Indian American endurance athlete Anuradha Palnitkar has become the first woman of Indian descent to complete an unsupported, unpowered transcontinental bicycle ride across the United States. She finished the 3,168-mile journey in 52 days without a support vehicle.

Palnitkar, 54, completed the expedition alongside fellow Indian Americans Jai Rawat, 57, and Samir Palnitkar, 58. The cyclists began at Santa Monica Beach in Los Angeles on Aug. 1 and reached the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 21.

The trio averaged approximately 65 miles a day while crossing 14 states and climbing more than 100,000 feet. Much of the route followed Historic Route 66 through communities including Flagstaff, Albuquerque, Amarillo, Tulsa and St. Louis.

The cyclists carried their own equipment and handled mechanical problems along the way. They also encountered temperatures reaching 119 degrees, thunderstorms, roads without shoulders, aggressive dogs and accidents. Their changing surroundings included deserts, mountain passes, plains, forests and Appalachian trails.

Palnitkar and her companions crossed the Continental Divide in New Mexico at an elevation of 7,881 feet. They later crossed the Eastern Continental Divide in Pennsylvania before traveling through Virginia and entering the nation’s capital.

The journey gave the cyclists an extended view of American history, geography and community life. They described receiving encouragement from residents in small towns, including conversations with local business owners and offers of free coffee.

Palnitkar is a dietitian and educator who earned a degree in dietetics from Delhi University and a master’s degree in nutritional science from San Jose State University. She later began teaching children with special needs.

Her previous endurance accomplishments include three marathons, numerous half marathons and 31 treks around the world. She has reached Everest Base Camp, completed the Annapurna Circuit and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. The cross-country ride adds a milestone in Indian American women’s endurance sports and highlights the preparation required for unsupported long-distance cycling.

Key Takeaways About Anuradha Palnitkar

• She cycled 3,168 miles across the United States.
• She completed the unsupported ride in 52 days.
• The route crossed 14 states.
• She traveled without a support vehicle.
• She is a dietitian, educator and experienced endurance athlete.