Hyderabad woman cyclist earns spot in gruelling Race Across America
HYDERABAD: When the pandemic lockdown brought life to a halt, Vandana Dhavate turned to cycling to break the monotony. What began as a stress-reliever has now taken her to the starting line of the Race Across America (RAAM), one of the world’s toughest endurance cycling events.
Hailing from Maharashtra and settled in Hyderabad, the 48-year-old became the first Indian woman to qualify for RAAM, a nearly 3,000-mile (about 4,800 km) race from the west coast to the east coast of the United States. The event, scheduled for June, must be completed in about 12 days.
“I started cycling more seriously during the lockdown. It was just a way to step outside and feel free,” she said. “The sport allows me to cover vast distances while exploring landscapes and reconnecting with nature.”
Gruelling race demands meticulous planning
Preparing for RAAM involves more than physical training. It requires detailed logistics, funding, crew coordination and international travel planning.
“Training for RAAM is a long process. It’s not just about building endurance for 4,800 km, but also preparing mentally and managing everything that comes with it,” Vandana said.
Her qualification came through the Ultra Spice Race, organised by Inspire India. The 1,750-km route runs from Goa to Ooty and back, with an elevation gain of nearly 24,000 metres.
Vandana completed the race in 129 hours, well within the cut-off time of 154 hours, securing her place at RAAM.
From horticulture to global endurance circuits
A horticulturist and landscape designer by training, Vandana now focuses fully on endurance cycling. She has covered 78,772 km to date.
Her milestones include multiple Audax India ultra rides and participation in Paris-Brest-Paris 2023, a 1,200-km event held every four years in France.
“The towns during Paris-Brest-Paris welcome riders with cheers, treats and encouragement. It’s adventure and festivity rolled into one,” she said.
Yet, she said her first 1,200-km ride the Tour of Telangana remains closest to her heart. Riding solo through multiple nights tested her resolve in ways she had not experienced before.
“Begin with 25 to 50 km. Ride with friends or family. Increase distances gradually. Endurance cycling builds resilience and opens doors to experiences you may never have imagined,” she said.
