A Mile Behind

Jamshed’s stamina is tested.

- Rich Wallace

Jamshed yawned as he cycled around the track. He glanced at his watch—4:00 in the morning! And the race wasn’t nearly over.

Spectators clapped as Jamshed entered the homestretch for what felt like the thousandth time.

“Where’s Daksh?” Jamshed called to his father in the bleachers. “It’s time to switch!” Jamshed kept pedaling. Riders could stay on the bike as long as they wanted, but all four members of each relay team had to participate in the 12-hour race. And bikes had to stay in motion except for minor repairs. Jamshed, Daksh, Tara, and Bala had decided they’d each be on the bike for three one-hour shifts. That would give them a couple of long stretches to sleeping in the tents.

Jamshed had barely slept during his first break. He was definitely ready to crawl into his sleeping bag now.

Daksh whistled as he finally ran out of the boys’ tent at 4:15, snapping on his helmet.

“Sorry—I overslept!” Daksh said as Jamshed hopped off the bike. “How are we doing?”

“Third place,” Jamshed replied, squinting in the bright stadium lights. He gulped some water as he watched Daksh sprint away.

Thirty-six teams started the Overnight Bike Classic at 8:00 P.M. on Friday. Officials kept track of the number of laps each team covered. Supporters had pledged donations to charity for each lap, and there were trophies for the top teams.

Jamshed had passed two riders and had drawn a little closer to second place, but the leader was several laps ahead. He felt a hand on his arm and turned.

“Great work,” Jamshed’s dad said. “Try to get a nap. Before you do, though, wake Bala.”

4:00 in the morning! And the race wasn’t nearly over.