Bicycle diaries

B. R. Janardan, 72, retired Indian railway officer who has cycled over 1,39,000 kms. He also loves trekking and walking

Life has always posed many hurdles for me. However, I have enjoyed jumping over them.

I was three years old when my father passed away. So my childhood was filled with hardship and responsibilities.

At 18, I took up my first job as a laboratory assistant at the National Dairy Research Institute in Bangalore, Southern India.

Later I came across an advertisement for positions in Eastern Railway. I jumped at this opportunity and, after eight months of vigorous training, was posted as an officer at the Mughalsarai Railway Yard.

My work was very demanding both mentally and physically.

But, despite a hard day's work I would never fail to tend my garden, which spread across an acre. I grew fruit trees such as guava, papaya and plum. I also grew vegetables such as potatoes, onions, peas and cabbage.

In 1991, I retired from the yard – accomplished and content. Nothing could have prepared me for what life had in store for me.

I had an epileptic attack ...

... in March 1995, while I was on my way to seek a groom for my youngest daughter. One minute I was happily chatting with my relatives in the car and the next moment I could not speak.

I was rushed to a nearby nursing home where the doctors, after conducting a few tests on me, informed me that I had had a major epileptic attack.

Promptly, numerous restrictions were laid on my lifestyle, medications were prescribed and life changed from a routine of "on the move" to "always monitored".

But I stopped taking medication after six months. I was sure I could do without any help - and against my family's wishes - started going on morning walks and cycling to get my body back on track.

Soon I began to feel better and kept to my exercise routine regardless of warnings that I could have a relapse of epilepsy.

In December 1996, I made my first long-distance cycling trip from Bangalore to Devanhalli, a town about 35 km away, where my son was to perform at a cultural event.

I set off on my cycle after a light lunch. I reached the venue but could not find my son and, since it was getting dark, decided to return immediately.

In total I had covered about 77 kilometres in five-and-a-half hours but did not feel tired.

I tried discussing my trip with my family but they didn't share in my excitement and warned me not to try such a feat again. But I just had to.

Confidence-building measures

The following month I made a trip to my village, Hassan, 204 km away from my home. It took me two days to complete the journey but I felt good.

I began making trips from Bangalore to far-flung places like Chitradurga, Sringeri, Madikeri and Mysore.

With each ride I was gathering energy and gaining in confidence. My family also began to see an improvement in my condition.

I do not know whether cycling helps to cure epilepsy but it has helped me get back my active life.

Last December, a felicitation event was held in Bangalore to mark my cycling achievements. My aim is to be in the Guinness Book of World Records.

When I gained confidence cycling long distances, I took on a new challenge – trekking.

My first trek was to Nandi Hills (a hill station about 90 km away from Bangalore), and it was a remarkable experience.

Then my thirst for adventures grew. I became a member of the Youth Hostel Association of India and began to go on national treks such as the Roopkunt trek in Himachal (2002), Dalhousie winter trek, a 10-day trek in 2003 and a double trek to the Chandrkani Pass and Sar Pass, (this was a 20-day trek).

The most interesting trek was to the Kanchenjunga base camp in Sikkim in November last year.

It was an eight-day trek and all trekkers had to register at the police station at the foothills.

The officers refused to allow me on the trek due to my age and lack of training.

A fellow trekker, Saurab, who had been with me on a couple of treks before, managed to convince the officers that I was capable and fit enough to embark on the journey.

Finally, I was able to join the team, which had German, British, even a Chinese, tourists.

I have, over the past 3-4 years, covered most of the hilly areas such as Madkeri and Bhagmandala near Bangalore. I want to encourage the youth to get off their sofas and take up an active lifestyle.

It is disheartening to see the way young men today just surrender to television and waste time.

If you are physically fit you can battle every ailment that comes your way; I am a living example of that.

I cannot be confined ...

... to one place for a long time. I have attuned myself to be on the go always. So, when I came to Dubai four years ago to visit my son and his family, I was bored for the first few days.

Then I started my morning walks, and before I knew it I was getting to know Dubai and its beautiful and clean surroundings like never before.

I would start from Al Riqqa Road and walk to Jumeirah, Mamzar Beach and at times even Sharjah.

Only once did I lose my way and had trouble getting back home!

During my last trip, I cut down on cycling and walking because of the increase in traffic.

To ensure I did not go far, my grandchildren would tag along with me – to give me company and keep me occupied, they would say!

Life is a spinning wheel, it will not wait for you to keep pace with it. If you let age tie you down, the aches and pains will soon catch up.

I will turn 72 in June and have already logged 1,39,000 km in cycling, and have a number of treks, achievement awards and honours behind me.

But that is not the end of the trail. I have quite a long way to go!

When I return home to India I plan to participate in the Bangalore Marathon, which was scheduled for April this year but has been postponed.

I may not win the race but if I complete the 42.2-km distance, it will give me happiness.