For the 23 bikers who participated in the mountain bike expedition from Kanakakkunnu Palace to Rosemala, near Thenmala, on Wednesday, it was a day filled with high octane ride through the mountains as well as moments of contemplation as they came face to face with the negative effects on nature due to human interactions. The expedition was organised jointly by the Academy for Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (AMAS) and Team Versiviouz, a city-based biking club. The expedition was flagged off by City Police Commissioner P. Vijayan at 8 a.m. at a function presided over by O.T. Prakash, secretary of the District Tourism Promotion Council.
Bikers ranging in age from 18 to 35 years took part in the ride. The entries were open to anyone having a motorbike of 150 cc or above. The participants were required to wear safety accessories, including gloves and helmet.
“The aim was not just to go on a biking trip to a pristine location. It was meant to understand the environment and study the effects of our activities on it. The team studied the reducing fish wealth in the Kulathupuzha river and the effect of encroachments around Rosemala. We also wanted to spread the message of safe riding. Hence we insisted on safety accessories and keeping the speed below 50 km an hour,” says C. Rajendran, Director of AMAS.
