C'magaluru hosts 'Monsoon Coffee Magic 200 km Brevet Cycle Ride'

Around 42 cyclists from various parts of the state participated in ‘Monsoon Coffee Magic 200 km Brevet Cycle Ride,’ which was flagged off from Town Canteen at Rathnagiri Road in Chikkamaglauru on Sunday morning at 6 am.

The cyclists passed through the Western Ghats to reach Kuppalli in Theerthahalli, Shivamogga and returned to Chikkamagaluru. As per the regulation of the event, the riders were given the challenge of covering 200 km in thirteen-and-a-half hours.

They had to take the route Aldur-Balehonnur-Jayapura-Koppa-Gadikallu to reach Kuppalli. Cyclists from Chikkamagaluru, Bengaluru, Ramanagara, Mysuru, Hassan, Shivamogga and Kodagu took part. Two women and two children too were part of the team.

Twenty five cyclists, including Superintendent of Police K Annamalai, reached Chikkamagaluru within the specified time. SP Annamalai was in the lead. He said cycle riding helps him maintain fitness and recommended people using bicycles regularly.

Dr N R Malavegowda, a doctor from Chennapattana, said he has been taking part in cycle rallies for eight years. He uses bicycle for a ride of within 10 km.

Dr Kavitha from Bengaluru said all members of her family use bicycles. This has been helpful in relieving them from stress, she added.

A Class 10 student Junaid Habib said he rides bicycle for 25 km daily. It is a joyous mode of transport for maintaining good health.

Ride organiser Sarvesh Samaga said bicycle ride with a specific time challenge had been organised in Chikkamagaluru for the first time. The participants covering the distance within the mentioned time will be awarded with medals and certificates by Audax Club Parisien, France. He said the club organises bicycle rides at various distances from 200 km to 600 km.

Those who successfully pass through all the levels will be eligible to take part in the 1,200-km ride which will be taken place in Paris once in four years. The next ride will be held in 2019.