About the author:
Tejvan organises short-distance running and cycling races for the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team in his home city of Oxford. He is also a very good cyclist, having won the National hill climb championships in 2013 and finished 3rd in the National 100 Mile Time Trials in 2014.
The Sri Chinmoy Cycling Team have members from all around the world. Members compete in both races and social bike rides. They are also involved in organising triathlons and other types of races, including time trials in the UK.
One of the principles behind the Sri Chinmoy Cycling Team is to aim for the concept of self-transcendence - the effort to transcend previous bests - though both physical, mental and spiritual endeavours.
Sri Chinmoy is a spiritual teacher who advocates physical fitness as a means to self-improvement. In an article 'On the significance of cycling' he notes that: "While we are cycling, we are reminding ourselves of evolution, of how the world is evolving in cycles." - and this evolution is part of the long process of individual self-transcendence and self-discovery.
In the 1970s, many members of the Sri Chinmoy Cycling Team participated in the 'Pepsi' 24 hour bike races around Central Park, New York, including team founder - Sri Chinmoy. With 197 entrants, they were the largest team, logging 38,605 miles in total. In the mens event, Ashrita Furman finished 3rd with 405 miles (on little training). In 1978 Pragati won the womens event.
In recent years, members have taken part in a popular 'Sri Chinmoy Cycling Challenge' during the month of June, which involves cycling as many miles as participants can. Members have also taken part in several races - both on the road and triathlons.
In the UK, Tejvan Pettinger has had success in domestic UK time trials, including winning the National HIll Climb Championship 2013 ,and 2nd place in national 12 hour TT (284 miles).
Members of Sri Chinmoy Cycling Team
Sri Chinmoy Cycling Team at Burrington Combe hill climb
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