Anuradha Palnitkar joins Jai Rawat and Samir Palnitkar in a 52-day journey from Los Angeles to Washington DC
Anuradha Palnitkar, a 54-year-old Indian-origin woman, has completed an unsupported, unpowered bicycle journey across the United States, covering 3,168 miles (5,100 km) in 52 days.
Palnitkar undertook the cross-country expedition with fellow Indian Americans Jai Rawat, 57, and Samir Palnitkar, 58. The trio began their ride at Santa Monica Beach in Los Angeles on August 1 and reached the Washington Monument in Washington DC on September 21.
The cyclists travelled without a support vehicle, averaging about 65 miles (104 km) a day and climbing more than 100,000 feet. Their route crossed 14 states before ending in the US capital.
The journey took them through California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. A substantial section followed historic Route 66, taking them through locations including Flagstaff, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Amarillo, Tulsa and St Louis.
-
The cyclists faced extreme conditions along the way, including temperatures of up to 119°F (49°C), thunderstorms, heavy traffic, roads without shoulders and colder weather towards the East Coast
-
They also dealt with mechanical problems, aggressive dogs and cycling accidents
Their route included mountain passes, deserts, plains, forests and dedicated cycle trails. They crossed the Continental Divide in New Mexico at 7,881 feet and the Eastern Continental Divide in Pennsylvania at 2,392 feet.
The expedition also marked a milestone for Palnitkar, who is reported to be the first woman of Indian descent to complete an unsupported, unpowered transcontinental bicycle ride across the US. Rawat and Samir also became the first IIT graduates reported to have completed such a journey.
Palnitkar, a dietitian by profession and teacher at a school for children with special needs, had previously completed marathons, long-distance walks and international treks. She described the journey as an opportunity to experience America’s varied landscapes, communities and history.
