The Udaipur Cycling Club is proud to celebrate an extraordinary milestone achieved by one of our dedicated members, Jayant Nanawati, who has become the third cyclist in our club’s history to complete 100 century rides (100 km each). His journey from borrowing a bicycle after 22 years to conquering this remarkable feat is nothing short of inspirational.
❤️ A Passion Rekindled
Like many of us, Jayant grew up as a sports enthusiast with a deep love for football, cricket, basketball, and various other games. However, as life progressed and responsibilities mounted, his connection with sports gradually faded into distant memories.
The COVID-19 lockdown, though challenging for the world, became a turning point in Jayant’s life. Morning runs with his wife and son, coupled with spirited badminton games, reignited the spark that had long been dormant. One fateful day, while watching cyclists glide gracefully around Fatehsagar and Rani Road in Udaipur, inspiration struck: “I want to try cycling again.”
💪 Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt
The idea was exhilarating, but fear quickly followed. Twenty-two years had passed since Jayant last rode a bicycle. The doubt was real, the hesitation palpable. Yet, with encouragement from his family, he decided to simply give it a try.
On April 12th, 2022, Jayant borrowed a bicycle from a colleague and embarked on a 10 km night ride. The joy he experienced that evening was indescribable—it was as if he had rediscovered a part of himself that had been waiting patiently all these years.
🚀 The Journey Accelerates
What happened next was extraordinary. Within days, Jayant was riding 20 km, then 30 km, then 50 km—all with surprising ease. His body remembered what his mind had forgotten, and the kilometres began to add up quickly.
After a few months of consistent riding, Jayant invested in his own bike and set his sights on a milestone that seemed impossible just months earlier: his first 100 km ride. Crossing that finish line wasn’t merely about covering distance; it was a victory of rediscovered passion, resilience, and unwavering determination.
🤝 Finding a Community
In January 2023, Jayant joined the Udaipur Cycling Club, and this decision transformed his cycling journey. Meeting fellow riders who had already achieved remarkable milestones—20,000 km, 30,000 km, 50,000 km, and even 100 century rides—provided the motivation to push his limits even further.
The camaraderie, shared experiences, and collective encouragement of the UCC community became the fuel that powered Jayant through early morning rides, challenging routes, and the occasional moments of doubt that every long-distance cyclist faces.
📊 The Numbers Tell a Story
Today, after more than three and a half years of dedicated cycling, Jayant’s achievements speak volumes:
- 35,000+ km logged
- 100 century rides completed (becoming UCC’s third member to achieve this milestone)
- 370 rides of 50+ km each
But these numbers represent more than statistics—they embody consistency, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to a rediscovered passion.
🌟 More Than Just Cycling
For Jayant, cycling has become far more than a hobby or fitness routine. It has taught him invaluable lessons about resilience, discipline, and the profound joy that comes from pushing beyond self-imposed limits.
As he beautifully puts it, cycling is good for the environment, exceptional for health, and a wonderful way to relieve stress. Most importantly, it has brought pure happiness back into his life—a lifelong love rediscovered, pedal by pedal.
💭 Words of Wisdom
Jayant draws inspiration from cycling legends whose words have guided his journey:
“It never gets easier; you just go faster.” — Greg LeMond
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” — Albert Einstein
“When my legs hurt, I say ‘Shut up legs! Do what I tell you to do!'” — Jens Voigt
🙏 Gratitude and Looking Ahead
Jayant acknowledges that none of this would have been possible without the incredible support and encouragement of the UCCians, and most importantly, his beloved wife and son, who believed in him when doubt crept in and celebrated every milestone along the way.
As Jayant himself says, “This journey is only beginning, and I’m excited for the many rides and challenges ahead. Here’s to many more kilometers, countless memories, and the joy of the ride.”
💌 A Message to Fellow Cyclists
Jayant’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to rediscover your passion. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or someone who hasn’t ridden in decades, the road is waiting. All you need to do is take that first pedal stroke.
The Udaipur Cycling Club congratulates Jayant Nanawati on this incredible achievement and looks forward to celebrating many more milestones together! 🎉
Join us on our rides and be part of a community that celebrates every kilometer, every challenge, and every victory—big or small.
🚴🏼 Keep Pedaling. Keep Moving. Keep Inspiring. 🚴🏼
