January 21, 2025 • 23 mins
Debut 600km BRM of the one week Super Randonneur was an unforgettable rollercoaster of emotions, challenges, and triumphs. Starting with enthusiasm and high speed, I quickly learned the importance of pacing and consistency after early fatigue set in. Along the way, I faced mental and physical struggles, including isolation in a reserve forest, a frightening encounter with stray dogs, navigating tough terrain, and battling drowsiness and a flat tire.
Despite these challenges, timely support from fellow riders, ride marshals, and the encouragement of Mr.Jagdeesh Babu kept me motivated to push forward. With sheer determination, I crossed the finish line with just 49 minutes to spare, achieving a significant milestone in my cycling journey.
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Episode Transcript
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(00:00):
Hey everyone, welcome back for another deep dive.
(00:02):
Today we're gonna be looking at the world
of endurance cycling.
Through this incredible blog post we found
about a cyclist taking on this 600 kilometer
ODACS ride.
Wow.
Which is also known as a
Brevet De Rondeur Mondial or BRM for short.
Okay.
This guy's blog post details everything.
(00:23):
I'm intrigued.
Yeah, you should be, it's quite a story.
I can imagine.
It has everything from battling stray dogs.
Oh no.
To just crazy sleep deprivation.
Yeah, that's gotta be hard.
So, I don't think this is just a story about cycling though.
Right.
I think it's really about anyone pushing their limits.
Absolutely.
(00:43):
Whether it's physical or mental.
Yeah, and I mean just kind of how we adapt
when things don't go according to plan.
Exactly.
Which they never do.
Never.
Right.
Especially with endurance events.
So, I'm ready to unpack this.
Let's get into it.
First off, can you kinda like give us some context
on Audax Rides and what this whole
Super Randonneur series is?
Yeah, absolutely.
(01:04):
So, Audax Rides are long distance cycling events.
Okay.
But they're not races.
Gotcha.
They really emphasize the self sufficiency and camaraderie
and the goal is just to complete the course
within a set time limit.
Yeah.
Now, the Super Randonneur series is really something else.
Okay.
To earn that title, you have to complete four BRMs.
(01:26):
Okay.
200 kilometer, 400 and 600 kilometers.
Wow.
All within the same season.
Oh my gosh.
And the cyclist in our story.
Okay.
He only had seven days.
Seven days.
Yeah.
To accomplish all of that.
Do you do all four of those?
That's insane.
I know, right?
Okay, so before we get to the start line though.
Okay.
Tell me about the cyclist.
(01:46):
Yeah.
What kind of experience did he have
going into this challenge?
Well, he had just recently finished
a virtual cycling challenge.
Yeah.
He had covered 3,800 kilometers from Cargill
to Kanya Kumari.
Wow.
In just 35 days.
That's like.
Yeah, it's over 2,300 miles.
Okay, so clearly this is not someone
who shies away from a challenge.
(02:06):
Not at all.
But even with that kind of mileage.
Right.
I imagine there were still some pre-ride jitters.
Oh, for sure.
Especially with such a tight schedule.
You would think so, but actually,
he decided to take a trip
to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Wait. Yeah.
Hold on.
A vacation.
That'd be much.
Right before attempting to cycle
over 900 miles in a week.
(02:27):
Yep.
I mean, most athletes would be like,
laser focused on training and rest
during that crucial time.
Who would think so, right?
Right.
But he actually saw it as like a much needed mental break
after his virtual challenge.
He said it was like a lifelong dream too.
That makes sense.
Yeah.
You know, it's good to have that
(02:48):
mental and emotional wellbeing.
Absolutely.
You know, taking care of just as much
as the physical preparation.
Right. You need both.
Okay. So picture this.
Okay.
He's back from paradise.
Mm-hmm.
The Super Randonneur series is about to start.
Yep.
And then what?
Well, he decides.
Yeah.
Just to be safe.
Yeah.
To get his bike checked out.
(03:08):
Good idea.
And it turns out,
his bike had never been serviced.
Oh no.
Sorry.
I know.
It had seen, what'd you say, like 7,000 kilometers?
Over 7,000 kilometers since June.
7,000 kilometers since June.
And no servicing.
Oh my goodness.
Yeah. The bottom bracket hubs breaks everything.
So it was like your car breaking down.
Exactly.
(03:29):
The day before a cross country road trip.
The worst time.
How did he handle this?
Well, thankfully.
Yeah.
He was able to get it all sorted out.
Okay, good.
Just in time.
Okay.
He actually picked up his bike the day before
the first 600 kilometer ride.
Wow.
And even managed to squeeze in a little test ride.
Okay, good.
Yeah.
But I can only imagine what must have been
(03:50):
going through his mind.
Oh, tons of emotions.
At that point.
Excitement, nervousness,
probably a healthy dose of exhaustion.
Yeah.
From all the chaos.
For sure.
He said he went home, had a good meal,
tried to get some sleep.
Yeah.
Knowing that restful nights would be very scarce.
Yeah, I bet.
Next week, the calm before the storm.
(04:11):
Right.
So the big day arrives.
Can you set the scene for us?
Yeah.
Where does this 600 kilometer BRM start
and what kind of route are we talking about?
So the ride starts in Vijayawada.
Okay.
And the route's this challenging Y shape.
What?
Yeah, like someone stretched out their arms
and then bent them inwards a little bit.
Okay.
So it first takes riders eastward towards the coast.
(04:33):
Okay.
Reaching Michalapatnam,
which was actually his hometown.
Oh wow.
After about 75 kilometers.
Okay.
Then there's a U-turn inland towards Tiruvuru,
crossing the Andhra-Telangana border.
Wow.
Then another U-turn after 250 kilometers.
So they're going back and forth.
Yeah, kinda heading back towards that starting point.
(04:53):
Okay.
Then they push toward Hyderabad.
Wow.
Reaching Madhavaram at 480 kilometers.
Okay.
And then one last U-turn for the final descent
to the finish line.
So it's not just a physical challenge.
It sounds like a logistical puzzle too.
Oh, definitely.
So how does our cyclist approach
the start of this epic journey?
