Congratulations to Neha Tikam who broke the current Leh – to – Manali record in the Solo, Female, 18-49 age group on a standard bike.

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Cycling World Record Attempt

Solo Cycling (Female)

LEH TO MANALI- DR NEHA TIKAM

15 Aug 2024(0700hrs) to 17Aug 2024(0327 hrs.)

  1. I, Dr. Neha Tikam successfully completed the LEH-MANALI Fastest Solo Cycling (FEMALE) attempt (15 Aug 2024 to 17 Aug 2024) in 44 Hours 27 Minutes. The distance travelled by me on cycle from Leh Gate, Leh to Manali was 429.31 km along with a cumulative elevation gain of 5,814 m (19,074 feet). I started from Leh Gate, Leh, Ladakh at 0700h on 15th August 2024 and reached Beas River at Manali at 0327 on 17th August 2024.
  1. Pre-Event Preparations: Before my attempt I went through a strict physical and mental toughening routine under my coach Mr. Siddhartha Gadekar including proper nutrition, cycling exercises and endurance building. I also went through an acclimatization schedule to prepare for this event due to the high altitude involved.
  2. Event Actual: I started on 15 August 2024, the Independence Day of my country and was flagged of by the Chief Engineer, Himank from the Border roads Organisation. My first climb itself of Tanglang la was a big challenge not only because of the altitude of 5,328m m (17,480 ft), but also due to rains and snow which was bitingly cold, at temperatures nearing 0 degree centigrade, I managed to stay on my saddle despite all the hardships willing myself to push on against all physical discomfort. I crossed two more passes of Lachung La and Nakeela at 5,059 & 4769 meters respectively. After Pang I had to negotiate a 40 km stretch which was under widening, hence in a very bad condition. 
  3. We had a planned halt at Sarchu which was delayed due to the adverse weather and terrain conditions. After a short halt at Sarchu we headed for the mighty Barlacha La at an elevation of 4,850 m (15,912 ft). Approaching Manali turned into a big adventure as I negotiated heavy rains and bad road conditions enroute before I completed my ride by 0327 hrs., early morning of 17 August 2024, where the Leh-Manali Hwy crosses the Beas River.
  1. We had planned my nutrition meticulously at intervals depending on distance and elevation during the ride. I also took short breaks in between on day 1 and 2 to change my wet clothes, Head winds and bad terrain in places, were the main challenges I faced other than the usual problems of fatigue one faces on a long ride as this.
  2. I used my Cannondale road bike mainly and a Marin MTB where the terrain was very bad due to road repairs or high altitude mountain climbs.
  3. The entire event was documented on my Garmin device and transferred to Strava. It was also photographed and recorded on video by my support Crew who did an outstanding job to make my event a success.
  4. The Leh to Manali expedition for WUCA record was an interesting experience and will remain etched in my mind forever as it challenged me physically and mentally to the extremes.