A Woman’s Solo Sindoor Ride of Strength, Passion, and Patriotism
By Sayali Milind Maharao
Pune, 16th August 2025: This Independence Day marked not just the 79th celebration of India’s freedom, but also the powerful return of a woman who continues to break barriers on two wheels. After a two-year gap, I reclaimed my annual tradition a solo Sindoor Ride of 80 km completed in 3 hours and 43 minutes along the Solapur highway, a route that holds deep meaning for me.
This year, however, brought its own challenges. The headwinds were unforgiving, making each pedal stroke a battle against nature. The resistance was intense, slowing my speed, testing my patience, and demanding every ounce of willpower I had. But as always, I rode with Devika my cycle, my companion, and a symbol of the strength that keeps me going.
As a Physical Education teacher at Lexicon International School, fitness isn’t just a requirement it’s a way of life. The journey on this ride mirrored the one I walk every day: the constant need to stay physically strong and mentally tougher. Sports have taught me more than endurance and performance they’ve taught me balance. Balancing my profession and my passion hasn’t always been easy. There have been moments of silence, setbacks, sacrifices, and the choice to take the road less comfortable. But sports whisper back every time: “Nothing is impossible.”
A woman can hold the world when it comes to her dreams. I’ve broken barriers sometimes through bold, fearless action and sometimes through quiet, persistent effort. My freedom lives in my ability to ride freely, to train after school with 30 to 50 km practice sessions, and to give my all, both as a teacher and a cyclist. A woman doesn’t need the entire field to prove her strength; even half is enough to show the world what she’s capable of. That is her independence. Unfortunately, many women still put aside their health and passions, limited by invisible walls. But true freedom is being able to choose your path and follow your dreams with conviction.
This ride was not just a comeback. It was a statement of resilience. Behind this achievement stands a village of support. I am deeply grateful to my school, Lexicon International, for its continuous encouragement. My coach Sagar Pawar has been a pillar throughout this journey. To my parents, Gymworld, Vishal Fargade, and Vitthal Bhosle thank you for believing in me, even during the toughest days of preparation. Your support made the impossible possible.
Cycling has taken me on journeys both geographical and personal. From completing the Kashmir to Kanyakumari ride (4,000 km in 35 days) with Pooja Budhwale, to cycling East to West (3,920 km in 33 days) with Abhijit Gawali a feat recognized in the India Book of Records as the first Indian duo to complete it. I’ve participated in multiple BRM rides (200, 300, 600 km) within official time limits and represented at the National MTB Cycling level. Every route has taught me how to be bold, how to make fast decisions, and how to ride with a strong and steady mind.
This year’s Independence Day ride is dedicated to the brave Indian soldiers—those who sacrificed their lives so that we may live in peace and freedom. Their spirit rides with me, reminding me that true independence is earned, protected, and honored not just in words, but in our actions.
One quote has always guided me, on and off the road:
“Always choose the harder right over the easier wrong, and never let your wishbone grow where your backbone should be.”
This is not just a motto it is how I live.
This is my freedom.
This is my ride.
This is Devika, leading me toward a future where every woman dares to ride toward her dreams—without fear, without apology.
(Sayali Milind Maharao is a HPE Teacher at Lexicon International School, Kalyani Nagar, Pune)
