Congratulations to Ramanjaneyulu Naidu who set the Unsupported record from Bangalore to Prayagraj in the Male 18-49 age group, standard bike categories.
Ride Report from RAM
The preparation for the record ride is equivalent to a kid waiting to get on the Ferris wheel, excited and scared at the same time.
Being part of an Ultra cycling family is a record not just for shelf but for self. My records were limited to a lake of myself, with this venture I’ve entered into an ocean of motivation and challenges. If not for WUCA record, maybe I would have taken some extra hours to reach the destination, not trying to push my limits.
I’m summarising my adventure with the help of four hormones that travelled with me.
As soon as WUCA allowed my record attempt, the dopamine effect kicked in. The happiness and reward hormones encouraged for the big day.
The effect of oxytocin started after the first day 200+kms planned ride. Bonding with my bike, road, weather, Mother Earth, all combined kicked in for next day. The road and weather are roller coaster of experiences.
The weather can be perceived with these two pics.
A blazing sun and soothing sun on day 02 and day 07 respectively.
Temperatures ranged from 400 C to 100C. Body is ready to take the heat, wasn’t sure if cycle is ready to melt. As it is said tougher times pass, it certainly did. My initial plan of full night ride on last day, proved to be a tougher challenge than planned. There was a flat tyre on day 06 during midday.
I fixed the tube, and there’s no water to clean. Stuffed my riding gloves in my jersey and started ahead. Next at lunch stop, I washed myself and checked for riding gloves, only to find that they jumped of jersey somewhere. The losing of gloves showed a wrist freezing ride for the last full night ride. My body had seen fire and freeze during a single ride. Yea it’s definitely not so unusual, but certain are difficult episodes.
With passings days on saddle, flat tires, hot middays, difficulty in finding hotels at night, finding nutrition in the morning, unavailability of fruits for three days along the highway, the Serotonin was driving along with me and my cycle. Physical and mental emotions were balanced by gyroscopic serotonin.
After I reached Jabalpur, the biggest city I was supposed to cross in Madhya Pradesh, my confidence boosted, and body was ready for the last and longest leg of the journey 24hour continuous ride. Endorphins started running through my blood vessels and peaked as rode through the night and reached the destination. Body is tired but my soul is serene and settled.
Penance through ride is peace at finish line.
I’m keen eager to plan my future rides even more meticulously with enough time for approval.
Taking this opportunity to thank Meera Velankar who convinced me to wait for the approval, while I was tensed in passing days to get approval. Now I knew all the wait was worth its weight.
Thanks Larry and Team.