Well, interestingly enough,
(05:13):
he didn't have a set plan at first.
Really?
Yeah, he ended up riding with the event organizer.
Okay.
So it's a little bit of a juggish babu.
For the initial part of the ride.
Yes.
So sometimes the best laid plans.
I know, right.
Go out the window.
Yeah.
And you just have to adapt.
For sure.
So how did that partnership work out?
Did they stick together the whole way?
Well, remember, Machil Patnam.
(05:36):
Yeah.
Was our cyclist's hometown.
Right.
So as they headed that way,
he was feeling so energized.
Yeah.
I mean, he was fresh from his island trip,
the excitement of the ride,
and he actually pulled ahead of the pack.
Oh, wow.
So he's off to a strong start.
Yeah.
Feeling good, the wind at his back.
Yep.
But I have a feeling
this is where things get interesting.
(05:56):
You're right about that.
What happened next?
Well, at that first checkpoint,
Okay.
Mr. Juggish Babu,
while acknowledging his speed,
Yeah.
He kind of offered a word of caution,
Yeah.
You know, reminding him that this was just the beginning
Right.
of a much longer journey,
and emphasizing this consistency over speed.
Oh, so the classic tortoise and the hare.
(06:17):
Exactly.
You know, it's a reminder that pacing yourself
is so crucial.
Oh, especially in these endurance events.
Yeah.
So what was the cyclist's reaction to this advice?
He was initially unsure what to make of it.
Okay.
He started to doubt his speed a little bit.
Yeah.
And his pace actually dropped.
No.
He even struggled to finish his biryani at a roadside stop.
(06:40):
It sounds like the seed of doubt had been planted.
Yeah, for sure.
Did he manage to shake it off and like regain his composure?
It took some time for Mr. Jagdish Babu's advice to sink in,
but at that second checkpoint,
Okay.
he realized that consistency was key.
Okay.
And that's when the power of teamwork came into play.
I am curious to hear about that.
Yeah.
(07:00):
Because even in a solo sport like cycling,
having that support system can make all the difference.
Absolutely.
So who did he end up riding with?
Well, he decided to stick with this group.
Yeah.
That included Mr. Jagdish Babu, Aditya, and Mani Kheri,
who is nicknamed Pineapple.
Pineapple?
Yeah, they rode together.
That's cool.
Sharing stories, encouraging each other,
especially when fatigue and doubts crept in.
(07:23):
That's fantastic.
Yeah.
You know, there's a sense of shared purpose
and camaraderie in these events.
Yeah, absolutely.
It goes beyond just individual achievement.
For sure.
Did they manage to keep this positive momentum going?
For a while, yeah.
Okay.
They pushed each other through those tough stretches,
shared meals,
even crossed the Andhra Pradesh-Tillangana border together.
(07:44):
Oh, oh, here we go.
Yeah, as night fell,
the tone of the rides started to shift.
Our cyclist began to feel the weight of isolation.
That makes sense.
Remember, this was his first overnight ride.
Oh, wow.
First time cycling beyond 350 kilometers.
Right.
So that's where things can get really challenging.
(08:04):
For sure.
The darkness, the fatigue, the solitude.
Yeah, it's a whole different ballgame.
What were some of the challenges he faced as the sunset?
Well, for one, he was now completely alone.
Yeah, two of his companions had to quit.
Oh.
And Mr. Jagdish Babu had pulled ahead.
So he's by himself.
Yeah, he had to navigate those long,
(08:26):
challenging stretches by himself.
Alone in the dark with hundreds of kilometers to go.
It's daunting, right?
It's daunting.
Yeah.
And to make matters worse.
I know.
This pack of stray dogs.
What?
Just appeared out of nowhere and started chasing him.
Oh my gosh, that's terrifying.
I know.
What did he do?
He had to stop, dismount, and try to shoo them away.
(08:47):
Oh my gosh.
He said he was genuinely scared.
I can only imagine.
Unsure if he should just quit right then and there.
Yeah.
So much adrenaline.
It's remarkable how quickly that sense of security.
Right.
Can vanish in those situations.
So how did he push through that fear?
Well, it's really a testament to his mental fortitude.
(09:07):
Yeah.
He somehow managed to overcome it.
Wow.
And keep going.
Yeah.
It brings us to like a pivotal moment in his journey.
Okay.
Which really highlights the unpredictable nature
of these events.
Okay, I'm ready.
Tell me more.
So he's riding through this reserve forest.
Okay.
You know, the darkness feels heavy.
Yeah.
And he's starting to experience
some really strange sensations.
(09:29):
Like what?
Almost like his senses are playing tricks on him.
Yeah.
You know, I've heard about the effects of sleep deprivation
on endurance athletes.
Oh yeah.
It could really mess with your head.
Definitely.
What was he feeling?
He said he was feeling disoriented.
Okay.
Unsure if his eyes were actually open or closed.
Oh wow.
(09:50):
The fatigue, the darkness.
Yeah.
It was all blurring together.
It's scary.
And then just when he thought things
couldn't get any weirder.
Yeah.
His bike's headlight illuminated two snakes.
Whoa.
Slithering across the road.
Oh my gosh, snakes in the middle of the night.
I know, right.
That would rattle me.
Yeah, talk about adding insult to injury.
(10:10):
So how did he react to this surreal encounter?
Remarkably, he took it in stride.
Really?
Yeah, he encountered a support vehicle shortly after.
Okay.
Got some much needed encouragement.
Yeah.
A fresh bottle of water.
Okay.
And even shared a meal with this pack of dogs.
Was it dogs again?
Yeah, different dogs.
Okay.
But they seemed to be guarding him.
(10:30):
Oh wow, so they redeemed themselves.
Yeah, they were like his loyal companions.
So at this point, he still had a long way to go, right?
He did, yeah.
What was the next hurdle he faced?
Well, at 4.30 a.m., nature called.
Yeah.
And he had to get a little creative to find some privacy.
Yeah, about that.
It's those unexpected moments that remind us
(10:51):
that these rides aren't just about physical endurance,
but also adapting to whatever comes your way.
That's a good point.
Yeah.
