On March 1, Manu Aralam, a 29-year-old man from Kerala, set out from his hometown Kannur, on a journey to beat a Guinness World Record in cycling. The current Guinness World Record for the longest solo journey by bicycle in a single country is 25,338 km and was achieved by Lt Col Vishal Ahlawat in Delhi, on 1 December 2018. Manu started his journey earlier this month, with the blessings and support of his family and peers and reached Bengaluru after a week-long journey on March 7.
In a candid interview with Metrolife, Manu spoke about why he took the decision to beat the world record, his journey so far and much more.
Are you excited about this journey you’ve embarked on? What are you looking forward to the most?
When I left my town, I was super excited but also a little nervous about what the future holds for me over the next couple of months. It’s still a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Regarding what I look forward to the most on this journey, it’s definitely the various people I’m going to meet and have the privilege of interacting with. That, plus all the scenic beauty I’m about to encounter.
How was your journey from Kannur to Bengaluru?
Over the last week I have been cycling approximately 200 km every day. Some days felt longer than the other, especially due to the heat. From Kannur I first went to Mangaluru, then Hassan, after which I finally reached Bengaluru on the evening of March 7. So far, everything’s going pretty smooth. However, when I entered the outskirts of Bengaluru, I did get chased by a group of rabid dogs. Apart from that my journey so far has been pretty peaceful.
What made you decide to embark on this cycling journey?
I can’t say I’ve always been an avid cycler ever since I was a kid because that would be lie! I first got into cycling about four years ago and ever since then, I can’t seem to stop. It gives me a sense of freedom and adventure, and also helps me stay fit, so it’s a win-win. I decided to take up this challenge because I wanted to spread awareness about climate change and the importance of shifting to eco-friendly transportation methods. A bicycle is the best example of that. I’m attempting this record to spread the message of a healthy, happy, green India. This is a conversation we need to be having.
How did you prepare yourself for this challenge?
Athletics and sports have always interested me, I like being active. I first started by doing small workouts and cycling on a daily basis. I also spoke to some cyclists I knew and gathered all the advice I could. From what to pack, how to pack, the importance of knowing your limits and many more similar important things.
Where are you headed to next?
Soon I’ll leave Bengaluru and be on my way to Sira and Hampi. I want to spend some time in Karnataka. It’s one of my favourite states, I love the people and the culture.
How long do you believe it’ll take you to break the world record?
The current record is 25,338 km in seven months. I want to challenge myself and beat it by travelling 30,000 km in five months. I plan to travel across all 29 states of India and reach back home by August. It’s definitely a big challenge but I’m mentally and physically prepared
for it.