In a stunning display of resilience, 70-year-old Rajajinagar MLA and former minister Suresh Kumar has completed an arduous 702-kilometer cycling journey from Bengaluru to Kanyakumari. This remarkable feat comes just months after he was bedridden, battling a rare and serious neurological complication.
From Bedridden to the Bicycle: A Journey of Recovery
The veteran politician's plans for a commemorative ride were derailed in August 2024 when he was diagnosed with chikungunya encephalopathy (CE), a severe complication of the viral infection. The illness left him unable to move even his fingers. After a grueling two to three months of recovery, Kumar slowly returned to his passion for cycling in March 2025, crediting the sport with helping him regain his strength and mobility.
By December 2025, he was ready to fulfill his long-held ambition. Kumar, along with a group of 11 other cyclists under the banner 'Rajajinagar pedal power', embarked on the iconic southward journey. The group set off from Bengaluru at 4 am on December 23, aiming to cover the vast distance over five days.
Pedaling Through the Kilometers: A Day-by-Day Triumph
The cycling team maintained an impressive and consistent pace throughout their expedition. Their daily achievements were a testament to meticulous planning and sheer determination:
- Day 1: 157 km covered in 8.2 hours of cycling.
- Day 2: 159 km covered in 8.3 hours.
- Day 3: 155 km covered in 8.1 hours.
- Day 4: 156 km covered in 8.2 hours.
- Day 5: The final 73 km conquered in 4 hours.
In total, the group traversed the entire 702 km route in approximately 37 hours of actual cycling time, finally reaching the tip of the Indian subcontinent at Kanyakumari.
More Than a Ride: A Lifelong Passion and a Public Message
For Kumar, this was far more than a physical challenge. It was a powerful statement about recovery, fitness at any age, and the human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity. He has a long history with cycling, having used a bicycle for transportation since childhood and even during his early days as an advocate, pedaling to the high court.
"Cycling was always part of my life," Kumar recalled. "I took a brief break after entering politics, but I returned to it with a renewed purpose." This 2025 ride was particularly special as it marked five decades since his first Bengaluru-Kanyakumari cycling trip.
Fellow cyclist Prashant Sadashiv Patil, who accompanied Kumar, highlighted the inspirational aspect of the journey. "He was inspiring us throughout the journey with interesting stories; he also taught us about team bonding," Patil said. He added that it is "high time all constituencies encouraged cycling so that we can bring back the habit of cycling in Bengaluru."
For the broader cycling community and the public, Suresh Kumar's extraordinary ride stands as a vivid reminder that recovery, personal fitness, and dedicated public leadership can powerfully coexist. It is a story that transcends politics, celebrating the triumph of willpower over physical limitation.
