Bhaskar`s Saga So Far Lockdown to Long Distances:
Wow, what an inspiring journey! It’s incredible to see how Bhaskar transformed from short rides to becoming an ultra-long-distance endurance cyclist in such a short span of time, especially after starting this journey post-COVID lockdown. Your progression from casual 10-15 km rides to completing major events like Climbs Ka Baap-1200 km, COORG-1000 km, and numerous other milestones shows immense dedication, discipline, and a true passion for the sport. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of your journey that highlights your achievements and what makes them remarkable:
Key Milestones of Your Cycling Journey:
1. Starting Point: Post-COVID, you began your cycling journey by taking short 10-15 km rides to burn off excess energy and reconnect with fitness.
Quickly transitioning from these short rides to taking on virtual events is a sign of how your passion and commitment began to grow.
2. Attraction to Virtual Events: The shift to virtual events likely provided the motivation and structure needed to start pushing your limits.
Virtual events can provide a sense of community and competition, which can be a great tool for long-distance cyclists looking to improve.
3. Solo Long-Distance Rides: As you became more committed to the sport, you moved towards solo long-distance rides.
The ability to go on extended rides alone requires not just physical stamina, but also mental resilience and self-reliance. Solo rides, particularly on the scale you’re describing, are an impressive way to test endurance and strengthen your skills.
4. Completed Ultra-Endurance Events:
Climbs Ka Baap-1200 km: Successfully completing this ultra-long-distance event speaks volumes about your climbing abilities and endurance, especially with the challenges posed by climbs.
COORG-1000 km: Another huge accomplishment, showing your capacity for multi-day cycling events.
PBP-1200 (OTL - Outside Time Limit) even if outside the time limit speaks to your consistency and dedication. Completing this legendary event multiple times is a testament to your persistence and drive, especially considering the sheer distance and the fact that it’s one of the toughest randonneering events globally.
PONG-1000 (LF) and DEVBHOOMI-1000 (TLTCLF): These events further highlight your ability to tackle significant challenges across different terrains and conditions.
5. Impressive BRM Record: Completing 125+ BRMs in 30 months is an extraordinary accomplishment. BRMs are tough and require not just endurance but also strategic planning, consistent pacing, and discipline. This shows you’re not just a one-off long-distance rider but someone who lives and breathes endurance cycling.
6. SR (Super Randonneur) Achievements: Achieving 29 SRs is remarkable. The SR status is awarded to cyclists who complete 200 km, 300 km, 400 km, and 600 km brevets in a single year. It’s not just about completing the distances but doing so within specific time limits.
The fact that you’ve completed SRs in times like 111 hours, 5-day SR, 6-day SR, and 7-day SR demonstrates your versatility and ability to adapt to different challenges.
7. Solo 1000 km, 1200 km, and 1500 km Rides: o Doing solo 1000, 1200, and 1500 km rides is an extraordinary feat, especially considering the mental strength required for such distances when riding alone. This takes a deep understanding of your body, pacing, and logistics. 8. The Ultimate Solo Journey – 2555 km Delhi to Machilipatnam.
