Guest post by Suman Pillai from Bangalore.
My cycling journey began post-COVID in 2021, evolving from casual rides to a passion. Exploring Bengaluru and tackling endurance challenges, I’ve found joy in the saddle. As Senior Manager – Events at TiE Global, I connect communities while sharing my love for cycling and the amazing riders I’ve met along the way.
With mixed emotions, I started the Jawadhu 400k BRM on February 22, 2025 – excited yet unsure, as my Garmin was freshly reset, and I wasn’t fully confident in its readings. But this ride was special in so many ways! It covered places close to my heart – K.R. Puram (where I live), my hometown Bangarpet, KGF, Robersonpet, Andersonpet, Rodgercamp, and Kuppam, where I spent most of my teenage years.
However, my journey had its first hurdle before even starting! I reached the starting point late, struggled with a G-Pay payment issue for parking, and wasted 5 minutes. Thanks to Mohamad Sardar bro, who quickly paid for me, I managed to enter. By the time I collected my brevet card, the flag-off had already happened! Without wasting time, I rushed to catch up with the riders, but just before the KR Puram Hanging Bridge, my partner in crime, Arun bro, had a puncture. With the help of co-riders, we fixed it in 5-6 minutes and continued towards Hoskote, battling the chaotic market traffic.
From Hoskote, Arun bro rejoined me, and my storytelling spree began! As we rode through Bangarpet, KGF, and Robersonpet, I couldn’t stop sharing my memories about my home, favorite food spots, and college.
At CP2 (Canara Bank, BEML Nagar, 84.8 km), I was so
excited that I forgot to take a selfie and rode 500m ahead—until Arun bro reminded me!
We turned back, clicked a quick selfie, and continued towards Kuppam.
The ride took a surprising turn when I realized I didn’t know the Kuppam route well, despite
being from KGF!
As we progressed, the heat started hitting us hard, forcing us to take quick hydration breaks.
The buttermilk at Kuppam was heavenly! At CP3 (HP Petrol Pump, Panjur, 148.5 km),
Arun bro kept reminding me…
Just when I thought I had experienced the worst of the heat, the real challenge began after CP3. The scorching sun forced me to pour water over myself at every possible stop. And then, we missed the right turn to Jawadhu Hills! But Arun bro, being the calm and composed rider he is, smiled and said, No worries, bro! Let’s continue.”
At 186 km (Alangayam), the real climb started! The first 7km ascent was brutal, especially with the sun at its peak, and I am really bad at climbing. That’s when Uday Kumar Napa, another co-rider, gave me a golden mantra—”Don’t bother, go into the last gear, and just keep riding!” He zoomed ahead, while I crawled up the elevation at my own pace.
Just when I was about to finish the first elevation, I saw a very familiar face—JP Bro! With his ever-energetic spirit, he handed me juice and cheered me on. JP Bro, that was such a sweet gesture! That quick break gave me the push I needed. The downhill section was blissful but lasted only a few minutes before the second climb started. Surprisingly, this one felt easier!
As I was about to reach CP4 (208.5 km, Nayara Petrol Pump), I got a severe cramp just 10 meters before the checkpoint! But….but…..but what happened next made everything worth it—I was welcomed by the biggest smile from Kaarvik (JP’s son). His infectious energy lifted my spirits instantly. It’s hard to explain that feeling of happiness! I had a quick lunch, removed my socks, and continued the ride.
From this point, Arun bro started riding behind me and constantly reminded me, “Bro, easy gear, don’t push. We will finish it before 3am.” I followed his advice, and reduced my speed, he kept pushing me till the very end.
However, we missed CP5 (BP Petrol Pump, 306 km) and rode almost 1km ahead before realizing it! We turned back, clicked the required selfie, and continued. By 8:40 pm, we had completed 308 km, and I estimated that we would finish it by 1am. But the real struggle was yet to come.
The final 90 km were brutal. The climbs after Krishnagiri and Electronic City felt neverending. At one point, I genuinely asked myself, “Why am I doing this to myself?” But with Arun bro patiently riding alongside me, we kept pushing through the night.
Finally, at 1:40 am, after battling exhaustion, cramps, heat, and missed CPs, we completed the ride!
The only regret? We missed having biryani—despite being just 100 meters away from a good shop!
For me this BRM was a true test of endurance, mental strength, and nostalgia. It was not just about covering 400km but reliving the memories of my hometown, overcoming challenges, and sharing this journey with an incredible riding partner.
A big shoutout to Arun Sivanesan bro for sticking with me, Jayaprakash (JP) Bro for the much-needed encouragement, Kaarvik for his contagious energy, and all the volunteers and fellow riders who made this ride unforgettable.
