Interview with Cyclist Paritosh Mohite

Paritosh Mohite is 45 year old cyclist from Navi-Mumbai, India. Chartered Engineer by profession, he is maintaining fine balance between his profession and passion for cycling. He started cycling in September 2015 and in November 2015 he completed his first BRM(Brevets de Randonneur Mondiaux) – 200 Km. In March 2016, he won SR(Super Randonneur) title by completing series of 200, 300, 400 and 600km. During his BRM practice, he realized that he should improve his hill climb. So, he started practicing climb on Parsik Hill, Navi Mumbai. As of now, he is the only person from Navi-Mumbai to complete 20 non-stop loops of Parsik Hill. His achievements don’t stop here – In January 2017, he became the first person in Navi-Mumbai to complete 1000 Km and 1200 Km BRM. In April 2017, he started with 30 days Cycling Climbing Challenge on Strava where he covered 4002 Km covering Belapur-Bhorghat-Belapur route.

Q: When did you started Cycling, as a sport?
I started cycling on September 5, 2015. Went to buy a cycle as a gift for my son on August 28, 2015 and purchased one for myself. This is how it all started.

Q: What is the longest distance you have covered in a day?
Longest distance I covered in single day is 400 km, with few breaks for water and food intake. However, the longest distance without getting off the saddle is 186 km.

Q: What is the biggest challenge you faced as a Cyclist?
I was doing group rides with Everest Cycling Culture (ECC) and on September 26, 2015 I tried for my first ever 100 km ride to Khopoli and back. However it took me 9 hrs 45 min with 14 breaks to complete, though it was not 100 km but was 99.89 km. So, to cross the 100 km mark was the biggest challenge for me. After that, I practiced hard daily on Palm Beach Road between 5.00 am to 7.00 am and finally I was able to cross 100 km mark on October 5, 2015.

My first 99.89 km took 9 hrs 45 min with 14 breaks, whereas now my fastest 100 km is nonstop in 3 hrs 20 min.

Q: Tell us about your recently accomplished “April Cycling Climbing 30 days challenge” on Strava.
I wanted to do something different and unique in cycling, so I thought of taking a typical challenge. I planned to do continuous Century (100+ km) rides with some climb, for a month (30 days). I decided on Belapur-Bhorghat-Belapur route, which was around 115+ km, with climb of approximately 700 meters.
From April 1, 2017 I commenced my 30 Century challenge rides, which I successfully completed on April 30, 2017. During this period, I used to get up at 2.30 am and leave home at 4.00 am. Also, in this month I did few extra long rides – covering 150 to 200 km. At the end of the month, the total distance covered was 4001.80 km (@ 133.40 km per ride, per day) and the total climb was 28210 meters. My actual riding time was 161 hrs 18 min during which I burned 81150 calories and lost 5.10 kg weight. In addition to these rides, I did one of my longest ‘Cycle to Work‘ ride, which was 200 km to and fro.

Q: What guidance you can give to people who wants to start pedaling?
I know its difficult to go out daily and pedal but one has to determine his/her mind. If you want to achieve something then you have to sacrifice as well. Today’s lifestyle is very busy and one usually doesn’t gets time to take care of health but at the same time one should not forget that “Health is Wealth”. So, please take out sometime for yourself before it’s too late. I would like to mention some health benefits which cycling has given to me. In 2015, when I started cycling I was weighing almost 70 kg and waist size around 34, whereas as of now I’m weighing 60.4 kg with waist 30.

So start pedaling, slow and steady but do pedal daily and try to push your boundaries above your comfort levels.

Q: Please share bike handling tips for new riders.
When you ride a bike, the bike also rides you. So it’s like both you and bike are made for each other. If you respect your bike, she will respect you. Regular maintenance, servicing is a must. For a geared bike, the cassette and chain should be regularly cleaned. Also when you are out on long rides,some basic knowledge, such as, removing the wheel, repairing puncture, replacing tire and tube, filling air in tube, is must so that you can enjoy break free rides.

Q: What are your future cycling goals?
There are various cycling events nationally and internationally held every year. So lets see, how far I can go. As of now, my next target is ‘Deccan Cliffhanger‘, which is a Qualifier event for RAAM (Race Across America, World’s toughest cycling race). Deccan Cliffhanger is a 643 km race to be completed in 32 hrs. I am currently practicing for the same.

Thank you Paritosh, for sparing some time out from your busy schedule to share your experience with “Missy Traveler” readers. You serve as a true inspiration to the cyclist in the town. May you continue to pursue your passion and achieve great heights.

Cyclists who wish to get in touch with Paritosh can reach him at mohiteps17@gmail.com or 9920761855.

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