50 Riders of India
Fifty years. Fifty riders. One belief, proven fifty times over.
17
RIDERS FEATURED
10
STATES COVERED
50
YEARS IN THE MAKING
Click on a state to see its riders.
Gokul Rajendiran
Rider 1/50 Gokul Rajendiran Tamil Nadu, Chennai | ProBikers Procaliber 9.6 gen 3 At 19, my world record attempt ended in tragedy. At 23, I finally own my dream Trek. This bike gave me the courage to stand up one more time.
Ever since my late teens, owning a Trek has been a dream of mine. At 19, I attempted to set a world record in ultra cycling - but during the attempt, my crewmates met with an accident, and my brother cracked his spine. I was devastated. I turned to cycling as my coping mechanism. Four years on, at 23, I finally own my dream bike - the Procaliber 9.6 Gen 3. And this year, I’ll be using it to attempt a national record for the greatest distance cycled on an MTB within 24 hours, inside a velodrome. This bike floats like a road bike and stings like an MTB. It gave me the courage to stand up one more time - to redeem myself, and to heal from my darkest days.
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Ever since my late teens, owning a Trek has been a dream of mine. At 19, I attempted to set a world record in ultra cycling - but during the attempt, my crewmates met with an accident, and my brother cracked his spine. I was devastated. I turned to cycling as my coping mechanism. Four years on, at 23, I finally own my dream bike - the Procaliber 9.6 Gen 3. And this year, I’ll be using it to attempt a national record for the greatest distance cycled on an MTB within 24 hours, inside a velodrome. This bike floats like a road bike and stings like an MTB. It gave me the courage to stand up one more time - to redeem myself, and to heal from my darkest days.
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Rider 2/50 Ankan Saikia Maharashtra, Mumbai | Ambika Cycle Stores Madone SL 5 Gen 8 & Domane AL 5 From my first 300 km ride to Ironman 70.3 Colombo - Trek took me further than I ever imagined.
It started casually in 2022 - browsing road bikes at Ambika Cycle Stores in Dadar with a budget of ₹70,000. I had planned to pick up a Domane AL 2. But somewhere in my mind was a bigger dream - to attempt long-distance BRMs one day. With a little persuasion, I stretched my budget and chose the Domane AL 5 instead. That decision quietly changed the direction of my life.
My first 300 km Mumbai–Pune–Mumbai ride. Then, 400 km and 600 km BRMs. Then my first Ironman 70.3 finish. The bike became more than equipment - it became a partner in chasing limits. Then came the Madone SL 5 Gen 8. The moment I saw it, I knew it was meant to be mine. It’s since taken me through multiple triathlons - including Ironman 70.3 Colombo, where I rode the 90 km bike leg in about 3 hours. But the races are only part of it. I’ve ridden through sun, rain, and snow - on my best days and on the hard ones, when a ride was the only therapy I needed. Today I own both. They carry not just miles, but memories - and many more dreams waiting down the road.” -Then came the Madone SL5 Gen 8. The moment I saw it, I knew it was meant to be mine. It's since taken me through multiple triathlons — including Ironman 70.3 Colombo, where I rode the 90 km bike leg in about 3 hours.
But the races are only part of it. I've ridden through sun, rain, and snow — on my best days and on the hard ones, when a ride was the only therapy I needed. Today I own both. They carry not just miles, but memories — and many more dreams waiting down the road.
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It started casually in 2022 - browsing road bikes at Ambika Cycle Stores in Dadar with a budget of ₹70,000. I had planned to pick up a Domane AL 2. But somewhere in my mind was a bigger dream - to attempt long-distance BRMs one day. With a little persuasion, I stretched my budget and chose the Domane AL 5 instead. That decision quietly changed the direction of my life.
My first 300 km Mumbai–Pune–Mumbai ride. Then, 400 km and 600 km BRMs. Then my first Ironman 70.3 finish. The bike became more than equipment - it became a partner in chasing limits. Then came the Madone SL 5 Gen 8. The moment I saw it, I knew it was meant to be mine. It’s since taken me through multiple triathlons - including Ironman 70.3 Colombo, where I rode the 90 km bike leg in about 3 hours. But the races are only part of it. I’ve ridden through sun, rain, and snow - on my best days and on the hard ones, when a ride was the only therapy I needed. Today I own both. They carry not just miles, but memories - and many more dreams waiting down the road.” -Then came the Madone SL5 Gen 8. The moment I saw it, I knew it was meant to be mine. It's since taken me through multiple triathlons — including Ironman 70.3 Colombo, where I rode the 90 km bike leg in about 3 hours.
But the races are only part of it. I've ridden through sun, rain, and snow — on my best days and on the hard ones, when a ride was the only therapy I needed. Today I own both. They carry not just miles, but memories — and many more dreams waiting down the road.
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Rider 3/50 Om Sharma Himachal Pradesh, Manali | Supercaliber Some riders find the mountains. He was born into them.
