Manipal , KARNATAKA :

MANIPAL:

There was no heart break the second time round for intrepid cyclist  S S S Shameem, assistant professor  of MIT, Manipal University. Having fallen agonisingly short of attempted solo cycling journey from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, a 3,500-kms ride in 23-days in 2016; Shameem successfully completed Okha (Gujarat) to Dibrugarh (Assam) solo cycling expedition covering 3,400-kms, a journey that started on May 15 and ended on May 29.

This solo cycling expedition which he decided to complete in just 20 days was not for any record, but to spread message of unity and humanity in a greener and healthier way. Shameem’s endurance and past experience in such long distance cycling events saw him cover the distance in just 15-days. Shameem said, “I just managed those extra miles each day, helping me shave off a good five-days from my earlier journey schedule of 20-days.”

If the Okha to Dibrugarh journey saw Shameem cover 3,400-kms, for his journey from Manipal to Okha he travelled a hectic 2000+ km which saw him undertake a roller-coaster journey of 50 hours. Starting with Gujarat, and followed by Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal , and Assam; each state had its own surprising flavour. During this journey, he passed through six states and UTs, 35 districts, and many cities, NHs, check-posts.

Risk factor of cycling in particular sensitive parts of UP and Bihar was a matter of worry for him, though it turned out all safe and sound without any issues. “Constant support of parents, wishes of friends paid off, and I could finish the feat without any major challenges,” he said. Factoring the summer heat and aiming to cover sufficient distance, he spent most of the day resting while covering major part of the route during early morning, late afternoon, evening, and night hours.

The distance covered daily was around 200km to 300 km. With heat, causing irritation; modified schedules; and focus on extra mileages, Shameem could not enjoy beauty of the nature around; nor could he stop at places to interact with people as he wanted. Throughout the journey; he was getting offers for help and support from many. Since such offers would consume time, forcing him to travel additional distance to reach to them; Shameem avoided it all.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Mangalore News / by Jaideep Shenoy, TNN / May 31st, 2017