Fayis Asraf Ali from Kerala has reached Paris, where he intends to support Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra during the upcoming Olympics.
Ali embarked on this extraordinary adventure on August 15, 2022, spanning over two years and 22,000 kilometers with the mission to cycle from India to London to promote peace and unity.
Fayis Asraf Ali’s arrival in the French capital was the culmination of a long journey on his Surly bicycle that took him across 30 countries, beginning on August 15, 2022.
On his way to Paris, he cycled across 17 nations, culminating in a memorable encounter with Chopra last year in Budapest.
It was during the World Championships that Ali learned of Chopra’s presence in the city, leading to what he described as a "dream meeting" with his sporting idol.
"I got a few minutes to talk to the Indian athletes, and Neeraj told me, 'Since you are going to London, why don’t you come to Paris for the Olympics?'" Ali recounted in an interaction after concluding his journey at India House.
"I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to see him again in Paris, so I altered my plan and procured the required visa before cycling to the UK," he added.
The excitement in his voice was palpable as he spoke about the upcoming event. "I'm here to see him create history again. We will cheer for him on August 8," he further added.
Equipped with only the essentials, Ali's Surly bicycle carries four pairs of clothes, a tent, a sleeping bag, and a mat, bringing the total weight of his cycle to 50 kilograms.
He shared his unconventional travel philosophy, stating, "I never stay in a hotel and get some sponsors on the way, and that’s it."
Throughout his journey, Ali returned to Kerala twice to arrange for visas, highlighting the logistical challenges faced by cyclists crossing international borders.
"Visa is all you need to cross the border; a cyclist does not need any other documentation," he explained.
Despite the physical and mental challenges of such a long-distance endeavor, Ali reported no fatigue or health issues.
"The love of the people and the warm reception I get everywhere keeps me going. I’m here and so excited," he declared, reflecting on the overwhelming support he received along the way.
His journey was not just a test of endurance but also an opportunity for connections, as he was greeted by renowned cricketers Chris Gayle, Harbhajan Singh, and Suresh Raina during his time in the UK.
An engineer by profession, Ali’s journey into cycling began after a significant personal loss. In 2015, he was working in Saudi Arabia when his father was diagnosed with a heart ailment.
After his father's death in 2018, Ali returned to India to care for his family, including his wife, a medical professional, and their two sons.
"Those three years made me realise that health is the most important thing in life, not money," he reflected, emphasising the transformative impact of his father’s illness on his life choices.
Initially, Ali purchased a ₹13,000 bicycle to get accustomed to cycling. He then planned his first solo ride from Calicut to Singapore, which he completed in 2019, covering 8,000 kilometers across seven countries.
"Rotary arranged my trip, and I got a few sponsors. But my biggest supporter was my wife, who took care of both my kids and the family, allowing me to embark on my journey," he acknowledged.
For his trip to Paris, Ali upgraded to a more advanced bicycle, investing ₹2.5 lakh for equipment designed specifically for long-distance travel.
He follows a disciplined schedule, typically starting his day at sunrise and averaging around 150 kilometers per day, depending on the terrain and available stops. Originally, he planned to complete his journey in 120 days but exceeded expectations by finishing in just 104 days.
The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted his plans, delaying his much-anticipated trip to the Olympics. However, Ali's determination never wavered.
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