Congratulations to Usha Mali and Meera Velankar for setting the record for Oman N-S in the following categories: Unsupported, Female, Tandem, 18-49 age group.

Rider Narratives 

Usha Mali

The ride of a lifetime. I had done a similar event earlier in Sri Lanka with the same team and the same cycle, but Oman felt completely different.

Women were rarely seen on the roads, and cycling itself was uncommon. We rode 800 km through the desert, more a mental test than a physical one. We named our tandem “Columbus,” as it felt like we were discovering vast, untouched desert landscapes. Camels everywhere, and endless desert for eight days straight. 🐪

One moment that stayed with me was when someone said, “You people are made in India; so strong.” 🇮🇳

One morning, I rode 60 km in the captain’s position, and it felt absolutely wonderful. 🚴

 Meera Velankar

It was a wonderful experience conceptualizing and executing this ride for India. Two-woman tandem rides remain my passion, my obsession, and my identity. This time, we did a strong simulation ride in far tougher conditions in Maharashtra to prepare ourselves.

Our team name was “Tandem Mafia from India,” and we were determined to complete the distance in good time, entirely unsupported.

Out of the 1,230 km, nearly 800 km was a massive desert stretch; no shops, no shade, just relentless wind and sandstorms. It made the ride a true adventure. We are especially grateful to the transport truck drivers who motivated us with their horns as they passed, offered us cold water and supplies, and stopped to speak with us. Those small gestures meant a lot. 🚴‍♀️

We wholeheartedly thank everyone who supported us:

 • RV Construction – Cash sponsor

 • VMS Group – Cash sponsor

 • Meneki Nutrition – Nutrition partner

 • Tour of Nilgiris – Cycling jersey support

 • Evolution Bikes, Vashi – Technical partner for tandem maintenance

 • Polygon India – Tandem equipment partner

 • Ratnagiri Cycling Club – Training partner for Meera 2026

 • Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra – Training partner for Meera 2026

 • Mahesh Dabholkar – Media partner

This journey was not just a ride; it was belief, endurance, and teamwork coming alive.