Travel
Tour of Nilgiris: 900 km through the Blue Mountains on a bicycle!
By Adithi Mathews
Published: September 24 2009
At the peak of winter, get set to cycle though one of the most scenic routes in South India- The Nilgiris.
The Tour of Nilgiris (TFN) is a 900+km, 8-day cycling tour that kicks off at Bangalore on 15th December 2009. With over 70 participants, TFN is scheduled to pass through Bangalore, Mysore, Hassan, Mercara, Irupu, Sultanbathery and Ooty. A first of its kind sporting event to be held in India, this is a spectacular tour of the South Indian heritage, culture, cuisines and its people. This is the second edition of the highly successful TFN which kicked off last year.
The TFN aims to become a premier cycling event on the national sports calendar. Last year 56 riders completed the extreme tour, including two riders from the adventure wing of the Indian Air Force. This is the longest cycling event in the country. It is also perhaps the most scenic ride as it exposes riders to the incredible bio-diversity of the Nilgiris.
The TFN is fully supported by emergency medical services, qualified medical personnel, support teams that ensure food and water is available to riders across the route and sweeper vehicles.
The TFN is organized by RideACycle Foundation (www.rideacycle.org), a not-for-profit advocacy group promoting sustainable transport, responsible travel and environmentally and socially responsible bicycling opportunities. Last year, the RideACycle Foundation donated bicycles to needy students of the Deeksha PU College in Bangalore, organized bicycle workshops in various parts of the city, and is now working with the KSRTC to develop bicycle lanes in Bangalore. The founding trustee of the RAC-F, Mr Ravi Ranjan, said that, "The success of the TFN in 2008 has ensured that more people want to go out on the TFN that aims at creating awareness among the general public about the multiple benefits of commuting by the most humble mode of transport – the cycle."
To register and for more details log onto http://www.tourofnilgiris.com/