Growing up in Kullu–Manali, the trails weren’t just a playground - they were home. What started as simple rides through the mountains soon became a burning passion and a serious pursuit of competitive racing. U16 State Champion in Manali. U16 National Champion in Roing, Arunachal Pradesh. 5th place at the Asian Mountain Bike Championship in Bir Billing. Through every climb, every technical descent, and every race - my Trek Supercaliber has been right there. The speed, the control, the confidence it gives me on the most demanding terrain keeps pushing me to raise the bar. My goal is to keep representing India - and to inspire a generation of young riders from the mountains to chase their own dreams.
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Growing up in Kullu–Manali, the trails weren’t just a playground - they were home. What started as simple rides through the mountains soon became a burning passion and a serious pursuit of competitive racing. U16 State Champion in Manali. U16 National Champion in Roing, Arunachal Pradesh. 5th place at the Asian Mountain Bike Championship in Bir Billing. Through every climb, every technical descent, and every race - my Trek Supercaliber has been right there. The speed, the control, the confidence it gives me on the most demanding terrain keeps pushing me to raise the bar. My goal is to keep representing India - and to inspire a generation of young riders from the mountains to chase their own dreams.
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Rider 6/50 Manpreet Raj Karnataka, Bangalore | Bums On The Saddle Trek Domane AL 5 Every ride is a reminder that growth happens one pedal stroke at a time.
My Trek story began long before I owned a Trek bike. When I was in 3rd standard, my father gifted a bicycle to my elder brother. It was much too big for me, with a high crossbar that made it difficult even to get on. But I was determined. No one taught me — I learned entirely on my own, falling countless times, scraping my knees and ankles. Yet every fall taught me something, and eventually I found my balance. Cycling became more than just a hobby. It became my first lesson in perseverance, self-belief, and the idea that progress often comes through repeated failure.
Years later, cycling found its way back into my life through my Trek Domane. What started as a way to stay active quickly became something much deeper — the confidence to explore farther, push my limits, and rediscover the joy I felt as a child on two wheels. Recently, I completed my first solo century ride, covering 100 kilometers. As I crossed that distance, I realised it wasn't just about the kilometres. It was a reminder of the young girl who refused to give up on a bicycle that seemed too big for her. Every ride is a reminder that growth happens one pedal stroke at a time.
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My Trek story began long before I owned a Trek bike. When I was in 3rd standard, my father gifted a bicycle to my elder brother. It was much too big for me, with a high crossbar that made it difficult even to get on. But I was determined. No one taught me — I learned entirely on my own, falling countless times, scraping my knees and ankles. Yet every fall taught me something, and eventually I found my balance. Cycling became more than just a hobby. It became my first lesson in perseverance, self-belief, and the idea that progress often comes through repeated failure.
Years later, cycling found its way back into my life through my Trek Domane. What started as a way to stay active quickly became something much deeper — the confidence to explore farther, push my limits, and rediscover the joy I felt as a child on two wheels. Recently, I completed my first solo century ride, covering 100 kilometers. As I crossed that distance, I realised it wasn't just about the kilometres. It was a reminder of the young girl who refused to give up on a bicycle that seemed too big for her. Every ride is a reminder that growth happens one pedal stroke at a time.
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Rider 5/50 Arjun Burman Himachal Pradesh, Kangra | Rajesh Cycle Works X-Caliber 8 The X-Caliber 8 didn't just change how I ride. It changed who I am becoming.
In 2023, I made one of the best decisions of my life - I bought my Trek X-Caliber 8. What started as a simple purchase quickly became the turning point of my journey. It all began in Himachal Pradesh, riding alongside my Uncle Sam on the winding mountain roads. I still remember him telling me stories about how he used to cycle back in the day on his old Trek bike - long rides, no fancy gear, just grit and passion. Watching him ride with that same spark in his eyes made something click inside me. That was the moment I knew I didn't just want to ride - I wanted to belong to this world. Getting my X-Caliber 8 wasn't just buying a bike; it was choosing a lifestyle. From early morning climbs to technical descents, every ride pushed me physically and mentally. Soon, cycling became an obsession - I invested in professional gear, structured my workouts, and began spending more time in the gym to build strength and endurance. I wasn't just riding for fun anymore; I was training with intent. That decision in 2023 also shaped my career. My passion led me to intern with Trek, working closely with the sales and marketing team, understanding the business side of the sport I love. Today, my goal is clear — to become a professional hybrid athlete while building a strong career in the cycling industry. The X-Caliber 8 didn't just change how I ride. It changed who I am becoming." - Arjun Burman
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In 2023, I made one of the best decisions of my life - I bought my Trek X-Caliber 8. What started as a simple purchase quickly became the turning point of my journey. It all began in Himachal Pradesh, riding alongside my Uncle Sam on the winding mountain roads. I still remember him telling me stories about how he used to cycle back in the day on his old Trek bike - long rides, no fancy gear, just grit and passion. Watching him ride with that same spark in his eyes made something click inside me. That was the moment I knew I didn't just want to ride - I wanted to belong to this world. Getting my X-Caliber 8 wasn't just buying a bike; it was choosing a lifestyle. From early morning climbs to technical descents, every ride pushed me physically and mentally. Soon, cycling became an obsession - I invested in professional gear, structured my workouts, and began spending more time in the gym to build strength and endurance. I wasn't just riding for fun anymore; I was training with intent. That decision in 2023 also shaped my career. My passion led me to intern with Trek, working closely with the sales and marketing team, understanding the business side of the sport I love. Today, my goal is clear — to become a professional hybrid athlete while building a strong career in the cycling industry. The X-Caliber 8 didn't just change how I ride. It changed who I am becoming." - Arjun Burman
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Rider 7/50 Anunay Joshi Uttarakhand | Bikes Station Haldwani Procaliber 9.5 Gen 3 My father taught me to love cycling. I took it to the mountains.
