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Indian Americans take up the challenge of the Marin century ride
The ride celebrated its 61st year on August 3, 2024.
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Marin Century on August 3, 2024, at Stafford Lake Park in California. Rajiv Marwah, Krishna Rupanagunta and Ajit Bhave form part of a growing number of Indian Americans who are participating in mainstream biking events / ImageCredits: RituMarwah
Marin Century Ride at Stafford Lake Park in Novato, California is an annual event that draws bike riders from around the area. It is challenging with three possible options, each offering an elevation gain and length of the ride that is not for the faint-hearted.
The ride celebrated its 61st year on August 3, 2024. Over the years, the number of Indian American riders participating in the ride has been going up.
“The race started with a group of white men from Marin County. But over the last four years the number of South Asian riders has grown,” said Lorraine Trautwein, volunteer coordinator and former ride director. “ For the double century event, we get people from all over the world. Some come all the way from India,” she said.
The Marin Century Ride, held annually on the first Saturday in August since its founding in 1963, has three routes. The most challenging being the 100-mile Mt. Tam Century which has an elevation gain of 9,000 feet. The 100-mile Classic Century has a total climb of over 7,150 feet., and the 100-km Compact Century, a 62-mile course with a test on Marshall Wall has a total climb of 4,300 feet.
“ The Wall is 2.8 miles of almost vertical climb of 800 feet,” said Rajiv Marwah who conquered this daunting task. "Thank God it is over. The route included significant elevation gains (approx 4300 feet), especially on the Marshall Wall (mile 44) really tested climbing grit/endurance; called a Wall for good reason (constant climb for 800 feet). The only consolation was scenic views. It was terribly hot and little or no shade during the climb…..but done for now” said Marwah.
The support team handed out wet socks for the riders to wrap around their necks to keep cool. The area is very rural and remote. Quiet West Marin roads run through dairy farms. The landscape is of rugged pastureland with some views of the Pacific Ocean and Marin County's Arroyo Sausal Reservoir.
“There is very little tree coverage or shade,” said Bhave whose bike suffered two punctures on the ride. “The support team was very responsive. They fixed the bike and ensured we finished the ride.”
Krishna Rupanagunta was inspired by fellow riders. When a 75-year-old man overtook him and riders who had just climbed Mt. Tamalpais, which has an elevation of 2,500, merged onto his trail; he vowed he would age like them.
“I saw a lady who may have been about 80 years of age participating in the ride. She would walk her bike up the climbs and ride down on the drops. She kept going till almost the end of the 62-mile ride. We are motivated to be like her as we age,” said the riders.
At the conclusion of the ride, a three-woman band struck up a tune. Kenny Rogers, Johnny Cash, and Dolly Parton songs were mixed in with the band’s compositions. The volunteers rolled out pizzas, burritos, watermelon slices, ice cream, ice-cold drinks, and a whole BBQ buffet. Against the tranquil lake and summer flower-filled fields the bikers rested, tired and yet energized by their win.
Hardeep from Sacramento sported the Sikh Cycling Club jersey. He has been riding with the club along with his brother from Fremont, California. Hardeep, originally from Jamshedpur shared stories from their 86-mile bike ride visiting the nine gurudwaras of the Sacramento area.
“They make ideal rest stops with water and food,” he said. “On our ride at one gurudwara a wedding was taking place,” he reminisced. “ The groom and bride were getting ready to tie the knot and breakfast was yet to be served. The riders were snuck into the kitchen and served before the wedding party was,” he grinned.
The South Indian riders were graciously invited to join the Sikh cycling club. “ We only care about our love for riding,” said Hardeep.
“That’s what I love. I love to ride,” answered the grateful Rupanagunta as he signed up to be a member of the Sikh cycling club. A growing number of Indian Americans are participating in mainstream biking events. They are still a minority but the number is growing slowly but surely.
“At the NAPA biking event, we were probably the only two Indian Americans,” said Bhave and Rupanagunta.
One thing that distinguishes the Indian American rider from the others is the size of the cheering squad that accompanies them. Brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, spouses, and children all waved off and welcomed their riders with pride and the clanging of bells.
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