He was really being tested on all fronts.
He was.
So with fatigue setting in and time ticking away,
how did he fare as he approached the next checkpoint?
He barely made it.
(11:11):
Oh no.
He arrived just seven minutes before the cutoff.
Wow.
He found Mr. Jagdish Babu resting there.
Oh, so they're back together.
They are, yeah.
That's good.
For now.
Talk about cutting it close.
I know.
It sounds like he was running on fumes at that point.
Hell, he was.
Did he even take a break at the checkpoint?
He did, but just long enough to freshen up.
Change clothes, grab some food.
(11:34):
Okay.
And then he joined Mr. Jagdish Babu again.
Wow.
What determination.
It's incredible.
But I imagine that post checkpoint fatigue
must have hit him hard.
Oh yeah.
How did he manage to stay awake?
That's a great question.
And keep pedaling.
One that we'll delve into.
Right after we take a moment to hear from our sponsors.
All right, sounds good.
We're back and I'm dying to know
(11:55):
how he fought off those sleep monsters.
Oh, he really had to dig deep.
Yeah.
He tried everything.
Like what?
To stay awake, washing his face.
Okay.
Stretching, even taking a quick jog.
Wow, pulling out all the stops.
Oh yeah.
Keep those eyelids open.
It was tough.
Did it work?
He still ended up falling behind Mr. Jagdish Babu.
Oh no.
(12:16):
Yeah, Mr. Jagdish Babu actually had to call him.
Oh wow.
And check on his progress.
That's not good.
I know, and realizing he was losing time.
Our cyclist decided to skip lunch.
Skip lunch.
Completely.
During this ride.
Yeah, and just focused on reaching that next checkpoint.
I mean, skipping a meal during something like this
seems so risky.
It is, especially when you think about the energy they need.
(12:39):
I can't even imagine trying to power through
on an empty stomach.
It definitely took a toll on him.
Yeah.
Especially with that scorching sun.
Oh yeah.
Headwinds, uphill climbs.
It's a lot.
Yeah, but somehow he pushed through.
Wow.
He reached the checkpoint with only 20 minutes to spare.
He's really living on the edge.
He is.
(12:59):
So I'm guessing he refueled there.
Oh absolutely, he had a quick lunch.
Okay.
And set off again.
Yeah.
With Mr. Jagdish Babu encouraging him to keep up the pace.
Okay, so was he able to bounce back
after that much needed break?
Not quite.
Oh no.
The post-lunch drowsiness hit him hard again.
I can imagine.
Yeah, this time he pulled over under a tree,
(13:20):
set an alarm, and took a 30 minute power nap.
Sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do.
I mean, a power nap is like a lifesaver.
Oh it is.
In these situations.
It can really reset your system.
Yeah, so what was the rest of the ride like after that?
Well he woke up feeling refreshed.
Okay, good.
And ready to tackle those remaining kilometers.
And thankfully, the weather shifted in his favor.
(13:43):
Okay.
The sun began to set, bringing with it this cool breeze.
Nice.
And a slight downhill gradient.
Oh that's nice.
I mean, sometimes a change in the weather
can really impact your mood.
Oh for sure.
And energy levels, especially during something like this.
It can make all the difference.
So what was it like for him during this final stretch?
(14:03):
He said he felt this renewed sense of energy and rhythm
as he pedaled toward the finish line.
Good.
At a toll plaza, the support vehicle stopped.
Okay.
Checked on him, offered some encouragement
and helped him with some stretches.
You know those small acts of kindness
can go such a long way.
They really can.
When you're physically and mentally drained.
(14:25):
Oh yeah, it's a reminder that even in these solo events,
the support crew plays such a vital role.
They do.
And then something really surprising happened.
Okay, what?
Mr. Jagdish Babu arrived at the toll plaza.
Shocked to find our cyclist there ahead of him.
What?
He had overtaken Mr. Jagdish Babu
without even realizing it.
(14:46):
Talk about a stealthy comeback.
I guess that power nap really paid off.
It did.
So with the finish line in sight,
I'm really hoping it was smooth sailing from there.
Wouldn't that be nice?
Yeah.
Of course there was one final hurdle.
Oh no.
Yeah, just 20 kilometers from the finish line.
Uh oh.
He got a flat tire.
A flat tire, no.
(15:07):
That is like a cyclist's worst nightmare.
It is, especially that close to the end.
Oh my gosh.
I know.
So what did he do?
Well, luckily there was a bike shop nearby.
He managed to inflate the tire and continue,
but then it started leaking again.
Oh no.
Just when he thought he might not make it,
he found another bike shop and got it fixed.
(15:27):
Oh my gosh.
This is a real nail biter.
I know, right?
So did he finally cross that finish line?
He did.
And how much time did he have to spare?
Well, he reached the finish line
just one minute behind Mr. Jagdish Babu.
Wow.
But they both completed that 600 kilometer ride
with just 49 minutes to spare
before the official cutoff time.
(15:48):
Out of all the riders who started this BRM,
how many actually finished?
Out of the 13 who started,
only nine completed the whole course.
So he not only finished this incredibly demanding ride,
but he did it amongst a select group of cyclists.
A select few.
Who persevered to the end.
That's incredible.
That's remarkable.
(16:08):
I can only imagine the sense of accomplishment
crossing that finish line.
Oh yeah.
He said it was a mix of relief, pride,
and just sheer exhaustion.
He took some time to celebrate with Mr. Jagdish Babu,
refueled, and then left his bike for servicing.
Smart.
Yeah, he borrowed another one to ride home.
Oh, that's a good idea after 600 kilometers.
Yeah, I bet even like a short ride home was felt surreal.
(16:31):
I bet.
But remember,
he still had three more BRMs to go.
He did.
To run that super random title.
That's right.
So what was next on the agenda?
The next challenge was a 200 kilometer BRM.
Okay.
And this time it would be just him and Mr. Jagdish Babu.
(16:51):
Okay.
Because the other riders
hadn't completed the first ride.
Right.
It sounds like their bond was really solidified
during that first one.
Oh, for sure.
So before we move on to the next leg of their journey,
let's take a moment to reflect.