It started in 2024. My father rides a Trek Domane SL 5 and watching him made me want to ride too - but I wanted to go to the mountains. So, on my birthday, he got me a Trek Procaliber 9.5, and that's where my journey began.
In the 2025 state championships, I finished 3rd. At the 21st MTB National Championships, I came 16th. I knew I had to train harder. And I did. In the 2026 state championships, I finished 1st. And at the 22nd MTB National Championships in Roing, Arunachal Pradesh, I stood on the podium again - 3rd place in XCT U-14.
My father feels very proud. And I'm not done yet. The next nationals, I'm going for gold.
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It started in 2024. My father rides a Trek Domane SL 5 and watching him made me want to ride too - but I wanted to go to the mountains. So, on my birthday, he got me a Trek Procaliber 9.5, and that's where my journey began.
In the 2025 state championships, I finished 3rd. At the 21st MTB National Championships, I came 16th. I knew I had to train harder. And I did. In the 2026 state championships, I finished 1st. And at the 22nd MTB National Championships in Roing, Arunachal Pradesh, I stood on the podium again - 3rd place in XCT U-14.
My father feels very proud. And I'm not done yet. The next nationals, I'm going for gold.
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Rider 4/50 Maiza Backer Kerala | Boatrider Sports Procaliber 9.6 My goal is to inspire more girls from the mountains to chase their passion fearlessly
I’m a 15-year-old girl from the hills of Wayanad, Kerala - where every road feels like a trail, and every climb teaches you something about yourself. When I started riding the Trek Procaliber 9.6, it completely changed the way I ride. With the Procaliber, I began exploring terrains I once thought were too hard - rough village paths, rocky descents, and steep climbs. Every ride pushed me, shaped me, and made me stronger. On hard climbs, it pushed my limits. On technical sections, it gave me the grip, control, and confidence I needed. And this year, it helped me achieve something I had dreamed of - DOUBLE silver medals at the MTB Nationals in Roing. My dream is to keep training, keep improving, and represent my state and country with pride. And maybe, inspire more girls from the mountains to chase their passion fearlessly.
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I’m a 15-year-old girl from the hills of Wayanad, Kerala - where every road feels like a trail, and every climb teaches you something about yourself. When I started riding the Trek Procaliber 9.6, it completely changed the way I ride. With the Procaliber, I began exploring terrains I once thought were too hard - rough village paths, rocky descents, and steep climbs. Every ride pushed me, shaped me, and made me stronger. On hard climbs, it pushed my limits. On technical sections, it gave me the grip, control, and confidence I needed. And this year, it helped me achieve something I had dreamed of - DOUBLE silver medals at the MTB Nationals in Roing. My dream is to keep training, keep improving, and represent my state and country with pride. And maybe, inspire more girls from the mountains to chase their passion fearlessly.
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Rider 8/50 Sagar Shirbhate Pune, Maharashtra | DByk Store Checkpoint ALR 5 The road is not a way to get somewhere. It's where I've lived the most meaningful parts of my life.
My name is Sagar Shirbhate, and if you look at the soles of my shoes or the tires of my bike, you'll see the dust of a thousand different roads. To most, a road is just a way to get from A to B; to me, it's where I've lived the most meaningful parts of my life.
To date, I have covered over 1,60,000 kilometers. That's not just a number on a Strava; it's the sum of every sunrise I've chased and every headwind I've fought. I've pushed my body to the absolute limit to earn the title of Super Randonneur three times over, proving to myself that endurance is as much about the mind as it is about the legs.
My heart, however, belongs to cyclotouring. There is a specific kind of magic in packing a bag and pedaling across the map. I've ridden from my home in Pune to the spiritual shores of Somnath, felt the ancient echoes of Hampi, tasted the salt air on the way to Goa, and reached the haunting, edge-of-the-world beauty of Dhanushkodi. Each tour taught me that the world moves at exactly the right pace when you're on two wheels.
Last year, I decided to upgrade my journey with a Trek Checkpoint ALR5, and it has been a total game-changer. It's the 'cool' bike I've always needed — rugged enough for the gravel sections of a tour, yet fast enough to maintain a serious clip on the highway. Its stability and comfort mean I can spend twelve hours in the saddle and still feel ready to wake up and do it all again.
