Making connections one pedal at a time: Is ultracyling the new golf?

Written by: Yashaswi KocharWhat is ultracycling?Ultracycling is any bicycle ride that is more than 200 kilometres (125 miles) in length or six hours in duration, completed as a single effort.Imagine cycling hundreds of kilometres alongside strangers, only to discover later that some of them are CEOs, entrepreneurs, or senior professionals. This is increasingly becoming part of the ultracycling experience. For decades, golf was seen as the sport where business leaders networked, built relationships, and even closed multimillion-dollar deals.Today, many cyclists believe ultracycling is emerging as a similar space — but in a different way. While more accessible than golf, the sport still requires a significant investment in bicycles, equipment, training, and travel to events across the country and abroad. Gurleen Kaur, representative of the club Lakshya Randonneurs, says, “I often see riders who could easily cycle solo but choose to join the community because of the people they meet. You spend hours riding together, grab a coffee afterwards, and suddenly you’re having a conversation with a CEO as if you’ve known them for years.” Kanwar Gill, a member of the organising committee of Audax India (Patiala), adds, “Many business owners, CEOs, and professionals are taking up ultracycling because it brings together people who share similar levels of discipline, commitment, and resilience. The connections formed during these rides feel more natural than ones built in formal business settings.”The community is booming Hitesh Sablok, a corporate lawyer who has been cycling for almost a decade, says, “As I moved towards long-distance and endurance riding, it started feeling less like a workout and more like a lifestyle.” Besides discipline and strength, ultracycling requires a group of people. Renu Singhi, an advisor at a university in Jaipur, says, “Cycling is totally based on community participation. All ages, professions, genders and income groups participate equally. For some, it’s a business which keeps the wheels moving.”‘On the bike, titles disappear; everyone is just a cyclist’ Ultracycling brings together elite professionals, creating a space where conversations naturally turn into meaningful connections. Says Hitesh, “During rides, people see each other at their best and worst, and that builds a genuine level of trust. It is difficult to maintain a façade for long.” He adds, “My current professional role came through a connection within the cycling community. That itself says a lot about the quality of relationships the sport creates. But the important distinction is that these relationships are usually a by-product of shared journeys.” However, cyclists share that the core of the sport lies in the shared passion for cycling. Jagruti Kumari Rathore, a businesswoman, says, “Cycling is very different from golf. People don’t show up to network; they come because they genuinely love riding. I have friends who are top executives in their respective fields. Cycling gives them a break from constant work pressure. It’s great for fitness and mental clarity. On a bike, titles disappear; everyone is just a cyclist.” How to pick up ultracycling as a beginner Start slowly and focus on consistency Begin with regular rides of 40-50 km and slowly increase the distance every month Join a cycling group to learn riding skills, nutrition, hydration, and road safety Ultracycling is more about patience and mental strength than speed. Once you are comfortable with long rides, you can start doing 200 km+ endurance rides and events — Inputs by Kanwar Gill, organising committee, Audax India (Patiala) ‘It helps build lifelong bonds’ “I have built a strong friendship through cycling. When you ride 300–600 km together, facing fatigue, weather and mental lows, bonds form naturally. Some of the people I’ve met through cycling are now an important part of my life. These bonds are built through long, difficult rides and shared experiences,” shares Jagruti Kumari Rathore, a businesswoman. “In many ways, the mindset required for endurance cycling is very similar to the mindset required in leadership, entrepreneurship, and corporate life today. In long-distance cycling, you quickly realise that success is not built on motivation or short bursts of energy. It is built on consistency, patience, preparation, adaptability, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. The same applies to running businesses, managing teams, or leading organisations. Endurance riding also teaches humility,” adds Hitesh. Races to take part in: India: Deccan Cliffhanger GOH (Gates of Haven) Tour of Nilgiris Abroad: PBP (Paris-Brest-Paris) Tour de France Race Across America (RAM)