Vroom..Vroom…38 Riders on a Fund Raising Mission ‘Ride for Rotary 4’ Flagged Off in City
Mangaluru: Ride for Rotary 4 is a TRF ( Rotary Foundation ) fundraiser event. It’s an event to celebrate Rotary Fellowship and to connect the world via Motorcycle riding & 4 wheeler driving across South India. Participate to experience Indian heritage, culture, cuisine and hospitality of Incredible India. “Ride for Rotary” is unique and first of its kind initiative created to celebrate the 100th year of Rotary Foundation. It was started by Rotary District 3181, which consists of the geographic districts encompassing Mysore, Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu and Chamarajanagar districts, having 85 Rotary Clubs in 9 Zones, with an approximate area of 15000 sq kms and a population of about 1 Crore.
In this Event, RD 3181 had invited Rotary ambassadors from all over the world to participate in this Motorcycle Ride. The main aim of this event was to connect people from different countries and ensure that they experience the Nature and Culture of our country (India). The route is planned in such a way that it will cover many of the historical, heritage and scenic places, showcasing our Forests, Beaches, Temples, Churches, Forts, Hill stations etc., along with the local cuisine. The main aim is to showcase and celebrate the beauty of India, which in turn will enhance interest in tourism among the International community. This is the 4th edition of Ride for Rotary happening after last three year editions success, where they had ambassadors (participants) from more than 15 countries from all corners of the globe namely USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Norway, Canada, Wales, etc.
Under the dynamic leadership of Rotary District Governor Rtn. Prof. Joseph Mathew, the Fourth Edition of Ride for Rotary is planned on a much more grander and an even more efficient way. Ride for Rotary 4 is different from the previous 3 editions as they have added 4 wheel driving also along with motorcycle riding. And as expected, a good number of participants from all parts of the World have congregated in India, especially in South India. This edition will be for 12 days, which cover South India. This event will be a major tourism booster for all the participant states as the plan is to ensure that along with ride/drive most sightseeing places are covered.
‘Ride For Rotary’ convoy of motor vehicles, comprising of 28 Royal Enfield Motorcycles and 5 four-wheeler SUV’s ( 7 from Germany, 6-France, 3-Switzerland, 3-United Kingdom, 3-Sweden, 3-Netherland, 3-Denmark, 2-Belgium, 2-Norway, 2-USA, 1 each from India, Poland, Austria and Canada) were flagged off from Hotel Ocean Pearl Inn at Bejai-Kapikad, Mangaluru on Sunday, 19th January 2020 at 8.30 a.m. by Rotary District 3181 Governor Rtn Prof Joseph Mathew, joined by other Rotarians and well-wishers. Mangaluru had been chosen as the starting point for the convoy route this year which will cover Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. 38 Rotarians from 14 countries are participating in 2019-20 Ride For Rotary, which is the fourth edition of the event. They will traverse through Madikeri, Mysore, Wayanad, Ooty, Coimbatore, Munnar, Thekkady and Allepey before terminating at Kochi on 29th of January, 2020.
The participating nationalities are India, Norway, Sweden, Canada, France, Germany, USA, UK, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Poland and Belgium. They belong to ages 21 to 78, with 78-year old Otto Rieve from Canada being the senior-most enthusiast. Swiss National of Indian origin Raj Patholi and Mangalorean Abraham Zacharias (the ONLY rider from Mangaluru, representing India) are among the riders. The Delegates who had already reached Mangaluru on 17 January visited Bantwal on Friday to attend a gala dinner hosted by the Rotary Club of Bantwal. On Saturday, after a sightseeing session visiting prominent sightseeing places in DK/Mangaluru, they all had a social and cultural gala at the City Beach, Mangaluru, where everyone had the taste of Mangalorean cuisine and traditional Kudla cultural extravaganza.
After the motorbikes and four-wheelers were flagged off from Hotel Ocean Pearl Inn, their first stop was at Lady Hill Bharat Petroleum Station, owned by Kiran Pai, (Sowkar Baba Pai & Company) who sponsored 3 litres of Special Petrol Speed 97 for the 28 two-wheelers, and 10 litres of diesel for the 5 four-wheeler vehicles. Sales Officer of Bharat Petroleum Ashwin Mohan also graced the occasion and joined the Pai family in flagging off the bikes and cars from the petrol bunk. As per today’s schedule, the convoy will stop for refreshments at Puttur, lunch at Sullia, refreshments at Madikeri in the evening, sightseeing of Namdroling Monastery, Golden Temple, Tibetan Refugee Camp, etc- and later stay for the night at Paddington Resorts at Kushalnagar, Coorg.
Rotary District 3181 Governor Rtn Prof Joseph Mathew speaking to Team Mangalorean said, ” Ride for Rotary is a wonderful event conceived in our Rotary District 3181. Rotarians from across the world have come together for ten heady and exhilarating days, who’ll traverse through the meticulously arranged routes, enjoy the natural beauty of the places and experience the varied cultures and cuisines of the regions through which they transit. It is an experience like none other. Ride for Rotary connects people, places and Rotarians. In short, Ride for Rotary is a fantastic example of how ‘Rotary Connects the World. The icing on the cake is that the communities in need benefit indirectly by your participation since TRF gets all the money raised. I am therefore doubly happy to these participants in large numbers and making this year’s edition of ‘Ride for Rotary’ a grand success. I thank all the team members for their outstanding commitment to this event”.
In conclusion, Ride for Rotary connects people and places like no other – Rotary Connects the World. The proceeds from the event will go to The Rotary Foundation, a charitable organisation that works tirelessly for the upliftment of the society. A job well done Rotarians, for a GOOD CAUSE!