Illini 4000 members, alumni, and supporters were devastated to hear of the tragic and unexpected passing of Vikram Mubayi, a dedicated and passionate member of the 2022 Bike America Team. Vikram was known for his strength, intelligence, and love for the outdoors. To honor his memory, we share a collection of tributes and memories written by his teammates and friends.
Notes for Vikram
Lucas Dion: I’ll always remember Vikram for being thoughtful, smart, kind, and hard-working.
He would always stop to pet the dogs and race against the horses. He was full of surprises, like shaving his head for a promposal, or taking an extra long rest stop to enjoy the gravity falls house in California. He was always ready to hop back on the bike and power on. Vikram > Horse forever.
Marie Hubbard: I had the pleasure of being one of the ride leaders for the 2022 team where I met Vikram.
Viki was one of those riders that cherished every second on the bike and did everything he could to make the most out of the ride. I vividly remember him asking permission many times to bike back up sections of a downhill just to experience them again, or seeking out random KOMs on Strava that were slightly off route. On our rest day in Mount Rainier, Vikram snuck off and did the Paradise Road loop by himself (which he got in trouble the next day for), but if you ask him he would say it was “totally worth it”. He probably would have biked the country in 20 days if we let him. Vikram was so intelligent, and it’s a shame that the world will never get to see his full potential as a researcher and engineer. I feel so lucky to have gotten to know Vikram and discover the more surprising sides of his personality. Whenever I rode with him, he was pretty quiet and didn’t like to stop frequently, he just loved being on the bike. But I remember one specific time of rolling through the suburbs somewhere and passing a Krispy Kreme when Vikram asked if we could stop to get donuts. I never would have guessed he had a sweet tooth, but he finished eating his donut before I even saw it. He was always surprising us, or ready with something witty to say. I remember his “british” (to us) accent and roasting him all summer for saying “possing” instead of “passing”. The loss of Vikram leaves a hole in our team that will never be filled. I’m still in disbelief that he’s gone. Someone that strong, towering over the rest of us, literally in his size but also in his intellect and zest for the world. He was one of those people that seemed invincible. I will miss seeing his crazy Strava updates, climbing mountains, cycling through the desert, and capturing views that most people in this world only see on a screen. I am keeping his loved ones in my thoughts during this time, and am comforted knowing that Vikram was living a life he loved.
Sam Corley: Vikram — I have yet to meet someone who possesses as much love and appreciation for adventure and exploring the outdoors as you did.
You inspired us to keep pushing on the hardest days of the ride, and you faced every challenge with determination, grit, and grace. You were such a strong but gentle presence, and so insightful that you sometimes knew things about us before we even knew them ourselves. I will never forget riding in the van with you through a torrential downpour, your love for pink gear, and hearing about all of your Strava achievements. I don’t think a better KOM than Vikram > horse will ever exist. We were all blessed to get to know you so deeply over those 75 days. You will be with me every time I ride my bike and every time I find the strength to do what seems impossible.
Max Potvin: Vikram was incredibly passionate about the causes close to his heart.
I knew him from biking across the country and he was the most enthusiastic biker of the group, and I know that drive carried over into the other facets of his life. He would have contributed a lot of good to the world. We were all better off for knowing Vikram. Rest in peace.
Clara O’Sullivan: Rest in peace to our friend who was part of the summer of a lifetime.
He was impressive and serious, but he made us laugh, and we will always remember him.
Jessica Fornek: Vikram was the avid cyclist of our team.
I remember being so intimidated to ride with him for the first time because he seemed all speed and stoicism, but after just one day of riding together I realized he was just a big sweetheart. He cared deeply about the earth and making an impact on the world, and he was the biggest lover of pink that I know. We connected over music. One of my favorite memories is making banana pancakes on our rest day in Wall, SD and bonding over our shared love for Maine by Noah Kahan. I really appreciated his music taste and I still listen to songs he introduced me to. He preferred to ride fast and I loved to lollygag, so our riding styles weren’t the most compatible, but occasionally he would get pulled into some shenanigans and seeing that goofy side of him come out was always an endearing accomplishment. I often think about the time he slowly paced me up a long climb in Yellowstone while I was struggling, which felt like one of the greatest acts of care coming from Vikram because he was always chasing those KOMs on Strava. Our team would not be the team it is without him, and we will forever hold him close in our hearts. Rest in peace Vikram.
Julissa Nuñez: Vikram aka Viki was an absolute force.
I was so impressed by his dedication, craft, and sureness to who he was, what he wanted to do, and how he wanted to do it. When I think of Vikram, I think of pretty trees and mountains, his laugh that he would sometimes try to
contain, and his god-like performance (he would have loved that I said that). It’s almost unbelievable to think that he is gone, but as a friend and an admirer of his adventures, I am completely reawakened to the fragility and beauty of life. Vikram LIVED. Every time he asked to re-climb a route to re-descend was living. Every time he jetted off on a rest day to get more miles or climb a new route was living. And every time he embraced his van driving days with his sag team, even though he rather be biking, he was living. I never saw him waste his energy on something that wasn’t serving him. This is a true reminder to live passionately and care for body, mind, and spirit in the process.
