I was supposed to start pedaling from Kanyakumari on August 15. I had visualized the flag, the wind, the first turn of the crank. Instead, fasting left me lightheaded, First AC tickets didn’t come through, and the plan began to unravel. No train. No clean Plan B. Just a mission too big to postpone and a belief that if I kept moving, the road would open.
This is the true story of how I reached the start line with almost nothing except courage, community, and a stubborn promise to myself.
The Message That Arrived Before the Start Line
When the train option failed, I turned to alternatives. Over the previous week, I had been in touch with Rajan sir from World on Wheels, discussing how to make the start possible despite the delays. A huge thanks to Sagarika ma’am—Bhavira’s trainer—who connected me and actively helped when it mattered. For context, much of what I’ve been able to do with my dog, Bhairava, is because of the guidance of Kumar sir, who also trains dogs.
We first explored going by Rajan sir’s caravan, but his schedule was packed and the dates didn’t align. He didn’t let the plan die. He made calls and stitched together a working route: a vehicle from Bengaluru to Madurai, space in a lorry onward, and a car for the final stretch to Nagercoil. It wasn’t elegant, but it was motion—and motion was everything.
I restarted from Bengaluru on the night of August 22 and reached Nagercoil at about 1:00 AM on August 24—tired, dusty, relieved.
The People Who Carried Me to the Start Line
Back on August 2, I uploaded a reel about my upcoming trip. That same day, a message came in from Vignesh on Instagram: “Bro, I saw your reel. I’m from Nagercoil near Kanyakumari. I’m also a cyclist. If you need any help, let me know.” I replied then itself: when I come to Kanyakumari, I’ll contact you.
I announced the start for the 15th. It didn’t happen. Life did. On August 23, I wrote to Vignesh that I was finally coming. He didn’t ask for a long plan. He made a simple one: “Stay here tonight. Start fresh from Kanyakumari in the morning.”
I went to his home and rested. In the morning, while I was taking a bath, he quietly packed my cycle and my gear—ready to roll. We drove to Kanyakumari at dawn, hosted the flag, and at 7:00 AM on August 24, I pushed the first pedal.
A local cycling club, Team Warriors , joined us at first light in Kanyakumari. They came out specifically for the flag hosting and stood with us at the start line. Their early-morning presence, smiles, and encouragement turned a quiet rollout into a shared moment. It felt like the journey wasn’t beginning alone—it was beginning with a peloton of goodwill.
The People Who Carried Me to the Start Line
This journey began before kilometer one. It began with people.
Ranveer, who dropped me from Avalahalli to Doddaballapura.
Lawrence, a driver from Tamil Nadu, who took me from Doddaballapura to Madurai.
Vijay Sharma, who arranged the car from Madurai to Nagercoil.
Prakash, the driver who handled that last leg.
Sagarika ma’am, who actively stepped in to help at the right time.
Vignesh, who opened his home, packed my bike, and stood with me at sunrise.
And Rajan sir, who didn’t just wish me luck—he engineered a route out of thin air after a week of discussions to make the start possible.
I’ll never forget this: I had ₹300 in my account. That’s it. On August 22, Rajan sir called friends, rallied support, and arranged ₹25,000 so I could move. “You’re doing good work,” he said. “Go.” Sometimes faith arrives as a single sentence that changes your week.
This is why I trust the process. When you move, even with nothing, the world moves something toward you
Why I’m Riding: The Mission in One Line
I’m cycling from Kanyakumari to Cape Town—29 countries, about 35,000 kilometers, 780 days—to raise ₹1 crore for rebuilding a rural school: Shri Kariyambha High School, Kariyammana Hatti, Chitradurga, Karnataka. It’s a world-first route and a simple promise: turn effort into opportunity for children.
The First Week: The Tamil Nadu–Karnataka Push
Day 1: Kanyakumari → Tirunelveli
Day 2: Tirunelveli → Sivakasi
Day 3: Sivakasi → Madurai
Day 4: Madurai → Karur (via Dindigul)
Day 5: Karur → Dharmapuri (via Namakkal, Salem)
Day 6: Dharmapuri → Bengaluru (via Krishnagiri, Hosur)
I’ll refine the path as I go, but the compass is set.
Lessons From Day Zero
Plans fail. People don’t.
Money helps. Momentum matters more.
If the train doesn’t come, take the van, the lorry, the car—whatever gets you to the start line.
Announcements are easy. Showing up is the work.
Gratitude, Today and Always
To everyone who messaged, called, hosted, drove, arranged, or simply believed—thank you. This expedition is my pedal stroke, but it’s powered by your trust.
The flag is up. The wheels are turning. Kanyakumari is behind me. Cape Town is far ahead. Between them is a road stitched with people who make the impossible practical. And to close the loop with clarity: Bhairava is my dog; my journey with him has been shaped by trainers like Kumar sir, and on this start-line scramble, it was Sagarika ma’am who stepped in and helped when it counted.
Wishing you success in your mission.
Admire your courage dedication and discipline.
God bless you and your project.