Riders Take in the Beauty of Western Ghats through 200BRM Cycling
Udupi: In an age of bullet trains, expressways, and long haul flights, choosing a bicycle as a means of touring still presents a challenge.
As the rains have set foot in the coastal districts, cyclists got ready to soak in the beauty of the coastal tows as well as the Western Ghats on Sunday 16th June for the “WERC – UCC Coast to Ghats 200BRM” Cycling ride organized by WERC Mangaluru(affiliated to Audax Club Parisien (ACP) & Audax India Randonneurs (AIR)) in association with Udupi Cycling Club.
BREVETS DE RANDONNEUR MONDIAUX (popolarly known as BRMs or BREVET) are rides of fixed distances 200, 300, 400 & 600km that are to be completed within specified time limits, having successfully passed through pre-determined time controls. This type of long distance endurance cycling is also known as Randonneuring. This style of riding is non-competitive in nature, and self-sufficiency is paramount. Participation in randonneuring events is part of a long tradition that goes back to the beginning of the sport of cycling in France and Italy. Friendly camaraderie and perseverance are the hallmarks of randonneuring.
Audax Club Parisien (ACP) is the international governing body for randonneuring that administers and oversees the conduct of BRMs worldwide. The Indian wing of this cycling body is known as Audax India Randonneurs (AIR). WE R Cycling (WERC) Mangaluru which is affiliated to Audax Club Parisien (ACP) under Audax India Randonneurs (AIR), oversees BREVETS DE RANDONNEUR MONDIAUX (BRMs) and Audax events in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, Madikeri districts.
The recognition of completing a BREVET is equal regardless of finishing order! Each rider, who finishes the event within the cut-off time is awarded with a certificate and a medal directly from Audax Club Parisien, the world governing body of such events. Moreover, the rider will get a step closer to become a Super Randonneure and an opportunity to take part in one of the oldest and most coveted cycling event in the world, the Paris Brest Paris event, held in France once every 4 years.
The group of riders for the Coast to Ghat 200km ride included Prabhakaran, the DCF of Udupi and Karnataka’s first IFS officer who scaled the Mt, Everest, Kaushik Boloor fitness enthusiast, Joseph Pereira, Mohibb E Hussain Jamadar, Shyamprasad Nayak, Ajay Khandare and Harivijay Kudva. Dr.Tilakchandra, Dr. Rajesh Bhakta , Rajesh Nayak , and Regan Dsilva were seen supporting the riders on their journey.
The ride commenced from the Indian Medical Association Campus Brahmagiri Udupi at 6:30 am with riders all geared up to tackle the weather extremeties as well as any mechanical issues arising out of the bicycle. Six of the seven riders completed the 200km journey within the allotted time of 13.5 hours passing through Ambalpadi Junction, NH 66, Brahmavar, the rolling terrains of Hebri, Agumbe, Sringeri, Shirlal, Mala, Padubidri and culminating at IMA Udupi.
Attempting a brevet ride needs regular practice and it is a self-assisted ride where no external help can be taken, except from one’s fellow riders
DFO Prabhakaran said, “I have participated in many cycling rides, but this is my first experience at this sort of ride. For the first time, I have decided to peddle the cycle for 200km. I love coastal districts as well as the Western Ghats because I am working day and night to save the forests of this region. I hope I will reach my destination.”
“This is not a race. it is self supported endurance time bound ride for individuals to satisfy ones passion for cycling and fitness. It is immaterial whether someone rides fast or slow. We want each participant to enjoy the ride and our club WERC’s goal is to support and recognize talents and to help all riders in the best possible manner in pursuit of their passion for cycling”, said Shyamprasad Nayak.
The WERC UCC Coast to Ghat 200BRM was a wonderful and challenging ride to those who dared to do it. The route was scenic and comprised unlimited climbs with an elevation of more than 3500 meters. Hats off and congratulations to those who finished and tried this BRM. Thanks to Dr. Thilak, Dr.Rajesh Bhakta, Regan and Rajesh Nayak for volunteering, and for all the support, arrangements and inspiring us throughout this wonderful BRM
Team WERC conducts around 10 such BRMs from 200km to 600km every cycling calendar year, presenting challenging rides and routes throughout the season, apart from other rides like national/international tours, races, cycling related seminars, Children & Family rides, rides for various causes and also fitness rides in virtual platforms like ZWIFT & ROUVEY. Team WERC is the first porfessional group that introduced cycling races in various formats to enthusiasts in and around Mangaluru/Udupi & Chikkamagaluru and the first club in India having organised group rides through ZWIFT online platform. The club that promotes cycling as a lifestyle as well as a sport believes that , besides its health benefits, cycling could considerably reduce the carbon footprint by reducing the dependency on two-wheeler and four-wheeler vehicles.
Congratulatons to all the riders for attempting and accomplishing one of the toughest 200 BRM. KUDOS on becoming a RANDONNEURE.