Yeah, let's do it.
On this 600 kilometer experience,
what are some of the key takeaways?
Well, for one, it highlighted the importance of pacing.
(17:14):
He learned firsthand that starting too fast
can really lead to burnout.
Exactly.
Consistency is so much more valuable
than those bursts of speed.
Exactly.
Especially in ultra endurance events.
Right, and that's a lesson
that extends far beyond cycling too.
I was just thinking that.
It's about finding that sustainable rhythm
in any challenging endeavor.
Absolutely.
(17:35):
What else stood out to you?
His story also underscores that power of mental fortitude.
He had to push through moments of doubt,
isolation, fear, and pure exhaustion.
Yeah, it's really a true testament.
It is.
That rhythm and spirit, that ability to overcome adversity.
Absolutely.
And let's not forget the importance of support systems.
(17:57):
Oh, that's huge.
Even though this was technically a solo event.
Right.
The encouragement he received from his fellow riders.
Yeah.
The support crew, even those stray dogs.
Oh, yeah.
Made such a difference.
It made all the difference.
Such a great example.
It is.
That even in these individual pursuits,
we often rely on the support of others.
Right.
(18:17):
To achieve our goals.
Yes, we don't have to face challenges alone.
That's a good point.
Yeah.
His experience also revealed the unpredictable nature
of these events.
Oh, yeah.
From flat tires to nighttime encounters with wildlife.
Yeah.
He had to constantly adapt.
Right, to unexpected situations.
So being adaptable to thinking on your feet,
(18:38):
adjusting your approach, that's a valuable skill.
In any aspect of life.
Absolutely.
It's being resourceful.
Right.
Problem solving on the fly.
Maintaining that positive attitude.
Yeah.
Even when things get tough.
Especially when things get tough.
So out of all of this, what resonates with you most
about his 600 kilometer experience?
What's fascinating to me is that this ride wasn't just
(19:00):
about covering 600 kilometers.
OK.
It was about personal growth and self discovery.
That's so true.
You know, he faced his fears, pushed his limits,
and unearthed this level of resilience
he didn't even know he had.
That's a good point.
Yeah.
It's a reminder that sometimes the greatest rewards come from.
Pushing ourselves.
(19:20):
Stepping outside our comfort zones.
Yes.
And embracing the unexpected challenges.
Absolutely.
So as we wrap up this part of our deep dive,
what's one question our listeners should consider?
Imagine applying those lessons of pacing, resilience,
and embracing the unexpected to your own life.
Oh, that's a good one.
What personal challenges might you approach differently?
(19:41):
Yeah.
What goals might seem suddenly attainable?
That's a great question to ponder.
Yeah, think about it.
We'll be back soon to delve into the next chapter
of this incredible cycling journey.
Sounds good.
Exploring the dynamics of teamwork.
I like it.
And the final push toward earning
that Super Randonneur title.
It's going to be good.
Stay tuned.
(20:01):
OK, so we're back, and we're delving even deeper
into this world of ultra endurance cycling.
That's right.
You know, we're following the journey of this cyclist,
aiming for that Super Randonneur title.
Yeah, he's already done that incredible 600 kilometer ride.
I know, and he still has more to go.
He does.
It's impressive.
So what really stood out to me was his adaptability.
Yeah.
(20:21):
You know, he faced fatigue, isolation,
even those surprise encounters with the wildlife.
Yeah, he really had to think on his feet.
I know, and yet he still pushed through it all.
That mental resilience is key.
It is.
It's not just about physical strength.
Right, it's about the mental game too.
So now he's onto his second BRM.
OK.
So a 200 kilometer ride this time with just Mr. Jagdish Babu
(20:46):
by his side.
The tour.
So how does this one compare to that 600 kilometer
beast they just tackled?
Well, on the surface, 200 kilometers
seems like a walk in the park compared to 600.
But you've got to remember, their bodies
are still recovering from that previous challenge.
Right, they're not starting fresh.
Exactly, and they have two more BRMs to go after this one.
Oh my gosh.
(21:06):
So even though the distance is shorter,
that accumulated fatigue makes it just as demanding.
Mentally, oh yeah, for sure.
So this stage is all about managing those energy levels,
being focused.
Absolutely.
And I imagine leaning on that camaraderie
they built during that first one.
They'll need to support each other.
Speaking of camaraderie, I'm fascinated by their dynamic.
(21:27):
Yeah.
It seems like it blossomed from this chance encounter
into a true partnership.
It's a great example of mentorship in action.
What are your thoughts on that?
Well, I see it as this classic mentor-mentee dynamic,
but with a really unique twist.
OK, I like that.
Mr. Jagdish Babu, with his experience and wisdom,
(21:48):
he's like a guiding force, offering not just cycling
advice, but life lessons too.
Right, and our cyclist, even though he's newer to all this,
he brings this contagious enthusiasm.
He does.
Which seems to kind of reinvigorate Mr. Jagdish Babu.
It's like they feed off each other's energy.
It is, and this brings up a broader point about ODAX Rides.
(22:09):
What's that?
They're about self-sufficiency, yeah,
but they're also about the human connection.
That's a great point.
Forged through shared struggle and triumph.
You're pushing your individual limits,
but you're also part of this community,
this collective striving for something greater
than yourself.
That's a beautiful way to put it.
So as we wrap up this deep dive into this world,
what's the one message you hope our listeners take away
(22:31):
from all this?
I hope it inspires them to push their own boundaries.
Yeah.
You know, whatever those might be.
It doesn't have to be physical like cycling.
No, it could be creative, professional.
Anything.
Anything that requires dedication and perseverance.
It's a reminder that we all have this resilience.
We do.
I might not even know it's there.
It's waiting to be tapped into.
(22:52):
And to tap into it often requires stepping outside
that comfort zone.
Right, embracing those unexpected twists and turns.
Absolutely.
And finding your tribe.
Your support system.
Those people who will cheer you on.
Yeah, help you through those tough stretches.
They make all the difference.
So to our listeners, remember this cyclist's
incredible journey.
(23:12):
It's truly inspiring.