It was an honor to have known Viki and have spent a whole summer of his beautiful life together. I’m honored to have called him a friend.
To his friends and family, thank you for sharing your beautiful son and brother with the world. He was a true reflection of your family’s values, intelligence, devotion, and charisma. To Vikram, I’m going to miss you so much dude, it hurts. I’m pissed we didn’t get to climb Whitney together, but rest assured I’ll be up there one day and I want you there with me. Thanks for introducing me to your family at the end of the ride. Thank you for being unapologetically you. Fly high Viki and never forget Viki > horse.
Peter Katsogianos: One of my favorite memories of Vikram was after a rough stretch of the trip, we reached a rest day at Mt Rainier, and he decided to keep biking anyway.
I was astonished that he had the energy, but even more-so the drive to keep going on a rare day off. He cared so much about this Earth and its beauty, and he always pushed himself to be as close to it as he could. Vikram was inspiring in that way. I’m grateful I got to know him and share those experiences with him that summer.
Matthew Walowski: I remember riding with Vikram on one of the hottest and hardest days of Illini 4000.
The temperature was pushing 111F and we had four huge climbs on the shoulder of a busy, noisy highway. Vikram seemed completely unbothered by this, maybe even mildly enjoying himself. He lead at the front on the flat sections, set the pace up the hills, and never complained. At every rest stop, when I had the temptation to give up, Vikram was the first to get us all going for the next 20 mile stretch. It’s hard to describe, but just having him in our group gave me the motivation to keep going. I knew that he would never voluntarily quit, so I decided that neither could I. Finishing the final climb that day became one of my highlights of I4K. At the beginning of the day, I thought the ride was impossible. Without Vikram, I don’t think I would have proved to myself otherwise.
In Vikram, I’ve seen the embodiment of so many characteristics and qualities that I admire. He was strong, confident, reliable, determined, and humble. But what I admire the most, was that he was the kind of person that could raise the best out of those around him, all without saying a word. You will be deeply missed Vikram, tailwinds.
Rose Mascarenhas: Vikram loved being outside and going on adventures with us, and we’ll all miss him as part of our I4K family.
Bryan Chang: Vikram is such a humorous and easy going guy, I am so sorry for your loss.
Maddie Blaauw: Just like Vikram I’m in school for a PhD.
A few months ago we connected and I vented to him about my research - it’s been a stressful journey for me. He told me that I could get through it. Even said I could postdoc in his lab after I graduated, haha! When I think of Vikram I think of an amazing scientist and adventurer, things that I’m trying to be too, so in that moment hearing that he believed in me was exactly what I needed to hear. Also during our bike trip I learned so much maintenance from him, and he’s the reason I know what KOM on Strava means.
Veronica Kozak: Vikram was the one who asked if I wanted to ride with him first.
During the start of the ride, our ride leaders would always encourage us to ride with everyone, so that we could get to know our teammates. I had held off on riding with Vikram because I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to keep up, he was an obnoxiously tall, ridiculously enthusiastic cyclist who pulled off hot pink better than anyone I knew. It wasn’t long before I came to know him as so much more.
One of my favorite days of that summer was a day I rode with him. It was early in the morning, and like any other day I commented on how pretty the flowers were, so of course, he offered and had us pull over, then continued to put flowers behind his hair because that’s who he was. He loved nature and cared for those around him.
I had never really considered myself a strong rider, I hadn’t ridden a bike in years before choosing to do illini 4000, but Vikram never made me feel anything less than capable. He was always encouraging, patient, and would often slow his pace when he noticed me struggling. Another day when I rode with him, he told me he had picked up cycling during Covid. When I realized he hadn’t been riding a bike seriously all his life I was in awe. He had found something he had loved and given it his all because that’s who he was.
There are songs I love that I cannot listen to without thinking about him, because he had amazing taste in music. I found out who Noah Kahan was through him, ‘stick season’ was all the rave that summer.
One of my favorite memories of the ride was I4k prom. As someone who spent her senior year of high school on zoom, my school didn’t have a prom due to Covid. And yet, I can say that I had one of the best promposals ever because Vikram decided to shave “PROM ?” into his head and I got to see that for the rest of the ride.
He was funny, he was kind, a lover of nature, of the outdoors and everything in it. He was intelligent, always prepared with a witty comeback, and he made our team whole. There are many things that will continue to remind me of Vikram, and although right now they may feel heavy, for them I am grateful, for I have an abundance of irreplaceable memories of a bright human I am forever thankful to have known.
Cal Howley: I knew Vikram through the Illini 4000 ride in summer 2022, and rode with him often as I knew he would always push me to be my best.
Above that, I will remember him for the talks we had alongside each other biking. Vikram was sincere, thoughtful, driven, and kind in a way that stuck with you. I am so deeply sorry for your loss, and I know his legacy and stories will live on here through all of his friends that loved him.
Matt Hawthorne: Vikram was a truly special person.
He was a strong cyclist, brilliant mind, and quietly hilarious friend. He brought these qualities — adventure, intelligence, and humor — to every part of his life, and touched the lives of many in the process. I will always be grateful for my friendship with Vikram. May he rest in peace.
