Grit, Gravel and Gear by Dhruv Bogra

In 2016, Dhruv Bogra, 51, undertook a 14 month long transcontinental bicycle odyssey fraught with adventure, exploration and peril when he chose to plunge into the far end of the planet to fulfill a childhood dream of exploring the lands and indigenous culture of the Arctic, the Maya, Zapotec and Aztec in Mexico and Central America and the Inca in Peru. As he cycled alone for 15,000 kilometers across ten countries from the cold and barren wilderness of the unforgiving arctic tundra to the thin air of the Andes at 4500 metres he endured hardship, misery, catharsis, happiness, and unbridled joy. Even as he pushed himself to the limits each day, he also explored the fascinating cultures, immersed himself in the remotest parts of the world and mingled with the indigenous cultures of the two continents. These experiences are vividly encapsulated in the 22 short stories, numerous poems, pictures and maps in the book. The book is an invaluable guide for a cyclist interested in touring India or the world on a bicycle.

About Author

Dhruv was born in 1968 in Shimla. He graduated with History Honors from the University of Delhi and is an alumni of the International Management Institute, New Delhi. He has been in the retail industry for over 25 years and is currently the Country Manager for Forever New India, an Australian fashion brand.