The Pulicat Lagoon, which is the second largest brackish water wetland in Asia, has a rich past and as part of Pulicat Day celebrations, Cycling Yogis is organising a Republic Day Heritage Ride to the lake to create awareness about the history and evolution of the erstwhile trading hub on January 25.
Located north of Chennai, along the Coromandel Coast, Pulicat was a pivotal trading point for more that 1300 years.
The Portuguese established their colony here in 1502AD followed by the Dutch in 1609AD and then the British. European architecture is quite prominent here. Also, the green canvas is a nature-lover’s delight.
The cycling expedition will start from Harington Road and cover 65 km to reach Pulicat. The non-profit group, that tours various heritage sites and places of historic importance, has collaborated with Aarde Foundation, an NGO from Pulicat, for the event. The Aarde Foundation is also organising the third annual Pulicat Day under the aegis of the Ministry for Environment and Forestat the same time.
“A bicycle ride will promote the eco-friendly initiatives that everyone has been talking about. The ride will begin at 5.30am from Harrington Road, Chetpet and end at Pulicat and will go via Puzhal, Redhills, Thatchoor Road and Ponneri, covering almost 65km.
The ride is timed in such a way that the participants will get to witness the catamaran race at Pulicat,” says Ramanujar Moulana, founder of Cycling Yogis.
This event is likely to attract around 40 cyclists. Forty seven-year-old Ennarasu Karunesan, has already participated in a cycling expedition from Madhya Kailash to Pulicat. “It was a physically exhausting ride and was a test of my endurance.”
The Republic Day Ride will take the challenge to another level. Being a fitness enthusiast, I am looking forward to it. This cycling event will also promote eco-friendly modes of communication. We spend so much on fuel these days. We use vehicles to cover distances which can be easily covered on foot. Rides like these can inspire people to adopt healthy living,” he says.
Not just physically demanding, this ride is mentally enriching as the participants will stop at important heritage spots.
“I enjoy history and there are so many places that can be explored in Pulicat. The place is abundant with Dutch architecture, some of the most popular being a Dutch Church, Dutch Cemeteries andFort Geldria . I am looking forward to spotting different kinds of birds,” says Gratian Govias, a resident of Muttkadu.
The ride is free of cost and refreshments, mechanics, first aid and vehicles will be provided. For details, contact 98840 23123.