Jung Shim: Rest in peace Vikram, I’ll always be grateful that I got to share that journey with you.
Wherever you are, I hope the roads are smooth and the wind is always at your back. Tailwinds.
Olivia Klein: To the Mubayi family, I was so so sorry to hear about the passing of Vikram.
Although it’s been a few years since we were in school together, I haven’t forgotten what an incredible person he was. He was one of the smartest people I knew in our class and also one of the kindest. No matter how stressful exams or classes were, he always found time to help with studying and knew how to get us to laugh in the process too. Even when I or anyone else from our friend group received a bad grade from time to time, he was always positive and had a way to remind us that it would be okay. When he told me he would be pursuing a PHD, I wasn’t surprised at all given his brilliance. He had a very bright future ahead, and I know he would have continued to make a difference in so many people’s lives. I am keeping your family in my thoughts during this time and hope you can find comfort in knowing that Vikram left a lasting impression on those who had the privilege to know him.
Will Madsen: I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Vikram.
I knew him from our time together in class at the University of Illinois, and he always brought a friendliness, warmth, and inspiring curiosity to any space he was in. Thinking of you and wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Christina Su: I first met and got to know Vikram through the club tennis team at UIUC.
At first for many of us, Vikram was one of the more mysterious teammates. A little bit on the quieter side, but a fierce competitor and tennis player. All the girls had a crush on him! Haha! Even as we got to know him, he wasn’t a man of many words on the court, but he always felt so wise for his age and could make us laugh with sassy comebacks.
In 2022, I had worlds collide when he cycled across the country with one of my best friends, Julissa. Knowing how athletic and adventurous he was, it only made sense that he would join the Illini 4000 family one day. I loved hearing about all their adventures together and the impact their team had on the cancer community.
I feel so grateful that my path crossed with Vikram’s and am absolutely heartbroken by the news this week. I send my deepest condolences and am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Camden Cortes: Vikram and I met on a ride where the next group of I4K riders were training for their cross country ride.
Vikram immediately stood out and brought forth unparalleled energy and drive. While our group was on rest, he took me on an awesome side quest in Kickapoo where he showed me a rare elevation change for the Midwest. We raced up that route and yes he kicked my ass. Vikram always put his best foot forward. He always has and will continue to be an inspiration to me in my rides.
Ronik S: DEAR MUBAYIS, I am so sorry for your loss.
Vikram was such a kind hearted and genuine person, and his warmth and compassion touched everyone fortunate enough to know him. I had the privilege of being friend’s with Vikram since day 1 at UIUC. We both sat at the same picnic table at the Chemical Engineering new student gathering and the rest was history. We spent all 4 years together making memories that I will always cherish- sitting next to him in class every chance I had, long studying sessions cramming for tests, playing ping pong or tennis on campus (I always knew he was better than me, though I’d stubbornly never admit that to him), kayaking the seemingly never ending Kickapoo river together, nights out, and even taking a spring break trip together. I loved spending time with Vikram hearing about his unique perspectives growing up in Hong Kong and all the fascinating stories he had. Vikram had a warmth to him that everyone cherished. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Patrick Jamison: I knew Vikram through Illini 4000 and want to share my favorite memory of him with you.
In 2023 he invited me out for a bike ride in Santa Barbara. He had planned a route for us to ride and even though it looked really tough when he showed it to me, the way he talked about the route made me think it wouldn't be that difficult. That was not the case. Over the next few hours, Vikram told tons of jokes and I was only able to tell him that I needed to stop for another break. I've never had so much fun or laughed so much while in so much pain. It's one of my favorite memories on the bike and that is entirely because of Vikram's humor and patience. He was a great person that made a positive impact on me and many others. I hope my piece of his memory can bring you a shred of comfort during this difficult time.
Iyke George: Dear Mr. and Mrs. Mubayi and Maya, I am so sorry for your loss.
I met Vikram during our freshman year in college in chemistry class. From the beginning, he stood out as someone who was disciplined, dedicated to his studies, and committed to staying active. More importantly, he was kind and always willing to help others, which allowed him to form many meaningful friendships at UIUC. Over time, he and I became very close friends. I cannot think of my college experience without thinking of him and I deeply cherish the memory of meeting all of my friends’ families on graduation day, including yours, and I am truly grateful for that opportunity.
I will always remember Vikram with great respect, and I hope you find comfort in knowing how deeply and positively he impacted so many lives.
May he rest in peace.
With deepest condolences, Iyke George.
Amaan Kudrolli: When I first arrived at UIUC from out of state, I was nervous to be in such a new environment.
I didn’t know a single soul at the entire school. At the engineering launch event, I found myself standing next to Vikram. Something about his presence felt inviting, so I introduced myself and we started chatting, and we immediately connected over our mutual love for football. Vikram’s friendliness in that moment helped me feel grounded in this completely foreign place, and the connection that we established led to other friendships that shaped the next four years for both of us. It was a wonderful gift being in relationship with Vikram’s kindness, gentleness, intelligence, and positive nature. It is unfortunate that he had to leave us so soon, but I trust that he is with God now and on to the next phase of his journey in the Cosmos.