Riding a 100 centuries

If Prasad Wadepally, had been told a year ago that one day he would be riding a cycle and completing 100 centuries (cycling 100 km in a day for 100 days) in a year he’d have laughed. But the 43 year old, who is working as PA to educationist Marri Laxman Reddy, did complete the epic feat on December 28, and became the first Indian to do so.

For someone who took to cycling only two years ago to tackle obesity, the achievement is all the more exhilarating. “I am just ecstatic on completing the 100 km century challenge. To know that I’m the first Indian to do so was the cherry on the cake,” says Prasad.

While the last 60 centuries (from November 3 to December 28) came consecutively, Prasad completed 31 centuries in December alone, covering 3,412 km and riding for 157 hours. 

This is a world record for the most number of consistent centuries (31) and third in India in terms of number of kilometers covered. A delighted Prasad ascribes this phenomenal feat to a cyclist group and friends who encouraged him to take up cycling.

It was in 2017 that Marri Laxman Reddy, President of the Hyderabad Cyclist Group, welcomed Prasad into the group by gifting him a cycle. Recounting on how he took to cycling, Prasad shares, “Earlier I used to regularly walk and participated in 10k events. Since I am young, my friends advised me to get into cycling as the sport has a lot more to offer,” he says, adding, “I first participated in the 70 km Freedom Ride in August 2107. That gave me the confidence to go further. My group was inspired by my average cycle speed (23 km per hour), and with renewed spirit and encouraging words from Ravinder Nandanoori (Group Founder), I went on to participate in various competitions and win certificates.”

In the process, Prasad went on to become a Super Randonneur — completing four Brevets (events) in one season — 200 km, 300 km, 400 km and 600 km – in 2018.

In September 2018, Indian Cyclists Group bestowed him with ‘The most consistent rider on the planet’ award for coming in 1st position. “I completed 3155 km and cycled continuously in the 31 day ride (September 22 – October 23). Except for one day (February 9) I cycled all the 365 days covering 24,600 km,” shares Prasad. 

He also accepted the 100 days of Cycling Challenge (Soles on wheels, Kochi) from September 15 to December 23) and completed 10,300 km.

Prasad adds that cycling has opened him as a person and made him healthier. “Earlier I used to suffer from illness frequently, but now I am super healthy,” he states, adding, “I also wanted to thank my family for their support. They used to wake make up in the morning and prepare all the juices by the time I came back. Now where my wife (Mamata) goes, people ask her ‘what are you feeding your husband with’,” he quips.