AUSTIN, Texas — Sushil Reddy and Luiz Fourzan have been riding their electric bikes since Aug. 15. They've covered more than 6,000 miles across the U.S. together.
“[We want] to raise awareness on solar energy, on electric mobility and active lifestyle,” said Reddy.
Their journey started in North Carolina, where Reddy's solar-powered bike was assembled. They've hit big cities and small towns, averaging 55 miles a day. The duo arrived in Texas on Dec. 20. They took a 10-day break there during the holidays, and then made their way to Austin on Jan. 9. They'll be in the Capital City until the Jan. 15. Then, it'll take them three days to reach Houston, where the journey ends.
Reddy is a technical consultant for solar energy in Mumbai, India. He works independently, which gave him the flexibility to come to America for more than five months.
“That’s how this project came, about as a social cause," he said. "And I like biking a little bit, so I tried to combine the aspects together and make it into a cause.”
The project is called The SunPedal Ride because Reddy's bike is powered "approximately 50-50" by the sun and his peddling. The awareness project was founded in India in 2016. This is the fifth ride.
In 2018, Reddy did a similar ride in Iceland. That's where he met his partner, Fourzan. He's from Mexico and says he's been to Texas several times. Fourzan is riding an e-bike, but it's not powered by the sun. After the project is over, Reddy and Fourzan will compare notes about the difference between an e-bike that's plugged in and one that's solar-powered.
On Monday, the pair was treated to tacos by Yotta Energy, a solar power storage company based in Austin.
“Electric bike is probably the most efficient form of transportation on the planet, aside from maybe walking," said Omeed Badkoobeh, the CEO and co-founder of Yotta Energy. “What these guys have done is basically showed the importance, the potential of solar energy. The sun literally shines everywhere in the world – maybe not as much in some places – but we can harness energy anywhere in the world.”
Between El Paso and Austin, the bikers saw oil fields, wind farms, and solar panels.
“Texas is always one step ahead, especially in energy," said Fourzan. "They always have a good mix.”
In the next 15 days, the bikers will have the chance to talk to more Texas students and locals about the importance of green energy and healthy living. After the ride is over and Reddy and Fourzan return home to India and Mexico, respectively, they'll do a write-up about everything they learned and share it with the public.
"It's been an amazing ride," Fourzan said.