much larger challenge. I know. Talk about jumping in the deep end. Yeah, and it's
amazing how one challenge often just becomes this springboard for the next one, right? Pushing us
further than we initially thought possible. And this particular loop, it presented some
interesting logistical hurdles. How so? It's an access control highway. Ah. So limited places
(04:10):
to stop for food or water. So meticulous planning was essential here. Sounds intense. It was. Can
you walk us through what one of those long rides was like? Yeah, so imagine setting off, armed with
his supplies, riding past incredible scenery like this Osmond Sager Reservoir and the Musie River.
He even encountered peacocks along the way. Beautiful. This is a beautiful route. But of
(04:35):
course, no adventure is without its hiccups. Of course not. What happened? Did the meticulous
planning go out the window? Well, let's just say even the best laid plans can get derailed.
Remember those limited stops I mentioned? Yeah. Picture this. He gets a flat tire miles from
anywhere. Oh no. Several kilometers. Been there, done that. Yeah. Although not on a 200k ride.
(04:56):
Yeah. What did he do? He ended up walking several kilometers to find a bike shop.
Eww. It's a stark reminder that even with all the preparation in the world, you gotta be ready for
the unexpected. That's true. This is where having those extra resources, those backup plans,
is so crucial. I'm curious, what do you think was the biggest takeaway for Bosgar during that
(05:19):
incident? Um, well, you know, I think it really highlighted the importance of packing strategically.
Right. Because, you know, if he hadn't brought enough water or snacks, that walk could have been
a lot tougher. For sure. So it's a good reminder that sometimes, you know, the smallest items in
your pack can make the biggest difference in a difficult situation. Okay. So flat tire fixed.
(05:41):
What happened next? Did he manage to complete the ride? Oh, he finished. But it wasn't without its
further challenges. Okay. So imagine this, you know, he's back on the bike. He's starving after
this whole ordeal. Right. And naturally being in Hydra bed, he goes for that classic Biryani, right?
I blame him for that. No, who doesn't love Biryani? But here's the kicker. Okay. His phone dies. Oh,
(06:02):
no. And he doesn't have enough cash. But luckily, he had a spare phone for emergencies. Oh,
picked that up. And could use a payment app. Thank goodness for technology. Seriously, crisis averted.
What a story. That's a definite reminder to always have a backup plan. Always. But what I find
interesting is that this incident kind of became a microcosm of the entire journey. Yeah, that's a
(06:27):
good point. You're going to face obstacles, you're going to need to adapt. But ultimately,
resourcefulness and a bit of luck will often see you through. It really does. Yeah. So he powered
through, finished his first ever 200 kilometers in under 10 hours of actual riding time. Amazing.
Yeah. But he mentioned a surprising realization after the ride. What was that about? So he checks
(06:48):
his stats. And he discovers that a whole bunch of other riders also completed the same distance
around the same time. Interesting. Yeah. Made him wonder why so many others were taking on this
challenge simultaneously. Yeah, that is interesting. It's a good reminder that even when we feel alone
in our pursuits, there's often a whole community out there striving for those similar goals, you
know. Yeah, exactly. This discovery changes a porch at all. It definitely sparked a shift. It seems
(07:13):
like completing that first 200 kilometers just fueled his desire to go even further. So what's
he do next? What did he do? He decides to do another 200k the very next day. Wait. But this
time in the opposite direction. Back to back. Back to back 200k rides. This guy is incredible. I know,
right? So was his approach any different the second time around? Absolutely. So while the first ride
(07:37):
was all about the accomplishment, right, the physical challenge of hitting that 200k mark.
Yeah. The second one was about something else entirely. Oh, okay. He wanted to take it slower,
really soak in the surroundings, and simply enjoy the experience. So instead of pushing for speed,
he shifted gears and just focused on enjoying the ride. Yeah. That's a pretty interesting change in
(07:57):
mindset. Yeah, it is. Did this new approach lead to any unexpected detours? It certainly did. This
relaxed pace allowed for some spontaneous moments. Like what? Well, can you imagine taking a two hour
nap in the middle of a 200km ride? A two hour nap? That's certainly not something you see in a
training manual. No, not really. You think that was a mistake? Or was that like a strategic move?
(08:22):
Well, you know, in his account, it seemed like he genuinely listened to his body. Yeah. And he
prioritized rest and recovery. Okay. He realized that pushing through exhaustion wasn't always the
best approach. Right. Sometimes a well-timed break can be the key to finishing strong.
For sure. And I bet that nap led to some pretty amazing food experiences,
(08:42):
knowing Bascar's love for discovering those local treats. You're right on the mark. That nap brought
him to the shores of Osmond Sager Lake. Nice. Where he enjoyed a delicious meal of freshly caught
fish fry. Oh, wow. He even mentioned in his account that if he hadn't taken that break,
he might have missed out on that culinary delight. Oh, that would have been a shame.
