Shimla, June 27(FN Agency) The fair sex is breaking the glass ceiling creating a new World Record in all spheres of life be it sports, adventures and politics among others. Cyclist Preeti Maske (45 yrs) hailing from Pune and mother of two created a new Guinness World Record after becoming 1st woman to ride solo from Leh-Manali in 55 hrs & 33 minutes. The treacherous route of 430 km distance having average elevation 8,000 meters was covered by Preeti breaking previous Guinness World Record of 60 hrs. Cyclist braving adverse cold weather and sleep in a non-stop ride in high altitude scripted new record.
“Twice I had to take oxygen enroute due to breathlessness at high passes”, said Preeti. She was flagged off by Border Roads Organization (BRO) Brigadier and Chief Engineer Garav Karik from Leh on 6 am on June 22, and finished ride at Manali 1:13 pm on June 24, 2022 in the presence of Commander of BRO, Col. Shabarish Vachali. It is an impossible attempt by the 1st woman cyclist. Like BRO’s motto of finding a way in the border mountains or creating one, I too feel the women in India should break their shell & take up an outdoor activity. Preeti said adding that she could overcome illness and started cycling at the age of 40 about 5 years back, if I could overcome my fears, then why can’t any other woman. Meera Velankar, WUCA (World Ultra Cycling Association) Official said, “Preeti had to cycle in harsh varying climate on all the high altitude passes fighting the sun, strong head winds, snowfall & freezing temperatures”. This couldn’t have been possible with the support of BRO who had deployed three support vehicles with a satellite phone & a medical assistant.