Techie sets Guinness Record cycling from Kashmir to Kanyakumari in 13 days

Gopikrishnan Kesavan from Tamil Nadu has set a new Guinness Record for the fastest journey on a cycle from one end of India to the other. Kesavan, who works with the USI team of Deloitte, set the record by covering a distance of 3,641 km in just 13 days.?The 27-year-old rode the renowned ‘K2K’ route from Kashmir to Kanyakumari Beach in Tamil Nadu, unsupported, on a standard cycle.?

Started on?December 18, 2023

Kesavan started from the Lal Chowk Clock Tower in Srinagar on December 18, 2023, and completed his journey at Cape Comorin Kanyakumari Beach in Tamil Nadu on December 31, 2023.

Also read:?Kashmir To Kanyakumari In 100 Days: This 33-YO Is Running To Spread The Message Of 'HOPE'

World Ultra Cycling Association

His journey was unsupported, meaning he didn’t have a team following behind to provide him with food, carry his supplies, or drive him to a hotel at the end of each day. Kesavan relied only on himself, stopping at roadside restaurants and tea shops to eat, and sometimes sleeping inside them if he couldn’t find a room for the night.

Riding 18 hours a day

He typically cycled for 18 hours per day, using the remaining six hours to sleep and eat. According to Kesavan, the biggest challenges he faced were finding food and dealing with the weather, which ranged from frigid temperatures up north to sweltering heat down south.

World Ultra Cycling Assocaition

Fastest unsupported India N-S crossing??

The Guinness Book of World Records has accepted Kesavan's achievement as the fastest unsupported India N-S crossing by standard bicycle.

“It is incredible for any rider to cross cities that hold historical importance and monuments within India during the K2K ride,” Kesavan said. “Riding this scenic route is a herculean task and a dream come true for any cyclist who is a passionate endurance rider,” he added.

Also read:?Two Girls Cycle From Kashmir To Kanyakumari For Pollution Awareness

World Ultra Cycling Assocaition

Only started in 2021

Kesavan, who only started long-distance cycling in 2021, is overjoyed to hold a world record. “After reading about the K2K, I was dreaming about this ride within myself and was completely submerged in that ambition. It's a prestigious moment in my life as a village person like me holding the Guinness World Records title,” he said.

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