S03 E04: No Finish Line Too Far - Stories of an Ultra-Cycling Champion, Grinny

Join us for an exhilarating conversation with Grinshina Kartik (known to the world as Grinny), a trailblazing ultra-cyclist who has conquered some of the toughest endurance rides across the globe—from the scorching heat of Spain and the suffocating humidity of Thailand to the freezing nights of France and the wild, winding ghat roads of India. As the first Indian woman (and often the first Indian ever) to complete grueling 2000km+ races, she’s shattered records, including a world record in tandem cycling. But beyond the accolades, Grinny’s journey is packed with unforgettable stories—like dodging wild elephants, outrunning packs of stray dogs, dancing on her bike to stay motivated, and pushing through brutal sunburns, crashes, and sleepless nights.In this episode, she opens up about the mental and physicalgrit it takes to thrive in ultra-cycling, the kindness of strangers in remote villages, and how she turns pain into power. Whether you’re a cyclist, an adventurer, or just someone who loves underdog triumphs, Grinny’s infectiousenergy and raw honesty will leave you inspired to chase your own limits. Strap in—this one’s a wild ride! ---------------------------------------------Follow Grinny on Instagram ---------------------------------------------To support our team and donate generously, please click ⁠⁠⁠⁠SUPPORT ⁠⁠⁠⁠.Like our work? Follow, Like & Subscribe to our podcast from wherever you are listening in. We would also love to hear from you, so do write to us at:Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@misadventuresofasneaker⁠⁠⁠⁠Blog: misadventuresofasneaker.substack.com---------------------------------------00:00:00 Trailer00:01:27 Episode intro00:03:54 Question from listener00:09:28 Our guest         00:10:49 Early Sports life00:19:43 Yoga-Dancing-Cycling days00:23:41 1st 100 km – exhausting 00:25:23 First Solo00:26:36 Randonneuring & Audax world Clubs00:32:59 1st 200-300-400-600 km00:43:34 Paris Brest Paris event 201900:50:02 Thailand 2000 Km LRM01:00:11 Cycle riding style01:03:34 1st cycling race01:05:16 Covid events & Everesting01:09:12 Break01:10:06 2023 Paris Brest Paris event01:12:08 Prepping & Packing for event01:20:08 Cycle, parts & repairs01:24:43 Spend time solo-cycling01:27:08 Tandem cycling – world record01:32:46 Unsupported event – Spain to Italy01:47:48 Supported event – racing in Sri Lanka01:48:54 India events01:53:22 Animal encounters02:00:03 Personal victories02:02:13 Plan ahead 02:04:08: Thanks & Toodles