Inspire India organizes Race Across America (RAAM) Qualifiers in India with a mission is to create challenging International standard cycle races in India. Starting with the Deccan Cliffhanger in Feb 2014, Inspire India has lived up to it’s promise of providing Indian ultracyclists an opportunity to evolve into world class athletes.

The Deccan Cliffhanger, a 643 KM non stop race is India’s best known Ultracycling event, and is truly the gateway to RAAM for Indian Ultracyclists! The very first edition enjoyed the participation of Shusanah Pillinger (the first British woman to finish RAAM), Hitendra Mahajan and Mahendra Mahajan (first 2 person team from India to finish RAAM). All 3 of of India’s Solo Finishers at RAAM, including Kabir Rachure qualified at The Deccan Cliffhanger! Read More at – https://www.inspireindia.net.in/inspire-india-congratulates-all-raam-finishers-from-india/

Introduced in January 2017, The Ultra Spice Race is a challenging route of upto 1750 km designed to be a stepping stone between DC and RAAM. In the very first edition saw Bharat Pannu finish the 1000 km edition. Within months he along with his crew member Darshan Dubey became the first 2 person team from India to finish Race Around Austria. Read More – https://www.inspireindia.net.in/team-inspire-india-at-race-around-austria-2017-2/

The second edition saw a RAAM and RAW solo finisher win the 1750 Km edition, declaring the race as tough! Read More – https://www.inspireindia.net.in/ultra-spice-2nd-edition-report/

The world’s highest Ultra Race.. The Great Himalayan was introduced in 2018! This race is set in one of the world’s most challenging and spectacular terrains… The Himalayas! Recced and raced by another solo RAAM and Trans Siberian Race finisher, both editions have been won by Kabir Rachure!

Race Details

• • Start - Keshavbaug, DP Road United Western Housing Society, Karve Nagar, Pune 411037

  • Finish - John's Seagull Bar and Restaurant, Bogmallo Beach, Goa

  • Distance - 643km

  • Start Date - 26th Nov (Solo Self Supported, Solo RAAM Qualifier and RAAM Style Relay)

  • Elevation Gain - 5,907m 

  • Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41249661

    
    Race Schedule

    ​At the Deccan Cliffhanger, racers need to get their equipment inspected and attend briefings at the pre-race venue. Detailed schedule for meetings, briefings, and inspection slot bookings will be sent to racers on email upon completing online registration. Listed below is an outline of the schedule of the Deccan Cliffhanger Edition 9 (2022)

    ​​

    Thursday 24 November - Pre-Race inspection and briefings of all Self-Supported racers, and some Solo RQ and Relay teams

    Friday 25 November - Pre-Race Inspections and Briefings of remaining RQ and Relay teams

    Saturday 26 November Early Morning - Solo RQ, Solo Self Supported and Relay Team Flag-Off

    Sunday 27 November Early Morning Onwards - Racers Finish

    Sunday 27 November Evening - The Cliffhang-over Awards Ceremony and Dinner Party

    1. 1. • DC Self Supported

            ​The self-supported race is a new racing format at Inspire India. With no support crew and vehicle requirement, and minimal support from the organisers, enjoy the breath-taking Sahyadris on your own steam! With 2 stages to race at, racers get a rest break in between to recharge. ​

            Format

            The Self-Supported format is derived from bike-packing wherein racers are self-sufficient for their needs during the race. Racers can ride along with other self-supported racers. Most importantly, racers do not require a crew to support them at the race. As such, DC Self-Supported is not a RAAM Qualifier. At the Deccan Cliffhanger Self-Supported, the race is divided into two stages of around 320km each. After a mass start at Stage 1, racers get a rest break at end of Stage 1. Drop bag facility will be available and racers can access drop bags at end of Stage 1. The rest time depends on when racers reach the end of Stage 1 where accommodation will be available. Stage 2 will again be a mass start at a pre-determined time with racers now racing to the finish line. The cumulative time (Sum of Stage 1 and Stage 2 finish times) will determine the positions on podium. 

