Today, January 29, 2025, I crossed a milestone I never imagined reaching: 30,000 kilometers of cycling, logged over 779 rides. It all began with a simple decision—to ride.
I hadn’t been on a bicycle since my school days, nearly four decades ago. But on June 23, 2021, driven by the boredom and isolation of the COVID-19 lockdown, I took my first ride on a Schnell cycle. What began as a way to stay active soon became something much more: an obsession, a passion, and eventually, a way of life.
As my love for cycling deepened, so did my commitment. I soon upgraded to a La Sovereign cycle, which carried me through my first 100-kilometer ride. Then, in June 2021, I purchased a Polygon Path 3. With these three bikes, I’ve explored Goa extensively—riding along coastal trails, past heritage forts, through vibrant towns, and into quiet, charming villages—documenting the region’s rich cultural tapestry one ride at a time.
The leap from casual rides to long-distance expeditions came in October 2021, when I set off on my first real adventure: a challenging climb from Siliguri in West Bengal to the capital of Sikkim, Gangtok. Gruelling and unforgettable, that ride ignited a spark that still burns bright.
That spark soon led me beyond India’s borders. In April 2022, I embarked on my first international cycling trip: a 1,200-kilometer journey across Nepal. Starting again from Siliguri, I pedaled through Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Lumbini, finishing in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. The rugged Himalayan foothills tested my endurance and reshaped my understanding of what I was capable of.
Then came Vietnam—a country so captivating I returned five times. Across those visits, I cycled more than 3,000 kilometers, drawn back by its breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality, and rich cultural heritage. From the terraced hills of Sapa in the north to the winding roads of the Mekong Delta in the south, Vietnam became a second home on two wheels.
Between my Vietnam adventures, I also cycled through Sri Lanka in May 2023, completing a 2,200-kilometer loop around the emerald island. That ride took me along sun-drenched coastlines, through former conflict zones, and into ancient cities steeped in history. Cambodia soon followed—not once, but twice—adding another vibrant chapter to my growing cycling map.
Every country, every route, every climb and headwind has taught me something—not just about geography or culture, but about resilience, simplicity, and the generosity of strangers I have met along the way. The world, I’ve learned, is best understood at the speed of a bicycle.
And yet, even after 30,000 kilometers, my journey feels far from over. The road still calls. With plans to pedal through a few more countries—and maybe even cross the length of the equator before the year ends—I continue to explore the world, one pedal stroke at a time.
This photo marks that unforgettable moment when I hit the 30,000-kilometer milestone on Strava—a snapshot that captures not just years of movement, but thousands of stories, and the endless road that lies ahead.