(09:03):
Yeah. It's a beautiful reminder that sometimes slowing down and embracing the unexpected
can lead to some of the most rewarding experiences. I like that. So this second
200km ride, even though it took longer, it was about finding that balance between pushing
limits and savoring the journey. But even with those detours, he was racking up some serious
mileage. Where was he at in terms of his overall challenge progress? By this point, he had already
(09:29):
crushed an incredible 1000km. Wow. In just 15 days. That's amazing. But let's not forget that
the RFN has still left him with 2800km to conquer in the remaining 20 days. Oh my goodness. Talk
about pressure. Talk about pressure. How did he handle that kind of pressure, especially after
already pushing his body so much? That's where the mental game comes in. He was physically exhausted
(09:53):
and those increasing daily targets just added another layer of mental strain. Right. You know,
and it's something anyone who has pushed their limits can relate to. Totally. That fatigue,
dealing with those expectations and staying motivated when facing, you know, a mountain of
a challenge. So what did he do? Did he let the pressure get to him? Not at all. In fact, this
is where a pass goal resurfaced. Okay. He previously missed the opportunity to complete a 300km ride
(10:20):
from Hyderabad to Vijayawada. And now he saw his chance. So even amidst the pressure, he's setting
even bigger goals. It's pretty amazing. What did his preparation for this massive ride look like?
This is where we see that meticulous planning in action, minimizing the weight he was carrying.
He meticulously mapped out the route. Even figured out where to find his favorite biryani spots along
(10:45):
the way. Of course. And he packed dry fruits for quick energy boosts during the ride. Smart. That's
next level preparation. It is. But minimizing weight for a ride like that must have been a
challenge. What kind of gear choices did he make? He really focused on packing only the essentials.
Okay. You know, lightweight clothing and gear. Right. Even swapped out his usual saddle bag for
a smaller one just to reduce weight. Wow. You know, for long distance cycling, every gram counts.
(11:10):
That's true. Those small choices can make a big difference in overall performance. All prepped
and ready to go. How did the actual ride unfold? Did he hit any roadblocks along the way? So he
set off at 2.51 in the morning. Fueled by excitement and maybe a few pre-ride jitters. But the first 50
kilometers flew by in under two hours. Starting that early certainly has its advantages. Oh yeah.
(11:34):
Especially in a place like Hyderabad, beating the heat is essential. Yeah. You gotta beat that heat.
Did he keep up that pace for the entire ride? Well, he knew he had to pace himself strategically.
Right. You know, maintaining consistent speed, taking short breaks to stretch and hydrate.
A mark. It's a crucial lesson in endurance. Not just in cycling, but in any endeavor. Yeah.
(11:54):
You know, pushing too hard early on can lead to burnout later. It's all about finding that
sweet spot between pushing your limits and conserving energy. Exactly. So what happened
next? Did he manage to stick to his plan? For the most part, yes. He hit the 110 kilometer mark
just after 7.0 AM. Okay. With 200 kilometers to go. Wow. So reaching those milestones,
(12:17):
it provides such a psychological boost. Yeah. It breaks down a monumental task into smaller,
more manageable segments. You know. It's like that feeling of, okay, I got this. Even when the
finish line still seems miles away. Exactly. He continued riding, taking short breaks to fuel up.
Okay. Around the halfway point, he stopped for a light breakfast. But of course,
(12:38):
saving room for that biryani he mapped out earlier. Okay. I have to ask, what was the biryani
situation? He found it. Nice. He took a longer break to savor the meal, charge his devices,
and freshen up. You know, it's not just about the food. Right. It's about giving yourself that
mental break. Yeah. Taking the time to recharge both physically and mentally is crucial during
(12:59):
those long hauls. Food and rest, two essential ingredients for any successful adventure.
I agree. What did the final stretch of that 300K ride look like? With 90 kilometers left to go,
he topped off his hydration bag, prepared for that home stretch. Okay. As the afternoon heat
kicked in, he made a smart move, stopped for a refreshing dry fruit shake. Good idea. Yeah.
(13:20):
Staying hydrated, especially when the fatigue sets in, is crucial. Totally. Did he manage to finish
strong? He powered through those last kilometers. Awesome. Finally reaching Vizioada after an
incredible 18 and a half hours. His actual riding time was just under 13 hours. Okay.
But those strategic breaks definitely paid off. Yeah. He did it. His first 300 kilometer ride.
(13:44):
I know. What an accomplishment. But knowing Bhaskar, I bet he was already thinking about
that next challenge. Oh, you're absolutely right. What was it? His next goal? A 400 kilometer ride
within 24 hours. Whoa. He's setting the bar even higher. 400K, what kind of preparation goes into
a ride of that magnitude? Well, the week leading up to the attempt was all about lower intensity
(14:07):
mileage, allowing his body and mind to recover from the previous efforts. Right. He needed to
conserve energy and approach this new challenge with a fresh perspective. So rest and recovery
are just as important as pushing those limits. Absolutely. But even with the best preparation,
I imagine things don't always go according to plan. What happened during this 400K attempt?
(14:27):
So he set off just before 450M on September 23rd. Okay. Prioritizing consistency over speed,
knowing this was going to be a long haul. But as fate would have it, Mother Nature had other plans.
Oh no. What kind of weather trouble are we talking about? A little over 100 kilometers into the ride
as he was heading towards Rajamundri. Okay. A drizzle turned into a full blown downpour.
(14:51):
Oh no. And he had to take shelter grabbing some breakfast while waiting for the storm to pass.
Well, at least he was able to refuel and recharge during that delay. Exactly. But yeah, unexpected
weather can definitely throw a wrench into the best laid plans. Oh, for sure. Did he let the rain
derail his attempt? Not at all. He got back on the road, but the rain continued to come and go,
(15:12):
making for less than ideal riding conditions. Right. And then just when you thought it couldn't
get any more unpredictable, he had to teach an online class. Wait, what? An online class in the
middle of a 400K ride. I know. That's unbelievable. How did he manage that? Talk about dedication.