1.6 lakh kilometers is a long way, but with my Checkpoint beneath me and a fresh horizon ahead, I feel like I'm just getting started.
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My name is Sagar Shirbhate, and if you look at the soles of my shoes or the tires of my bike, you'll see the dust of a thousand different roads. To most, a road is just a way to get from A to B; to me, it's where I've lived the most meaningful parts of my life.
To date, I have covered over 1,60,000 kilometers. That's not just a number on a Strava; it's the sum of every sunrise I've chased and every headwind I've fought. I've pushed my body to the absolute limit to earn the title of Super Randonneur three times over, proving to myself that endurance is as much about the mind as it is about the legs.
My heart, however, belongs to cyclotouring. There is a specific kind of magic in packing a bag and pedaling across the map. I've ridden from my home in Pune to the spiritual shores of Somnath, felt the ancient echoes of Hampi, tasted the salt air on the way to Goa, and reached the haunting, edge-of-the-world beauty of Dhanushkodi. Each tour taught me that the world moves at exactly the right pace when you're on two wheels.
Last year, I decided to upgrade my journey with a Trek Checkpoint ALR5, and it has been a total game-changer. It's the 'cool' bike I've always needed — rugged enough for the gravel sections of a tour, yet fast enough to maintain a serious clip on the highway. Its stability and comfort mean I can spend twelve hours in the saddle and still feel ready to wake up and do it all again.
1.6 lakh kilometers is a long way, but with my Checkpoint beneath me and a fresh horizon ahead, I feel like I'm just getting started.
Back to map →
Rider 9/50 Fahad Akhtar New Delhi | Bicycle Adda Domane AL 3 It's what the bike has quietly done to the rest of my life.
It started almost by accident. I owned a mountain bike and rode solo - short distances, nothing remarkable. Then one morning, on my way home, I crossed paths with a fellow cyclist in the neighbourhood, a road rider. We got talking, and the following weekend I joined him and his friends for what became my longest ride ever: 90 kilometres. I was barely functional by the time I got home. But something had shifted. The small additions came next - cycling clothes, bidons, accessories - each one a quiet commitment to something I hadn't fully named yet. Then in October, a friend lent me his road bike for a week while he was away. I rode it and felt a kind of confidence I hadn't expected. That feeling carried me all the way to the Himalayas, where our group climbed for two days straight. It was hard, humbling, and completely unforgettable. In November, I brought home my first road bike - a Trek Domane AL3, or as I like to call it, Frost. What makes it meaningful isn't the distance or the gear. It's what the bike has quietly done to the rest of my life - it's introduced me to people I wouldn't have met otherwise, made me physically stronger, and instilled a discipline I now carry into everything I do. Every morning on the saddle brings something new - a lesson in pacing, in reading the road, in knowing your limits, and pushing just past them. I'm still learning, and that's exactly the point.
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It started almost by accident. I owned a mountain bike and rode solo - short distances, nothing remarkable. Then one morning, on my way home, I crossed paths with a fellow cyclist in the neighbourhood, a road rider. We got talking, and the following weekend I joined him and his friends for what became my longest ride ever: 90 kilometres. I was barely functional by the time I got home. But something had shifted. The small additions came next - cycling clothes, bidons, accessories - each one a quiet commitment to something I hadn't fully named yet. Then in October, a friend lent me his road bike for a week while he was away. I rode it and felt a kind of confidence I hadn't expected. That feeling carried me all the way to the Himalayas, where our group climbed for two days straight. It was hard, humbling, and completely unforgettable. In November, I brought home my first road bike - a Trek Domane AL3, or as I like to call it, Frost. What makes it meaningful isn't the distance or the gear. It's what the bike has quietly done to the rest of my life - it's introduced me to people I wouldn't have met otherwise, made me physically stronger, and instilled a discipline I now carry into everything I do. Every morning on the saddle brings something new - a lesson in pacing, in reading the road, in knowing your limits, and pushing just past them. I'm still learning, and that's exactly the point.
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Rider 10/50 Artik Kumbhani Himalayan Bike Bar X-Caliber 9 I stopped worrying about the gear and started focusing entirely on the line choice and the landscape.
My Trek story began four years ago when I started spending long stretches in Manali. I wasn't looking for a showpiece; I needed a workhorse for the Himalayas. Since then, this XC bike has been my only constant through the most aggressive terrain India has to offer. It has carried me from Manali to Leh, survived brutal hike-a-bike sections in the remote corners of Ladakh, and pushed through flash floods and storms that would have wrecked lesser machines. The biggest change hasn't been in my stats, but in my headspace. Riding in the Himalayas means dealing with isolation and unpredictable weather. Usually, you ride with a low-level anxiety about mechanical failure in those conditions. But in four years of hard riding, I have never had a single issue. That reliability shifted my entire approach. I stopped worrying about the gear and started focusing entirely on the line choice and the landscape. This bike is meaningful to me because it earned my absolute trust. It acts as an extension of my will rather than a fragile piece of equipment. It gave me the confidence to just 'pick up and go' without a second thought, knowing that no matter how isolated the pass or how bad the weather, the bike would handle it. It removes the variables so I can just ride.
