300 KM League’16 Season 1-A New Milestone in Endurance Cycling by MBC

300 KM League’16 Season 1- A New Milestone in Endurance Cycling by Mangalore Bicycle Club

Mangaluru: After the success of 200 KM and 100 KM leagues by Mangalore Bicycle Club in the past for encouraging endurance riding, we wanted to try our pedals in the longest distance group riding in Mangalore. This is when 17 of our riders decided to dedicate their entire Sunday for cycling. We had 2 parts for this ride, 2 riders aiming for their 200 KM League and the rest for their 300 KM League badge. We had riders, who were 16 years old and also as young as 62 (giggle). Most of us did it with great effort without giving up until the last rotation reaching our ‘home sweet home’.

Our 17 enthusiastic riders woke up as early as 12 AM to get ready and be there for the league starting at 3 AM. Despite knowing that there is a long day, a number of riding hours, distance and scorching sun before them to complete the league, they were all excited and looking forward to the league. Ride started at 3 AM from Kuloor Junction, Mangaluru with 11 riders namely Sreekanth Raja, Maxim Menezes, Achinthya Rao, Ankith Shetty, Venu Vinod, Amoga Vigram, Kethan Kevala, Dhanush, Ganesh Nayak, Midhin and Merwin along with the support vehicle.

Two of our fellow riders Gaurav Prabhu and Amit Kumar, who started from Belthangady at 12.30 AM joined us on our way at Kota. The journey from Mangaluru to Maravanthe was butter smooth. Every rider enjoyed the route and we stopped by at Kota for breakfast. Manipal Cyclists Shameem, Arvind K.Y, Philip and Animish joined us from Karavali Junction for their participation in 200 kM ride. Next stop over was at Maravanthe at 9 AM and we did enjoy the pleasant weather amidst bad patches en route. 200 KMs League riders stopped over at Maravanthe for their break and rest continued with their 300 KM League. They charged the battery lights of all riders and helped in preparation for the return leg.

We all met up at Murudeshwar around 1 PM. The ride was tiring because of extremely hot weather. Support vehicle with our very friendly crew Mr. Lawrence was very helpful in terms of taking enough no. of stops to fuel us with water and food supplies. Tender coconut water and snacks break in between energized and kept us rolling. We had lunch at Murudeshwar and went to the beach for a photography session and started pedaling back. We reached back Maravanthe at 6 PM. After a small stop and rest, we continued our ride to Mangaluru. Manipal cyclists bid us adieu at Karavali Junction. People who continued to Mangaluru took a break every half an hour stretching their muscles and making their ride comfortable to achieve the benchmark of 300 KMs, which was first of its kind in Mangaluru.

A few highlights – Srikantharaja rode his standard single geared bicycle for the complete stretch, which is really commendable and something which not many have done so far. Maxim at 62 was like a soldier with a never give up attitude and pedaled 300+ kms making all MbC’ans proud. Kethan and Amoga successfully completed their first 200 KM League. 7 riders completed their 300 kms, a new milestone, and achievement for our club.

Every single rider enjoyed their ride as it had a fantastic early morning part which gave them all a chance to ride at a good pace and then riding under the scorching sun and roads with vehicles speeding at high speed testing our will power, strength, and resistance to keep the riding on. The determination to keep the ride until the last minute was evident in all riders despite all challenges.

All riders agreed in one tone to the fact the memories of this ride will be cherished for life. We would love to have much more such rides encouraging our fellow riders to take up cycling for Health, Fitness, and Happiness.

Submitted by: Ganesh Nayak- General Secretary, Mangalore Bicycle Club