He pulled over on the banks of the Godavari River. Wow. Right under that impressive
(15:33):
rail-cum-road bridge. Okay. Conducted his class with trains rumbling by in the background.
It ended up being a three-hour session, longer than expected, but certainly a memorable experience.
That's an incredible story. It shows how adaptable he was, you know, juggling his
passions and responsibilities, even in the most unexpected situations. For sure. But with the rain
(15:54):
delay and the class, I imagine his 400K goal was kind of slipping away. You're right. With his
schedule thrown off and darkness approaching, he knew he couldn't safely continue alone. Yeah. In
unfamiliar territory at night. Right. So he made the difficult decision to turn back. That must
have been a tough call. Yeah. It takes a lot of strength to prioritize safety over achieving a
(16:15):
goal. Absolutely. So he opted for a shorter route back? Yes. Crossing the Godavari River on that
same impressive bridge he taught his class under. Even in changing his plans, he still managed to
experience that unique landmark. He did. So did he give up entirely on the 400K goal after that?
He knew he likely wouldn't hit his initial target, but that didn't stop him from pushing forward.
(16:36):
Okay. He powered through patchy roads, grabbed a quick biryani dinner, because why not? Always
time for biryani. And then navigated those bustling construction zones on the Illuru Bypass.
He really embraced the full spectrum of experiences on these rides, didn't he? He did. He did. From
scenic landscapes to challenging road conditions and of course delicious food stops. It highlights
(17:00):
that gritty reality of long distance cycling. Yeah. It's not always glamorous. No. There will
be moments of discomfort, fatigue, unexpected hurdles. Yeah. It's about embracing it all,
embracing it all, finding the resilience to keep moving forward. So what was the final outcome of
this ambitious 400K attempt? By the time he reached Vijayawada, it was late and he had covered an
(17:21):
impressive 350 kilometers. Still, that's amazing. It is. While not the 400K he initially aimed for,
it was still a massive achievement under those conditions. For sure. What do you think was the
biggest takeaway from this experience for him? I think it was a valuable lesson in adapting to
changing circumstances and prioritizing safety over rigidly sticking to a goal. Right. It showed
(17:41):
his growth as a cyclist, learning to balance ambition with prudent decision making. It sounds
like he really learned to embrace, you know, that unpredictable nature of these long rides. He did.
But even though he didn't hit that 400K mark, he still pushed himself incredibly hard. Yeah. How
did that impact his overall progress on the, you know, 3,800 kilometer Kashmir to Kanyakumari
(18:04):
Challenge? Well, that 350 kilometer ride brought his total mileage close to 2,800 kilometers. Okay.
But remember, he still had a long way to go. Yeah. And time was ticking away. Right. This is
where the mental fortitude of an endurance athlete really shines. Yeah. I imagine those final days
were a true test of willpower. They were. How did he navigate that last stretch, both physically and
(18:27):
mentally? The next few days were definitely rough. Yeah. Okay. You know, his body was feeling the
cumulative strain of 25 consecutive days of cycling. Right. Fatigue was setting in. Yeah.
And those daily targets, those just kept getting higher. That sounds incredibly grueling. Did he
share any insights into how he pushed through those moments of exhaustion and doubt? He talked
about the importance of breaking down those remaining kilometers into smaller, more manageable
(18:51):
goals. Okay. So focusing on each day, each ride, rather than getting overwhelmed by the enormity
of the overall challenge. So a kind of mental compartmentalization to stay focused on the task
at hand. Exactly. It's like that saying, how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Exactly.
Did he manage to maintain that momentum even with all the fatigue? He did a few shorter rides. Okay.
(19:14):
Strategically racking up kilometers here and there. Okay. But with just a week left in the
challenge, he still had about 500 kilometers to go. Oh, wow. That's cutting it close. It was.
What did his final push look like? Did he have any strategic plans to make up that remaining distance?
He took a much needed rest day first. Okay. Which left him just two days to cover those 500 kilometers.
(19:35):
Two days. I know. Talk about pressure. That's a nail-biter for sure. Yeah. But you know, he drew
confidence from his experience with those back-to-back 200-kilometer rides earlier in the
challenge. Right. He'd already proven to himself that he could handle those intense back-to-back
efforts. Exactly. So how did those final two days unfold? On the second to last day, he hammered
(19:56):
out over 200 kilometers. Wow. Strategically looping around Guntur and Ileru before heading back to
Vijayawada. Okay. It was a testament to his growing understanding of his own capabilities
and the importance of efficient route planning. And the final day, the culmination of Week's
incredible effort, what did that last ride look like? You know, he went for a more scenic ride
(20:19):
towards his hometown, Manchilapetnam. Oh, wow. Even making a stop at Majinapuri Beach. Nice.
It's like a victory lap. Yeah. A chance to savor the accomplishment and connect with his roots.
Right. He even had to squeeze in a few extra kilometers. Oh, wow. To hit that 3,800-kilometer
target. But he did it. He completed the entire Kashmir to Kanyakumari challenge. He did. That's
(20:40):
incredible. What a journey. What a journey. And the timing couldn't have been more poetic. No,
it couldn't have. He started on his birthday and finished on Gandhi Jayanti. I love that. It was
a testament to his dedication, his resilience, and the power of setting those ambitious goals.
