We woke up as usual and were on our way without much fuss. Little did we know that this was going to be a day bigger than we had imagined.
I sprinted the 28km to the Wagah border. There were lots of photos taken. When Samyukta and Ben arrived, we were all set to cross but the border wasn’t opened yet. So, we got talking to the locals there. Some had seen us on tv. We still hadn’t seen ourselves on television. I’m hoping some kind soul has recorded it for us.
Once the border opened and we went through customs, we were told that since we were crossing the border on foot/cycle we needed a special pass from the Indian government. We didn’t have it. We would not be crossing the border. It was shocking news. None of us knew that this piece of paper was needed. It was ironical that we were stopped by the Indian government in the end. It was our fault, of course for not checking up.
We convened for a cup of tea. My Dad got on the phone to my family back in Delhi. I ended up entertaining the 700 porters assembled there. They carry meat and vegetables over the border as part of the import/export supply lines through India and Pakistan. They asked me to cycle for them. They broke into thundering applause when I was done. It was a great feeling. We spent 5 hours at the border and make a few friends there. Vicky, the coffee boy and ‘Captain’ made particular good company. I tried riding Captain’s 3-wheeled cycle-rickshaw. I’ll stick to my unicycle anyday.
Meanwhile, we tried contacting the Secretary for External Affairs. When we didn’t any word on whether we could go through, we were going to pack up and leave, and wait back in Amritsar. But suddenly. A customs officers came up to us and said that a few calls had been made. We could go through. I don’t think we have ever moved faster. I didn’t mind the wait and the delay. As one of my friends said, “It’s just another block in the road that will make the eventual story more interesting and the triumph sweeter.” What irked me was the fact that a group of women councilors and kids- our reception on the other side of the border were waiting for us. I hated to make them wait.
We got through the customs and even rode around for the curious customs officers. As we crossed the border, I got on my unicycle and cycled into Pakistan. Our reception committee from the Pattan Development Organisation headed my Mr. Tanvir Iqbal gave us a rousing welcome. They were friendly and warm. We all felt right at home.
Mr. Iqbal called me aside and wondered aloud if we could take the car into Lahore because his people were all tired. We all agreed that the mission was accomplished and we had no problem doing the last 20+km in the car. We rode the last few km in Lahore though and finished with the press interviews. Unfortunately, the tv crews that had been waiting for us at the border had left and could not wait. But we didn’t mind. Mr.Iqbal and his group were taking wonderful care of us.
Mr.Iqbal and his family took us around Lahore for the next 2 days. We had a reception with the head of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan too. It was a wonderful end to our trip.
The warmth of the people we met in Pakistan was unbelievable and further strengthens my belief that the majority of civilians from both countries want peace. I feel more civilian interaction like the ride we did will speed up the peace process. I understand things will not change overnight but the initiative rests with the people. I hope to carry my One Wheel, One World mission further in this region and hopefully, around the world.
That’s it from me.
Yours truly,
Siddharth “Sid” Rajan
Many thanks to the following:
The Centurion Bank of Punjab for supporting us, and all the people from the Bank along the way.
Mr.Gandhi and Mr.Ashok for their generosity.
Mr.Tanvir Iqbal, Mr.Mansoor Khan, their families and the Pattan Development Organisation for their hospitality.
Mr.Mani Shankar Aiyar, Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, for flagging us off and helping us with our visas.
Mr.Shivashankar Menon, Secratary to the Minister of External Affairs for helping us get over the border.
Mrs.Usha Krishnakumar for her help with the visas.
The people of both countries that supported us with their words of encouragement via mail, phone and on the way (and for driving safely too). Thanks for all the smiles and waves.
All my supporters and friends.
Pappu and Raju, our drivers.
Baby Aunty, Raghu Mama, Renu Aunty and Subba Uncle for all your help and support.
Amma, Appa, Pompi and Ben for coming on another crazy idea of mine. There will be more to come.
