States directed to provide full support; Season to culminate with 100 km stage races in Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri district
Mumbai: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, has officially approved the 2025–26 season of HindAyan, India’s premier cycling expedition and stage race. This marks the fourth edition of the growing movement aimed at promoting fitness, road safety, and climate consciousness through cycling.
In an official communication addressed to the Chief Secretaries of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, the Ministry has urged state governments to extend full civic and logistical support to ensure the successful execution of the season. These include deployment of ambulances, fire tenders, mobile toilets, drinking water stations, traffic support, and pilot vehicles for route safety.
The Ministry’s letter also underlined the importance of the flagship ‘Sunday on Cycle’ initiative, envisioned by Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, and called for coordination with local authorities to promote cycling as a public health and ecological tool.
HindAyan 2025–26 Calendar Highlights:
The fourth edition will consist of seven expeditions and two professional races, including a mix of amateur-friendly joy rides, endurance century rides, and one ultra-exclusive double-century ride.
Joy Rides
• Delhi Cycle Parade – November 30, 2025
• Jaipur Joy Ride – December 7, 2025
• Thane to Mumbai Ride – February 8, 2026
Century Rides
• Ahmedabad to Baroda – December 21, 2025
• Mumbai to Pune – March 15, 2026
Double Century (Exclusive)
• Delhi to Agra “Wah Taj” Ride – January 25, 2026
Approved by the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, this 200 km route along the Yamuna Expressway will host only the top 30 elite cyclists in India, making it the country’s smoothest and fastest long-distance route, once used for an IAF fighter jet landing.
Bike & Hike Shiv Jayanti Special
• February 19, 2026
Cyclists will start from Pune’s historic Shaniwarwada, ride to Sinhagad Fort base, and trek to the summit to pay homage to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his birth anniversary.
Stage Races – Ratnagiri, Maharashtra
• Day 1: Saturday, February 28, 2026 – 100 km State Race
• Day 2: Sunday, March 1, 2026 – 100 km
Stage Race
Details of prizes and elite categories will be announced in November 2025, organisers said.
Vision Behind HindAyan
HindAyan, launched in 2019 (first held in 2023 due to COVID), is the brainchild of Vishnudas Sheshrao Chapke, also known as Vishnu Da Gama — the first Indian to circumnavigate the globe overland. He founded the Hindayan Foundation, a non-profit focused on cycling and environmental awareness.
“After my world trip, I had job offers from the U.S. and Mexico, which many dream of,” said Chapke. “But I chose my mission. I’ve not taken a full-time job in five years because HindAyan deserves full dedication.”
Chapke credits the initiative’s success to government backing and grassroots support.
“We began with just eight cyclists from the Army and Navy. Now, participation has grown exponentially each year.”
He thanked Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, MoS Defence Sanjay Seth, and Youth Affairs Secretary Dr. Meeta Rajivlochan for their continued encouragement and belief in HindAyan’s long-term potential.
Quick Glance: HindAyan 2025–26 Timetable
Date Event Location
Nov 30, 2025 Delhi Cycle Parade Delhi
Dec 7, 2025 Jaipur Joy Ride Rajasthan
Dec 21, 2025 Century Ride Ahmedabad to Baroda
Jan 25, 2026 Wah Taj Ride (200 km) Delhi to Agra
Feb 8, 2026 Joy Ride Thane to Mumbai
Feb 19, 2026 Shiv Jayanti Special Bike & Hike Pune to Sinhagad Fort
Feb 28, 2026 Stage Race – Day 1 Ratnagiri, Maharashtra
Mar 1, 2026 Stage Race – Day 2 Ratnagiri, Maharashtra
Mar 15, 2026 Century Ride Mumbai to Pune
About the Organiser
Vishnudas Sheshrao Chapke, also known as Vishnu Da Gama, is an Indian adventurer and environmentalist. Between 2016–2019, he travelled through 35 countries across five continents to raise awareness about climate change, interacting with UNEA officials and several Environment Ministers.
He founded the Hindayan Foundation, which promotes cycling, tree plantation, and youth-driven environmental initiatives.
Contact for Media & Participation
📱 WhatsApp Vishnudas Chapke at +91 9867768400
🕕 Available: 6 am – 11 am & 8 pm – 1 am IST
For official updates, routes, and registration, follow @HindAyan on social media.
