Credit: DH photo
Keeping up their annual tradition, biking and cycling enthusiasts from Bengaluru will be hitting the roads this Independence Day.
The Bengaluru Cycling Club is expecting at least 200 participants to turn up for its free ‘India Map GPS Art Ride’. Riders will follow a pre-planned 78 km route in the city that, when tracked on a fitness app, will form the shape of India’s map. “Most cyclists don’t have GPS devices, so they will follow others who do,” Chanakya Chowdari, a committee member, says. The ride starts from Vidhana Soudha at 6.30 am. Details on @teambcc_2021 on Instagram.
The Association of Biking Community (ABC) India will host competitive activities for bikers at a cafe in Nandi Hills from 8 am to 2 pm. Events include tug of war, a slow race, off-roading, and a ‘run and gear up’ challenge. “About 500 people have already registered,” shares vice president Nandini Mithun. It’s a ticketed event. Visit @abcindiaorg on Instagram.
The RD350 Club is organising a members-only ride from the city to Devarayanadurga Hills near Tumakuru. At the destination, members will sing the national anthem.
The Special Initiative Riders group has postponed their exclusive I-Day ride to Sabbanahalli Lake, about two hours from Bengaluru, by a week. “Bikers prefer open roads, but with so many groups riding on Friday, we expect heavy traffic,” explains Sonali Mukherji, a member.
Friends are also setting off on I-Day rides. Brian Amanna, a communications professional on a career break, plans to ride nearly 500 km to Valparai, Tamil Nadu, with friends. “On the way, we may join schools or communities for flag hoisting ceremonies,” he says.
Vintage vehicle showcase
On Friday, the Karnataka Vintage and Classic Car Club will display around 75 vintage cars and 25 bikes at Forum South Bengaluru on Kanakapura Road for public viewing. “The oldest car dates back to between 1915 and 1920, and the oldest bike is from the 1930s,” shares club president Balachandra Yadalam. The day-long showcase begins at 8 am.