Hyderabad’s Prasad Wadepally spellbound everyone when he has set the record of the first Indian to complete 100 days of cycling 100 km, a few months ago. But that did not stop him for taking up the challenge further.
Buoyed by the acclamation, in yet another incredible feat, he has set another record of becoming the first Indian to complete 200 days of cycling 100 km. (cycling 100 km every day for 200 days) thereby cycling around 20,000 kms.
An ecstatic Prasad shares, “The record is something I never imagined I would achieve, but I feel gratified because it was a whole-hearted effort,” he says.
Interestingly, Prasad has also set another record of 456 consecutive days of cycling (from February 20, 2018 to May 21, 2019) covering around 35,000 kms. “This is like an icing on the cake,” he replies, adding, “More importantly I got the opportunity to network with people from different walks of life and understand life better.”
Be it chilly winter or scorching summer or heavy showers everyday Prasad wakes up at 4 am and cycles 50 km (from his house in Krishna Nagar ) and takes the trip back covering a distance of 100 kilometres. “To beat the boredom, I used to cycle in different directions. I went cycling towards Sangareddy, Shankarpally, Siddhipet, Warangal, Ghatkesar, Chevela, Shamshabad, Karimnagar, Toopranpet, etc. Cycling in various terrains helped me to see scenic landscapes and experience nature. This has made me be more composed,” he explains.
These achievements only reflect the 44 year-old’s passion for the sport. “Cycling means a lot to me and also signifies that there’s always scope for improvement. One of the reasons for taking up such a tough grueling campaign was to motivate people to indulge in any physical activity to stay fit and healthy,” explains Prasad.
Prasad works as PA to CMR Group of institutions Chairman Gopal Reddy. Apart from the support of Hyderabad Cyclist Group founder Ravinder Nandanoori, and President Marri Laxman Reddy, he ascribes a large part of his record-breaking career to his family. “My wife Mamatha constantly encouraged me to ride as much as I can. My son Teja (13) too rides with me,” reveals Prasad who has now set his eyes on cycling from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
“I am planning to complete that in a record number of days and I want to take up later this year,” he signs off.