It's a testament to what we can achieve.
Absolutely.
If we adapt, persevere, and really just go for it.
You got it.
So think about it.
What challenges might you approach differently
if you embrace these lessons?
That's the question.
Keep exploring.
Keep pushing those limits.
(23:32):
And never underestimate what you're capable of achieving.
Thanks for joining us for another deep dive.
It was a pleasure.
Oh.
Hey everyone, welcome back for another deep dive.
(00:02):
Today we're gonna be looking at the world
of endurance cycling.
Through this incredible blog post we found
about a cyclist taking on this 600 kilometer
ODACS ride.
Wow.
Which is also known as a
Brevet De Rondeur Mondial or BRM for short.
Okay.
This guy's blog post details everything.
(00:23):
I'm intrigued.
Yeah, you should be, it's quite a story.
I can imagine.
It has everything from battling stray dogs.
Oh no.
To just crazy sleep deprivation.
Yeah, that's gotta be hard.
So, I don't think this is just a story about cycling though.
Right.
I think it's really about anyone pushing their limits.
Absolutely.
(00:43):
Whether it's physical or mental.
Yeah, and I mean just kind of how we adapt
when things don't go according to plan.
Exactly.
Which they never do.
Never.
Right.
Especially with endurance events.
So, I'm ready to unpack this.
Let's get into it.
First off, can you kinda like give us some context
on Audax Rides and what this whole
Super Randonneur series is?
Yeah, absolutely.
(01:04):
So, Audax Rides are long distance cycling events.
Okay.
But they're not races.
Gotcha.
They really emphasize the self sufficiency and camaraderie
and the goal is just to complete the course
within a set time limit.
Yeah.
Now, the Super Randonneur series is really something else.
Okay.
To earn that title, you have to complete four BRMs.
(01:26):
Okay.
200 kilometer, 400 and 600 kilometers.
Wow.
All within the same season.
Oh my gosh.
And the cyclist in our story.
Okay.
He only had seven days.
Seven days.
Yeah.
To accomplish all of that.
Do you do all four of those?
That's insane.
I know, right?
Okay, so before we get to the start line though.
Okay.
Tell me about the cyclist.
(01:46):
Yeah.
What kind of experience did he have
going into this challenge?
Well, he had just recently finished
a virtual cycling challenge.
Yeah.
He had covered 3,800 kilometers from Cargill
to Kanya Kumari.
Wow.
In just 35 days.
That's like.
Yeah, it's over 2,300 miles.
Okay, so clearly this is not someone
who shies away from a challenge.
(02:06):
Not at all.
But even with that kind of mileage.
Right.
I imagine there were still some pre-ride jitters.
Oh, for sure.
Especially with such a tight schedule.
You would think so, but actually,
he decided to take a trip
to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Wait. Yeah.
Hold on.
A vacation.
That'd be much.
Right before attempting to cycle
over 900 miles in a week.
(02:27):
Yep.
I mean, most athletes would be like,
laser focused on training and rest
during that crucial time.
Who would think so, right?
Right.
But he actually saw it as like a much needed mental break
after his virtual challenge.
He said it was like a lifelong dream too.
That makes sense.
Yeah.
You know, it's good to have that
(02:48):
mental and emotional wellbeing.
Absolutely.
You know, taking care of just as much
as the physical preparation.
Right. You need both.
Okay. So picture this.
Okay.
He's back from paradise.
Mm-hmm.
The Super Randonneur series is about to start.
Yep.
And then what?
Well, he decides.
Yeah.
Just to be safe.
Yeah.
To get his bike checked out.
(03:08):
Good idea.
And it turns out,
his bike had never been serviced.
Oh no.
Sorry.
I know.
It had seen, what'd you say, like 7,000 kilometers?
Over 7,000 kilometers since June.
7,000 kilometers since June.
And no servicing.
Oh my goodness.
Yeah. The bottom bracket hubs breaks everything.
So it was like your car breaking down.
Exactly.
(03:29):
The day before a cross country road trip.
The worst time.
How did he handle this?
Well, thankfully.
Yeah.
He was able to get it all sorted out.
Okay, good.
Just in time.
Okay.
He actually picked up his bike the day before
the first 600 kilometer ride.
Wow.
And even managed to squeeze in a little test ride.
Okay, good.
Yeah.
But I can only imagine what must have been
(03:50):
going through his mind.
Oh, tons of emotions.
At that point.
Excitement, nervousness,
probably a healthy dose of exhaustion.
Yeah.
From all the chaos.
For sure.
He said he went home, had a good meal,
tried to get some sleep.
Yeah.
Knowing that restful nights would be very scarce.
Yeah, I bet.
Next week, the calm before the storm.
(04:11):
Right.
So the big day arrives.
Can you set the scene for us?
Yeah.
Where does this 600 kilometer BRM start
and what kind of route are we talking about?
So the ride starts in Vijayawada.
Okay.
And the route's this challenging Y shape.
What?
Yeah, like someone stretched out their arms
and then bent them inwards a little bit.
Okay.
So it first takes riders eastward towards the coast.
(04:33):
Okay.
Reaching Michalapatnam,
which was actually his hometown.
Oh wow.
After about 75 kilometers.
Okay.
Then there's a U-turn inland towards Tiruvuru,
crossing the Andhra-Telangana border.
Wow.
Then another U-turn after 250 kilometers.
So they're going back and forth.
Yeah, kinda heading back towards that starting point.
(04:53):
Okay.
Then they push toward Hyderabad.
Wow.
Reaching Madhavaram at 480 kilometers.
Okay.
And then one last U-turn for the final descent
to the finish line.
So it's not just a physical challenge.
It sounds like a logistical puzzle too.
Oh, definitely.
So how does our cyclist approach
the start of this epic journey?
Well, interestingly enough,
(05:13):
he didn't have a set plan at first.
Really?
Yeah, he ended up riding with the event organizer.
Okay.
So it's a little bit of a juggish babu.
For the initial part of the ride.
Yes.
So sometimes the best laid plans.
I know, right.
Go out the window.
Yeah.
And you just have to adapt.
For sure.
So how did that partnership work out?
