Up until the middle of the last decade, I had never imagined cycling would become such an integral part of my life. I was deeply occupied with my interests in software programming, photography, blogging, and travel. I had also been associated with several marathon events in the city as an official partner, yet the thought of taking up endurance sport myself had never really crossed my mind.
But come 2017, everything changed for good.
What followed was an invigorating journey that gradually turned cycling into one of the most meaningful pursuits in my life. The experiences shared here are reflections from that journey, not necessarily in chronological order, but as moments that shaped my love for life on two wheels.
What follows are moments from that journey. I hope you will enjoy the ride.
The Story of 2025
A rewarding journey, whether personal or professional, is always deeply satisfying. But what if one could nurture both with equal commitment and experience the best of both worlds?
That, to me, has defined the past few years. And 2025 stood out as special.
Beyond my regular responsibilities in the corporate world, exists another world, in fact multiple worlds, that I deeply cherish. One among them is my love for outdoor endurance sports: cycling, running and trekking. For years now, I have lived inside a self-created bubble, a space built with discipline, silence, mountains and miles. It is so fulfilling that I seldom felt the need to look beyond it.
Today, I choose to reveal one part of that world.
The Beginning of a Decade Long Journey
My love for cycling began in 2017.
For many of us who grew up in the 90s and earlier, cycling is not new. It was part of childhood, a symbol of freedom and simplicity. I still fondly remember renting a bicycle as a kid for just ₹1 and getting to ride it for nearly an hour. Those simple rides brought immense joy. As adulthood unfolded, cycling slowly transformed into something far more meaningful.
What began as preparation for high altitude Himalayan treks gradually evolved into a defining passion. Leisure rides became structured routines. Routines became goals. Goals became yearly commitments. With each passing year, I found myself pushing a little further than before. There is perhaps no better way to build endurance for Himalayan expeditions than cycling. For an introvert who thrives in adventure, this path has been nothing short of a blessing.
There was a time, well before the COVID period, when I regularly commuted to work on my bicycle. Back then, cycling as a daily commute was uncommon. Yet the modest bicycle steadily became an integral part of my lifestyle.
An interesting side effect followed.
My yearly fuel expenses became lower than what an average person might spend in a single month. What started as fitness quietly became practicality. Any guesses? Let me know in the comments section below.
Cycling was no longer an activity. It became a way of my living.
From Commutes to Randonneuring
The journey did not stop at daily rides.
During the 2020 and 2021 season, I stepped into the demanding world of randonneuring, long distance endurance cycling events that test patience, preparation and mental strength as much as physical stamina. Those journeys were defining.
Riding extended distances, managing time controls, navigating fatigue and learning how the body and mind respond beyond comfort zones became an education in endurance. Those seasons built a deeper foundation and reshaped my understanding of discipline and resilience.
The Solitary Ride
Most of my rides are solo.
I begin early, often before the neighbourhood fully awakens. There are no fellow riders to draft behind and no group energy to rely on. There is no external motivation.
Just me and my inner voice.
My day often begins in the quiet hours.
A warm cup of coffee in hand.
A careful look at the planned route.
A quick inspection of the bicycle.
And then I roll out.
Through sleepy lanes and past curious street dogs, toward wider arterial roads where the ride truly begins. Reaching the main roads always brings a small sigh of relief.
From there, the experience becomes meditative.
Cycling strengthens the body by improving aerobic fitness and muscle tone. More importantly, it clears the mind and prepares me for the day ahead.
Then there are the sunrises, spectacular visuals that only early riders are privileged to witness.
Self motivation becomes the driving force. It is a quality that must be cultivated patiently. It takes mental strength to push through distance, maintain focus and embrace silence.
Cycling, to me, is also a form of yoga where scattered thoughts slowly merge into one. As the wheels turn rhythmically, the noise inside the mind begins to settle. What starts as multiple streams of thought gradually becomes clarity.
Within that solitude lies a rare joy. The freedom to choose my pace. The mental clarity it creates. The quiet satisfaction of completing long distances purely on personal effort.
Nearly every successive week over the past 7 years, I held firmly to this discipline. The result was not just improved stamina, but strengthened psychological resilience.
Cycling at the World’s Highest Motorable Pass
What is the thrill in riding on city roads? At sea level, it is routine. At 18,000 feet, it is a dialogue between body and mind. Importantly, the mind must lead.
In 2017, just hours after completing an intense trekking expedition to one of India’s highest trekkable summits at 20,000 feet, I chose to ride to Khardung La Pass in Ladakh, perched at approximately 18,000 feet above sea level and widely known as one of the highest motorable roads in the world. Read the full story on India’s highest trekkable summits here.
Thin air. Endless mountains. Every breath mattered.
It was not just a ride. It was a double delight. First on foot to extreme altitude, and then on wheels across the roof of the world.
That moment remains etched in memory.
Here is a photograph captured at Khardung La Top, 18,380 feet, in 2017.
From Routine to Sport
Over time, cycling evolved from a routine into a sport in its own right.
I remain selective about the events I participate in, valuing discipline and authenticity over mere participation. Each event demands preparation. Each finish line carries meaning.
Every medal earned represents early mornings, consistent effort, minor sacrifices and the determination to keep going.
2025 stands as a testimony to that consistency, a year where balance was not just spoken about, but lived.
Approaching 25,000 km, soon!
Scroll below to explore the medals earned in 2025 and the stories behind each ride.
The medals you see today are not mere decorations. They are reminders of those silent mornings and unwavering determination.
Stay Connected
If you would like to follow my rides in real time, you can find me on Strava:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/46261565
If you enjoy long form reflections, travel stories and photographs from the mountains and the road, consider joining my broadcast list for future updates.