When it comes to creating milestones, age doesn't matter, says Sumana B Jayanth, after meeting 11-yr-old Sukhdev, who covered nearly 200 km in two days
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Nothing's going to stop me now: Sukhdev rides on the Bangalore-Mysore highway |
When it comes to creating milestones, age doesn't matter, says Sumana B Jayanth, after meeting 11-yr-old Sukhdev, who covered nearly 200 km in two daysu00a0
Sukhdev Muralidharan may be pint sized but he's a veteran at reeling off facts and figures. "I've covered 186 km in just two days," he says. There's no air of arrogance but a touching enthusiasm about the youngster. He shares his journey with our readers.
I love to cycle in my housing colony. Ravi Ranjan, my neighbour, would watch me every day. One day, he told me that I could qualify for the cycling events, which his group, Tour Of Nilgiris (TFN), organises regularly. I was excited at the prospect of cycling across hills and valleys. I began dedicating more time to cycling. I also began improvising under Ravi Ranjan's guidance.u00a0
The big day
At the TFN event, I was the youngest rider, and I covered a distance of 94 km on day 1. The next day, I rode 90 km in 8 hours. The journey was strenuous but satisfying. Though I was extremely tired, I was determined to finish my ride. My dad and a team of doctors followed me, so all I had to do was concentrate on my goal.u00a0u00a0
Work and playIt's been a tough balancing act between studies and sports. I have to dedicate a great deal of time to cycling, so putting in hours every day at the study table is sometimes tough. On weekends, I usually head out on cycling trips.u00a0
Fighting fit
I believe cycling is one of the best ways to save our earth from the pollution and our city from traffic jams. I would love to see more people using bicycles. Cycling keeps you fit and ensures that you save the planet.
