Shikari's Cycling Adventure

Shikari just could not stay still. He loved playing football, hockey, kabaddi, cricket and enjoyed running and cycling. His real name was Shivaprakash, but because his hometown was Shikaripura, his friends called him Shikari.

Shikari worked at a sports store after graduating from college. The work kept him busy but he was bored. He longed to play sports and was always dreaming of adventure. It seemed to Shikari that his life had suddenly taken a pause.

Until one day, Shikari heard something on the radio. “India is hosting the Asian Games”

“Delhi,” Shikari thought, “I have never been to Delhi and I must go to see the Games!” A brilliant idea entered his mind. The idea of a thrilling adventure. A thrilling cycling adventure! “What if I cycle till Delhi? I have never cycled so far. It will be exciting to travel through new cities and towns.”

His friend Richard offered him his cycle for the trip.

Shikari wrote a letter to his parents to seek their permission. At first, they were hesitant. It was such a long journey and there were no mobile phones back then. But seeing his enthusiasm, they gave in.

Shikari started training. He ran 20 km every week. He cycled 70 km every week. He exercised to make his muscles stronger. He ate fruits, nuts and paneer and drank milk every day.

He packed lightly, but smartly. He bought tickets to the Asian Games. He mapped his travel route on a map. Shikari could not wait to start! Finally, he was ready.

October 1982 Day 01 Bangalore, Karnataka One bright morning, Shikari set off for Delhi on his cycle. His parents and friends came to see him off. Shikari’s adventure had truly begun. Click Claak, Click Claak, squeak

Day 02 Gauribidnaur, Karnataka All the people in the town gathered around when they saw Shikari on a cycle with luggage. They introduced him to Basavraj who had gone on an all-India cycle expedition the previous year. “Would you like to join me on this trip, Basav?” Shikari asked. “Yes!” Basav said excitedly. Shikari was happy, he liked Basav’s company. In two days, the two men set out towards Delhi together.

Day 06 Penukonda, Andhra Pradesh Shikari and Basav started their days early. After a light breakfast, they started pedalling. Click Claak, Click Claak They took a break for lunch and were off again. Click Claak, Click Claak They took a short nap and pedalled again until sunset. Click Claak, Click Claak

Day 10 Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh They cycled 100 kms every single day. Click Claak, Click Claak At night, they would sleep wherever they could find space – railway stations, guest houses, temples or homes of kind strangers. Each day and each night was a new adventure.

Day 14 Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh Shikari and Basav noticed dark clouds gathering over their head. The wind started to blow strong and loud Hisss… Hisss…Thunder rumbled through the sky as it rained heavily. Before they knew it, they were in the middle of a storm.

The two men did not have raincoats. An idea struck them - why not make a raincoat on their own? They bought big plastic sheets from a shop, cut holes for their arms and neck and aaha! A makeshift raincoat was ready.

They pedalled on. Click Claak, Click Claak Click Claak, Click Claak

Day 16 Nagpur, Maharashtra When the road was steep, Shikari and Basav had to stop pedalling and push the cycle uphill.

They saw snakes, bison, deer and jungle cats along forest roads. Click Claak, Click Claak, Click Claak, Click Claak

Day 18 Narsinghpur, Madhya Pradesh It was a bank holiday, and the two friends did not have any money left. They were tired and hungry. “Where are you two headed?” a cycle-shop owner asked them.

After hearing them out, the shop owner offered them tea and lunch. He also gave them Rs.100 for the journey ahead. “How will we ever repay you? Thank you for helping us,” said Shikari with tears in his eyes. They set out for their next destination. Click Claak, Click Claak, Click Claak, Click Claak

Day 23 Delhi Click Claak, Click Claak, Click Claak, Click Claak Shikari and Basav cycled by the majestic India Gate. Yes! They had made it to India’s capital, Delhi. The many days of cycling in the harsh sun, the difficulties they had faced and the pain in their legs all seemed to disappear. Now Delhi and the Asian Games awaited them.

November 1982 Day 27 Delhi The Asian Games began with pomp and show. The two friends saw boxing and badminton matches. They saw world athletes competing in wrestling and gymnastics. The Games mascot Appu smiled from the stadium walls as they watched tennis and volleyball matches. They were amazed at the strength of the weightlifters and the agility of the swimmers.

The Women’s Hockey Finals was a thrilling match between India and South Korea. Shikari was at the edge of his seat throughout the match. India won and he was overjoyed. Shikari now looked forward to going back home.

Meet the real Shikari

This story is inspired by Shivaprakash Honnashettar’s real-life adventure of cycling from Bangalore to Delhi for the Asian Games in 1982. He was 25 years old then. Mr Shivaprakash recently retired as the Sports Secretary of St. Joseph’s Boys’ High School in Bangalore.

Follow Shikari’s cycle ride to Delhi from Bangalore:

ANDHRA PRADESH Hindupur Penukonda Gooty Dhone Kurnool Mahabubnagar (now in Telengana) Hyderabad (now in Telengana)