xAXTI - 100 (2022)
The much awaited and most popular Signature Event of the Margao based Xaxti Riders ‘ Xaxti 100 – 2022 ‘ took off in an electrifying start on Sunday 20 February!!
This 100km Ride was also part of GRC- India Ride and was the GRC- Goa Ride No.02/06.
455 registrations in all and 400 plus Riders stood raring to go at the Startline with the Ravindra Bhavan Margao standing tall in the back ground. With a woman rider among every five riders, it promised a great future for the Cycling community of Goa.
Welcome Arches and Flags of our prime sponsors , Champs Goa and GARMIN gave the venue very sporty vibes!
The special event jersey for this 6th edition of Xaxti 100 showcased the vibrant colours of goan scape in fluorescent pink and green on a steel Grey background. A very smart Line Up indeed with all riders clad in this striking event jersey.
Protein rich cheese sandwiches to kickstart the morning and an exclusive Fast and Up Energy Station handed out a Fast and Up gel for each participating rider to keep up the pep for later….along with Reload tabs in their bottles for those who wanted it.
Always inspiring, Rtd.Wg.Cdr. Ajit Guglani has always been at the Start line of every Xaxti 100 and so he was at this 6th edition… All set for another century ride! Youngsters Ronel Gomes and Sripad Lotlikar were our youngest Riders attempting Xaxti 100 at 11 years of age.
Xaxti Riders take pride in these riders who were felicitated by our Chief Guest and Guest of Honour.
The Xaxti Riders have always created synergies and this time the Police Force joined hands with Xaxti Riders
10 personnel of the Goa Police Force were also a part of the Xaxti 100 – 2022 rider community.
The Xaxti 100- 2022 was flagged of by our Chief Guest South Goa Superintendent of Police, Mr.Abhishek Dhania ( IPS) in the presence of Xaxti Riders President Sameer Nadkarni, Verna Industries Association President Pradip DCosta. It was a privilege to have Police HQ Goa SP Mr.Bossuet da Silva ( GPS) as our Guest of Honour.
An expected punctual flag off at 6.45am and a smooth take off !
The 103 km route traversed across a very scenic trail and often rolling terrain through Quepem, Sanguem and Salcete talukas.
A very welcome sight at Zambaulim! The 1st Water Point at 25km. A top up of water and potassium rich Bananas with nutty Chikki infused with the cheer of Volunteers Chetan , Ruben and Sherwin !!! The perfect pep for what was to come!
The beautiful green splendor of Rivona is enhanced by a road surface comparable to an airstrip ! The Xaxticars are truly blessed and happy to welcome all the riders to this amazing combination…and the enthusiastic smiles on the rider’s faces said it all.
Some like to cruise, some go medium pace and there are those who thrive on a podium finish! Prizes galore for a Competitive segment at Curpem of a 1.8 km stretch of road with an elevation gain of 90 mts.. averaging a 5% climb. The KOM and QOM had Goa’s fastest Riders Vinayak Gaonkar and Blanche Themudo comfortable in the top spot followed by Jewel Viegas and Rosevan Menezes in the Men’s Section with Megan Fernandes and Adlin Mascarenhas in the Women’s section.
XR Johnny ‘s Control Point has traditionally been the XAXTI 100 replenisher….Of hot breakfast, ambience and cheer! Arrays of goan pav flanked by a chana gravy, hot batatawadas literally from the sizzling kadai to the table, warm gooey sheera for the much needed sugar high…. a treat for the eyes and taste buds.
A special Fast and Up Energy Counter prepped the riders for the 60 kms to come !
The Water Point II at Caurem Forest Gate buzzed with a choice of refreshing Aam Panna, chilled coke and lime & lemony Limca as the jingle goes!!! Rock Salt enhanced Bananas to revitalize riders who still had 37 kms to cover.
