Against All Odds: My Unsupported 24-Hour Cycling Time Trial in Nagpur and the Journey to 462 Kilometers in RUSH24
Introduction
Sometimes, the most extraordinary adventures begin with a split-second decision. Two days before the Nagpur 24-hour cycling time trial, I found myself hastily packing my new Scott Foil RC 30 into my car, preparing to drive 1,200 kilometers to Nagpur. With leaves approved at the last minute, I decided to take on this challenge, unaware of the physical and mental battles that lay ahead.
On February 11, 2025, I lined up at the start line, determined to push my limits. What followed was 24 hours of grit, exhaustion, and triumph as I completed 462 kilometers, qualifying for the prestigious Race Across India (RAIN) 3.0. This is the story of that unforgettable ride.
The Last-Minute Decision
It all started with a text message: “Leaves approved.” Two days before the event, I made the impulsive decision to participate. My new Scott Foil RC 30, barely broken in, was wrapped and loaded into the car. At 10 p.m. on February 9, my support team and I began the grueling 1,200-kilometer drive to Nagpur. The journey was exhausting, with little rest and constant motion. We reached Nagpur at 5 p.m. on February 10, just in time for the Bib Expo. After a long-awaited proper meal and a few hours of sleep, I woke up at 7 a.m. on race day, ready to face the challenge ahead.
The Race Begins
The start line was 40 kilometers from our CRPF guest house, a place of discipline and order that provided a sense of calm before the storm. At 11 a.m., the race kicked off with seven of us competing in the 24-hour category. The route was a 38.5-kilometer loop, slightly circular, with excellent road conditions. The daytime heat was intense, and the wind was relentless, but I started strong, fueled by adrenaline and determination.
The First Half: Strong Start and Small Breaks
The first 10 hours were a blur of focused effort. I maintained a steady pace, taking short breaks at designated time stations to replenish my energy. By 10 p.m., I had covered 230 kilometers and was in a good rhythm. However, the toll of the long drive and lack of proper rest began to creep in. My body was feeling the strain, and I knew the night would be the real test.
The Night: A Battle Against Fatigue and Darkness
As the evening cooled, so did my momentum. I decided to take a longer break for dinner, which stretched into a two-hour pause, including a half-nap, half-sleep session. Changing into warm clothes helped combat the dropping temperatures, but it also slowed me down. My body cooled, and I struggled to regain my earlier tempo.
The night ride was surreal. Some patches of the route were pitch dark and eerily quiet. My mind began to play tricks on me, conjuring thoughts and images I’d rather not recount. Fatigue was my constant companion, and I found myself stopping more frequently for coffee to stay awake. At 4 a.m., I nearly crashed, drifting dangerously close to the edge of the road. The adrenaline from that close call kept me going, but it was a stark reminder of how fragile the balance between success and failure can be.
The Dawn: A New Wave of Energy
As the first light of dawn broke, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. The sunrise was breathtaking, and its warmth brought a much-needed boost to my weary body. By morning, I had crossed the 400-kilometer mark, but there was no time to celebrate. With three hours left, I set my sights on the 450-kilometer cutoff required to qualify for Race Across India (RAIN) 3.0, a 4,100-kilometer race from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
The Final Push: All Out for the Finish
The last three hours were a full-on sprint. Every pedal stroke was a battle, but I pushed harder than ever before. At 10:50 a.m., I crossed the 462-kilometer mark, collapsing in a mix of exhaustion and elation. I had done it. Not only had I completed the 24-hour time trial, but I had also secured my qualification for RAIN 3.0. I finished tied for 4th place, a result I could hardly believe.
Reflections and Lessons Learned
This ride was more than just a physical challenge; it was a test of mental resilience, adaptability, and sheer willpower. Here’s what I took away from the experience:
- Last-minute decisions can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Sometimes, saying “yes” to an opportunity, even when unprepared, can result in unforgettable achievements.
- Fatigue is the ultimate adversary. The lack of sleep and proper nutrition made every kilometer harder, but it also taught me the importance of preparation.
- The night is both beautiful and brutal. Riding in the dark is a mental battle as much as a physical one, and staying alert is crucial.
- Small victories keep you going. Breaking the ride into smaller goals—like reaching the next time station or the next sunrise—helped me stay motivated.
- The human spirit is resilient. Even when every part of you wants to quit, there’s always a little more left in the tank.
Conclusion
Completing 462 kilometers in 24 hours was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it was also one of the most rewarding. This ride reminded me why I fell in love with cycling in the first place—the sense of accomplishment, the beauty of the journey, and the lessons learned along the way. Qualifying for RAIN 3.0 is a dream come true, and I can’t wait to take on the next challenge.
Two years ago, I felt this same sense of pride after completing my first 200-kilometer BRM. Now, after nine years of pedalling, I’ve achieved something I never thought possible. This ride was epic, and I’m proud of every kilometre.
Call to Action
Have you ever taken on a last-minute challenge or pushed yourself beyond your limits? Share your story in the comments below—I’d love to hear about your experiences and what you learned from them. And if you’re considering a 24-hour time trial or an endurance ride, feel free to ask me anything. Let’s keep pushing our limits together. 🚴♂️