“I’ll Never Do BRM Again…” 😅

Completely Exhausted & lying on the Road during 300 km BRM

“I’ll never do BRM again…” Yes, that’s exactly what I told myself — again. And this time, it made me smile. Because I’ve said the same line after almost every BRM when I’m completely dead from exhaustion… only to register for the next one a few days later! 😂

It was 12 noon, the sun was at its absolute best — scorching hot, making it one of the hottest days of October. I was sitting under a tree’s shadow on the right side of the road, my bike resting in the grass, and I had zero energy left to move. Completely drained after the continuous, stiff climb at Pachad Khind, just before Raigad Fort road, and after Nizampur.

I looked at my watch — only one and a half hours left to reach the Raigad checkpoint, still 20 km away, with nothing but heat and climbs ahead. Took a few sips of warm water, gathered whatever courage was left inside, and somehow pulled myself up. Picked up the bike, whispered “Never give up,” and started pedaling again.

The Calm Before the Heat ☀️

The morning had started beautifully at 5:30 AM from Decathlon Wakad. 300 km BRM (Route: Pune-Tamhini Ghat-Raigad Fort-Tamhini-Kamshet-Pune & total 20 hours to finish line before 1.30 am). The weather was perfect, roads quiet, and spirits high. We rolled through Hinjewadi, Pirangut, and Paud. The sun was playing hide and seek with the clouds, and light fog made Mulshi Dam and Tamhini Ghat look dreamy.

By 9:30 AM, we had crossed the ghat smoothly and stopped for some snacks at the base before pedaling toward Nizampur. But soon, the real game began — the heat started rising, and the very hot sun was now baking the soil that was still wet from the monsoon.

Thankfully, I had strong company — Sachin Thakur. We had done a 1000km BRM together earlier, and as always, he was pulling me along with his steady rhythm and energy. Together, we managed to reach checkpoints right on time, despite the tough climbs.

The Ride Back — Nature’s Shower & Night Chaos 🌧️🌌

On the return journey, we got a surprise waterfall shower! It was a blessing — washing away all the deposited salt, sweat, and fatigue. It felt so refreshing, like nature saying, “Alright, here’s your energy refill.” It helped us cool our core temperature and tackle the brutal 30 km Tamhini ghat climb that followed.

But the joy didn’t last long. As night fell, Mulshi road turned into an adventure of its own. No streetlights, single narrow road, fog, drizzle, and crazy traffic lights reflecting off wet tarmac — perfect recipe for slipping tires and shaky nerves. One of the strong rider in our group unfortunately fell due to potholes and had to quit due to injuris. It’s sad that such beautiful routes are ruined by poor road maintenance — something every cyclist silently curses on these roads.

The Final Stretch 💪

By the time we crossed Pirangut and reached Wakad, it was already 10:37 PM. We still had 50 km to go and only less than three hours left. On a normal day, that’s easy. But after covering 250 km and 3,700+ meters of elevation, those last 50 km felt endless.

Finally, at 1:28 AM, we rolled into Decathlon Wakad, crossing the finish line just within time. That feeling of joy, relief, and quiet pride — indescribable. The pain, the heat, the exhaustion — all faded in that one moment.

The Classic Ending 😄

On the way home, half-asleep, half-smiling, my tired brain whispered again: “That’s it. I’m never doing BRM again…”

And then, a few seconds later, another thought popped up: “Maybe I should register for the next one.” 😅

Because that’s how BRM riders are built — tired legs, stubborn hearts, and a strange Love Story of suffering on two wheels. 🚴‍♂️🔥

With co rider Sachin Thakur

Valley at Tamhini Ghat

Tamhini Ghat morning view

at finish line 1.28 am

Refresh shower time at 5 pm- Tamhini Ghat

Strava image. The ride started at 5.30 am, but I forgot to ON the recording. There is a loss of 10 km 😭

Participants