From a casual cyclist to a professional, 30-year-old D. Jagadeesh Babu has come a long way. He wanted to stay healthy and reduce his fuel bills thus he decided to cycle a bit daily.
A decision taken 18 months ago transformed this city cyclist into a die-hard pro cyclist emerging as South India’s No. 1 cyclist completing in as many as 10 Super Randonneur rides (SR) in one year.
Incidentally, this budding entrepreneur has also emerged as India No. 2 for his pedalling expertise by completing 10 SRs in 18 months.
Super Randonneur is a self-regulated cycling contest organised by Audax India Randonneurs (AIS), an all India organisation recognised by Paris-based Audax Club Parisien for conducting and overseeing all Brevets de Randonneurs Mondiaux events in India.
“In this gruelling contest, a cyclist has to cover 200km (13hs 50m), 300 (20hrs), 400 (27hrs), 600 (40 hrs) kilometre distances within the prescribed times decided by Audax Club. I covered these distances ten times pedalling different directions from November 1, 2016 to October 31, 2017,” says Jagadeesh, with a sense of pride. This avid cyclist, after the twin achievements, is now preparing to take part in the prestigious Deccan Cliff-hanger ride that covers a distance of 672 kilometres from Pune to Goa via Mahabaleshwar. “This is the toughest domestic ride, as a cyclist will face many rocky terrains,” he points out.
Stable mind
Mr. Jagadeesh, who cycles solo as well as in groups, says cycling is more to do with mind than body. “For a layman, it appears that a cyclist should possess strong limbs to withstand the vagaries of nature while pedalling in unknown terrains. But more than body, an unyielding and stable mind is the quintessential requirement,” he says.
Obstacles
He started cycling on Hi-brid Cannondale Bad Boy and later shifted to more sophisticated Trek Emoda (S6). “A cyclist faces many obstacles while reaching his destination such as head wind, which strikes him or her from the front and tail wind which enables to move faster. Accidents, scorching sun, traffic jams, rains, steep turns in mountains, are some of them”.
Mr. Jagadeesh thanked Pedal Zone, an outfit close to PVP Mall, that promotes cycling pursuit among denizens, for offering lifetime free service for his bicycles and also sponsoring his trips and said that riding the right cycles with the right dimension are important for hassle-free ride,” he emphasises.
Year 2019 will be crucial for Mr. Jagadeesh, who will be participating in the world famous Paris-Brest- Paris cycling event covering 1,200 kilometres. “This is the oldest cycling event in the world and it is my dream to take part in it,” pedals off the die-hard cyclist.