Bihar Boy,18 covers from Srinagar to Kanyakumari, almost 4,000 kilometres, to promote healthy living and fitness among children.

 
Faisal Latif, 18, from Patna,who dreams of conquering the Mt Everest one day, has pedalled across the longitude of the country, talking about this 4,000 kilometre-long journey, Faisal said, "I've always been interested in adventure sports, especially mountaineering and that's how I conceived the idea of this trip. I've always wanted to spread the message of the importance of fitness and I couldn't think of a better way than setting an example myself. During my pit-stop in Haryana, MP and Nagpur, I even visited schools to speak about the significance of physical exercise and good health."

Latif, who completed his education at St Dominic Savio's High School (class X) and DAV Walmi (class XII), set off on his expedition on December 2 last year, with only a backpack having a few essential items to keep him company. "Sometimes I used to feel homesick and longed for company. Sometimes I had to eat alone," he said, adding, "I want to become an Army officer and get training before venturing into adventure sports in a professional manner."

Covering over a 100km daily for 37 days, Latif travelled about 10 hours daily and took shelter at 'dhabas', temples and other such places during the night. He stopped at several schools and met a number of children during his tour. "I want to spread the message of fitness among the children who have not yet taken to drinking or smoking," said Latif.

Passionate about mountaineering, Latif scaled 16,000ft of Renok Peak in Sikkim in October 2012. "I want to stand on the Mt Everest peak, alone, and without the help of oxygen cylinders," said Latif, who believes that the state government should do more to promote adventure sports in Bihar.

The cyclist passed his class XII exams in 2012, and dropped a year to pursue his passion. Asked if he did not face any opposition from his parents in undertaking this journey, Latif confessed of having to put in extra efforts to convince them. "They wanted me to go in a team and not alone," he said.

His father is an officer in the Indian Railways, Danapur division, and mother is a homemaker. He plans to take up formal college education and complete his graduation.