Amember of Ranchi Cycling Club Kanishka Poddar recently rode from Manali to Leh and climbed 5 treacherous mountain passes on the way, out of which 2 were above 5000 metres and one was the second highest motorable road in the world.
It was a self supported trip wherein he carried over 20 kilos on his bike which included his tent, sleeping bags, etc. It took him 10 days to ride from Manali to Leh, crossing 2 mountain passes over 5000 mts, and 3 over 4500 mts, rode in rains, snowfall, next to glacier, crossed the freezing cold river on bicycle, through dry deserts, plains at 4800 mts, through clouds in the second highest motorable road in the world, never ending climbs and magical valleys of Himalayas which would change every day. His experience was incredible in ever aspect and we are proud of him.
Recalling his experience Kanishka said, “It was an amazing experience. Everyday a new challenge would come up like a strong head wind, freezing weather or extremely low oxygen level. You realize you are travelling against nature and one needs to respect nature to be able to survive. You need to be very strong mentally for doing the ride because you are in a place where there is no population. It’s not impossible, if you think you it’s possible, you can do it.”
Kanishka has earlier toured from the west coast of Thailand to East coast covering approximately 800 kms and also in Vietnam covering over 1000 kms. In India he rode from Bombay to Lonavala and back (220 kms), Guwahati to Shimla and had successfully completed BRM 200 wherein he rode from Delhi to Panipat and return, covering 220 kms, riding continuously for 11 hours. He even received a Bronze Medal from the French Club Audax for successfully completing BRM 200 in Delhi.