Pedalling his way through the Indian Golden Quadrilateral in 24 days , world’s fastest Kiwi cyclist Tim Chittock says picking India was a spontaneous decision to set the Guinness World Record for cycling the road network connecting Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai in 20 days. “I had a back problem one day, so I just started cycling for cross-training. I and my friends organised a trip from the top to the bottom of New Zealand. Though it was a hard trip and the climate was pretty hot – 45 degrees temperature, I wanted to do a really big run; thinking that it would be fun so I took it,” says Tim pedalling off the conversation on how he fell in love with cycling and India.
The adventurous disposition led him to not even plan his journey. “I did not do a lot of research; kind of just threw myself at it and came to India,” he says on his impromptu act. Was that scary? “It was. When I arrived in New Delhi, I could not breathe because at that time smog had enveloped the Capital. And as I turned up at the High Commission, I was feeling back-at-home because I met some really good people here,” he says.
Chittock got his bicycle modified by Gary Anderson, a former track cyclist, who won three gold medals in the 1990 Commonwealth Games.
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“He loaded my handlebars, special puncture-proof tyres that did not turn well apparently. I met with total 30 punctures. The first three punctures were pretty amazing – my tyres deflated because of paper staples!” he exclaims. He bought new tubes at cheap price in Kolkata, and to add to the astonishment, they too turned out to be of inferior quality. “Despite them turning bad, we were running these tubes for 120 psi (pound per square inch), which was pretty substantial. I got really good at changing tyres,” quips Chittock.
“Everyday we found we did not know we would finish. So we ate food where we could, found accommodation where we could stop, and things just happened,” reminisces the 24-year old cyclist.
The problems did not deter him to complete his feat and he kept his cool through the journey. His upset stomach impelled him to survive on noodles and tea for a week.
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“For once I thought why am I doing this? That was just a low phase. As I pedalled, a guy named Eeshat Tiwary joined me out of his love for cycling and became a good support. He helped me with clothes and riding gear too. At one point, I was nearly unable to walk, cried and lost faith and that is when Eeshat injected positivity that kept me steady. A companionship born out of comfort zone,” recalls Tim.
Climate woes
Dealing with dehydration was not an issue as electrolytes came to his rescue. “The climate was very hot so I kept two bottles to drench me and another one litre bottle to quench my thirst. Also, I tied a cloth that covered my head and shoulders from the searing heat,” he says. In times of tiredness, reading “The Alchemist” and listening to Stephen Fry helped him keep his determination strong.
Reflecting on his overall experience, Tim says, “Road cycling is amazing. It is a lesson in what we humans can do with our bodies. When we are travelling we can see the country and experience an unsaid deeper revelation. In Bombay, I climbed up the hills and plateaus and the very stunning scenic beauty was there in front of me. As I headed toward Chennai, the country got even more beautiful and breathtaking….”