Cyclists pedal in city on ’No Tobacco Day’ - May 31

Cyclists pedal in city on ’No Tobacco Day’ - May 31

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, June 1, 2015 : Not less than  135 cyclists pedalled their way across Mangaluru on May 31, Sunday with the message ‘Say No to Tobacco, Yes to Cycling,’ on the occasion of ’World No Tobacco Day’ .  Members of the Mangalore Cycling Club (MACC) and the Mangalore Bicycle Club (MBC) took oart in a big way.

Jointly organised by Giant Starkenn, an international bicycle manufacturer, and Mangaluru-based Jyoti Cycle, the cycling expedition had two segments — a 60-km ride and another 40-km ride.  About 35 cyclists participated in the 60 km ride, more than 100 cyclists cycled their way in the 40 km  category.

Spearheading the 60-km ride, MACC stalwart Anil Shet took the riders through undulating climbs via Kadri Hill, Bondel, Bajpe, Shibaroor, Soorinje, Surathkal Hosabettu, Kulai and KPT before winding up at Jyoti Cycle premises.  The ride commenced before sun rise around 5.30 a.m. from the Mangaluru City Corporation premises and ended at around 10 p.m.

The 40-km ride was led by Lohith Rao,  the scenic Tannirbhavi Beach and thereafter Bengre, a headland where the Nathravathi and  Gurupura (Phalguni) joins the Arabian Sea.  The ride started at 7.30 a.m. and ended at 10 a.m.

Later, experts from Giant Starkenn clarified the  queries of cyclists about the maintenance of gear cycles, the different modes of ride, the gear ratios to be used during the ride etc. The lucky riders got t-shirts and jerseys sponsored by Giant Starkenn.

The highlight of the 60-km ride was the enthusiastic participation of seniors Ashoka Vardhana and Udupa. Both are well known for a keen interest in cycling cannoning. Both of them were ahead of their younger counterparts and are a great motivating force.