Mix , pour, cut and serve….XR Girls Raseeka and Smita were on high gear welcoming riders with chilled cups of beverages and Bananas…
One more Fast and Up Energy Counter had XR Binny popping the Reload tabs into every bottle. ‘ Only 37 kms to Go’ was reassured to each rider as they took off in the sun that had started to make its presence felt!
The 3rd and last Water Point at Palkhi had its work cut out! A stunning climb before the Point meant an exhausted rider ….but XR Techman Sarva and his partner Prajyot were all set with a team of enthusiastic volunteers.
Loud cheers and a refreshing water spray greeted every rider atop the summit. Chilled RED BULL the universal recharger , bottles of juice and rich wine ‘ Xaxti’ Cake made for a warm welcome.
And some Support- on- Wheels !! XR Oliver and XR Rashid gave the much needed helping hand at Water Points along the route. From Zambaulim to Palkhi and Caurem on the way, they did it all!
The Men-in- Gypsy also stood strong at the Competitive Segment Finish with much needed Glucose and Water for the riders.
A festive entrance at the Finish Point with massive GARMIN and RED BULL arches! Chilled and scented Napkins offered by XR Savia to soothe the heated skin ….
A heady feeling of having reached the goal only surpassed by the red carpet walk and the awesome feel of the coveted medal around the neck!
Calories lost had to be replaced !
FESTA to the rescue!!! Wholesome ‘ Festa ‘ kebab rolls prepared and served by our enterprising XR couple and Festa owners Malcolm & Virginia ! Fila and our Snacks Counter team Chalton, Charles and Ruben had their work cut out serving the hungry hordes!
The Indian burger ‘ kutchi dabeli’ brought in specially for our vegetarians seemed to find many takers too!
It was an unexpected treat by our very own talented XR Allan Abreo who brought in an artist of international repute, Salil Subedi from Kathmandu! A live performance by Allan on the keyboard and Subedi introducing the audience to some mesmerizing music of the Australian instrument Didgeridoo !!
A resounding finale to a 100 km ride!
The Photo Booth is always a crowd puller and no one can resist it! Handees in hand and poses galore! Memories made…
Our Tag Line for XAXTI 100- 2022 was
Believe in the Best
The Organizing and Volunteering Xaxti Riders Team was determined to make this tag line a reality from the Start Point to the Finish Point and they did it and more!!
Some of our volunteers may not have been part of our regular rides but on D DAY their support was enthusiastic and unflinching
Thank you Coney, Fernanda, Syndestrica, Tinkesh, Raseeka, Savia, Anoop, Beenakumari , Siddhu and so many others for being there from 5am to the Finish!
Always a pleasure to share profound satisfaction with Co partners Verna Industries Association. Thank You XRs Pradip DCosta President of VIA and Past President of VIA Blaise Costabir for your immense support!
Xaxti Riders have been consistently supported by Ravindra Bhavan our Venue Partners, Daily Crayon our Apparel Partners, and Aster Hospital for their Ambulance and emergency service and we cannot imagine any event without them!
We are extremely grateful to you!
Your Support is our Motivation….Thank you 3 MTR Unit for your Ambulance, Cool Ice for the much needed chill, Bisleri our Hydration partners, RedBull , Garmin , Swapna Developers and Festa !
A warm welcome aboard to Fast and Up , we look forward to having you join us again!
The memories play out in the mind s eye after the event but it is thanks to our men with the lens who follow the entire event frame by frame to make it last long after the event ! Thank you Terence Moniz and Joyel Fernandes who are on the move to freeze expressions and moments for ever!
A huge Cheer for every rider who participated in full enthusiasm and Congratulations to those who notched their first century ride!!
It has been an amazing 2021-22 with our three Signature Events being powered by CHAMPS GOA! Xaxti Riders ! We hope to strive together towards bettering this beautiful sport of cycling!
And finally, to them who make it all worthwhile!
Our registered riders! Congratulations to all to our registered riders of the
Xaxti 100 – 2022 in Goa and across India!
We LIVE TO RIDE and We LIVE TO STRIVE….and we promise to make every event better than before!
Stay tuned and stay on saddle!!!
