Photos: The two Indian doctor brothers who cycled across America to create history

[caption id=“attachment_2321324” align=“alignleft” width=“940”]  From California to Maryland. From the West Coast of the US to the East Coast. A distance of 3004 miles. A time limit of 9 days. A Race Across America (RAAM) and two Indians finished it 10 hours ahead of time. Photo: RAAM: Team India/ Facebook Page[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2321326” align=“alignleft” width=“940”]  Doctor brothers Mahendra Mahajan (Dentist) and Hitendra Mahajan (Anesthesiologist) - both from Nashik - signed up for one of the toughest endurance events in the world. Their aim, apart from being the first Indian team to complete the event, was to raise money for 288 free eye surgeries for tribals in Maharashtra and Gujarat. RAAM: Team India/ Facebook Page[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2321328” align=“alignleft” width=“940”]  Assisted by a crew of 12 friends, the Mahajan Brothers set upon the arduous journey from Oceanside, California on June 20 at around 3 pm. RAAM: Team India/ Facebook Page[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2321330” align=“alignleft” width=“940”]  Riding on behalf of the Kalpataru Foundation, the riders navigated the relay race through terrains ranging from flat freeways to curving mountain roads, facing temperatures from 40-44 deg celsius to below freezing points. RAAM: Team India/ Facebook Page[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2321340” align=“alignleft” width=“940”]  With a total budget of nearly Rs 50 lakh that included registration fees, 4 high end carbon bikes, crew costs, and safety equipment, the Doctor-brothers had to wear layers of clothes appropriate to the weather and to protect them from some heavy traffic on the road. RAAM: Team India/ Facebook Page[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2321332” align=“alignleft” width=“940”]  “We experienced rain and storms. Our bicycles broke down in some places, were punctured twice and our crew too encountered some problems. But we performed by the rules and did not incur a single penalty” Hitendra told Times of India. RAAM: Team India/ Facebook Page[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2321336” align=“alignleft” width=“940”]  Calling the race an outstanding platform to raise money for charitable causes, the two doctors from India rode through California, Colrorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennslyvania, and finally to Pittsburgh, to achieve what no other Indian has achieved till date. RAAM: Team India/ Facebook Page[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2321338” align=“alignleft” width=“940”]  The 54 time stations in the 3004 mile (4800 km) stretch were to be covered in 9 days if the Mahajan brothers wanted to fulfill their dream. RAAM: Team India/ Facebook Page[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2321334” align=“alignleft” width=“940”]  And when the race clock read 8 days, 14 hours, 56 minutes, “Team India: Vision for Tribals” crossed the finish line and created Indian cycling history. A Tour de Force effort from the adventure loving doctors, undoubtedly. And to think this will give light to tribals in India, makes it even more special. RAAM: Team India/ Facebook Page[/caption]