It really is. He must have been completely spent after that final push. Understandably exhausted,
(21:03):
both physically and mentally. Yeah. You know, he took a well-deserved rest day,
allowed his body and mind to recover from weeks of intense effort. Right. And when he finally
checked the challenge results, he discovered that only a handful of participants had actually
completed the full 3,800 kilometers. A handful. Wow, that really puts his achievement into
(21:23):
perspective. It does. It wasn't just about completing a personal challenge. He was among
the very few who conquered the full distance. It speaks volumes about his commitment and discipline.
Yeah, it does. And even after all that, his journey wasn't over. It wasn't. He'd racked up
over 7,000 kilometers since starting back in June. Wow. And after a few more days of recovery,
(21:44):
he was feeling refreshed and ready for a new adventure. So what was next on the horizon for
this tireless cyclist? Did he set his sights on another epic challenge? Well, as he was planning
a trip to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, he stumbled upon a video about a cycling club,
Audax Indierandineurs, organizing these long distance rides. Oh, wow. It sparked an immediate
(22:07):
interest, and he quickly signed up for a club membership. It sounds like a perfect match.
This chance encounter opened up a whole new world of cycling possibilities for him. It did. What
kind of rides does this Audax club organize? So he learned about their Super Randineur SR series.
Okay. An intense challenge that involves completing 600, 400, 300, and 200 kilometer rides. Wow.
(22:32):
All within seven days. Oh, my goodness. That's a whole other level of intensity. It is. Back to
back long rides like that require some incredible stamina and mental toughness. They do. Did he jump
right into this SR series? He met with a local club representative, Jagadish Babu. Okay. Who encouraged
him to take on the challenge. All right. But during their meeting, Jagadish noticed something
(22:52):
surprising about Bhaskar's bike. What was it? Did he discover a problem with the bike after all those
thousands of kilometers? It turned out that his bike, despite carrying him through over 7,000
kilometers, had never been serviced. What? That's unbelievable. I can't even imagine putting that
much stress on a bike without any maintenance. I know. It's a good reminder that even seasoned
(23:14):
cyclists sometimes overlook the importance of regular bike care. For sure. So was he able to
get it fixed? He was. Luckily, he was able to get his bike serviced just in time for his trip to the
Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Okay. He spent five days there soaking up the beauty of the beaches,
recharging, knowing a massive challenge awaited him upon his return. That break was probably the
(23:37):
perfect way to prepare. It was. Both physically and mentally for that grueling SR series. Did he
manage to complete all four rides within that seven day time frame? He did. He returned from
his trip refreshed and ready to tackle that challenge. Awesome. And with his newly serviced
bike, he successfully completed the SR series, earning the prestigious Super Randonneur title.
(23:57):
What an incredible story. From a casual cyclist to a Super Randonneur, pushing his limits further
and further with each challenge. It's really inspiring. It's a testament to the power of
dedication, perseverance, and, you know, a willingness to embrace the unexpected.
Bosker's journey reminds us that we're all capable of achieving extraordinary things when we set our
(24:18):
minds to it. Absolutely. It's about setting goals, pushing boundaries, and discovering that
incredible strength that lies within each of us. His story is truly inspiring. It makes you think
about, you know, what seemingly impossible challenges we might be able to conquer if we
embrace that same mindset and preparation. Yeah. What's that one goal, that one dream?
Exactly. That seems just out of reach. Maybe just maybe it's closer than we think. So it's kind of
(24:42):
like a puzzle. It is. Yeah. It's like we have this amazing ending. We know the outcome. We know the
outcome, but we need to figure out how he got there. Until next time, happy cycling, everyone.
Welcome back listeners. Ready for another deep dive? Definitely. All right, buckle up everybody
(00:05):
because today we are diving deep into a story that's uh well it's about resilience. It's about
pushing limits and maybe a little bit about those moments where life throws you a curveball. Yeah,
yeah those moments we can all relate to. Exactly and the story we're exploring today centers on
Bhaskar, a cyclist who embarked on an incredible journey while caring for his critically ill
(00:28):
father. We're going deep into Bhaskar's personal account. Try to understand how he not only coped
but thrived under some serious pressure. I think what's so powerful about Bhaskar's story is that
it's not just about physical endurance. Yeah, he accomplishes incredible feats on a bike but it's
more about the power of setting goals and you know like reclaiming that sense of control when
(00:49):
things feel chaotic. Absolutely and it all starts with a pretty major curveball. Bhaskar's dad
suffers a stroke and a lung infection requiring intensive care at home. Yeah, can you imagine
trying to manage that level of care while juggling everything else in life? I mean online classes,
work, everyday stuff. It had to be immensely challenging. No doubt emotionally and logistically
(01:11):
just a heavy burden and that's where cycling comes in. Right. Initially it seems like you know it's
just a way to cope with stress, get some rehab in, kind of like doctor's orders after his dad's
surgery. Yeah, makes sense. But then something really interesting happens. It becomes about
something bigger. Way bigger. Like it's not just physical recovery anymore. It's almost like he's
(01:32):
reclaiming a sense of purpose, you know? Yeah. Like finding that agency when so much feels out of
control and he starts small with these cycling challenges. Even wins a few. Earns this title
Independence Day Super Challenger. Gets medals the whole nine yards. That's gotta be a huge
turning point. Yeah. Those medals, I mean they represent more than just winning. Right, absolutely.