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My Trek story began four years ago when I started spending long stretches in Manali. I wasn't looking for a showpiece; I needed a workhorse for the Himalayas. Since then, this XC bike has been my only constant through the most aggressive terrain India has to offer. It has carried me from Manali to Leh, survived brutal hike-a-bike sections in the remote corners of Ladakh, and pushed through flash floods and storms that would have wrecked lesser machines. The biggest change hasn't been in my stats, but in my headspace. Riding in the Himalayas means dealing with isolation and unpredictable weather. Usually, you ride with a low-level anxiety about mechanical failure in those conditions. But in four years of hard riding, I have never had a single issue. That reliability shifted my entire approach. I stopped worrying about the gear and started focusing entirely on the line choice and the landscape. This bike is meaningful to me because it earned my absolute trust. It acts as an extension of my will rather than a fragile piece of equipment. It gave me the confidence to just 'pick up and go' without a second thought, knowing that no matter how isolated the pass or how bad the weather, the bike would handle it. It removes the variables so I can just ride.
Back to map →
Rider 11/50 Parishrut Joshi Uttarakhand | Urban Trailblazer X-Caliber 8 I could have just ridden around the neighbourhood. Instead, I took the bike towards the mountains.
My story started on a random Tuesday. My father told me to go outside and ride my bike. I could have just ridden around the neighbourhood like I normally would, but instead I decided to take the bike towards the mountains. I didn't know it at the time, but that random decision would change my life.
My MTB journey truly began when I got my X-Caliber 8. Before owning it, cycling was just a hobby, but this bike turned it into a passion and a serious sport. The X-Cal 8 gave me the confidence to explore trails and learn the technical skills required for cross country racing. My X-Caliber 8 became my only companion — through crashes, difficult climbs, mechanical issues, and plenty of moments when I wondered, am I really made for this sport?
Cycling changed much more than my fitness. It taught me discipline and how to deal with failure. What began with my father simply saying 'Go ride your bike' became a journey that took me from ordinary roads to mountain trails and high levels.
Back to map →
My story started on a random Tuesday. My father told me to go outside and ride my bike. I could have just ridden around the neighbourhood like I normally would, but instead I decided to take the bike towards the mountains. I didn't know it at the time, but that random decision would change my life.
My MTB journey truly began when I got my X-Caliber 8. Before owning it, cycling was just a hobby, but this bike turned it into a passion and a serious sport. The X-Cal 8 gave me the confidence to explore trails and learn the technical skills required for cross country racing. My X-Caliber 8 became my only companion — through crashes, difficult climbs, mechanical issues, and plenty of moments when I wondered, am I really made for this sport?
Cycling changed much more than my fitness. It taught me discipline and how to deal with failure. What began with my father simply saying 'Go ride your bike' became a journey that took me from ordinary roads to mountain trails and high levels.
Back to map →
Rider 12/50 Mohit Bhagchandani Delhi | The Bike Shop & Bicycle Adda Madone SL 6 & Domane AL 3 I started showing up for long rides with strangers. That decision opened a new universe.
I don't remember my first ride, but I remember the feeling: two wheels and suddenly the world had no edges. In 2017, an MTB carried me to college, then to office, but weekends were where it came alive; solo rides on the trails near home. Covid brought me back to Delhi. I convinced 4 friends to ride with me, but when the world reopened, they all quit. I didn't. Instead, I started messaging cycling groups across Delhi and showing up for long rides with strangers. That decision opened a new universe; 7 kg carbon bikes, people casually riding 300kms on a weekend and a realization that a bike isn't just a way to get somewhere, it's a way to belong anywhere. In 2022, I bought my first Trek, Domane AL 3. It has carried me up to some of the highest motorable passes of the world, through the hills of Ooty, into Delhi's amateur races and across Rajasthan on bikepacking trips. Freedom is the closest word for what it's given me, yet it still falls short. Friend after friend asked what to buy, and friend after friend ended up on a Trek. I believed the mission before I could say it out loud; bikes are a simple solution to world's most complex problems. Then, last year, the stars aligned and I joined Trek as a Project Manager. Since then, I've added a Domane, discovered the thrill of carbon fiber and now my job is my dream; getting more people on bikes.
