Here is a chance to pedal to the highest peaks and dense forests in the Western Ghats and end your expedition at one of the most beautiful beaches in the State this November.
Cycling expedition, the Great Malnad Challenge 2015, was launched here on Wednesday on the State Bank of India campus on St. Mark’s Road here. During the eight-day expedition, cyclists will cover 700 km from the hills in Madikeri to the sands of Maravanthe, and it would definitely prove a cherishable cycle journey, and a strenuous one as well.
With SBI being the premier partner for the challenge, the sixth edition of the MTB bicycle ride was declared open with some of the bank officials pedalling for a short while in support and shedding light into preparations for the ride which is all set to start on October 31 from Madikeri, Coorg.
Co-founder and avid participant of the Great Malnad Challenge 2015 Ameeta Baindur was visibly ecstatic about the ride which she describes as a ‘ride on a road less taken’.
“The bicycle ride through off-beat roads is fun and at the same time a test of endurance. I’m looking forward to a spirited race this year as the rules have been altered and it is going to be a tough tie among participants,” added Ms. Baindur who competed in the 2010 and 2011 leg of the challenge.
Speaking after the official launch, Chief General Manager, SBI, Rajni Mishra expressed delight over the increasing interest among people in cycling that reminds everyone of their childhood. “Cycling events like the Great Malnad Challenge sends a strong message on the need to keep fit and the necessity to reduce pollution levels in our city which is clogged with automobiles,” the CGM said. Great Malnad Challenge 2015, hosted in association with bicycling solutions ICYCLE.in, will commence on October 31 and conclude on November 7. Interested people can log on towww.greatmalnadchallenge.into register. Participants without bicycles can rent rides for a nominal fee.