Donks, the stuffed donkey, our mascot that got us luck.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Day 6- Jalandhar to Amritsar- 74km
Today was the day before the big day. I was unusually sore. I guess I didn’t allow myself to get tired the last few days since I was so focused. Suddenly, with the end in sight, it was hard to concentrate. After the first 30km and a few cups of some roadside tea I got into the groove. Samyukta, on the other hand was doing great and having a good time on the saddle now. I suspect that this is not going to be her last cycling tour.
We entered Amritsar just before lunch. The traffic was once again hard to manage. I got wiped out by a cycle-rickshaw and crashed. I took the other guy down with me. No harm done to either of us and my precious unicycle.
After lunch we were honoured to get a tour of the famed Golden Temple- the most sacred place of worship for the Sikhs. It is an amazingly peaceful place. I’ve been to many temples before and one has to fight their way through the crowds. But here the devotees were so serene and calm. It was a great finish to the Indian leg of our journey. At the end, the whole crew were given a huge temple honour and presented with a saropa- a sacred cloth. I also bought myself a kirpan- a knife with a lovely decorated handle.
The next day was the big day…
We entered Amritsar just before lunch. The traffic was once again hard to manage. I got wiped out by a cycle-rickshaw and crashed. I took the other guy down with me. No harm done to either of us and my precious unicycle.
After lunch we were honoured to get a tour of the famed Golden Temple- the most sacred place of worship for the Sikhs. It is an amazingly peaceful place. I’ve been to many temples before and one has to fight their way through the crowds. But here the devotees were so serene and calm. It was a great finish to the Indian leg of our journey. At the end, the whole crew were given a huge temple honour and presented with a saropa- a sacred cloth. I also bought myself a kirpan- a knife with a lovely decorated handle.
The next day was the big day…
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Day 5- Ludhiana to Jalandhar- 70km
Getting out of the city was tough. It was very smoggy. At times visibility was less than 5m. The road had any bumps and I had to ride slower. This was a pretty short day and I was determined to get it done quickly.
We reached Jalandhar quite early. We decided to have the press meet before lunch. There were quite a few photographers and reporters. After a while I was getting irritated since I was hungry. But I tried not to show it. Thankfully, it got over eventually and we had lunch before riding the 10km to the guest house.
The next 2 days are big. We will be getting a civic reception at the Golden Temple and of course, the day after we cross over to Pakistan. Things are going well.
We reached Jalandhar quite early. We decided to have the press meet before lunch. There were quite a few photographers and reporters. After a while I was getting irritated since I was hungry. But I tried not to show it. Thankfully, it got over eventually and we had lunch before riding the 10km to the guest house.
The next 2 days are big. We will be getting a civic reception at the Golden Temple and of course, the day after we cross over to Pakistan. Things are going well.
Day 4- Rest Day
I am writing this as I lie in bed watching the cricket. Yup, I’m relaxed. We finally got a chance to sleep in. I was disturbed from my semi-comatose condition, however by a reporter. After all the photograph taking, I was back in bed.
Today was spent organizing the rest of the trip, especially our reception in Pakistan. The Indian embassy would not receive us for certain diplomatic reasons. We got a few calls from well-wishers who advised us not to go since there had been recent bomb blasts in Islamabad and the North-West. But there is no way I am not going to complete this ride. We might be getting a civic reception by human rights activists in Pakistan. We are still waiting for more news.
Today was spent organizing the rest of the trip, especially our reception in Pakistan. The Indian embassy would not receive us for certain diplomatic reasons. We got a few calls from well-wishers who advised us not to go since there had been recent bomb blasts in Islamabad and the North-West. But there is no way I am not going to complete this ride. We might be getting a civic reception by human rights activists in Pakistan. We are still waiting for more news.
