Cycling into the record books

Cycling along the busy streets of Hyderabad is no walk in the park, but for Sagar Dewrari, Rishabh Joshi and Pankaj Bisht, it was a much-looked-forward-to pit stop on their journey across the country.

The three started out from the hilly state of Uttrakhand in early November, and were in the city on Friday after journeying through 15 States and two Union Territories.

“All of us have completed our graduation and are into adventure and long-distance cycling. We are a part of the RS Group, Nainital, which promotes cycling to raise awareness about social causes,” says Sagar. “Our first expedition was in 2017, when we cycled through the entire length and breadth of Nainital. In 2018 we cycled to Leh-Ladakh from Nainital. The ride was to raise awareness about women empowerment.”

This time, the three, who have been friends from college, are on a mission to create a record in India and Asia for the longest cycling expedition of 15,000 km within a single country. “We are covering 28 states and two Union Territories in around four months to make it into the Limca Book of Records. Moreover, we will be able to raise awareness and educate people everywhere we go about ‘Save Earth from Pollution’. Wherever we go, we try to visit schools and sports academies to spread the word”, added Sagar.

Covering such a massive distance is a challenge not only on physical and mental resources, but on financial resources too. “We are happy that the Run2live organisation is sponsoring us and the governments of Punjab and Madhya Pradesh too helped us when we were touring their States,” he says.

Along the way, the three have had to endure bouts of fever and cold, and cope with a few flat tyres, but their enthusiasm and determination to forge ahead remains unmarred. “This ride has enabled us to meet so many people, learn about different traditions and cultures,” says Sagar.

After resting for a day in Hyderabad, the team will pedal their way to Vizag. “There are a lot of States left to travel through. But as of now, we think we will be able to complete the trail in March,” Sagar concludes.