(01:55):
It's like it's tangible proof that he can still achieve things. You know, push himself even in
the middle of everything else. It's something we can all connect with, right? For sure. You set a
goal no matter how small and you achieve it. It's like this reinforcement that we're capable of more
than we think. And for Bhaskar, that early success, it kind of fuels him. He sets his sights on a much
(02:17):
bigger challenge. We're talking about the Kashmir to Kanyakumari Challenge now. Yeah, that's where
things get serious. This is not just a weekend ride. 3,800 kilometers. Over 2,300 miles. In just 35
days. Fortitude. Yeah, this is fascinating stuff. This is Bhaskar's Kashmir to Kanyakumari Challenge.
And this is a virtual event covering, get this, 3,800 kilometers in just 35 days. Wow. It's over
(02:42):
100 kilometers a day. Every day. Every day. Every single day. It's hard to even imagine that kind
of distance. How do you even approach something so massive? You get a clever strategy of what cyclists
call radial rides. So imagine cycling along highways, going out maybe 50 to 70 kilometers,
and then turning back. It's like creating your own out and back adventure, but on this massive scale.
(03:05):
Clever. But I imagine even with a plan like that, sticking to 100 kilometers every single day has
got to be tough. Yeah, you're absolutely right. Because life happens, things get in the way,
and he couldn't always hit his initial goal of like 125 to 150 kilometers daily. So that forced
him to adapt. Makes sense. Yeah, and I think that's such a crucial lesson for anyone chasing those big
(03:26):
goals. You know? Yeah. Be ready to adjust. Stay flexible. Don't let those setbacks derail you.
Okay, I'm hooked. Good. What kind of setbacks are we talking about? Did he have any particularly
memorable challenges? Yeah, so this is where the outer ring road of Hydrobed comes in. It's a 160
kilometer loop that ultimately led to his first ever 200 kilometer ride. Wow, his first 200k was
(03:50):
part of this much larger challenge. I know. Talk about jumping in the deep end. Yeah, and it's
amazing how one challenge often just becomes this springboard for the next one, right? Pushing us
further than we initially thought possible. And this particular loop, it presented some
interesting logistical hurdles. How so? It's an access control highway. Ah. So limited places
(04:10):
to stop for food or water. So meticulous planning was essential here. Sounds intense. It was. Can
you walk us through what one of those long rides was like? Yeah, so imagine setting off, armed with
his supplies, riding past incredible scenery like this Osmond Sager Reservoir and the Musie River.
He even encountered peacocks along the way. Beautiful. This is a beautiful route. But of
(04:35):
course, no adventure is without its hiccups. Of course not. What happened? Did the meticulous
planning go out the window? Well, let's just say even the best laid plans can get derailed.
Remember those limited stops I mentioned? Yeah. Picture this. He gets a flat tire miles from
anywhere. Oh no. Several kilometers. Been there, done that. Yeah. Although not on a 200k ride.
(04:56):
Yeah. What did he do? He ended up walking several kilometers to find a bike shop.
Eww. It's a stark reminder that even with all the preparation in the world, you gotta be ready for
the unexpected. That's true. This is where having those extra resources, those backup plans,
is so crucial. I'm curious, what do you think was the biggest takeaway for Bosgar during that
(05:19):
incident? Um, well, you know, I think it really highlighted the importance of packing strategically.
Right. Because, you know, if he hadn't brought enough water or snacks, that walk could have been
a lot tougher. For sure. So it's a good reminder that sometimes, you know, the smallest items in
your pack can make the biggest difference in a difficult situation. Okay. So flat tire fixed.
(05:41):
What happened next? Did he manage to complete the ride? Oh, he finished. But it wasn't without its
further challenges. Okay. So imagine this, you know, he's back on the bike. He's starving after
this whole ordeal. Right. And naturally being in Hydra bed, he goes for that classic Biryani, right?
I blame him for that. No, who doesn't love Biryani? But here's the kicker. Okay. His phone dies. Oh,
(06:02):
no. And he doesn't have enough cash. But luckily, he had a spare phone for emergencies. Oh,
picked that up. And could use a payment app. Thank goodness for technology. Seriously, crisis averted.
What a story. That's a definite reminder to always have a backup plan. Always. But what I find
interesting is that this incident kind of became a microcosm of the entire journey. Yeah, that's a
(06:27):
good point. You're going to face obstacles, you're going to need to adapt. But ultimately,
resourcefulness and a bit of luck will often see you through. It really does. Yeah. So he powered
through, finished his first ever 200 kilometers in under 10 hours of actual riding time. Amazing.
Yeah. But he mentioned a surprising realization after the ride. What was that about? So he checks
(06:48):
his stats. And he discovers that a whole bunch of other riders also completed the same distance
around the same time. Interesting. Yeah. Made him wonder why so many others were taking on this
challenge simultaneously. Yeah, that is interesting. It's a good reminder that even when we feel alone
in our pursuits, there's often a whole community out there striving for those similar goals, you
know. Yeah, exactly. This discovery changes a porch at all. It definitely sparked a shift. It seems
(07:13):
like completing that first 200 kilometers just fueled his desire to go even further. So what's
he do next? What did he do? He decides to do another 200k the very next day. Wait. But this
time in the opposite direction. Back to back. Back to back 200k rides. This guy is incredible. I know,
right? So was his approach any different the second time around? Absolutely. So while the first ride
(07:37):
was all about the accomplishment, right, the physical challenge of hitting that 200k mark.