Viva Cycling 🚴🏾♂️Viva Xaxti 🌈
I have been riding since 2012, but since we have joined xasti resently it’s really enjoyable, the rides are excellent and well organised by Samir and his team. We have and lots of my friends also must have seen the best of our Goa’s hindeland through Xasti rides.
Thanks Samir and his team for the Xasti 💯 2022. Looking forward for more events in the coming years of cycling. God bless you all
Beautifully expressed.. Relieved the ride all over again . Thank you Xaxti Riders for being such wonderful hosts. Kudos to all those who make this happen.
Very nice memorable event Xaxti 2022 which was totally organised and managed in the interest, safety,and total riding satisfaction of each and every rider. and truly nourishing entertainment at the end of the ride and still lots to appreciate …………
XR Binny. Your commentary of the XR 100-22 captures every moment of this lovely ride. I am sure even the riders will get to know so much which they may have missed in the excitement of actually riding. The Xaxti Riders cycling club with President Sameer at the helm can surely claim credit for motivating young and old to ride and stay fit. The bold move to collaborate with Army Navay Police qnd Industry is also helpful in popularizing the sport and making it “Xaxti Cool” to cycle. Cheers to an even bigger XR 100-23.
Being associated with Xaxti Riders aka Sameer Sir and Binota Maam is an absolute delight for Team Daily Crayon. We have always had a wonderful experience working with them and look forward to creating an exclusive jersey with each Xaxti 100 event. Thank you for making us a part of Xaxti family.
Awesome
A ride to remember
Fir Xaxti riders
Elegance is an attitude
Keep it up guys
I always look forward for Xaxti events , Been part of this Xaxti Riders family for last two years. Every year the Xaxti 100 is getting Bigger and better .
Xaxti Family is great example of Teamwork, coordination and dedication.
Xaxti riders have greatly contributed towards cycling in Goa.
“ Long Live Xaxti Riders “
Xaxti signature events are always looked forward to and this one also did not disappoint. Meticulously curated to make 103kms + 890 mtrs elevation feel like a breeze. Cant wait for the next one.
Many congratulations and sincere gratitude to Xaxtiriders for bringing yet another beautifully curated ride to cycling enthusiasts.
The picturesque route (not to forget all the climbs), warm hospitality, the energetic volunteers and most of all, bonhomie amongst the XR family, were the corner stones that made the ride a wonderful experience.
Kudos to XR and all partners. Goa will always look forward to XR events.
Jai Hind!!
Was great being part of the virtual Xaxti 100 😀. Though would have loved to be pampered the way all the Goa guys were ! Next time would surely join physically . Thanks Sameer and Xaxti for all the support .
Great write-up! The cycling movement in Salcete and around Salcete is so ably managed by XR . As a participant from Bardez who took part twice earlier, I was impressed by the efficiency and professionalism of the organisers, and by the infectious good cheer of the volunteers and participants. It’s truly an all-embracing and inclusive movement, everybody, irrespective of age, level of skill or equipment, felt enthusiastic about participation. More strength to you all!!
I think XR Binnys write up covers it all !! Just a quick word of appreciation for the organisers to promote this beautiful sport which can be imbibed by both young and old apart from keeping people fit and also traverse across some beautiful terrains . I have been part of several such groups and events across India and overseas but I must say that there is a lot of professionalism and great organisational skills here at display . May I also add a wee bit of personal touch definitely shows up with eye for detail into the nuances of organising such rides . Kudos to the Xaxti Riders and Sameer for keeping the flag hoisted. Warm Regards
Xaxti Family is one of the best example of Teamwork, coordination and dedication.
Xaxti riders have greatly contributed towards cycling in Goa. Well Organized and planned by Xaxti President Mr.Sameer Nadkarni and his always supportive and ever ready team for doing great memorable event in Cycling.
“ Long Live Xaxti Riders and Viva Xaxti Riders”
Beautiful reminder of a beautiful ride…
Binny’s Blog’s are always wonderful to read. So well written to the minutest of detail.
