Pune’s Rakesh Patel Joins Kashmir to Kanyakumari Cycling Expedition Honouring Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Pune, 2nd November 2025: Pune’s endurance cyclist Rakesh Patel has been selected to represent Maharashtra in the prestigious Kashmir to Kanyakumari Cycling Expedition — a landmark national event organized by Dare2Gear under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and supported by the Government of India.
Scheduled from November 1 to 17, the expedition marks the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of United India. Covering more than 4,000 kilometers from Srinagar to Kanyakumari, this is India’s largest cycling event, bringing together 150 cyclists chosen from over 2,000 applicants across the country.
The ride is not just a test of endurance but also a tribute to unity and fitness. As cyclists traverse the length of India, they aim to inspire local communities, encourage active lifestyles, and promote the message of national integration — a reflection of Sardar Patel’s enduring legacy.
Rakesh Patel’s selection underscores his remarkable experience and resilience as an endurance cyclist. He previously completed a 1,500-kilometer Pune-to-Kanyakumari ride in just nine days and holds the distinguished title of “Super Randonneur” for completing all four Brevets de Randonneurs Mondiaux (BRM) distances — 200 km, 300 km, 400 km, and 600 km — within a single year.
Speaking about the expedition, organizers from Dare2Gear emphasized that participants will receive full logistical and technical support throughout the journey, ensuring safety, coordination, and recognition at the national level.
As Patel pedals from the valleys of Kashmir to the southern tip of India, his journey symbolizes perseverance, patriotism, and the unifying spirit of sports. His participation serves as an inspiration for aspiring cyclists and citizens who believe in the power of determination and national pride.