            Detailed Schedule

            Stage 1:

            Start: Sat 26 Nov 4:00am 
            Cut-off : Sat 26 Nov 10:00pm 
            Max Time: 18 hrs

            Stage 2:
            Start: Sun 27 Nov 1:00am
            Cut off: Sun 27 Nov 8pm 
            Max time 19hrs

            Race Route

            Stage 1: 320km Pune to Sankeshwar

            The race starts in Pune and joins NH4 towards Kolhapur. Climbing up the the Katraj tunnel through a gradual slope, the route proceeds on a rolling terrain to go pas Pune City limits. After a short climb over Khambatki Ghat, racers descent quickly into Surur where the route turns right to go up Pasarni Ghat to Panchgani. Racers then descend through a picturesque valley to come back and join NH4 just before Satara. The route then keeps rolling to go through Satara, Karad, and Kolhapur. Soon after Kolhapur, the route enters Karnataka State with racers having to climb up Tawndi Ghat. Stage 1 ends at the top of Tawandi Ghat. Stay at the end of Stage 1 is included in the registration ticket. 

            Stage 2: 320km Sankeshwar to Bogmalo Beach, Goa

            After a short break, racers are flagged off on Stage 2. The route starts on the silky smooth roads of Karnataka to go past Belgaum. The route then turns around to come back to Belgaum. Passing through Belgaum city, the route descends into Goa through pristine forests. Navigating through the rolling and hilly Goan countryside, the route starts heading towards Goa Airport. The home stretch on Airport Road provides racers with the cool sea breeze. Finally turning left towards Bogmalo Beach, the route descends to the quaint and welcoming beach town of Bogmalo. The finish is conveniently located at the doorstep of John's Seagull Bar and Restaurant. Stage 2 ends here. 

            Metrics

            Distance: 643km

            Elevation Gain: 5,907m 
            Tentative Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41249661

            Categories and Timings

            Racing Age is the age each Racer will turn during the calendar year of the race (year of race minus birth year).

            Category Code	Category	Stage 1 Cut Off	Stage 2 Cut Off
            E	SS Women 50+	18:00:00	19:00:00
            F	SS Women 18-49	18:00:00	19:00:00
            G	SS Men 50+	18:00:00	19:00:00
            H	SS Men 18-49	18:00:00	19:00:00

             
            

            DC Solo RAAM Qualifier

            Deccan Cliffhanger's Solo Crew Supported race ​is India's best known Ultra Cycling Race. With all Race Across America finishers from India having crossed the DC Finish Line, this is one of the most prestigious cycling event in the country. Apart from being a Race Across America Qualifier (RQ), the race is also listed on the World Ultra Cycling Association (WUCA) Calendar

            Format

            The Solo Crew Supported race is a Race Across America Qualifier and racers require a support crew to participate in this format. While solo racers do the job of riding the entire distance, the crew support them for all their needs. Head on the the resources page to learn more about this format and access the numerous documents, videos, and presentations explaining this format in detail. 

            Race Route

            The race starts in Pune and joins NH4 towards Kolhapur. Climbing up the the Katraj tunnel through a gradual slope, the route proceeds on a rolling terrain to go pas Pune City limits. After a short climb over Khambatki Ghat, racers descent quickly into Surur where the route turns right to go up Pasarni Ghat to Panchgani. Racers then descend through a picturesque valley to come back and join NH4 just before Satara. The route then keeps rolling to go through Satara, Karad, and Kolhapur. Soon after Kolhapur, the route enters Karnataka State with racers having to climb up Tawndi Ghat. The route then rolls on the silky smooth roads of Karnataka to go past Belgaum. The route then turns around to come back to Belgaum. Passing through Belgaum city, the route descends into Goa through pristine forests. Navigating through the rolling and hilly Goan countryside, the route starts heading towards Goa Airport. The home stretch on Airport Road provides racers with the cool sea breeze. Finally turning left towards Bogmalo Beach, the route descends to the quaint and welcoming beach town of Bogmalo. The finish is conveniently located at the doorstep of John's Seagull Bar and Restaurant. 

            Metrics

            Distance: 643km

            Elevation Gain: 5,907m 
            Tentative Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41249661

            Categories and Timings

            Racing Age is the age each Racer will turn during the calendar year of the race (year of race minus birth year). Solo Racers at The Deccan Cliffhanger Qualify for The Race Across America if they finish within the RQ timings.

