#143 Race Across America, The Battle Beyond the Start Line and the Finish Line - Srinivas Gokulnath

<p>This episode is brought to you by www.thebikeaffair.com</p> <p>If you are in search of a one-stop destination that caters to all your cycling needs, our today&#39;s sponsor, The Bike Affair, is the perfect place to check out! With over 14 years of experience, The Bike Affair has established itself as a trusted source offering honest advice and exceptional service. They are offering a special treat for the listeners of this podcast. You can enjoy a 10% discount on your first order by using the code &#39;BIKEYVENKY&#39; on their website.  Visit their bike store in Hyderabad or shop online by using the link www.thebikeaffair.com  </p> <p> </p> <p>Today&#39;s guest Srinivas Gokulnath is the first Indian to finish probably the toughest ultra cycling race on the planet, Race Across America back in 2017. He shared that experience here on the podcast on episode #12. If you have not listened to it, I urge you to budget time for that 3 and half hour episode. We have done that when he was posted in South Sudan. The quality of the recording might not be great but the stories he shares are definitely great. I will leave a link to that episode in the show notes.   </p> <p> </p> <p>In this episode he shares his experience at RAAM 2023 where he successfully finished for the second time. He shares the trials and tribulations of making it to the start line and what all went in to make it across the finish line. It is mind boggling to see the hardships ultra cyclists like Srini put themselves through. It was an insightful conversation with the ever honest and candid Srini. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.  </p> <p> </p> <p>0:00:00 Intro</p> <p>0:04:00 The struggles to get to the start line of RAAM 2023</p> <p>0:09:15 Costs involved in Race Across America</p> <p>0:20:40 Importance of crew, complexity of human interactions</p> <p>0:27:45 Race Across America how the initial kms went</p> <p>0:41:35 Blurry eyes and challenges</p> <p>0:49:40 Equipment issues, food cravings, sluggish progress</p> <p>1:00:00 Mental battles, how t