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I don't remember my first ride, but I remember the feeling: two wheels and suddenly the world had no edges. In 2017, an MTB carried me to college, then to office, but weekends were where it came alive; solo rides on the trails near home. Covid brought me back to Delhi. I convinced 4 friends to ride with me, but when the world reopened, they all quit. I didn't. Instead, I started messaging cycling groups across Delhi and showing up for long rides with strangers. That decision opened a new universe; 7 kg carbon bikes, people casually riding 300kms on a weekend and a realization that a bike isn't just a way to get somewhere, it's a way to belong anywhere. In 2022, I bought my first Trek, Domane AL 3. It has carried me up to some of the highest motorable passes of the world, through the hills of Ooty, into Delhi's amateur races and across Rajasthan on bikepacking trips. Freedom is the closest word for what it's given me, yet it still falls short. Friend after friend asked what to buy, and friend after friend ended up on a Trek. I believed the mission before I could say it out loud; bikes are a simple solution to world's most complex problems. Then, last year, the stars aligned and I joined Trek as a Project Manager. Since then, I've added a Domane, discovered the thrill of carbon fiber and now my job is my dream; getting more people on bikes.
Back to map →
Rider 13/50 Uday Singh Faridabad, Haryana | The Bike Shop 520 D I didn't just reach the highest motorable pass in the world. I rode there.
During COVID, my world shrank, but cycling expanded it.
I started on a Firefox MTB, exploring Delhi NCR. After my first 100 kilometre ride, a friend and I decided to cycle from Delhi to Manali in seven days. That journey changed me. Before it ended, we were planning the next one, drawn by the freedom, self-reliance, and discovery that the mind can carry the body farther than expected. Next came 650 kilometres from Manali to Umling La, crossing five mountain passes and climbing to nearly 6,000 metres to reach the highest motorable pass in the world. For such terrain, I chose a bicycle built for the unknown — the Trek 520 Disc. Carrying 20 kilograms — tent, food, clothes, and sleeping bag — it took me over tarmac, gravel, freezing streams, and ice-lined passes. In the thin air, every pedal stroke demanded patience and every kilometre strengthened my resolve. At Umling La, I realised I had reached more than a geographical milestone. Cycling taught me persistence, courage, and the power of committing fully. What began as a lockdown hobby became proof I carry through life: once the mind decides, the body finds a way. My Trek did not merely take me to the world's highest motorable road, it carried me towards a stronger version of myself.
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During COVID, my world shrank, but cycling expanded it.
I started on a Firefox MTB, exploring Delhi NCR. After my first 100 kilometre ride, a friend and I decided to cycle from Delhi to Manali in seven days. That journey changed me. Before it ended, we were planning the next one, drawn by the freedom, self-reliance, and discovery that the mind can carry the body farther than expected. Next came 650 kilometres from Manali to Umling La, crossing five mountain passes and climbing to nearly 6,000 metres to reach the highest motorable pass in the world. For such terrain, I chose a bicycle built for the unknown — the Trek 520 Disc. Carrying 20 kilograms — tent, food, clothes, and sleeping bag — it took me over tarmac, gravel, freezing streams, and ice-lined passes. In the thin air, every pedal stroke demanded patience and every kilometre strengthened my resolve. At Umling La, I realised I had reached more than a geographical milestone. Cycling taught me persistence, courage, and the power of committing fully. What began as a lockdown hobby became proof I carry through life: once the mind decides, the body finds a way. My Trek did not merely take me to the world's highest motorable road, it carried me towards a stronger version of myself.
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Rider 14/50 Rahil Bhatia Jaipur, Rajasthan | Cyclofit Procaliber 9.5 From being unable to get out of bed to standing on podiums. My Trek was with me through all of it.
My name is Rahil Bhatia, and I’m from Jaipur, Rajasthan. My cycling journey began in 2021 after a life-changing accident that left me with a serious back injury - a slipped disc. Doctors advised complete bed rest, and I spent nearly one and a half years unable to live the active life I once knew. Once I had recovered enough to ride again, I discovered cycling, and in 2024, I bought my Trek Procaliber 9.5. That bike became much more than just a bicycle it gave me confidence, freedom, and a reason to push myself every single day. I trained relentlessly, and with every climb, trail, sprint, and race, I became stronger. The results followed: three Rajasthan State Championship gold medals in the Elite category, podium finishes at every edition of the HCL Cyclothon in Noida, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore, along with podiums in many other prestigious races. Looking back, the journey from being unable to get out of bed to standing on podiums feels unbelievable. My Trek Procaliber 9.5 has been with me through every challenge, every victory, and every milestone. It has been my partner from day one, which is why I named it "Goodluck." For me, it’s not just a bike - it’s a symbol of resilience, determination, and the incredible journey that changed my life forever.
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My name is Rahil Bhatia, and I’m from Jaipur, Rajasthan. My cycling journey began in 2021 after a life-changing accident that left me with a serious back injury - a slipped disc. Doctors advised complete bed rest, and I spent nearly one and a half years unable to live the active life I once knew. Once I had recovered enough to ride again, I discovered cycling, and in 2024, I bought my Trek Procaliber 9.5. That bike became much more than just a bicycle it gave me confidence, freedom, and a reason to push myself every single day. I trained relentlessly, and with every climb, trail, sprint, and race, I became stronger. The results followed: three Rajasthan State Championship gold medals in the Elite category, podium finishes at every edition of the HCL Cyclothon in Noida, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore, along with podiums in many other prestigious races. Looking back, the journey from being unable to get out of bed to standing on podiums feels unbelievable. My Trek Procaliber 9.5 has been with me through every challenge, every victory, and every milestone. It has been my partner from day one, which is why I named it "Goodluck." For me, it’s not just a bike - it’s a symbol of resilience, determination, and the incredible journey that changed my life forever.