Did they stick together the whole way?
Well, remember, Machil Patnam.
(05:36):
Yeah.
Was our cyclist's hometown.
Right.
So as they headed that way,
he was feeling so energized.
Yeah.
I mean, he was fresh from his island trip,
the excitement of the ride,
and he actually pulled ahead of the pack.
Oh, wow.
So he's off to a strong start.
Yeah.
Feeling good, the wind at his back.
Yep.
But I have a feeling
this is where things get interesting.
(05:56):
You're right about that.
What happened next?
Well, at that first checkpoint,
Okay.
Mr. Juggish Babu,
while acknowledging his speed,
Yeah.
He kind of offered a word of caution,
Yeah.
You know, reminding him that this was just the beginning
Right.
of a much longer journey,
and emphasizing this consistency over speed.
Oh, so the classic tortoise and the hare.
(06:17):
Exactly.
You know, it's a reminder that pacing yourself
is so crucial.
Oh, especially in these endurance events.
Yeah.
So what was the cyclist's reaction to this advice?
He was initially unsure what to make of it.
Okay.
He started to doubt his speed a little bit.
Yeah.
And his pace actually dropped.
No.
He even struggled to finish his biryani at a roadside stop.
(06:40):
It sounds like the seed of doubt had been planted.
Yeah, for sure.
Did he manage to shake it off and like regain his composure?
It took some time for Mr. Jagdish Babu's advice to sink in,
but at that second checkpoint,
Okay.
he realized that consistency was key.
Okay.
And that's when the power of teamwork came into play.
I am curious to hear about that.
Yeah.
(07:00):
Because even in a solo sport like cycling,
having that support system can make all the difference.
Absolutely.
So who did he end up riding with?
Well, he decided to stick with this group.
Yeah.
That included Mr. Jagdish Babu, Aditya, and Mani Kheri,
who is nicknamed Pineapple.
Pineapple?
Yeah, they rode together.
That's cool.
Sharing stories, encouraging each other,
especially when fatigue and doubts crept in.
(07:23):
That's fantastic.
Yeah.
You know, there's a sense of shared purpose
and camaraderie in these events.
Yeah, absolutely.
It goes beyond just individual achievement.
For sure.
Did they manage to keep this positive momentum going?
For a while, yeah.
Okay.
They pushed each other through those tough stretches,
shared meals,
even crossed the Andhra Pradesh-Tillangana border together.
(07:44):
Oh, oh, here we go.
Yeah, as night fell,
the tone of the rides started to shift.
Our cyclist began to feel the weight of isolation.
That makes sense.
Remember, this was his first overnight ride.
Oh, wow.
First time cycling beyond 350 kilometers.
Right.
So that's where things can get really challenging.
(08:04):
For sure.
The darkness, the fatigue, the solitude.
Yeah, it's a whole different ballgame.
What were some of the challenges he faced as the sunset?
Well, for one, he was now completely alone.
Yeah, two of his companions had to quit.
Oh.
And Mr. Jagdish Babu had pulled ahead.
So he's by himself.
Yeah, he had to navigate those long,
(08:26):
challenging stretches by himself.
Alone in the dark with hundreds of kilometers to go.
It's daunting, right?
It's daunting.
Yeah.
And to make matters worse.
I know.
This pack of stray dogs.
What?
Just appeared out of nowhere and started chasing him.
Oh my gosh, that's terrifying.
I know.
What did he do?
He had to stop, dismount, and try to shoo them away.
(08:47):
Oh my gosh.
He said he was genuinely scared.
I can only imagine.
Unsure if he should just quit right then and there.
Yeah.
So much adrenaline.
It's remarkable how quickly that sense of security.
Right.
Can vanish in those situations.
So how did he push through that fear?
Well, it's really a testament to his mental fortitude.
(09:07):
Yeah.
He somehow managed to overcome it.
Wow.
And keep going.
Yeah.
It brings us to like a pivotal moment in his journey.
Okay.
Which really highlights the unpredictable nature
of these events.
Okay, I'm ready.
Tell me more.
So he's riding through this reserve forest.
Okay.
You know, the darkness feels heavy.
Yeah.
And he's starting to experience
some really strange sensations.
(09:29):
Like what?
Almost like his senses are playing tricks on him.
Yeah.
You know, I've heard about the effects of sleep deprivation
on endurance athletes.
Oh yeah.
It could really mess with your head.
Definitely.
What was he feeling?
He said he was feeling disoriented.
Okay.
Unsure if his eyes were actually open or closed.
Oh wow.
(09:50):
The fatigue, the darkness.
Yeah.
It was all blurring together.
It's scary.
And then just when he thought things
couldn't get any weirder.
Yeah.
His bike's headlight illuminated two snakes.
Whoa.
Slithering across the road.
Oh my gosh, snakes in the middle of the night.
I know, right.
That would rattle me.
Yeah, talk about adding insult to injury.
(10:10):
So how did he react to this surreal encounter?
Remarkably, he took it in stride.
Really?
Yeah, he encountered a support vehicle shortly after.
Okay.
Got some much needed encouragement.
Yeah.
A fresh bottle of water.
Okay.
And even shared a meal with this pack of dogs.
Was it dogs again?
Yeah, different dogs.
Okay.
But they seemed to be guarding him.
(10:30):
Oh wow, so they redeemed themselves.
Yeah, they were like his loyal companions.
So at this point, he still had a long way to go, right?
He did, yeah.
What was the next hurdle he faced?
Well, at 4.30 a.m., nature called.
Yeah.
And he had to get a little creative to find some privacy.
Yeah, about that.
It's those unexpected moments that remind us
(10:51):
that these rides aren't just about physical endurance,
but also adapting to whatever comes your way.
That's a good point.
Yeah.
He was really being tested on all fronts.
He was.
So with fatigue setting in and time ticking away,
how did he fare as he approached the next checkpoint?
He barely made it.
(11:11):
Oh no.
He arrived just seven minutes before the cutoff.
Wow.
He found Mr. Jagdish Babu resting there.
Oh, so they're back together.
They are, yeah.
That's good.
For now.
