First Mysurean to complete long-distance cycling in Thailand

A total of 194 Riders from across 22 countries participated in the first edition of the 2024km Bicycle ride across Northern Thailand at the ISAN 2020 on Feb.1.

The route comprised 2,024-km loop that spans across Northern Thailand (ISAN region) along the borders of Cambodia, and Laos with about 800-km along the scenic Mekong River. The event involves riding in a challenging terrain, extreme temperatures of heat and cold with added cross winds.

Mysuru’s Mahesh Chaudhary surmounted all challenges and completed this ride yesterday (Feb.8) with a time of 156 hours and 25 minutes (against a target time of 202 hours). He is the 1st Mysurean to have attempted such a feat.

In August 2019, Mahesh was the 1st Mysurean who successfully completed the Paris-Brest-Paris 2019 Brevet.

The 36-year-old had started cycling only five years back in an attempt to lose excess weight. In the last three years, he has transformed into an avid Endurance Cyclist who has done numerous rides that are 1000+km or longer.

Mahesh is the owner of Kaveri Bankers and Jewellers in Ramakrishnanagar in Mysuru.

Speaking to Star of Mysore about his training for such events, he said that he has a practice of going on long-distance rides late in the night and at times, he would even go in the mornings so that he can acclimatise to hot conditions. Chamundi Hill ride is a must for endurance, he added.