“Going Solo” is a documentary that charts the inner and outer journeys of two marvelous lady cyclists—Gareema Shankar and Renu Singhi. Content-wise, this film traces their lives before, during, and after their participation in one of the world’s premier endurance cycling events called the London-Edinburgh-London ride. Their experiences reflect the spirit and essence of their pursuit of freedom, coupled with not just the physical strength that comes with endurance but also an emotional and psychological one.
For these professional cyclists, Gareema Shankar and Renu Singhi, the love for cycling goes way beyond the idea of cycling itself. For them, it represents discovery, identity, and freedom. The documentary opens by introducing their backgrounds to the audience and relating how they fell in love with cycling in such a manner that it became a large part of their lives. Cycling became a source of strength and will for Gareema after she had gone through a series of personal crises, while for Renu, it was more about getting out of societal expectations and finding a new identity for herself.
The setting is the LEL ride, one of the world’s most punishing bicycle rides, covering a total distance of 1,400 kilometers, which riders must complete within the stipulated time. This is the event to prepare for, involving months of training, detailed planning, and endless devotion. The documentary goes into their strenuous programs of training, showing what it does to them physically and psychologically. Early morning rides, long-distance training sessions, and overcoming fatigue and injuries have become routine parts of their lives. Yet, even at that, their resolve never falters. From here, the drive is to do something extraordinary and push oneself to the limit.
Anticipation is then the focus of the documentary as the event draws near. It is at the start line of the LEL ride where all those mixed emotions suddenly come into play—nerves, excitement, a feeling of camaraderie between participants. Here, Gareema and Renu are shown chatting with fellow cyclists, sharing stories, and drawing inspiration from each other. The friendship they build with fellow participants is a sign of the spirit of the cycling community: mutual support and encouragement at every step.
As the ride commences, the documentary displays the actual intensity and adversities one has to face in the journey. Yes, it is the soft landscapes of rural England that form the stunning backdrop, but little else is available to make the route ahead a bit easier. The cyclists cycle through unpredictable weather conditions, steep climbs, and long periods of isolation. On their screen surface, the movie depicts viscerally the physical toll they took: aching muscles and fatigue. Yet, against such hardship, moments of triumph and joy do shine through: the exhilaration of conquering a difficult climb, the camaraderie at rest stops, and the satisfaction of ticking off another milestone.
More than the physicality, “Going Solo” is an intense emotional and psychological portrayal of Gareema and Renu. Solitude during long rides becomes a space for introspection and self-discovery. Gareema looks back at her personal struggles and how cycling has instilled resilience in her. Renu thinks about the expectations she has trampled on in society and the freedom she has embraced. The inner dialogue amid the relentless pedaling on the open road forms a poignant narrative of growth and transformation.
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Other themes touched upon in the documentary include breaking barriers and challenging norms. Gareema and Renu do just that: shatter stereotypes and test society’s expectations by being women in a male-dominated sport. Their journey becomes an example of what is accomplished by sheer determination and the pursuit of passions, no matter how much society may constrain one. “Going Solo” intends to inspire women who view these stories to be apologetic in the chase of dreams and to break out of the bondage that society has created for them.
The lows and highs that the documentary captured are what gradually emerge as the ride goes on. Unflappable resolve has to be countersided by such moments of doubt and exhaustion. Support from fellow cyclists, volunteers, and spectators becomes a lifeline along the route—reminding them that they’re not in it alone. The instances of human connection and solidarity were done to perfection in this documentary, epitomizing how community support can make all the difference.
The whole film builds up to the completion of the LEL ride. Crossing the finish line is not only a physical but also a spiritual culmination of the inner journeys of these riders. This sense of accomplishment and fulfillment reflects endurance cycling’s powerful transformation. The finishing line smiles of Gareema and Renu speak volumes about the personal victories they have won, transcending miles covered.
There were glimpses of how it left an indelible mark on their lives, particularly after the event, in “Going Solo.” Gareema and Renu return to their routines with renewed purpose and confidence. It does underline how their pursuit of freedom through cycling was not limited to a one-time or one-day event but rather a continuous journey of self-realization and empowerment.
“Going Solo” is less of a documentary on endurance cycling and more of one on resilience, empowerment, and an unyielding spirit that resonates very much with the two ladies who dared to chase their dreams. Gareema Shankar and Renu Singhi take one through an inner and an outer journey, inspiring all to follow one’s passion fearlessly, break societal norms, and find one’s path. The movie stands as a strong reminder that striving for freedom, whether it be physical or emotional, is something to fight for.
