“My name is Kaushik, and cycling has been a big part of my life for the past seven years. It all started in my hometown, Nalgonda, after I finished my BTech. With most of my friends moving to Hyderabad, I found myself with a lot of free time. Feeling bored and looking for a new hobby, I decided to buy a Btwin Hybrid cycle with my first salary. What began as a simple hobby quickly became a mental exercise that kept me disciplined, consistent, and, of course, physically fit.
My love for the sea and beaches inspired me to cycle along India’s coastline. Growing up in Telangana, visiting the coast was always a special experience for me. India’s diverse geography can be truly appreciated through slow travel like cycling or walking, where you can notice the subtle changes in food, culture, and demographics. I have one strict rule: the entire journey must be completed by cycling or walking—no towing allowed.
One of the most rewarding parts of my journey is seeing my friends get inspired by my adventures. Some of them now ask to join my rides, which adds to the joy. I have fond memories of the hospitality in Odisha, where a beachside resort hosted me for an entire day. Staying in temples and camps at scenic locations like Malpe and Maravanthe in Karnataka, with a river on one side and a beach on the other, has been incredible.
During my travels, I make it a point to collect trash and raise awareness about keeping our beaches clean. It can be disheartening to see our beautiful beaches littered with waste. My goal is simple: after finishing my ride, I visit a beach at sunset and pick up a bag of trash.
In Gokarna, local school kids joined me in collecting trash, which was heartwarming. However, dealing with hazardous waste like medical disposables without proper equipment has been challenging, especially since I travel light and can only carry basic gear like hair color gloves.
Through my journey, I aim to show that there are more places to explore beyond the popular beach destinations like Goa or Gokarna. I hope my experiences inspire others to take up cycling, even if it’s just for 30 minutes a day, to stay mentally and physically fit. Once you start, there’s no looking back.
Balancing my love for adventure with my commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility has been a rewarding challenge. I start cycling at sunrise, plan to reach my destination by midday to log in for work, and spend 30 minutes each evening collecting trash. While not everyone may join me, I find fulfillment in my routine.
I plan my trips at least a month in advance, using Google Maps and talking to locals for insights. I remain flexible, ready to change plans if something seems off. Safety is always a priority, and so far, I’ve made it back in one piece, relying on optimism and resourcefulness.
People’s responses to my initiative have been mostly positive, with many curious about my journey and offering support. However, there have been challenges, like encountering wild animals in Konark or dealing with suspicious locals in West Bengal. These experiences are part of the adventure and haven’t diminished my love for travel.”