2021-22 had been our Verna Industries Association’s Silver Jubilee Year, and with Covid Constraints on, the best way to celebrate it, was through adopting a motto of Fit-India / One-India, and I was introduced to Xaxti Riders’ by my good friends Czarina & Oliver Coutinho, and me being at the helm of VIA as President, thought it, but apt to partner Xaxti Riders with the Events for the year. And what an year it has been, one that truly showcased the spirit of Free-India, one of Unity-In-Diversity.
The year began with the Platinum Jubilee of Indian Independence Ride on 15th August’21 which we managed to get the Headquarters Goa Naval Area (Indian Navy) on board to partner. This was immediately followed up with we partnering 2-STC / 3-MTR (Indian Army) for celebration of the 60 yrs of Indo-Pak War Victory with the Swarnim Vijay Varsh Ride on 12th Sept’21, and then came the partnership with the Bureaucracy with the tie-up with South Goa District Election Office / Chief Electoral Officer Goa, for promotion of SVEEP (Systematic Voter Education & Electoral Participation), a signature program of Election Commission of India, by having awareness rides in the week leading to Goa Elections 2022 on 14th Feb’22.
Off-course there there the signature Xaxti Rider’s Annual Events of Go-Girls-Go in Oct’21, the Xaxti-200 in Nov’21 and now the largest of them all, the Xaxti-100.
Thanks Sameer for having created this large Xaxti Family, which not only promotes Cycling as a Passion Fitness Sport but also is helping build a much needed genuine community of cyclists of all hues & cries.
Cheers to Xaxti Riders’….
Superb write up Binny. It was a great day to be as a volunteer in your team,really enjoyed.
Thank you Sameer and xaxti team for organising such an amazing ride with excellant roads , wonderful support and fantastic signage.
Proud to be a part of xaxti riders…
I think XR Binnys write up covers it all !! Just a quick word of appreciation for the organisers to promote this beautiful sport which can be imbibed by both young and old apart from keeping people fit and also traverse across some beautiful terrains . I have been part of several such groups and events across India and overseas but I must say that there is a lot of professionalism and great organisational skills here at display . May I also add a wee bit of personal touch definitely shows up with eye for detail into the nuances of organising such rides . Kudos to the Xaxti Riders and Sameer for keeping the flag hoisted. Warm Regards
Excellent as usual… was proud to be part of this event… everything was well organized… water points, control points were well at right place & were well managed by all the volunteers… Every event of Xaxti is like a festival which is celebrated with lots of fun… hats off to every XR… Thanks to Terence Bab & Joel Bab for wonderful memories of the event. Big Kudos to Sammer, Johny Bab, Pradeep, Binny, Oliver, Blaise, Sherwin, Charlton & the rest of the XR team… Looking forward to many more…..Viva Xaxti Riders.
Viva XAXTI Riders
What a super conclusion of the most popular cycling event.
Spectacular views enroute of the entire 100 km, curated menu..for breakfast and the awesome sandwiches at the end point ( Festa Fiesta) ..to be welcomed by masterclass from Allan. His music is worth cycling 100 km.
The entire atmosphere was like the CARNIVAL advanced a bit early.
The ever eager and happy faces of the SUPPORT SUPERSTARS at different water & refreshment points made every rider absolutely pampered. Even there there were support sweeper vehicles all thru the route with Oliver and Rashid in the gypsy and the stylish Sherwin vroom vrooming in that Harley. 😎. And Binny & Gang with Aam Panna and smiles at the point one would get tired.
For me it’s not just the ride but the bonhomie and the camaraderie is something I look forward to_…during every Xaxti events. To catch up with all the friends and the excitement is always electrifying.
I’m aware what kind of meticulous planning is done by SAMEER. And it works well to perfection. Always 👏
What we witnessed on Xaxti 100 is a celebration and not just an event.
That’s why the tagline came out Triumphant 😊
BELIEVE IN THE BEST