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Rider 15/50 Harsh Tomar Jammu | The Bike Shop X-Caliber 8 Some adventures can't be ridden. They have to be earned.
Hello, my name is Harsh Tomar, and I'm from Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir. My journey on two wheels didn't begin with a Trek. It began in 2017 with an ₹8,000 bicycle. Like many kids, I used to ride a bicycle every day, but only for fun. I never imagined cycling would become my passion, let alone my life. Before mountain biking, I was an athlete. Running was everything to me. But a knee injury forced me to leave the sport I loved. It was one of the toughest phases of my life, and I had no idea what came next. Looking for a fresh start, I bought an ₹8,000 bicycle and went for my first 50 km ride. It wasn't about speed or distance, it was about finding myself again. That one ride gave me confidence, purpose, and a completely new direction in life. I dedicated myself to mountain biking, and over the years I became a 3 time State and 5 time District MTB Champion and proudly represented my state at the MTB National Championships three times. As my passion grew, so did my dreams. Today, my Trek has carried me for over 30,000 kilometers across some of the most remote and breathtaking landscapes in India. I've explored much of Upper Himachal and Jammu & Kashmir, completed expeditions from Manali to Leh, Leh to Tso Moriri, and Jammu to Srinagar, and pushed my mountain bike all the way to Tupendeo Base Camp, carrying it whenever the trail disappeared because some adventures simply can't be ridden they have to be earned. Those journeys taught me that adventure isn't about perfect roads. It's about having the courage to keep moving when the road ends. Looking back, it's hard to believe that the boy who bought an ₹8,000 bicycle just to move on from an injury would one day be riding through the Himalayas and chasing expeditions that once felt impossible. But I believe my greatest adventures are still ahead. My next mission is to explore every major alpine lake trek in Kashmir with my mountain bike, documenting the journey and inspiring more people to discover the unexplored side of Indian mountain biking. To the best of my knowledge, this has not yet been completed as a continuous MTB expedition in India, and I want to take on that challenge. For me, Trek is more than a bicycle. It's the machine that has taken me beyond finish lines, beyond roads, and beyond the limits I once believed I had. From an ₹8,000 bicycle in 2017 to over 30,000 kilometers of adventure, this journey has never been about reaching destinations. It's about discovering what I'm truly capable of and I'm just getting started.
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Hello, my name is Harsh Tomar, and I'm from Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir. My journey on two wheels didn't begin with a Trek. It began in 2017 with an ₹8,000 bicycle. Like many kids, I used to ride a bicycle every day, but only for fun. I never imagined cycling would become my passion, let alone my life. Before mountain biking, I was an athlete. Running was everything to me. But a knee injury forced me to leave the sport I loved. It was one of the toughest phases of my life, and I had no idea what came next. Looking for a fresh start, I bought an ₹8,000 bicycle and went for my first 50 km ride. It wasn't about speed or distance, it was about finding myself again. That one ride gave me confidence, purpose, and a completely new direction in life. I dedicated myself to mountain biking, and over the years I became a 3 time State and 5 time District MTB Champion and proudly represented my state at the MTB National Championships three times. As my passion grew, so did my dreams. Today, my Trek has carried me for over 30,000 kilometers across some of the most remote and breathtaking landscapes in India. I've explored much of Upper Himachal and Jammu & Kashmir, completed expeditions from Manali to Leh, Leh to Tso Moriri, and Jammu to Srinagar, and pushed my mountain bike all the way to Tupendeo Base Camp, carrying it whenever the trail disappeared because some adventures simply can't be ridden they have to be earned. Those journeys taught me that adventure isn't about perfect roads. It's about having the courage to keep moving when the road ends. Looking back, it's hard to believe that the boy who bought an ₹8,000 bicycle just to move on from an injury would one day be riding through the Himalayas and chasing expeditions that once felt impossible. But I believe my greatest adventures are still ahead. My next mission is to explore every major alpine lake trek in Kashmir with my mountain bike, documenting the journey and inspiring more people to discover the unexplored side of Indian mountain biking. To the best of my knowledge, this has not yet been completed as a continuous MTB expedition in India, and I want to take on that challenge. For me, Trek is more than a bicycle. It's the machine that has taken me beyond finish lines, beyond roads, and beyond the limits I once believed I had. From an ₹8,000 bicycle in 2017 to over 30,000 kilometers of adventure, this journey has never been about reaching destinations. It's about discovering what I'm truly capable of and I'm just getting started.
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Rider 16/50 Safar Sathar Kerala | Velodrome Bicycles Domane AL 2 What could have been the end of my story became the beginning of a new one.