            The Ride option is for riders attempting to ride The Deccan Cliffhanger solo, who do not complete within RQ timings. All riders who complete the route within their time limit of 38hrs will receive the Finisher’s Award but will not be qualified for RAAM.

            Category Code	Category	RAAM Qualifier Cut Off	Inspire India Finish
            A	RQ Women 50+	36:00:00	38:00:00
            B	RQ Women 18-49	34:00:00	38:00:00
            C	RQ Men 50+	34:00:00	38:00:00
            D	RQ Men 18-49	32:00:00	38:00:00

            
            

            DC RAAM Style Relay

            Deccan Cliffhanger's Crew Supported race ​is India's best known Ultra Cycling Race. With all Race Across America finishers from India having crossed the DC Finish Line, this is one of the most prestigious cycling event in the country. The Relay race is a Race Across America (RAAM) Style Relay. The race is also listed on the World Ultra Cycling Association (WUCA) Calendar

            Format

            In the relay race, relay teams members take turns to ride the entire distance between their team. Teams have the freedom to decide how often you swap riders, how long each member rides and how much distance each covers. Teams can comprise of 2, 3, or 4 team members. While racers do the job of riding the entire distance, the crew support them for all their needs. This is really a fun event, to enjoy the route, challenge yourself, while you share the distance with your buddies. Head on the the resources page to learn more about this format and access the numerous documents, videos, and presentations explaining this format in detail. 

            Race Route

            The race starts in Pune and joins NH4 towards Kolhapur. Climbing up the the Katraj tunnel through a gradual slope, the route proceeds on a rolling terrain to go pas Pune City limits. After a short climb over Khambatki Ghat, racers descent quickly into Surur where the route turns right to go up Pasarni Ghat to Panchgani. Racers then descend through a picturesque valley to come back and join NH4 just before Satara. The route then keeps rolling to go through Satara, Karad, and Kolhapur. Soon after Kolhapur, the route enters Karnataka State with racers having to climb up Tawndi Ghat. The route then rolls on the silky smooth roads of Karnataka to go past Belgaum. The route then turns around to come back to Belgaum. Passing through Belgaum city, the route descends into Goa through pristine forests. Navigating through the rolling and hilly Goan countryside, the route starts heading towards Goa Airport. The home stretch on Airport Road provides racers with the cool sea breeze. Finally turning left towards Bogmalo Beach, the route descends to the quaint and welcoming beach town of Bogmalo. The finish is conveniently located at the doorstep of John's Seagull Bar and Restaurant. 

            Metrics

            Distance: 643km

            Elevation Gain: 5,907m 
            Tentative Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41249661

            Categories and Timings

            Categories and Timings are based on Team Age and Gender. Team Age is the average racing age of all Team members (total number of years divided by 2, 3, or 4 depending on team size). Racing Age is the age each Racer will turn during the calendar year of the race (year of race minus birth year). For a team to be classified as a mixed team, the team must have at least one female team member. 

             

            Category Code	Category	Cut Off
            1	All Women 50+	34:00:00
            2	All Women 35-49	32:00:00
            3	All Women 18-34	32:00:00
            4	Mixed 50+	32:00:00
            5	All Men 50+	32:00:00
            6	Mixed 35-49	31:00:00
            7	All Men 35-49	31:00:00
            8	Mixed 18-34	30:00:00
            9	All Men 18-34	30:00:00

            
            
            

            Rules & Regulations

            Guiding Principles:

            • Safety of all persons involved

            • Running a Clean and Healthy race with a level playing field for all

            • Creating a Race of International standards

            • Protecting Race integrity and reputation

            (The guiding principles will dictate decision making by the Race Committee on any issue not specifically covered in these rules)

            Mandatory Pre-Race Requirements:

            ​Each race has certain mandatory pre-race requirements that racers must meet in order to receive a clearance to race. If racers do not meet with these requirements, their registration may be cancelled and racers may be denied from entry to the event. Please read the requirements carefully before registering for the event.