Yeah. The second one was about something else entirely. Oh, okay. He wanted to take it slower,
really soak in the surroundings, and simply enjoy the experience. So instead of pushing for speed,
he shifted gears and just focused on enjoying the ride. Yeah. That's a pretty interesting change in
(07:57):
mindset. Yeah, it is. Did this new approach lead to any unexpected detours? It certainly did. This
relaxed pace allowed for some spontaneous moments. Like what? Well, can you imagine taking a two hour
nap in the middle of a 200km ride? A two hour nap? That's certainly not something you see in a
training manual. No, not really. You think that was a mistake? Or was that like a strategic move?
(08:22):
Well, you know, in his account, it seemed like he genuinely listened to his body. Yeah. And he
prioritized rest and recovery. Okay. He realized that pushing through exhaustion wasn't always the
best approach. Right. Sometimes a well-timed break can be the key to finishing strong.
For sure. And I bet that nap led to some pretty amazing food experiences,
(08:42):
knowing Bascar's love for discovering those local treats. You're right on the mark. That nap brought
him to the shores of Osmond Sager Lake. Nice. Where he enjoyed a delicious meal of freshly caught
fish fry. Oh, wow. He even mentioned in his account that if he hadn't taken that break,
he might have missed out on that culinary delight. Oh, that would have been a shame.
(09:03):
Yeah. It's a beautiful reminder that sometimes slowing down and embracing the unexpected
can lead to some of the most rewarding experiences. I like that. So this second
200km ride, even though it took longer, it was about finding that balance between pushing
limits and savoring the journey. But even with those detours, he was racking up some serious
mileage. Where was he at in terms of his overall challenge progress? By this point, he had already
(09:29):
crushed an incredible 1000km. Wow. In just 15 days. That's amazing. But let's not forget that
the RFN has still left him with 2800km to conquer in the remaining 20 days. Oh my goodness. Talk
about pressure. Talk about pressure. How did he handle that kind of pressure, especially after
already pushing his body so much? That's where the mental game comes in. He was physically exhausted
(09:53):
and those increasing daily targets just added another layer of mental strain. Right. You know,
and it's something anyone who has pushed their limits can relate to. Totally. That fatigue,
dealing with those expectations and staying motivated when facing, you know, a mountain of
a challenge. So what did he do? Did he let the pressure get to him? Not at all. In fact, this
is where a pass goal resurfaced. Okay. He previously missed the opportunity to complete a 300km ride
(10:20):
from Hyderabad to Vijayawada. And now he saw his chance. So even amidst the pressure, he's setting
even bigger goals. It's pretty amazing. What did his preparation for this massive ride look like?
This is where we see that meticulous planning in action, minimizing the weight he was carrying.
He meticulously mapped out the route. Even figured out where to find his favorite biryani spots along
(10:45):
the way. Of course. And he packed dry fruits for quick energy boosts during the ride. Smart. That's
next level preparation. It is. But minimizing weight for a ride like that must have been a
challenge. What kind of gear choices did he make? He really focused on packing only the essentials.
Okay. You know, lightweight clothing and gear. Right. Even swapped out his usual saddle bag for
a smaller one just to reduce weight. Wow. You know, for long distance cycling, every gram counts.
(11:10):
That's true. Those small choices can make a big difference in overall performance. All prepped
and ready to go. How did the actual ride unfold? Did he hit any roadblocks along the way? So he
set off at 2.51 in the morning. Fueled by excitement and maybe a few pre-ride jitters. But the first 50
kilometers flew by in under two hours. Starting that early certainly has its advantages. Oh yeah.
(11:34):
Especially in a place like Hyderabad, beating the heat is essential. Yeah. You gotta beat that heat.
Did he keep up that pace for the entire ride? Well, he knew he had to pace himself strategically.
Right. You know, maintaining consistent speed, taking short breaks to stretch and hydrate.
A mark. It's a crucial lesson in endurance. Not just in cycling, but in any endeavor. Yeah.
(11:54):
You know, pushing too hard early on can lead to burnout later. It's all about finding that
sweet spot between pushing your limits and conserving energy. Exactly. So what happened
next? Did he manage to stick to his plan? For the most part, yes. He hit the 110 kilometer mark
just after 7.0 AM. Okay. With 200 kilometers to go. Wow. So reaching those milestones,
(12:17):
it provides such a psychological boost. Yeah. It breaks down a monumental task into smaller,
more manageable segments. You know. It's like that feeling of, okay, I got this. Even when the
finish line still seems miles away. Exactly. He continued riding, taking short breaks to fuel up.
Okay. Around the halfway point, he stopped for a light breakfast. But of course,
(12:38):
saving room for that biryani he mapped out earlier. Okay. I have to ask, what was the biryani
situation? He found it. Nice. He took a longer break to savor the meal, charge his devices,
and freshen up. You know, it's not just about the food. Right. It's about giving yourself that
mental break. Yeah. Taking the time to recharge both physically and mentally is crucial during
(12:59):
those long hauls. Food and rest, two essential ingredients for any successful adventure.
I agree. What did the final stretch of that 300K ride look like? With 90 kilometers left to go,
he topped off his hydration bag, prepared for that home stretch. Okay. As the afternoon heat
kicked in, he made a smart move, stopped for a refreshing dry fruit shake. Good idea. Yeah.
