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Through the Night & Beyond

Writer's picture: Shivanand DandavatimathShivanand Dandavatimath

The idea started as a simple desire—to experience the thrill of riding at night, something none of us(myself vats and prasad )had ever attempted before. It wasn’t just about the distance; it was about venturing into the unknown, testing our limits, and embracing the adventure. But before the ride even began, the first hurdle was convincing my family and my partners,After much persuasion, I managed to get their approval, and with that, the real journey began—one of planning, preparation, and anticipation.


As the event drew closer, every detail was carefully considered: what to carry, our ride strategy, and how to manage energy levels. The excitement built up as we fine-tuned our plans. When the day finally arrived, everything fell into place seamlessly.


Day 1

The Night Ride: A New Perspective


The first leg of the journey kicked off with Vats leading the way, riding alongside Matty (Dr. Matti). Our team and Chintan’s team had decided to stick together, with Amit Sir pairing up with Chintan, Vats with Matty, and me with Dr. Vinay—a complete stranger at the time.


A quick introduction with Dr. Vinay before the ride was all it took for us to agree—we would ride together. The experience of cycling at night was surreal. One unexpected realization struck me as we pedaled through the darkness: the beauty of a night ride is that you don’t see the elevation coming! Without the visual anticipation of climbs, the ride felt smoother, almost effortless. It was a unique experience that left a lasting impression.


As we completed our first leg, feeling strong and accomplished.


Day 2: Heat, Challenges, and an Unexpected Gift


Originally, our plan was to start riding at 6 AM, but considering Bangalore’s notorious traffic, we adjusted our route and decided to begin from the city’s outskirts. Before that, we took a moment to capture the essence of the ride—a memorable photo session in front of Vidhan Soudha, basking in the patriotic vibes as Republic Day approached.


By 9 AM, amit sir was on the road, facing the full force of the sun. The scorching heat tested endurance, yet pushed forward, determined to finish strong.


A lighthearted joke I made on the first day to Dr. Vinay—about a cyclone bringing clouds on the 25th—unexpectedly became reality. As I kicked my afternoon ride at 1 PM, the skies darkened, and a welcome layer of clouds shielded us from the relentless sun. The overcast weather made the journey far more bearable, transforming what could have been a grueling ride into an enjoyable one.


By the end of Day 2, exhaustion hit me like a wave. Sleep-deprived and drained, doubts crept in about whether I would be able to complete the final leg. When I voiced my concerns to Amit Sir, the look on his face said it all—giving up was not an option.


Determined not to let fatigue win, I managed to catch some rest at a pump station that night, gathering just enough energy to push through the last and most awaited stretch.


Day 3: The Final Push to Dhanushkodi


At 6 AM, I embarked on the final leg of our adventure—destination: Dhanushkodi. The roads stretched flat before us, and the morning weather was perfect, making for a comfortable and scenic ride.


But the journey was far from over. As we neared the finish, the wind turned against us. The last few kilometers became a battle, as strong headwinds tested our resolve. Each pedal stroke required extra effort, but the thought of crossing that final milestone kept us going.


And then, at last, we made it.


finishing the last ride brought an overwhelming sense of achievement. We had completed the ride with no punctures, no injuries—just pure, unfiltered joy.


A Special Salute


No story of this ride would be complete without acknowledging two extraordinary ladies who rode with sheer grit and determination, matching and even surpassing some of the most seasoned riders. Their strength and resilience were inspiring, and they deserve immense respect for their performance.


Final Thoughts


This ride wasn’t just about cycling; it was a test of endurance, mental fortitude, and unforgettable memories.


A huge shoutout to the EIOB team for organizing such a remarkable event—one that pushed us to our limits and unforgettable memories.


Looking forward to more such thrilling adventures in the future!

Sanjay

Team Souparnika

Sanjay Rolli

Amith Hosur

Shrivatsa Hegde

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