In its 27 year history, RAAM has never had an Indian participant. This year, Bangalore based cyclist Samim Rizvi broke all records by cycling a distance of 700 kms in 24 hours (March 6/7 weekend) qualifying for the event.

The target was 675 kms but Samim wanted to do a tad better and rounded it off to 700 kms. A moment that will go down in history for sure.

Vivek Radhakrishnan, who is another well known figure on Bangalore’s cycling circuit had this to say: “…when you actually think about the distance itself, 700 km, that is another mind-boggling thing. In fact it is so unbelievable, that many have always doubted Samim’s achievements and plans, but I have seen him, and accompanied him on a few of these crazy sessions, so to the skeptics I say “start believing, and if you care about cycling in India, start supporting and cheering this athlete who is making cycling history in this country right now!”

He continues: The qualifying distance was covered at 23 hrs with an hour to go at about 7:20 am, so we had about 50 minutes to get back to the starting point to complete his personal goal of 700 in 24. The remaining 25 kms was amazing, supporters started showing up car after car, in the end we were a convoy of a few bikers and numerous cars on the highway. People leaning out of windows, standing through the sunroofs, cheering, taking pictures and filming with their camcorders. There were people waiting along the side of the high way, it was superb, Samim kept saying “I cant believe this, this is the most amazing day of my life”.”

Samin has always been passionate about cycling. In college, he would cycle 67 km to college. His penchant for distance cycling started all the way back in childhood, when his brother and he would hire a bicycle for 50p.

In year 2006, in a bid to raise awareness on global warming, Samim ran from Bangalore to Mumbai and cycled all the way back. The team educated dhaba owners and truckers about global warming and the effects of CFS. He trains hard every week on stretches like the 120 km Bangalore-Mysore highway and on the Bangalore-Nandi Hill route.

This year in July, Samim will participate at the ultra marathon cycling race event, RAAM, which is to be held at ocean side California to Annapolis Maryland. Racers cover a distance of over 3000 miles in less than 10 days. That is about 50% longer in half the time as the Tour de France. The Solo and Team finishers collectively travel a combined distance equivalent to circling the Earth at the equator seven times!

Samim (earlier with Red Rooster Racing) is now being promoted by BullDog Sportz.

He’s a real inspiration for the Bangalore biking community, which is increasing by leaps and bounds. If you, frustrated by Bangalore’s traffic want to be a part of the solution and not the problem, then do log in and become part of this active and thriving community!