My First BRM -200 KM

(Nothing is impossible , if we think we can)

I never thought to be a part of any BRM before 2nd July 2017, as I'd a normal cycle and had done 50 KMs 2-3 times only.

So, the date was 2nd July -2017 for a 200 KM BRM at Indore and I'd also prepared myself to participate in the same without thinking much about the counts of my past long rides, as somewhere someday I'd to start.

I's so crazy for this BRM and already purchased a new bike (hybrid), good shorts, energy gels etc etc. and reached at Indore a day before.

As the ride's start time was 6:00 AM , so when I reached at the decided point, I saw there lot of riders with the age bar of about 25 to 60 Years.

I planned to cover up first 100 KMs in 5 hrs , as I knew that I was a new one for these rides and after 100 KM , it would be going tough for me.

The good thing in Cycling is that you can enjoy the scenic route and the best part of the BRM is that , you can stop anywhere and capture the memories in your camera also.

I'd 2 water bottles with me and sachets of energy drinks also (energel), energy bars, some chocolates to keep myself hydrated during the ride and to have carbohydrates and calories also to get some energy to keep going on. 

So, everything was going fine and I covered first 100 KM in 5 Hrs and reached at Dodi ( a midway in between Indore- Bhopal highway) and it was also a second check point of this BRM , where we'd to transact through an ATM to have a transaction slip as a proof.

Here almost all the riders reached and were taking snaps etc and after some time we returned back (took U turn) to have a lunch (organized by the club) at about 4 KMs from Dodi (Sole Retreat).

As I finished my lunch , I again geared myself to be on track to complete the remaining 100 KMs, but  I's not aware that the real struggle will start in completing the remaining 100 KM s only.

As soon as I started  my ride, rain started along with a strong winds and that also in opposite direction , which forced me to think , " whether I'll complete it or not".

Though, without thinking so much ,  I continued my ride with putting lot of pressure on my legs to increase the speed to cover up the time and simultaneously was enjoying the ride also with a lot of scenic view and also replying to small kids by waiving my hand in the air, who were there to in route to cheer us by smiling and shouting with positive notes.

All were going well till I felt that my cycle got punctured and that definitely again forced me to think, " Now , how can i make it to complete".

These sort of rides are self supported rides and you've to cure your problem by yourself only,  .though some volunteers are also there to support you for such things and I almost wasted about 30-35 Min in making my cycle ready to ride again.

Now again I started to ride and this time I tried to increase my speed to  cover up the lost time , but simultaneously I felt that my muscles were also tired a lot and finding hard to push further.

At some time I stopped, sit and start thinking  to QUIT.

But I talked to myself and made myself understand that QUIT is so easy , and the pain was also there, but definitely the PAIN is for a while and the VICTORY is for ever , so as a warrior I again motivated myself and started my ride and went just opposite to what my mind suggested to QUIT.

After few hours I took a small break of 15-20 Min and decided to enjoy the rain and weather by having 2 cup of teas for myself along with some biscuits and meanwhile I promised myself to complete the BRM , whether in time or out time, but have to complete.

At this time I completed almost 150 KM and again prepared myself to complete the remaining 50 KM.

Finally , I completed my ride in 13h 12m (time limits was 13h 30m) and really I's feeling great at that time , as now, officially I could say myself as a RANDONNEUR.

Groups/Colleagues in these BRMs matters a lot as they are the real motivators and supporters of yours and the rides also become an enjoyable when you stop at different points with your fellow riders  to capture the memories in your camera, to keep the same live, forever.