(13:20):
Staying hydrated, especially when the fatigue sets in, is crucial. Totally. Did he manage to finish
strong? He powered through those last kilometers. Awesome. Finally reaching Vizioada after an
incredible 18 and a half hours. His actual riding time was just under 13 hours. Okay.
But those strategic breaks definitely paid off. Yeah. He did it. His first 300 kilometer ride.
(13:44):
I know. What an accomplishment. But knowing Bhaskar, I bet he was already thinking about
that next challenge. Oh, you're absolutely right. What was it? His next goal? A 400 kilometer ride
within 24 hours. Whoa. He's setting the bar even higher. 400K, what kind of preparation goes into
a ride of that magnitude? Well, the week leading up to the attempt was all about lower intensity
(14:07):
mileage, allowing his body and mind to recover from the previous efforts. Right. He needed to
conserve energy and approach this new challenge with a fresh perspective. So rest and recovery
are just as important as pushing those limits. Absolutely. But even with the best preparation,
I imagine things don't always go according to plan. What happened during this 400K attempt?
(14:27):
So he set off just before 450M on September 23rd. Okay. Prioritizing consistency over speed,
knowing this was going to be a long haul. But as fate would have it, Mother Nature had other plans.
Oh no. What kind of weather trouble are we talking about? A little over 100 kilometers into the ride
as he was heading towards Rajamundri. Okay. A drizzle turned into a full blown downpour.
(14:51):
Oh no. And he had to take shelter grabbing some breakfast while waiting for the storm to pass.
Well, at least he was able to refuel and recharge during that delay. Exactly. But yeah, unexpected
weather can definitely throw a wrench into the best laid plans. Oh, for sure. Did he let the rain
derail his attempt? Not at all. He got back on the road, but the rain continued to come and go,
(15:12):
making for less than ideal riding conditions. Right. And then just when you thought it couldn't
get any more unpredictable, he had to teach an online class. Wait, what? An online class in the
middle of a 400K ride. I know. That's unbelievable. How did he manage that? Talk about dedication.
He pulled over on the banks of the Godavari River. Wow. Right under that impressive
(15:33):
rail-cum-road bridge. Okay. Conducted his class with trains rumbling by in the background.
It ended up being a three-hour session, longer than expected, but certainly a memorable experience.
That's an incredible story. It shows how adaptable he was, you know, juggling his
passions and responsibilities, even in the most unexpected situations. For sure. But with the rain
(15:54):
delay and the class, I imagine his 400K goal was kind of slipping away. You're right. With his
schedule thrown off and darkness approaching, he knew he couldn't safely continue alone. Yeah. In
unfamiliar territory at night. Right. So he made the difficult decision to turn back. That must
have been a tough call. Yeah. It takes a lot of strength to prioritize safety over achieving a
(16:15):
goal. Absolutely. So he opted for a shorter route back? Yes. Crossing the Godavari River on that
same impressive bridge he taught his class under. Even in changing his plans, he still managed to
experience that unique landmark. He did. So did he give up entirely on the 400K goal after that?
He knew he likely wouldn't hit his initial target, but that didn't stop him from pushing forward.
(16:36):
Okay. He powered through patchy roads, grabbed a quick biryani dinner, because why not? Always
time for biryani. And then navigated those bustling construction zones on the Illuru Bypass.
He really embraced the full spectrum of experiences on these rides, didn't he? He did. He did. From
scenic landscapes to challenging road conditions and of course delicious food stops. It highlights
(17:00):
that gritty reality of long distance cycling. Yeah. It's not always glamorous. No. There will
be moments of discomfort, fatigue, unexpected hurdles. Yeah. It's about embracing it all,
embracing it all, finding the resilience to keep moving forward. So what was the final outcome of
this ambitious 400K attempt? By the time he reached Vijayawada, it was late and he had covered an
(17:21):
impressive 350 kilometers. Still, that's amazing. It is. While not the 400K he initially aimed for,
it was still a massive achievement under those conditions. For sure. What do you think was the
biggest takeaway from this experience for him? I think it was a valuable lesson in adapting to
changing circumstances and prioritizing safety over rigidly sticking to a goal. Right. It showed
(17:41):
his growth as a cyclist, learning to balance ambition with prudent decision making. It sounds
like he really learned to embrace, you know, that unpredictable nature of these long rides. He did.
But even though he didn't hit that 400K mark, he still pushed himself incredibly hard. Yeah. How
did that impact his overall progress on the, you know, 3,800 kilometer Kashmir to Kanyakumari
(18:04):
Challenge? Well, that 350 kilometer ride brought his total mileage close to 2,800 kilometers. Okay.
But remember, he still had a long way to go. Yeah. And time was ticking away. Right. This is
where the mental fortitude of an endurance athlete really shines. Yeah. I imagine those final days
were a true test of willpower. They were. How did he navigate that last stretch, both physically and
(18:27):
mentally? The next few days were definitely rough. Yeah. Okay. You know, his body was feeling the
cumulative strain of 25 consecutive days of cycling. Right. Fatigue was setting in. Yeah.
And those daily targets, those just kept getting higher. That sounds incredibly grueling. Did he
share any insights into how he pushed through those moments of exhaustion and doubt? He talked
about the importance of breaking down those remaining kilometers into smaller, more manageable
(18:51):
goals. Okay. So focusing on each day, each ride, rather than getting overwhelmed by the enormity
of the overall challenge. So a kind of mental compartmentalization to stay focused on the task
at hand. Exactly. It's like that saying, how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Exactly.
