Amongst enthusiastic randonnurs, Tripti and Abhishek pedal their ways to glory

RAIPUR: Carving a niche amongst the enthusiastic randonnurs, Tripti Rao became the first woman Randonneur from Chhattisgarh to complete 600km brevet in 27.5hrs in Noida. Her state-mate Abhishek Tiwari also became the first man rider from the state to complete 1200km bravet in 75 hours at the Noida-Jammu route.
Tripti, who is a lawyer by profession, told TOI: "Since 2012 I was doing long distance cycling and previously I have complete 200km, 300km and 400km brevets from Nagpur also.Brevets are the long-distance checkpoint bicycle rides with route length of 200, 300, 400, 600, 1000 and 1200Km to be completed in 13.5, 20, 27, 40, 75 and 90 hours. This time I took 27.5 hours to complete my brevet and became the first women rider of Chhattisgarh to do so".
Asked about how difficult it was? Tripti replied: "If a rider on consistent practice of cycling than he or she can do it though they have to start gradually because it needs a large amount of stamina and energy so regular practice is the only mantra. I live in Raipur but I am doing my professional practice in Bilaspur High Court so go for ride 2-3 times in a week. And when I made my mind to complete it I worked hard for it".
Another rider who made the state proud by completing 1200km brevet in 75hours, is 35-year-old Abhishek. He told TOI: "200, 400 and 600km brevet already under my belt so I just thought about the next step of 1200km and by god's grace I achieved it so now it was like dream come true. When I completed 600km brevet it encourage me to go for another and it taught me a lot of things. First and foremost 'never give up' how much difficult the way is. So finally I have become the first man from Chhattisgarh randonneurs which is one of the best moment of my life".
Talking about Raipur randonneuring, one of its member Dipanshu Jain said: "Raipur randonneuring is formed in October 2016 and there are 84 members in it, including 5 female cyclists. Randonneuring (also known as Audax in the UK, Australia and Brazil) is a long-distance cycling sport with its origins in audax cycling. In randonneuring, riders attempt courses of 200km or more, passing through predetermined "controls" (checkpoints) every few tens of kilometres. Riders aim to complete the course within specified time limits, and receive equal recognition regardless of their finishing order. Riders may travel in groups or alone as they wish, and are expected to be self-sufficient between controls. A randonneuring event is called a randonnée or brevet, and a rider who has completed a 200km event is called a randonneur".
To promote cycling recently state government tourism department has also organised Tour de Chhattisgarh event in three parts in which more than 50 cyclists had participated including four females from state, India and abroad. 1984 Olympic gold medallist Alexi Grewal also participated in 400km bicycle ride which was held from Raipur to Chitrakote.
Randonneuring is popular in France, and has a following in the Netherlands, Belgium, United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, United States, Canada, Brazil, Ireland and India.