The Great Malnad Challenge of 2010 kicked off to an amazing start on the 23rd of October 2010, organized and supervised by the efficient experts from Tandem Trails. 27 riders under the guidance and experts of tandem trails started on the Journey of their lives.
The locations were researched and hand picked by some of the best experts , whose main focus was not only to provide a challenging trail but also provide 810 kilometers of an experience in the most bio diverse hot spots [ Western Ghats in Karnataka is recognized globally as one of the main hot spots for Bio – Diversity].
Tandem Trails also used this golden opportunity to create an awareness on the eco friendly medium of transport - cycling, focusing on making Karnataka a Hot spot for Cyclo-tourism.
They also used this opportunity for a social cause as they were riding through some of the most interior locations in Karnataka, with the slogan “ Sowing the seeds of Science literacy along the road less taken”. Tandem Trails partnered with Karnataka Vignana Parishath and 10 Government schools en route to deliver key messages on rational Thinking, cycling and the environment.
The Nine day trail began and the Journey was Flagged off at Madikeri –[ popularly known as the Scotland of India]. Mr. CV Shankar, veteran and former Hockey coach of the Indian Hockey Team launched the event, with the local media covering the details of the event. The 27 riders which consisted of 26 men and 1 lady were to pedal from Madikeri to Subrahmanya traversing different altitudes, highest being 1082m and the Lowest being 13m.
The long and strenuous trail, over looking some gorgeous and greenest of views, twisting and curving through some of the best off road trails the troupe had reached Subrahmanya.
A huge and warm welcome party awaited these exhausted cyclists. To their pleasant surprise the Hotel Management of “Sheshnag Ashraya” had organized a welcome party and a press conference with all the major media personalities, along with eminent Bollywood star “Ameesha patel”who gracefully presided over the GMC press conference. The tired cyclists found new vigour and strength from the appreciative words of encouragement from Ms Ameesha patel.
The day ended on a happy note, the cyclists retired to rejuvenate to wake up to the next day’s challenges.
The second day the cyclists were to cycle from Subrahmanya to Belur, 112 kilometers of a treacherous terrain , Lowest alt of 13m and highest alt of 985m. The highlight of the day being the 30 kilometer off road climb battling through the 2,800 feet ascent, but filling their eyes and lungs with the absolutely beautiful and scenic bisle Ghats. The cyclists having hardly encountered any traffic at all through the day were wind swept with energy and caressed with oodles of beatific nature around them. Most of the cyclists reached belur to start the celebrations at around 5 in the evening and retired for the day at the KSTDC Mayura Velapuri.
The Third Day of the Trail was from Belur to Kemmanagundi, a comparatively easy 73 kilometers with a Hi of 1345m and a Lo of 790 m. The team wearing the GMC branded jerseys and carrying with them Mr.Shankars sporting wisdom traveled along with satisfied smiles, only to be greeted at Chikamagalur with garlands by the “District Science forum” and the eager local press. Highlight of the day which included many ‘Fresh coffee’ breaks , was the one at “Coffee Barn”. The sumptuous meal gave them the necessary energy to do the strenuous 1,800 feet climb to Kemmanagundi. The cyclists happily retired at the Horticulture guest house.
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