Life is a collection of journeys, so we should make sure to embark on some amazing ones from time to time. Our article is about someone who is no stranger to planning such journeys. In the past, he has traveled from Vasai in Maharashtra to Chandrashila Chopta in Uttarakhand. This was a solo journey that spanned 7 states and a total of 1,958 km. Now, that in itself is big deal, but there’s more.
The man we are talking about is Rohit Kalparuksh, for whom cycling is not just a hobby, but his passion and one of the reasons that make life worth living. The 1,958 km we talked about, he made that journey on a bicycle! We know it sounds crazy because it truly is crazy! He completed that solo trip in 2018 and this year, he wanted to up the ante.
On February 6th, 2023, Rohit started his second cycling expedition from Nagpur, Maharashtra towards Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh. He was accompanied by his trusted bicycle and a 13-kg rucksack. Let’s not forget that he also had tons of enthusiasm, confidence, and well wishes from his loved ones, especially his wife and his adorable daughter.
This is a solo cycling trip that’s going to take him through seven states and will require him to pedal for 2,450 km. His cycling route would take him through the states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh.
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/chalo._chale/
We know that this solo journey was a difficult challenge, but we also know Rohit could manage it. This is why Unstumbled decided to sponsor this feat and be a part of his milestone, and journey forever.
But just completing the ride is not the end goal here. After reaching Dirang, Rohit will begin his basic mountaineering course there. Anyone who undergoes this is required to have an immense amount of stamina. It is safe to say that by cycling for 2,450 km, Rohit will build more than enough stamina required for the training.
He loves cycling and he is one of the few people who managed to turn their passion into a profession. Rohit and his wife, Ayushi co-founded Chalo Chale, a company that specializes in organizing bike tours, backpacking tours, and beach camps. If you want to take a break from your daily routine and have a memorable outdoor experience, these are your guys.
Now that you know about this adventurer, avid cyclist, and our friend, let’s take a closer look at his journey.
Also Read: 9 Of The Best Bicycling Trips To Take From Bangalore
Rohit and his dear ones arrived at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station in Mumbai to say their goodbyes and shower him with their best wishes. He took a train to Nagpur, Maharashtra, and from there, the adventure was on. Just like that, he was alone on this journey with thousands of kilometers to cover and lots of experiences to encounter.
The beautiful city of Nagpur was the starting point for Rohit’s cycling expedition. He had to take it easy on the first day, to recover from the train ride. The next morning, he took off on his trusty cycle and headed towards Deolpar village.
From the crowded and traffic-riddled streets of Mumbai to the ones that are surrounded by trees on each side, this is one transition that puts a smile on every Mumbaikar’s face.
The ride from Nagpur to Deolpar was almost 70 km. But he did not just spend his entire day on the seat. He ate the specialty of Nagpur, their famous poha. He met the locals and also tried some of their other popular food.
That’s the best part of cycling trips. You get to move at your own pace and soak in everything that’s around you since every halt is an opportunity to experience something new.
Also Read: 15 Free Things To Do In Mumbai
The day when he was making his way from Sihora to Katni, the cycle got a flat tire. Both of these places are in Madhya Pradesh. Sihora is a small town in MP while Katni is a city situated on the banks of River Katni. These places might not be known to everyone and may seem like any other town or city. But Rohit got a glimpse of the local life, the people, and the culture there, creating an unforgettable memory for him.
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/chalo._chale/
On his ride across the seven states, he will have encountered many such towns and cities. Places that don't appear on Instagram reels, but are an epicenter for quirky experiences for our rider.
Also Read: Top 7 Things To Do In Madhya Pradesh
On the 8th day of the ride, it was time to bid farewell to Madhya Pradesh. He left Mauganj and was en route to Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh. The city of Mirzapur is much more than you can see in Amazon Prime’s hit series. It is a pilgrimage destination laden with waterfalls and ghats. The place is blessed with the bounty of nature.
For our friend Rohit, it was just his trusty bicycle and the road - the only companions he needed. He has been cycling a crazy amount of kilometers every day. At this point of the journey, Rohit’s cycle has become a part of his body.
Uttar Pradesh is the most populated state in India, but it will always manage to accommodate anyone who wants in. If you want to explore the vast rural side of our country, then you must consider this beautiful state. From its delectable sweets and ancient temples to its old alleys and people, it’s simply marvelous. At first, you might be experiencing a cultural shock, but give it some time, and UP will cast its magic on you. It certainly did on our rider!
Also Read: Cycling Tour Of Old Delhi
You can call it Banaras, Kashi, or Varanasi, this is a city that cherishes the centuries-old Hindu traditions with pride. It is considered by many as the holiest of all cities because it is home to the River Ganga.
Roam this city’s little streets, shop at Thatheri bazaar, gobble some kachori sabzi, and talk with the locals. Rohit’s Instagram reels uploaded on Chalo Chale’s page perfectly captures the vibrancy, timelessness, and daily life of Banaras.
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/chalo._chale/
Eventually, Rohit had put UP in his rearview mirror as it was day 13 and he was reaching Chapra. In other words, he was in Bihar.
It is sad that Bollywood has not fully portrayed the beauty of this state. Just like most cities in UP, you will find Chapra to be full of activity and offbeat experiences. Rohit got to visit many other towns such as Muzzafarpur and Forbesganj cycling through Bihar.
Also Read: The Subah-e-Banaras Experience - Mornings In Varanasi
It was day 22 and a major chunk of his journey was over. Around 1,600 km! It is hard to believe that just a few weeks ago he was in the comfort of his home. ‘Until you step into the unknown, you don’t know what you’re made of’, this has been Rohit’s mantra and now he is getting closer to discovering the answer.
Now his journey has taken him to Ghoshpukur, West Bengal. Again there’s a massive change in almost everything. The language, the culture, the food, and the list goes on. It’s like every day he was learning something new. Just imagine how many stories this man will have when he comes back.
When we think about West Bengal, the first thing that comes to mind is the Bengal tiger. Rohit is lucky he did not come across any of them while cycling!
He made his stops in places like Jalpaiguri and Hasimara. These places showed him Bengal beyond the tigers and the sweets.
Also Read: 48 Hours In Kolkata: The Ultimate Itinerary
On the 2nd of March, 2023 at around 5:30 pm, Rohit reached Alipurduar city in West Bengal. His journey is not over yet. There are more states to cover and many more roads to pedal on.
We will be concluding this article for now, but we can’t wait for Rohit to keep progressing and accomplish his mission. Stay tuned for part two of this article where we will continue on about the rest of his remarkable journey.