Talk about cutting it close.
I know.
It sounds like he was running on fumes at that point.
Hell, he was.
Did he even take a break at the checkpoint?
He did, but just long enough to freshen up.
Change clothes, grab some food.
(11:34):
Okay.
And then he joined Mr. Jagdish Babu again.
Wow.
What determination.
It's incredible.
But I imagine that post checkpoint fatigue
must have hit him hard.
Oh yeah.
How did he manage to stay awake?
That's a great question.
And keep pedaling.
One that we'll delve into.
Right after we take a moment to hear from our sponsors.
All right, sounds good.
We're back and I'm dying to know
(11:55):
how he fought off those sleep monsters.
Oh, he really had to dig deep.
Yeah.
He tried everything.
Like what?
To stay awake, washing his face.
Okay.
Stretching, even taking a quick jog.
Wow, pulling out all the stops.
Oh yeah.
Keep those eyelids open.
It was tough.
Did it work?
He still ended up falling behind Mr. Jagdish Babu.
Oh no.
(12:16):
Yeah, Mr. Jagdish Babu actually had to call him.
Oh wow.
And check on his progress.
That's not good.
I know, and realizing he was losing time.
Our cyclist decided to skip lunch.
Skip lunch.
Completely.
During this ride.
Yeah, and just focused on reaching that next checkpoint.
I mean, skipping a meal during something like this
seems so risky.
It is, especially when you think about the energy they need.
(12:39):
I can't even imagine trying to power through
on an empty stomach.
It definitely took a toll on him.
Yeah.
Especially with that scorching sun.
Oh yeah.
Headwinds, uphill climbs.
It's a lot.
Yeah, but somehow he pushed through.
Wow.
He reached the checkpoint with only 20 minutes to spare.
He's really living on the edge.
He is.
(12:59):
So I'm guessing he refueled there.
Oh absolutely, he had a quick lunch.
Okay.
And set off again.
Yeah.
With Mr. Jagdish Babu encouraging him to keep up the pace.
Okay, so was he able to bounce back
after that much needed break?
Not quite.
Oh no.
The post-lunch drowsiness hit him hard again.
I can imagine.
Yeah, this time he pulled over under a tree,
(13:20):
set an alarm, and took a 30 minute power nap.
Sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do.
I mean, a power nap is like a lifesaver.
Oh it is.
In these situations.
It can really reset your system.
Yeah, so what was the rest of the ride like after that?
Well he woke up feeling refreshed.
Okay, good.
And ready to tackle those remaining kilometers.
And thankfully, the weather shifted in his favor.
(13:43):
Okay.
The sun began to set, bringing with it this cool breeze.
Nice.
And a slight downhill gradient.
Oh that's nice.
I mean, sometimes a change in the weather
can really impact your mood.
Oh for sure.
And energy levels, especially during something like this.
It can make all the difference.
So what was it like for him during this final stretch?
(14:03):
He said he felt this renewed sense of energy and rhythm
as he pedaled toward the finish line.
Good.
At a toll plaza, the support vehicle stopped.
Okay.
Checked on him, offered some encouragement
and helped him with some stretches.
You know those small acts of kindness
can go such a long way.
They really can.
When you're physically and mentally drained.
(14:25):
Oh yeah, it's a reminder that even in these solo events,
the support crew plays such a vital role.
They do.
And then something really surprising happened.
Okay, what?
Mr. Jagdish Babu arrived at the toll plaza.
Shocked to find our cyclist there ahead of him.
What?
He had overtaken Mr. Jagdish Babu
without even realizing it.
(14:46):
Talk about a stealthy comeback.
I guess that power nap really paid off.
It did.
So with the finish line in sight,
I'm really hoping it was smooth sailing from there.
Wouldn't that be nice?
Yeah.
Of course there was one final hurdle.
Oh no.
Yeah, just 20 kilometers from the finish line.
Uh oh.
He got a flat tire.
A flat tire, no.
(15:07):
That is like a cyclist's worst nightmare.
It is, especially that close to the end.
Oh my gosh.
I know.
So what did he do?
Well, luckily there was a bike shop nearby.
He managed to inflate the tire and continue,
but then it started leaking again.
Oh no.
Just when he thought he might not make it,
he found another bike shop and got it fixed.
(15:27):
Oh my gosh.
This is a real nail biter.
I know, right?
So did he finally cross that finish line?
He did.
And how much time did he have to spare?
Well, he reached the finish line
just one minute behind Mr. Jagdish Babu.
Wow.
But they both completed that 600 kilometer ride
with just 49 minutes to spare
before the official cutoff time.
(15:48):
Out of all the riders who started this BRM,
how many actually finished?
Out of the 13 who started,
only nine completed the whole course.
So he not only finished this incredibly demanding ride,
but he did it amongst a select group of cyclists.
A select few.
Who persevered to the end.
That's incredible.
That's remarkable.
(16:08):
I can only imagine the sense of accomplishment
crossing that finish line.
Oh yeah.
He said it was a mix of relief, pride,
and just sheer exhaustion.
He took some time to celebrate with Mr. Jagdish Babu,
refueled, and then left his bike for servicing.
Smart.
Yeah, he borrowed another one to ride home.
Oh, that's a good idea after 600 kilometers.
Yeah, I bet even like a short ride home was felt surreal.
(16:31):
I bet.
But remember,
he still had three more BRMs to go.
He did.
To run that super random title.
That's right.
So what was next on the agenda?
The next challenge was a 200 kilometer BRM.
Okay.
And this time it would be just him and Mr. Jagdish Babu.
(16:51):
Okay.
Because the other riders
hadn't completed the first ride.
Right.
It sounds like their bond was really solidified
during that first one.
Oh, for sure.
So before we move on to the next leg of their journey,
let's take a moment to reflect.
Yeah, let's do it.
On this 600 kilometer experience,
what are some of the key takeaways?
Well, for one, it highlighted the importance of pacing.
(17:14):
He learned firsthand that starting too fast
can really lead to burnout.
Exactly.
Consistency is so much more valuable
than those bursts of speed.
Exactly.
Especially in ultra endurance events.