My Second Chance at Life, One Pedal Stroke at a Time Life gave me a second chance when I became an organ transplant recipient. What could have been the end of my story became the beginning of a new one. Recovery wasn't just about healing - it was about rediscovering myself. Cycling became my path back to strength, confidence, and freedom. Every kilometer I rode was proof that life after transplant isn't about limitations; it's about possibilities. Over the years, cycling transformed from a fitness activity into a way of life. My dedication to the sport even led to my cycling journey being featured in Malayala Manorama, recognizing the distances I covered and the passion that keeps me moving forward. Today, my Trek Domane AL 2 Gen 4 is more than a bicycle. It is a symbol of resilience, gratitude, and the incredible gift of a second chance. Whether I'm riding through Kerala's beautiful countryside, chasing a sunrise, or pushing through a long-distance ride, every pedal stroke reminds me how far I've come. Cycling has taught me that strength isn't measured by how fast you ride, but by your determination to keep moving forward despite every challenge. It has improved my physical fitness, strengthened my mental well-being, and connected me with an amazing community of riders. As Trek celebrates 50 years of inspiring people to ride, I'm proud to share my story - a story of hope, perseverance, and gratitude. My Trek Domane AL 2 Gen 4 carries more than just a rider; it carries a second chance at life and a passion for living it to the fullest. Every ride is a celebration of the gift I received, the life I continue to build, and the roads still waiting to be explored.
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My Second Chance at Life, One Pedal Stroke at a Time Life gave me a second chance when I became an organ transplant recipient. What could have been the end of my story became the beginning of a new one. Recovery wasn't just about healing - it was about rediscovering myself. Cycling became my path back to strength, confidence, and freedom. Every kilometer I rode was proof that life after transplant isn't about limitations; it's about possibilities. Over the years, cycling transformed from a fitness activity into a way of life. My dedication to the sport even led to my cycling journey being featured in Malayala Manorama, recognizing the distances I covered and the passion that keeps me moving forward. Today, my Trek Domane AL 2 Gen 4 is more than a bicycle. It is a symbol of resilience, gratitude, and the incredible gift of a second chance. Whether I'm riding through Kerala's beautiful countryside, chasing a sunrise, or pushing through a long-distance ride, every pedal stroke reminds me how far I've come. Cycling has taught me that strength isn't measured by how fast you ride, but by your determination to keep moving forward despite every challenge. It has improved my physical fitness, strengthened my mental well-being, and connected me with an amazing community of riders. As Trek celebrates 50 years of inspiring people to ride, I'm proud to share my story - a story of hope, perseverance, and gratitude. My Trek Domane AL 2 Gen 4 carries more than just a rider; it carries a second chance at life and a passion for living it to the fullest. Every ride is a celebration of the gift I received, the life I continue to build, and the roads still waiting to be explored.
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Rider 17/50 Vaidehi Sejpal Maharashtra | Ambika Cycle Stores Domane AL 2 My body rejected every sport I tried. Then it found the one it was meant for.
I grew up playing tennis. It was my sport all through school and I genuinely loved all kinds of racket sports. Then I was diagnosed with osteochondritis dissecans in my ankle and had to give it all up. A part of my family are marathoners, so I figured running was the natural next step. Eight months in, I got a stress fracture. At that point I was honestly close to getting depressed. I am a very active person and watching my body reject every sport I tried was brutal. Swimming worked physically but I'd get bored out of my mind doing laps for hours. Cycling started as a temporary fix. Something low-impact to do while I healed up enough to get back to running. My family gifted me this trek. That was October 2024 and I never turned back to running. I've been riding three times a week religiously for the last year and a half now. I work 12-13 hour days and cycling is the one thing I do purely for myself. I got an indoor trainer to mount my trek on it so Mumbai's monsoons and pollution can't mess with my schedule. My bike is still an entry-level recreational one and honestly I can't bring myself to upgrade it. It's in fantastic shape and all my firsts as a cyclist are on that frame. My first fall, first cyclothon, first 100 km, first outstation ride.
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I grew up playing tennis. It was my sport all through school and I genuinely loved all kinds of racket sports. Then I was diagnosed with osteochondritis dissecans in my ankle and had to give it all up. A part of my family are marathoners, so I figured running was the natural next step. Eight months in, I got a stress fracture. At that point I was honestly close to getting depressed. I am a very active person and watching my body reject every sport I tried was brutal. Swimming worked physically but I'd get bored out of my mind doing laps for hours. Cycling started as a temporary fix. Something low-impact to do while I healed up enough to get back to running. My family gifted me this trek. That was October 2024 and I never turned back to running. I've been riding three times a week religiously for the last year and a half now. I work 12-13 hour days and cycling is the one thing I do purely for myself. I got an indoor trainer to mount my trek on it so Mumbai's monsoons and pollution can't mess with my schedule. My bike is still an entry-level recreational one and honestly I can't bring myself to upgrade it. It's in fantastic shape and all my firsts as a cyclist are on that frame. My first fall, first cyclothon, first 100 km, first outstation ride.
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