This BRM 100 was planned for 20th Dec 2020 and I was excited as I was planning to ride my friends MTB, Trek Superfly 7. I had never rode MTB for a long distance and wanted to experience this BRM 100.

I got the cycle and got it serviced at Chainpullers, Pawan serviced and gave me my Bike in a couple of hours.

I was so excited I got the cycle on Sat 19th Dec in the evening at 4ish. I came home and started setting up the cycle. Moved my Garmin sensors and Knog lights holders from my Cannondale Synapse 105 Road bike to Trek MTB. Lubed it well, also attached a saddle pouch (normally I carry an extra tube and repair kit in that) and finally stuck the rider tag.

The Ride day, Sunday 20th December

I woke up at 3:50 and got ready, went through my check list and left at 4:25 at a meeting place where few Riders were waiting, Rohan was on his Honda activa to support his wife Pallavi. She was doing her first 100km.

My excitement ended about 2kms when I got a puncture on the rear wheel, it seems the tire had cracks. I had ridden the bike before but had no issues.

I had two options: either fix the puncture and move ahead or come back home and take Road bike.

I made a quick decision to move back home, I took my bike on Rohan’s activa back home and started shifting things.

I felt like the situation you must have noticed in Formula 1, Pitstop. My wife started getting tools from the house and got an extra water bottle as I had two cages in the road bike, while Rohan helped me move the saddle bag and added rider tags. While this was going on I moved my Garmin Sensors and lights. At the end did tire air pressure check. 

My road bike was ready in 10 mins clock, thanks to my wife and Rohan they were my saviours for the ride.

I left the house at 5:10 am and the flag off was at 6:00 am, I started riding fast to reach the venue as I had to do my bike check and get my Brevet card stamped.

I reached at 5:30 am, well in time. First thing, got my bike checked and stamped my brevet card. Post that I started chatting with my Fellow Riders.

Get Set Go – First 50kms

The ride started at 6:00 am, I had a plan to ride easy and help fellow riders. We had many first timer BRM 100 riders. This BRM 100 was special for my club Malad Cycling Club (MCC) as we had many female riders from MCC.

I started slow for about 500 meters and my legs started acting and I took pace. The weather was really good and my pace grew better and started riding  at an average of 29kmph. I thought of stopping at 15 kms for all riders to cheer them on. However I stopped at about 20kms post Vasai climb as that is the point where most riders are tired and stop. I met mostly all the riders at that point.

I started riding with fellow riders, had a quick chat with Vishal, Mehul, Dinesh and Dillon who were riding with their spouses.

We had refreshments arranged at 25kms by the  Cycling For All Club, here again I met all fellow riders.

Post this point I started riding at a good pace and around 46kms I had front tire puncture, this was the time I remembered my first puncture in the morning. 

I quickly started fixing it. One good thing I did was put a new tube into the saddle bag. I found a 2mm glass piece in the tire, removed that and quickly replaced the tube. I also discovered that the air pump handle was broken, this tool took a little time to fill the air. I manage to get 55 PSI. I was up and running in 7 mins.

I managed to reach 8:45 at the control point where I first took the air pump arranged by the club and got air pressure in the tire at 80 PSI. I took 2:45 hours to complete 51kms

Here I had a chat with my fellow riders, took some snaps and started my journey at 9:15 am back to the start point.

Final 50kms

I rode back at a good pace and finished the ride in about 2 hours with just two quick breaks. I had an issue post fountain as there is a climb and I got cramps on both thighs. This is due to lack of water as it is winter and I had less water. I stood for 5 mins, did some stretching and massage on tights and started riding. This was the first time I moved my front gear from 2 to 1. I always ride on 2nd gear.

Again, one thing I registered was to keep sipping water while riding. 

I am really happy to know all the first time riders finished their BRM 100, this is what I call the power of groups.