Dr. Amit Samarth (Nagpur) and Lt Col. Dr. Srinivas Gokulnath (Nasik)—two doctors in their mid-thirties, are right now fighting their worst nightmares and chasing their wildest dreams. For years, they had worked hard to translate these dreams into reality.
On June 14, Amit and Srinivas joined the most competitive cyclists in the world as they began pedalling from the east coast of the USA in what is considered the world’s toughest sporting event—Race Across America (RAAM).
If they succeed in their mission, they would create a history, every Indian ought to be proud of. Unfortunately, their story has gone almost unnoticed: the media seems to have completely ignored the herculean efforts the two Indian cyclists are putting into.
As of now, they are relentlessly riding their bicycles across the two US coasts. Unfortunately, Samim Rizvi, now 49, the third participant from India and a legend in Indian endurance cycling circles— he attempted the race thrice (in 2010, 2011 and 2012)—had to drop off after 500 miles.
What makes Race Across America, the toughest and the most ruthless sports event? These numbers shall tell you: in the last 35 years, less than 200 racers have officially finished RAAM, compared with over 2000 individuals who have conquered Mt. Everest. No wonder, this event calls for highest grit, determination, passion, and endurance.
Amit and Srinivas will have to conquer a total distance of more than 5000 km in just 12 days. That is 450 km per day! Collectively, the finishers will ride a combined distance equivalent to circling the Earth at the equator seven times. They will ride as low as 170 feet below and as high as 10,000 feet above the sea level. The elevation range exceeds 170,000 feet. They will ride through 12 states of the USA and shall cross the five longest rivers that are entirely in the US: the Mississippi, Missouri, Rio Grande, Arkansas and the Ohio. They will have to endure temperatures in the day as high as 100 degrees and nearly freezing nights.
Just to finish within the 12-day time limit, they cannot afford to sleep more than about 2 hours a day. They will eat, drink and even occasionally fall asleep on their bicycles.
Amit and Srinivas are being supported by a crew— their family, friends, and fans. Thousands of bicycle lovers in the country are tracking their journey—live—calculating where they are, what their speed is, how much they have slept and how much is left.
I am waiting—anxiously and expectantly—to see Amit and Srinivas conquer the race. My heart is beating for them!