In this candid and raw Tough Girl Podcast EXTRA episode, we reconnect with the unstoppable Vedangi Kulkarni — the youngest woman to have cycled around the world, who's recently returned from doing it again.
Now based in Inverness, Scotland, Vedangi opens up about her second attempt at cycling around the globe — this time not just for the journey, but in pursuit of a Guinness World Record.
From racing Lael Wilcox to navigating border delays, funding pressures, and the relentless physical and mental toll of riding across five continents, Vedangi doesn't hold back.
This conversation is about pushing limits, embracing failures, and finding strength when things don't go to plan.
Highlights from the episode include:
- Breaking a record in the Himalayas (Manali–Leh Highway) in 2023
- Preparing to cycle the world again in 2024 — and finding sponsorship, gear, and coaching
- Struggles of travelling on an Indian passport and the challenge of visa logistics
- Being delayed at borders, detained, and ultimately forced to return to the UK mid-ride due to visa expiry
- Restarting in 2025, finishing the ride under the blazing Indian summer sun
- Dealing with the post-expedition blues and finding her footing again
Vedangi's story is one of resilience, honesty, and fierce determination. Despite knowing she wouldn't get the world record, she kept going — driven by passion, grit, and the belief that stories worth telling are born from adversity.
Now, she's looking ahead to her next expedition, ramping up her YouTube and Substack presence, and continuing to speak openly about the realities of life as a woman of colour in adventure sport.
Heads-up: This episode includes some strong language.
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Show notes
- Who is Vedangi
- From India but currently based in Inverness, Scotland
- The Adventure Shed
- Coming back from her 2nd ride around the world
- Speaking to Vedangi in Sep 22, 2020 - Vedangi Kulkarni - The youngest woman to have circumnavigated the world on bicycle.
- Tough Girl Extra Oct 27, 2022 - Vedangi Kulkarni - Adventurer and endurance athlete moving into mountain biking and crossing Svalbard.
- The focus of this episode - what Vedangi has been up to over the past couple of years
- Deciding to cycle around the world again
- 2023 - visiting the Himalayas and going after a point to point record. GWR for being the fastest women to cycle the Manali-leh Highway
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