Day 3- Ambala to Ludhiana- 111km
We had another long day ahead of us. I was sore but all the discomfort went away the moment I got on the unicycle. From the 20km to the 50km mark, I began to feel a bit of discomfort. I wasn’t struggling but I was tiring a bit. Certain sections were wet as we had had rain overnight. In wet conditions my feet slip off the pedals and that can get dangerous. I was riding a bit slower today as a result.
We stopped for lunch after 71km. Samyukta who hadn’t done the whole distance yesterday felt that this could be the day she cycles 100km for the first time ever. After lunch two guys on motorcycles who saw us during one of our breaks, gave Ben their sun-glasses because he had none. Gestures like these along with the kind words and smiles of the people we meet have made out journey worthwhile. It is wonderful to get such support.
As we entered Ludhiana, we crossed the 100km mark, Samyukta’a first. Ben and I would have done 317km in 3 days by the end of the day. After all the miles we really had to concentrate hard with all the traffic. Finally, we reached our hotel. A few photographs and the usual press interview later, we were done for the day. I was sore but wasn’t that tired. We had only 220km more to go and the next day was our rest day. The tough days were behind us.
We stopped for lunch after 71km. Samyukta who hadn’t done the whole distance yesterday felt that this could be the day she cycles 100km for the first time ever. After lunch two guys on motorcycles who saw us during one of our breaks, gave Ben their sun-glasses because he had none. Gestures like these along with the kind words and smiles of the people we meet have made out journey worthwhile. It is wonderful to get such support.
As we entered Ludhiana, we crossed the 100km mark, Samyukta’a first. Ben and I would have done 317km in 3 days by the end of the day. After all the miles we really had to concentrate hard with all the traffic. Finally, we reached our hotel. A few photographs and the usual press interview later, we were done for the day. I was sore but wasn’t that tired. We had only 220km more to go and the next day was our rest day. The tough days were behind us.
Day 2- Panipat to Ambala- 111km
It was an early start once again. For the sake of the trip it was decided that if Samyukta was too slow, she would have to ride in the support vehicle for a bit. There was no way we could enter Ambala after sunset with all the traffic. Finally today, the traffic eased off a bit and I didn’t have to concentrate as much. I was beginning to enjoy the ride. I took off once again and after waiting for the others to catch up for a while, we got the news that Ben had a flat tyre. This cost us a bit of time but in the meantime a local news crew caught up with us and did a quick interview.
Once the flat tyre was fixed, we carried on. Once again I was averaging 22kmph. We decided to have lunch after the town of Kurukshetra, at the 75km mark. In towns, the traffic flood increases and I have to be careful. At one of the crossroads in Kurukshetra, I had stopped at a redlight when a motorcycle pulled up in front of me. Before I knew it, I had a mic in my face and a reporter asking me questions. Since we were stopping for lunch soon, we invited them to join us for lunch. We were interviewed by Zee News and NRI tv at lunch.
After lunch, Samyukta was tired and got in the backseat of the support vehicle. My Dad took her spot but after 3km he realized that I was unicycling too fast for him and for a while it was just Ben on his bicycle and me on my unicycle.
15km from Ambala, Ben had another puncture. This was a bit frustrating as we were so close to Ambala. Once that was fixed we carried on. Outside Ambala, we were met by a delegation from the Appy Juice company who warmly received us and garlanded us with flowers. After that we had a motorcade all the way into the city. This meant we had no problems with the traffic. Once we reached our hotel we were received by the more supporters by the Centurion Bank of Punjab and the press. After riding 111km the last thing I wanted to do for ride more so the press could take their photographs. But we all obliged with smiles on our faces.
Once again we barely had time for much before we were in bed. Ben and I had done 206km in 2 days. He had sore knees. I was sore too but we were all in good spirits.
Once the flat tyre was fixed, we carried on. Once again I was averaging 22kmph. We decided to have lunch after the town of Kurukshetra, at the 75km mark. In towns, the traffic flood increases and I have to be careful. At one of the crossroads in Kurukshetra, I had stopped at a redlight when a motorcycle pulled up in front of me. Before I knew it, I had a mic in my face and a reporter asking me questions. Since we were stopping for lunch soon, we invited them to join us for lunch. We were interviewed by Zee News and NRI tv at lunch.
