Few years ago, nobody thought down the line that the Nilgiris would be a hot spot for the cyclists. History has been written on every mountain since the time of Ramayana as cyclists from all over the globe now join to show the perfect camaraderie on their machines in Lycra dripping sweat with the adrenaline pumping pushing their limits where the pain is welcomed as long as your lungs and heart is tested. The hilly region enveloped with the smoky haze and the Kurunji flower giving the slope the perfect blue tinge. Its a treat for the cyclists with the much cooler climate, not to forget about the lush greenery on the slopes which has been home to a few species of animals that add spice to the ride.
Being a world heritage site the charming Nilgiris doesn’t stop the adrenaline pumping there.
The huge biodiversity supporting thousands of species with a terrain having huge declines inclines, and the curves spread over a course of 900 kilometres makes the tour exhilarating and one of India’s best organised by RideACycle Foundation (RACF).Every rider may not be able to quench the blue jersey but he is sure to have a taste to victory by testing his mental and physical aspects in the competitive section.
The tour also has charity riders which help children ,education issues and environment raising money to build a better place to live in promoting cycling in the tribal areas.
An enterprise run by a passionate team of volunteers on no- profit basis. It’s a different kind of interaction one gets on a cycle on country side roads. TFN is an amazing example of a team that makes things happen just for the love of cycling.Applicants send in their resumes and riders are shortlisted to conquer the Nilgiris. A completely Eco-friendly tour where the riders are expected to bring in their trash which is handed to the staff at the hotel they are put up at. Not to forget
Eyes dance with excitement with the kind of display the cyclists put up for the next 8days through sun, wind and rain. The scenario is more like a festival.Your backgrounds don’t matter as far as you can ride an average of 100+ km turning rubber over tarmac and covering 3 states (Karnataka. Kerala and Tamil Nadu) over the never ending mountains.Your accommodation , your nutritionist are taken care off. They also have a fully functional ambulance in case of emergency.
It may be a cliche but the Tour Of Nilgiris definitely liberates you to a daily dose of scenic view and at the same time builds your character and confidence as you discover how independent and capable you are. The memories and the new friends you make are additional benefits that one can share through pictures, calls, texts for the rest of your life.
So what are you waiting for?
Send your resumes , pull up your socks and sit tight!
Your ticket to freedom is a bicycle ride away.
COURTESY: KADAMBARI LOBO
