A Ride to Remember: Venugram Cyclists Conquer the Road to Heaven (Rann of Kutch)

When passion meets endurance, legends are born! Eleven extraordinary cyclists from the Venugram Cycling Club Belagavi embarked on an epic journey, pedalling their way from the vibrant streets of Belagavi to the mystical expanse of the Rann of Kutch – a staggering 1,500 km ride completed in just 10 days (Nov 15 – Nov 25, 2024).

Each dawn greeted them with the thrill of unknown terrains. At the same time, the evenings ended with stories of resilience, camaraderie, and sometimes, discovering a humble roadside eatery with the most unforgettable flavours.

To these 11 warriors –
Jasminder Singh Khurana
Ramesh Govekar
Chanakya G
Abhinandan Hanji
Raj Chavan
Rohan Hargude
Dhiraj Bhate
Manoj Gaonkar
Raju Nayak
Mahesh Chougule
Sachin Astekar
– you’ve proven that life begins at the end of your comfort zone. You didn’t just ride; you inspired a generation.

Special applause to Ramesh Govekar, who conquered this monumental feat on a single-gear cycle, earning the well-deserved title of the Iron Man of Venugram! His unwavering determination proved that the only limits are the ones we set for ourselves.

Here’s what a few of these trailblazers had to say:
Jasminder Singh Khurana: “Every turn of the pedal revealed a new story, a new landscape, and a new part of me I didn’t know existed.”
Ramesh Govekar: “A single gear, infinite dreams. It’s not about the bike; it’s about the will to keep going.”
Chanakya G: “We rode through the heart of India, embracing its beauty, challenges, and flavors. This ride was a journey for the soul.”
Dr. Abhinandan Hanji: “The roads tested us, the winds pushed us, the unforgiving salt and water of the Rann of Kutch challenged us, but the bonds we built kept us moving forward.”
Raj Chavan: “There’s no greater feeling than riding into the unknown and discovering not just new places, but also a stronger version of yourself.”
Rohan Hargude: “The road was our canvas, and each kilometer was a brushstroke of adventure. Unmatched!”
Dhiraj Bhate: “Every sunrise was a promise of something incredible waiting ahead. This journey redefined what I thought I was capable of.”
Manoj Gaonkar: “This ride wasn’t just about kilometers; it was about the friendships, the laughs, and the shared moments that made every mile worthwhile.”
Raju Nayak: “Cycling teaches you to face the wind and the uphill battles with grit and grace – a lesson I’ll carry forever. Age is just a number for me.”
Mahesh Chougule: “The Rann of Kutch was our destination, but the memories we made on the way will forever be my treasure.”
Sachin Astekar: “This ride was a celebration of endurance, exploration, and the sheer joy of being alive and on the move.”

Day after day, clocking 150-200 km, these heroes braved challenges, cheered each other on, and carried the spirit of Belagavi to the sands of the Rann, where the sun dipped below the horizon as if saluting their triumph.
Let’s celebrate their grit and glory – a testament that with passion, anything is possible!