Did he manage to maintain that momentum even with all the fatigue? He did a few shorter rides. Okay.
(19:14):
Strategically racking up kilometers here and there. Okay. But with just a week left in the
challenge, he still had about 500 kilometers to go. Oh, wow. That's cutting it close. It was.
What did his final push look like? Did he have any strategic plans to make up that remaining distance?
He took a much needed rest day first. Okay. Which left him just two days to cover those 500 kilometers.
(19:35):
Two days. I know. Talk about pressure. That's a nail-biter for sure. Yeah. But you know, he drew
confidence from his experience with those back-to-back 200-kilometer rides earlier in the
challenge. Right. He'd already proven to himself that he could handle those intense back-to-back
efforts. Exactly. So how did those final two days unfold? On the second to last day, he hammered
(19:56):
out over 200 kilometers. Wow. Strategically looping around Guntur and Ileru before heading back to
Vijayawada. Okay. It was a testament to his growing understanding of his own capabilities
and the importance of efficient route planning. And the final day, the culmination of Week's
incredible effort, what did that last ride look like? You know, he went for a more scenic ride
(20:19):
towards his hometown, Manchilapetnam. Oh, wow. Even making a stop at Majinapuri Beach. Nice.
It's like a victory lap. Yeah. A chance to savor the accomplishment and connect with his roots.
Right. He even had to squeeze in a few extra kilometers. Oh, wow. To hit that 3,800-kilometer
target. But he did it. He completed the entire Kashmir to Kanyakumari challenge. He did. That's
(20:40):
incredible. What a journey. What a journey. And the timing couldn't have been more poetic. No,
it couldn't have. He started on his birthday and finished on Gandhi Jayanti. I love that. It was
a testament to his dedication, his resilience, and the power of setting those ambitious goals.
It really is. He must have been completely spent after that final push. Understandably exhausted,
(21:03):
both physically and mentally. Yeah. You know, he took a well-deserved rest day,
allowed his body and mind to recover from weeks of intense effort. Right. And when he finally
checked the challenge results, he discovered that only a handful of participants had actually
completed the full 3,800 kilometers. A handful. Wow, that really puts his achievement into
(21:23):
perspective. It does. It wasn't just about completing a personal challenge. He was among
the very few who conquered the full distance. It speaks volumes about his commitment and discipline.
Yeah, it does. And even after all that, his journey wasn't over. It wasn't. He'd racked up
over 7,000 kilometers since starting back in June. Wow. And after a few more days of recovery,
(21:44):
he was feeling refreshed and ready for a new adventure. So what was next on the horizon for
this tireless cyclist? Did he set his sights on another epic challenge? Well, as he was planning
a trip to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, he stumbled upon a video about a cycling club,
Audax Indierandineurs, organizing these long distance rides. Oh, wow. It sparked an immediate
(22:07):
interest, and he quickly signed up for a club membership. It sounds like a perfect match.
This chance encounter opened up a whole new world of cycling possibilities for him. It did. What
kind of rides does this Audax club organize? So he learned about their Super Randineur SR series.
Okay. An intense challenge that involves completing 600, 400, 300, and 200 kilometer rides. Wow.
(22:32):
All within seven days. Oh, my goodness. That's a whole other level of intensity. It is. Back to
back long rides like that require some incredible stamina and mental toughness. They do. Did he jump
right into this SR series? He met with a local club representative, Jagadish Babu. Okay. Who encouraged
him to take on the challenge. All right. But during their meeting, Jagadish noticed something
(22:52):
surprising about Bhaskar's bike. What was it? Did he discover a problem with the bike after all those
thousands of kilometers? It turned out that his bike, despite carrying him through over 7,000
kilometers, had never been serviced. What? That's unbelievable. I can't even imagine putting that
much stress on a bike without any maintenance. I know. It's a good reminder that even seasoned
(23:14):
cyclists sometimes overlook the importance of regular bike care. For sure. So was he able to
get it fixed? He was. Luckily, he was able to get his bike serviced just in time for his trip to the
Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Okay. He spent five days there soaking up the beauty of the beaches,
recharging, knowing a massive challenge awaited him upon his return. That break was probably the
(23:37):
perfect way to prepare. It was. Both physically and mentally for that grueling SR series. Did he
manage to complete all four rides within that seven day time frame? He did. He returned from
his trip refreshed and ready to tackle that challenge. Awesome. And with his newly serviced
bike, he successfully completed the SR series, earning the prestigious Super Randonneur title.
(23:57):
What an incredible story. From a casual cyclist to a Super Randonneur, pushing his limits further
and further with each challenge. It's really inspiring. It's a testament to the power of
dedication, perseverance, and, you know, a willingness to embrace the unexpected.
Bosker's journey reminds us that we're all capable of achieving extraordinary things when we set our
(24:18):
minds to it. Absolutely. It's about setting goals, pushing boundaries, and discovering that
incredible strength that lies within each of us. His story is truly inspiring. It makes you think
about, you know, what seemingly impossible challenges we might be able to conquer if we
embrace that same mindset and preparation. Yeah. What's that one goal, that one dream?
Exactly. That seems just out of reach. Maybe just maybe it's closer than we think. So it's kind of
(24:42):
like a puzzle. It is. Yeah. It's like we have this amazing ending. We know the outcome. We know the
outcome, but we need to figure out how he got there. Until next time, happy cycling, everyone.
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