Fayis Asraf Ali, a cyclist from Calicut, Kerala, has completed an extraordinary journey of over 22,000 kilometers, riding his Surly bicycle across 30 countries in two years. Ali’s adventure, which began on August 15, 2022, with a mission to spread peace and unity, culminated in his arrival in the French capital.
Ali’s journey took him through 17 countries before an unexpected stop in Budapest led to a life-changing encounter. There, he met Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Neeraj Chopra, who was staying across the street from where Ali had paused. Chopra, in Budapest for the World Championships, invited Ali to come to Paris for the Olympics. This inspired Ali to alter his route, obtain the necessary visas, and cycle to the UK before concluding his journey in Paris.
“I am so excited to meet him again. I’ve requested PT Usha ma’am (IOA chief). I’m here to see him create history again. We will cheer for him on August 8,” Ali shared, brimming with enthusiasm.
Also Read: Paris Olympics: India plan a Chopra-fuelled attack for a medal in Paris
Throughout his travels, Ali has carried minimal gear: four pairs of clothes, a tent, a sleeping bag, and a mat, bringing the total weight of his cycle to 50 kg. He never stays in hotels, relying instead on sponsors and the hospitality of locals. Despite the challenges, Ali remains undeterred. “The love of the people and the warm reception I get everywhere keeps me going,” he said.
Ali’s cycling journey is not just a testament to his physical endurance but also a deeply personal mission. An engineer by profession, Ali returned to India from Saudi Arabia in 2015 to care for his ailing father, who passed away in 2018. During those years, Ali realized the importance of health over money. Inspired by seeing cyclists touring one morning, he decided to start cycling.
His initial solo trip took him from Calicut to Singapore, covering 8,000 kilometers across seven countries. This journey, supported by Rotary and a few sponsors, was made possible by his wife, who managed their family in his absence. Ali’s latest adventure required an advanced bicycle, costing Rs 2.5 lakh, and careful planning.
Ali typically starts his day after sunrise, covering an average of 150 kilometers daily. His journey was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but he ultimately achieved his goal. During his travels in the UK, he was even greeted by cricket stars Chris Gayle, Harbhajan Singh, and Suresh Raina.
Reflecting on his experiences, Ali said, “Those three years made me realize that health is the most important thing in life, not money. One fine morning I saw a couple of cyclists touring and thought of starting riding.”
Now, as Ali prepares to meet Neeraj Chopra again and cheer for him at the Paris Olympics, his journey stands as an inspiring tale of perseverance, passion, and the pursuit of peace and unity.
(This story is sourced from a third-party syndicated feed. Raavi Media takes no responsibility or liability of any nature. Raavi Media management/ythisnews.com can alter or delete the content without notice for any reason.
