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From Footsteps to Islands: The Story Behind The Tour of Andaman – Edition 5
- Dhiraj D Sharma
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
From Footsteps to Islands: The Story Behind the Tour of Andaman – Edition 5
India's Only Island Tour | 20–26 September 2025
Little did I know, while rolling over a tarpaulin sheet beside the cycle, that the same two wheels would come to shape my life one day, making my passion to profession!
My cycling adventure began small. No grand expectations, no master plans. Only the thrill of cycling to new destinations. That first journey to Nandi Hills on a single-speed bike seemed infinite—like the hill crept further away each time I thought I was nearing the end. But when I made it, the hill view was not only picturesque; it was metaphorical. It showed me that no hill was too steep if your heart was behind you. Years down the road, on a geared bicycle, the same ride was lighter, quicker—like I had sprouted wings.
At the time, I didn't realize that these rides were building the background of something much greater.
What began with marking roads for the Tour of Nilgiris (TFN) event led me eventually to become the Marking Director in the years. From volunteering for weekend cycle rallies to organizing our events, I gradually switched gears from involvement to management. And in the midst of all this, one thing didn't change—my love for cycling.
The Ride That Changed It All: Kashmir to Kanyakumari
In 2016, I ventured on one of the most daring journeys of my life—a 24-day cycling tour from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, traveling more than 4,000 km at an average of 180 km a day.
I was only 21 years old, the youngest in our team, and the youngest to finish this quest. We battled through mountains, rain, heat, fatigue, and long, seemingly endless highways. With each pedal stroke, we learned about perseverance. Each sunrise and sunset, we were reminded how lovely this nation is—and how humbling the quest could be.
That ride wasn't only about physical stamina. It was about discovering my purpose. About knowing that cycling wasn't merely a passion—it was what I was destined to do.
A mere three years later, at 24, I wasn't only a cyclist—I was a Cyclopreneur. I had created my very own cycling event: the Tour of Andaman.
A few friends asked me to accompany them on a bike trip to the Andaman Islands in 2018. I had no way of knowing that this spontaneous invitation would transform my life. The last ten minutes of flying into Port Blair were like nothing I'd ever known—tenders shoots of green floating on aquamarine seas, kissed by golden sunbeams. In that instant, a voice spoke to me: You have to do something here. And we did it!.
It didn't stop with the ride. It was an epiphany. The ordinariness of the Andamans, the breathtaking landscape, the generosity of spirit—it blended into a beacon. That is when I concluded: We will build India's first island cycling tour. And it's going to be monumental.
The Silent Support System
Amidst all the "No's" from the world outside, there were two "Yes's" that counted- friends & family. They did not always know what I was doing, but they never asked me to give up. They saw me make risky choices, quit a secure job as an Assistant Professor, sleep in railway stations, and invest all into this fantasy—and they stood by me yet.
Their faith became my support. In their unassuming manner, they provided me with the liberty to fail, so I might succeed more.
From Rejections to Realizations
As I started dreaming big, I knocked on some doors—big players, known brands in the cycling event domain. I presented ideas with passion and sincerity. But rejection is a quiet guru. The "No's" didn't shatter me. They directed me. They instructed me to create something of my own.
And so was born the Tour of Andaman—not by invitation, but by intention.
Building the Tour, One Pedal at a Time
Starting an event in a place where you’re not from isn’t easy. But the people of Andaman welcomed me as one of their own. They didn’t just allow us to host the event—they helped build it. From hoteliers to transport operators, cycle vendors to the local administration—everyone came together.
The initial edition was humble: only 12 riders. But what we were short in quantity, we compensated for in spirit. With time, we expanded from 12 to 25, and now gearing up for 50 riders in 2025. Each edition presented new learnings, new topographies, and new tales.
We even had the nerve to dream grander. We introduced the concept of the Great Andaman Triathlon in 2023. There were more than 150 applicants. It was ambitious. It was daring. But it was not meant to be. We couldn't make it happen. That failure still hurts. Felt like missing the finish line by a short step.
And so, I did what all entrepreneurs are compelled to do—got a job again, serviced some EMIs, stabilized, and regrouped.
And then, we're back. Stronger. Clearer. More determined.
✨ The Power of Community
Through all the highs and lows, there's one thing that's remained constant: people. From those initial recce rides to discussing logistics with TCI, from borrowing bikes at ProBikers to negotiating stay arrangements with the Andaman Hotelier Association—it has always been people who sustained this dream.
When you build with purpose, people show up.
The people of Andaman's support is unparalleled. I rely on them every day as we prepare for the largest edition to date.
Why the Tour of Andaman is Special?
This is not another cycling tour. This is a tale—a personal odyssey that grew into a community movement.
The Tour of Andaman is:
India's only island cycling tour
A mix of adventure, culture, and raw natural beauty
A fraternity of explorers, not only riders
An adventure that mixes terrain with transformation
It's for the dreamers, the doers, and everyone in between.
Edition 5 – The Grand Celebration
From 20th to 26th September 2025, we unveil the 5th Grand Edition of the Tour of Andaman.
This isn’t just an event—it’s a celebration of every kilometer we’ve ridden, every mistake we’ve learned from, and every person who’s believed in the journey.
If you’ve ever felt the pull of the open road, the magic of meeting strangers who become friends, and the joy of doing something bigger than yourself, this ride is for you.
Registrations are now open!
Follow us on Instagram and share some love @TourofAndaman @TeamParikrama
DM for pre-registration details
Come ride with us.
Not only on roads, but along a tale that's still being written.
A tale of two wheels, one dream, and an island that altered everything.
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