Ramadan Rides: Fasted 500
Stats:
Mileage: 554mi | 886km
Elevation: 45,875ft | 13983m
Rides: 24 (in 29 days)
Weather: Lots of rain, a bit of sunshine
Vibes: Halal all the way
Pasta: Plenty
Dates: About 3lbs
With Ramadan behind me, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on one of the most meaningful times of the year—Ramadan itself. It’s a month that holds a special place in my heart, not just for its spiritual significance, but for the personal challenges it brings, and ones I always look forward to. During Ramadan, Muslims around the world are reminded of the strength of self-discipline, devotion, the blessings they have, and remember and support those who don’t. These values were exemplified early on in Islam. One powerful example is the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his dedication to prayer. Despite the physical challenges of fasting, he would spend long nights in prayer, especially during the last ten nights of Ramadan, as described in the Hadith: "The Prophet PBUH would stand (in prayer) so long that the skin of his feet would crack. , and Aisha (RA) asked him, ‘Why do you do this, O Messenger of Allah, when your past and future sins have been forgiven?’ He replied, ‘Should I not be a thankful servant?’” (Sahih Bukhari).
This Ramadan, I took on the Fasted 500 challenge, pushing myself spiritually, mentally and physically. It wasn't just about riding bikes during a fast; it was about testing my limits, learning from the struggle, and connecting with others who shared the journey, did I mention that they have this sweet patch to commemorate the event?!
Friends joining in on the challenge
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered the holiest month in Islam. It is when the Qur’an was first revealed, it is also a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community for Muslims around the world. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs as an act of worship and self-discipline. The fast is broken each evening with Iftar, a meal that traditionally begins with dates and water, followed by a larger meal.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the core beliefs and practices of the faith. It is seen as a time for spiritual growth, increased devotion, and generosity. Many Muslims also spend extra time in prayer, reciting the Qur’an, and engaging in charitable activities. The month concludes with Eid al-Fitr, a festive holiday that marks the end of fasting and is celebrated with communal prayers, feasts, and giving to those in need.
Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food—it’s about self-control, gratitude, and strengthening one's faith. It’s a time for Muslims to deepen their connection with God, practice kindness, and reflect on what truly matters.
The inspiration behind this started years ago when I wanted to remain active during Ramadan, especially, when I crossed the line from casual rider to almost daily rider, had to keep the body moving for the soul, and for the mind, and quite honestly, to burn all the pasta I eat year round. Now mind you I haven't heard of Fasted 500 at that point circa 2021, but after searching the web for the do’s and don’ts of fasted training, I found this article about Fasted 500, and I suddenly found not just a great challenge, but a community that understands each other’s struggles and ambitions.
The Fasted 500 is a cycling challenge where participants ride 500 kilometers while fasting during Ramadan. It’s a spin on the popular Rapha Festive 500, but with an extra layer of difficulty—no food or water from sunrise to sunset. It’s a test of endurance, discipline, and faith, pushing riders to balance their passion for cycling with the demands of fasting. Although, the original challenge is kilometer based, I turned it into miles to challenge myself even more.
The challenge takes place throughout the month, requiring careful planning to manage energy levels, hydration (outside fasting hours), and recovery. Pre-dawn meals (Suhoor) become essential, fueling the body for long hours of the day ahead and on the bike, while post-sunset meals (Iftar) focus on replenishing glycogen stores and hydration. Many riders turn to carb-rich foods like pasta, dates, and plenty of water to sustain their efforts, and no, I didnt forget the Sambosa or Lentil Soup, the essentials of Ramadan!
The Fasted 500 isn’t just about the miles—it’s about resilience, patience, and riding with purpose. Every pedal stroke is a testament to the power of discipline, proving that endurance isn’t just physical but deeply mental and spiritual. Looking back on the past month, I never questioned why I was doing it; I knew this was a chance to push myself in every way. Some days felt smooth, as if my body had fully adapted to the rhythm of fasting and riding. Other days tested my patience and endurance, forcing me to dig deeper. But with every ride, every climb, and every empty-stomach push to sunset, the lessons became clearer. This challenge wasn’t just about the miles—it was about what those miles taught me.
Here are some of the lessons I always relearn during Ramadan:
Discipline Over Motivation
Some days, I felt ready to ride; other days, I could barely keep my eyes open while forcing down suhoor. But motivation didn’t matter—what mattered was getting on the bike and putting in the miles, even though all my rides were in the afternoon. There was no waiting for the perfect moment, no excuses about being too tired or too hungry. Ramadan strips everything down to the essentials, and so does riding while fasting. It’s just you, your willpower, and the road ahead. The more I rode, the more I realized that discipline is what gets you through the hard days, and the hard days are what make you stronger.
The Mind Is Stronger Than the Body
There were moments, especially in the late afternoons, when fatigue hit hard and my legs felt drained. No water, no fuel, just sheer stubbornness keeping the pedals turning. But the body doesn’t quit first—the mind does. In the beginning, I felt slightly hungry, but after about 10 days, my body adapted, and I found myself riding almost as if I wasn’t fasting, with an energy level nearly the same as my usual rides. Sure, there were days when I felt tired, but that fatigue was a reminder of the challenge I had embraced. Hunger and exhaustion were temporary; resilience, however, lasted much longer.
Patience & Adaptability Are Everything
Fasting during Ramadan isn’t just a physical test—it’s a mental and emotional one too. There were days when my energy was low, and I couldn’t ride like I normally would. But I quickly realized that being patient with my body was crucial. Some days, I needed to take it easy and save energy for later. Other days, I pushed through despite the hunger and fatigue, knowing that the relief would come at sunset. It wasn’t about always riding hard—it was about understanding my limits, adapting to how I felt each day, and knowing when to ease up and when to push. Cycling, fasting, and life all require that balance of patience and adaptability—learning when to let go and when to dig deep.
Community Makes the Hard Things Easier
Even though I spent hours riding alone, I was never really alone. There were others out there, on different roads in different countries, riding the same miles and feeling the same hunger. Some I knew personally, others I only knew through stories and social media, but the connection was real. We were all in this together—fighting the same battles, chasing the same goal. That’s the power of shared struggle. It reminded me that the hardest things can be made easier when we support each other, and knowing others are out there pushing through alongside you can be the motivation to keep moving forward.
Looking back on the Fasted 500, I see it not only as a personal achievement but also as a reminder of what can be accomplished when we align our physical efforts with a greater purpose. Every ride, every challenge, and every moment of fatigue became a stepping stone toward something bigger than just completing a distance. Through discipline, patience, resilience, and the power of community, I discovered that the greatest strength comes from within—and that with the right mindset, even the hardest journeys can lead to the most rewarding experiences.
Eid Mubarak everyone, and may we get the chance to observe next Ramadan inshallah.
