City boy cycles 82 km non-stop; sets record

When seven-year-old Abinav G from Coimbatore set out on a non-stop ride on his bicycle from Kalapet, Puducherry to Mahabalipuram recently, little did onlookers believe that the boy would traverse 82 km without any glitches. But, Abinav covered 81.7km in 3 hours 32 minutes, in style. And, with that feat, he not only made it to the India Book of Records, but also the Asia Book of Records.
An excited Abinav, second grade student of the Camford International School, tells us, “I practiced every weekend before attempting the record. I like racing and cycling.” When quizzed how he celebrated the occasion, he said, “My school is closed for holidays. So, I will celebrate with my friends later. But, they called and wished me.”
Son of yarn manufacturer Gopalasamy and G Ramya, employee at a private firm, Abinav’s tryst with cycling began when he was just around 4 years old. “It was in August 2018 that he took it up professionally. The turning point was when we met J Krishnamoorthy, secretary of the Coimbatore District Cycling Association. He was the one who introduced us to all these races and feats. During these months, he took part in a few road and mud racing events. He was also part of the Coimbatore District Level Cycling event in the Under 11 Category, in which he bagged the second place. His biggest milestone was the World Record attempt by India on ‘Longest Single Line Bicycle Parade (moving)’, which comprised 1,235 participants. The event was held in Hubballi, Karnataka and the feat was achieved by the Hubballi Bicycle Club. He was the only child participant in the entire group,” says Abinav’s mother Ramya.
Talking about the recent record, she says, “For a successful attempt, the minimum criterion requires covering at least 50 km non-stop for the Indian Book of Records and 60 km non-stop for the Asia Book of Records. Abinav started riding at 4.30am and reached Mahabalipuram at 8.20am. He had water, lime juice, and chocolates to keep the energy levels high. He was not supposed to step down from the cycle. He got used to having all these while riding during the practice sessions itself. We were riding behind him and giving these to him. There were four bikers around him who kept cheering for him throughout the ride. When he achieved the record, it was an exciting moment. We are planning to take part in more events like this.”