Going the distance with ANZA Cycling

Long ride on Riau Island

ANZA is home to a diverse community of cyclists – from those who enjoy leisurely spins to dedicated triathletes and adventurous off-road riders. Then there are the distance cyclists – individuals who, unlike our solo riders, thrive on epic journeys, often riding 200km or more in a single session.

Among these intrepid riders is Harsch Koshti, who, along with a small group of fellow ANZA members, regularly tackles AUDAX rides. These non-competitive, long-distance events test both endurance and self-sufficiency, with participants required to complete a set route within a strict time limit.

Now, Harsch and four other ANZA cyclists – Rishi Randhawa, Mark Pedevilla, Scott Mitchell, and Isa Hamzah – are pushing their limits even further. They’re taking on the formidable London Edinburgh London (LEL), a gruelling 1,540km km (950-mile) self-supported endurance cycling challenge. Held only once every four years, LEL demands riders pedal from London up to Edinburgh, and back again, within a tight time limit – the ultimate test of physical and mental strength. As Harsch gears up for his most ambitious ride yet, he shares what long-distance cycling really means to him, beyond the kilometres, climbs, and carbs.

Vicky, Harsh, and Rishi on the 24 hour, 400km ride

Pedals, Pasta & Pineapple By Harsch Koshti

“It’s not the road but our own fears we conquer”

Funny how existential epiphanies often strike mid-race over a bowl of pasta – when your knee’s giving up, but your stubborn soul isn’t. That’s where my journey began. They said cycling was kinder to knees than running. I thought I was cheating. Turns out, I was just evolving.

The brick workout (a bike ride followed immediately by a run) led to zippy 50km rides, then reflective 100’s, and eventually, the sacred planning of a 200. Not for glory, not for Instagram likes (okay, maybe a few), but for the joy of a juicier pineapple in a heatwave, or a well-timed chendol that feels spiritually aligned with your uphill grind.

On long rides, the lycra becomes a second skin. You talk without distraction – your phone’s buried under snacks and gels. You share stories, secrets, and bike chain woes. And when you see your cycling mates off the bike, in jeans and normal shoes, you barely recognise them. You might even disown them at brunch. But on the road, they’re your confidants – your ride-or-die.

Take Xavier Boutin, for example. He joined us after a string of injuries and tumbles and never looked back. Eleven years in Singapore gave him the local flavour, but it’s his time with ANZA that he treasures – the discipline, the routes, and of course, the food. He rides for the camaraderie, the diversity, and the subtle magic that comes from pedalling through stories, not just kilometres.

I’m writing this over another bowl of pasta, days away from starting the 1,540km London Edinburgh London ride. But that’s a story for another day …