Right, and that's a lesson
that extends far beyond cycling too.
I was just thinking that.
It's about finding that sustainable rhythm
in any challenging endeavor.
Absolutely.
(17:35):
What else stood out to you?
His story also underscores that power of mental fortitude.
He had to push through moments of doubt,
isolation, fear, and pure exhaustion.
Yeah, it's really a true testament.
It is.
That rhythm and spirit, that ability to overcome adversity.
Absolutely.
And let's not forget the importance of support systems.
(17:57):
Oh, that's huge.
Even though this was technically a solo event.
Right.
The encouragement he received from his fellow riders.
Yeah.
The support crew, even those stray dogs.
Oh, yeah.
Made such a difference.
It made all the difference.
Such a great example.
It is.
That even in these individual pursuits,
we often rely on the support of others.
Right.
(18:17):
To achieve our goals.
Yes, we don't have to face challenges alone.
That's a good point.
Yeah.
His experience also revealed the unpredictable nature
of these events.
Oh, yeah.
From flat tires to nighttime encounters with wildlife.
Yeah.
He had to constantly adapt.
Right, to unexpected situations.
So being adaptable to thinking on your feet,
(18:38):
adjusting your approach, that's a valuable skill.
In any aspect of life.
Absolutely.
It's being resourceful.
Right.
Problem solving on the fly.
Maintaining that positive attitude.
Yeah.
Even when things get tough.
Especially when things get tough.
So out of all of this, what resonates with you most
about his 600 kilometer experience?
What's fascinating to me is that this ride wasn't just
(19:00):
about covering 600 kilometers.
OK.
It was about personal growth and self discovery.
That's so true.
You know, he faced his fears, pushed his limits,
and unearthed this level of resilience
he didn't even know he had.
That's a good point.
Yeah.
It's a reminder that sometimes the greatest rewards come from.
Pushing ourselves.
(19:20):
Stepping outside our comfort zones.
Yes.
And embracing the unexpected challenges.
Absolutely.
So as we wrap up this part of our deep dive,
what's one question our listeners should consider?
Imagine applying those lessons of pacing, resilience,
and embracing the unexpected to your own life.
Oh, that's a good one.
What personal challenges might you approach differently?
(19:41):
Yeah.
What goals might seem suddenly attainable?
That's a great question to ponder.
Yeah, think about it.
We'll be back soon to delve into the next chapter
of this incredible cycling journey.
Sounds good.
Exploring the dynamics of teamwork.
I like it.
And the final push toward earning
that Super Randonneur title.
It's going to be good.
Stay tuned.
(20:01):
OK, so we're back, and we're delving even deeper
into this world of ultra endurance cycling.
That's right.
You know, we're following the journey of this cyclist,
aiming for that Super Randonneur title.
Yeah, he's already done that incredible 600 kilometer ride.
I know, and he still has more to go.
He does.
It's impressive.
So what really stood out to me was his adaptability.
Yeah.
(20:21):
You know, he faced fatigue, isolation,
even those surprise encounters with the wildlife.
Yeah, he really had to think on his feet.
I know, and yet he still pushed through it all.
That mental resilience is key.
It is.
It's not just about physical strength.
Right, it's about the mental game too.
So now he's onto his second BRM.
OK.
So a 200 kilometer ride this time with just Mr. Jagdish Babu
(20:46):
by his side.
The tour.
So how does this one compare to that 600 kilometer
beast they just tackled?
Well, on the surface, 200 kilometers
seems like a walk in the park compared to 600.
But you've got to remember, their bodies
are still recovering from that previous challenge.
Right, they're not starting fresh.
Exactly, and they have two more BRMs to go after this one.
Oh my gosh.
(21:06):
So even though the distance is shorter,
that accumulated fatigue makes it just as demanding.
Mentally, oh yeah, for sure.
So this stage is all about managing those energy levels,
being focused.
Absolutely.
And I imagine leaning on that camaraderie
they built during that first one.
They'll need to support each other.
Speaking of camaraderie, I'm fascinated by their dynamic.
(21:27):
Yeah.
It seems like it blossomed from this chance encounter
into a true partnership.
It's a great example of mentorship in action.
What are your thoughts on that?
Well, I see it as this classic mentor-mentee dynamic,
but with a really unique twist.
OK, I like that.
Mr. Jagdish Babu, with his experience and wisdom,
(21:48):
he's like a guiding force, offering not just cycling
advice, but life lessons too.
Right, and our cyclist, even though he's newer to all this,
he brings this contagious enthusiasm.
He does.
Which seems to kind of reinvigorate Mr. Jagdish Babu.
It's like they feed off each other's energy.
It is, and this brings up a broader point about ODAX Rides.
(22:09):
What's that?
They're about self-sufficiency, yeah,
but they're also about the human connection.
That's a great point.
Forged through shared struggle and triumph.
You're pushing your individual limits,
but you're also part of this community,
this collective striving for something greater
than yourself.
That's a beautiful way to put it.
So as we wrap up this deep dive into this world,
what's the one message you hope our listeners take away
(22:31):
from all this?
I hope it inspires them to push their own boundaries.
Yeah.
You know, whatever those might be.
It doesn't have to be physical like cycling.
No, it could be creative, professional.
Anything.
Anything that requires dedication and perseverance.
It's a reminder that we all have this resilience.
We do.
I might not even know it's there.
It's waiting to be tapped into.
(22:52):
And to tap into it often requires stepping outside
that comfort zone.
Right, embracing those unexpected twists and turns.
Absolutely.
And finding your tribe.
Your support system.
Those people who will cheer you on.
Yeah, help you through those tough stretches.
They make all the difference.
So to our listeners, remember this cyclist's
incredible journey.
(23:12):
It's truly inspiring.
It's a testament to what we can achieve.
Absolutely.
If we adapt, persevere, and really just go for it.
You got it.
So think about it.
What challenges might you approach differently
if you embrace these lessons?
That's the question.
Keep exploring.
Keep pushing those limits.
(23:32):
And never underestimate what you're capable of achieving.
Thanks for joining us for another deep dive.
It was a pleasure.
Oh.
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