After lunch, Samyukta was tired and got in the backseat of the support vehicle. My Dad took her spot but after 3km he realized that I was unicycling too fast for him and for a while it was just Ben on his bicycle and me on my unicycle.
15km from Ambala, Ben had another puncture. This was a bit frustrating as we were so close to Ambala. Once that was fixed we carried on. Outside Ambala, we were met by a delegation from the Appy Juice company who warmly received us and garlanded us with flowers. After that we had a motorcade all the way into the city. This meant we had no problems with the traffic. Once we reached our hotel we were received by the more supporters by the Centurion Bank of Punjab and the press. After riding 111km the last thing I wanted to do for ride more so the press could take their photographs. But we all obliged with smiles on our faces.
Once again we barely had time for much before we were in bed. Ben and I had done 206km in 2 days. He had sore knees. I was sore too but we were all in good spirits.
Day 1- Delhi to Panipat- 95km
The alarm buzzed at 5a.m. When you know you have to ride 95km, you usually jump out of bed, ready to go. We left as the sun was rising. It might have been a Sunday morning but the roads were already crowded. Getting out of the city was a huge adventure in itself. Ben was cut off by an auto rickshaw and my quick reflexes saved me from ending up under a bus. There wasn’t much respite when we left Delhi either. There was lots of traffic the whole way.
We stopped for breakfast at the Delhi-Haryana border. We met a doctor who had read of us in the morning newspaper. He offered his services to us. With only 30km of cycling, we weren’t really hurting. The reaction of the people, and the number of people who wish us luck and offer us help is amazing.
We carried on and had lunch after 56km. I was a bit surprised that I was able to get away from Ben and Samyukta. Samyukta is fit but not bicycling fit and she was going slow. Ben was staying with her while I took off. I was averaging 22kmph with a top speed of 30kmph.
We got the good news that the Pakistani embassy had opened on a Sunday to issue Samyukta and my parents their visas. They hadn’t gotten their visas yet and the original plan was for Ben and I to cross the border. Now we all could complete the trip.
After lunch we lost more time as Samyukta was tiring. I would have loved to reach Panipat early because the next couple of days were longer. But then again, she was doing a great job and not giving up. Once we reached Panipat, the flood of traffic was too much. I had to walk for a kilometer. We finally reached Panipat and were met by our supporters from the Centurion Bank of Punjab. Before we could rest, we had to ride around for the press and do a couple of interviews. Once all the formalities were concluded, all we had time for were showers and dinner, before we went to bed.
We stopped for breakfast at the Delhi-Haryana border. We met a doctor who had read of us in the morning newspaper. He offered his services to us. With only 30km of cycling, we weren’t really hurting. The reaction of the people, and the number of people who wish us luck and offer us help is amazing.
We carried on and had lunch after 56km. I was a bit surprised that I was able to get away from Ben and Samyukta. Samyukta is fit but not bicycling fit and she was going slow. Ben was staying with her while I took off. I was averaging 22kmph with a top speed of 30kmph.
We got the good news that the Pakistani embassy had opened on a Sunday to issue Samyukta and my parents their visas. They hadn’t gotten their visas yet and the original plan was for Ben and I to cross the border. Now we all could complete the trip.
After lunch we lost more time as Samyukta was tiring. I would have loved to reach Panipat early because the next couple of days were longer. But then again, she was doing a great job and not giving up. Once we reached Panipat, the flood of traffic was too much. I had to walk for a kilometer. We finally reached Panipat and were met by our supporters from the Centurion Bank of Punjab. Before we could rest, we had to ride around for the press and do a couple of interviews. Once all the formalities were concluded, all we had time for were showers and dinner, before we went to bed.
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