My Cycling Journey From Chennai to Goa, Making New Friends, Looking for Stories

For 60 days, for over 1,200 kms, through unfamiliar nooks and landscapes with unparalleled beauty, I cycled my way.

Sivapuranam cycles his way from Chennai to Goa.

(Photo Courtesy: Sivapuranam)

Video Editor: Smitha TK , Abhishek Sharma

Video Producer: Smitha TK

It has been a while since I travelled and the pandemic was not making it easier. So one day, I thought to myself that it would be interesting to cycle from Chennai to Goa, just for the experience.

On 16 July, I strapped a backpack to my cycle, and made my way to the beach town. For 60 days, for over 1,200 kilometre, through unfamiliar nooks and landscapes with unparalleled beauty, I cycled my way.

As a filmmaker, I am always looking for beautiful stories, and, during this trip, I've met many fascinating people who will serve as inspiration for my stories.

The Grand Tour Begins...

It was challenging to travel during the pandemic but luckily most restrictions were relaxed, so it was quite easy on the bicycle. I made sure to mask up all the time and take all necessary precautions.

This trip taught me a lot about patience as there were many frustrating moments along the way. But I am definitely grateful to all the kind people who I met on the way, who got me helmet and backpack, gave me a warm home to stay in with good food. I had shared my live location on my Instagram page. It was overwhelming to see so many people tracking me, and travelling long distances to meet me and share a few words of comfort for my journey.

There were many moments when I wish I had a companion or the rain or wind or sun god had shown mercy as I pushed the bicycle up the hill but it was probably for the best.

Being comfortable in your skin gives the most happiness and I am glad I learnt this.

(Sivapuranam is a young filmmaker who created the first Tamil vertical series ‘Single Singham’ and has worked on several films as an assistant director. All 'My Report' branded stories are submitted by citizen journalists to The Quint. Though The Quint inquires into the claims/allegations from all parties before publishing, the report and the views expressed above are the citizen journalists' own. The Quint neither endorses, nor is responsible for the same.)