In a remarkable display of resilience, 70-year-old Bengaluru MLA and former minister Suresh Kumar recently completed an arduous 702-kilometer cycling journey from Bengaluru to Kanyakumari. This extraordinary feat becomes even more inspiring considering it came just months after he recovered from a rare and severe neurological condition that had left him completely bedridden.
From Bedridden to Bicycle: A Journey of Recovery
Suresh Kumar's planned 2024 cycling expedition, meant to mark 50 years since his first iconic ride, was abruptly halted. In August 2024, he was diagnosed with Chikungunya encephalopathy (CE), a serious neurological complication of the Chikungunya virus. The illness was debilitating, rendering him unable to move even his fingers and confining him to bed for an extended period.
After two to three months of focused recovery, Kumar began his slow return to cycling in March 2025. He credits the sport with playing a pivotal role in helping him regain his physical strength and mobility. By December 2025, he felt ready to finally undertake the long-distance challenge he had envisioned.
The Five-Day Pedal Power Marathon
Kumar was not alone in this endeavor. He was part of a 12-member group named 'Rajajinagar Pedal Power' that embarked on the journey on Tuesday, December 23. The team set off from Bengaluru at 4 am, embarking on a meticulously logged ride.
The daily distances covered were impressive:
- Day 1: 157 km in 8 hours and 15 minutes of cycling.
- Day 2: 159 km in 8 hours and 35 minutes.
- Day 3: 155 km in 8 hours and 15 minutes.
- Day 4: 156 km in 8 hours and 20 minutes.
- Day 5: The final 73 km covered in 4 hours and 5 minutes.
In total, the group cycled for approximately 37 hours over five days, conquering the entire 702 km route to reach the tip of the Indian subcontinent at Kanyakumari.
Cycling: A Lifelong Passion and a Public Mission
For Kumar, cycling is not a newfound hobby but a lifelong companion. He recalls cycling everywhere as a child and even pedaling to the High Court during his early years as an advocate. "Cycling was always part of my life. I took a brief break after entering politics, but I returned to it with renewed purpose," he stated.
His motivation was further amplified by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to promote cycling in every constituency. Since then, Kumar has actively championed constituency-level cycling events, often riding alongside local residents to foster community participation and fitness.
This recent journey, he says, symbolized endurance and determination. "My neurologists are extremely happy that I took up cycling again. It has helped me recover physically and regain confidence," Kumar explained, describing the ride as both a personal milestone and a powerful message on healthy living.
Fellow cyclist Prashant Sadashiv Patil, who accompanied him, found the experience motivating. "He was inspiring us throughout the journey with interesting stories and taught us about team bonding. It is high time all constituencies encourage cycling to revive this habit in Bengaluru," Patil remarked. For the group, Kumar's ride stood as a potent reminder that recovery, fitness, and public leadership can indeed go hand in hand.
