The cycling tracks of Sierra Nevada, the French Riviera, have all had their time in the sun. Now is the time for our own Mangaluru. The beach roads and narrow paths are catching the eyes of the cyclists across the country.
Thanks to the cycling community, the coastal region is showing signs of becoming an exciting cycling circuit. “For me cycling is an expedition of life, the exercise you get is a fringe benefit, the kind of places that can be reached by cyclists are varied,” writes Ashoka Vardhan in his blog. The cyclist philosopher and former book seller who rides a gearless two seater cycle with his wife Devaki says, “I feel cycling expeditions should not be restricted to linear calculations of hours, miles and terrain. It should also take into account the experience gained.”
Delivering a message
Cyclists in Mangaluru have used the humble bicycle to deliver messages on health, environment, adventure and lifestyle. They even organised an event to protest against the diversion of Nethravati.
“The Mangaluru Cycle Club (MACC) has been recognised by Audax (long distance cycling expeditions) for holding a Brevet event on the coastal circuit in 2016,” says Anil Shet founder member of the MACC. “The event mandate was to cover 200 kilometres in 13.5 hours. Earlier long distance cyclists from the coast had to go to Mysuru or Bengaluru to take part in this event,” Shet adds.
The 100 km coastal circuit between Mangaluru and Koteshwara in Udupi district is a route to look out for. Cyclists feel that it is challenging and well worth developing. The route passes through a portion of the National Highway 66 winding through Kapu beach road, Malpe seaboard and the riverside of Brahmavar before rejoining the National Highway. Similarly the mountainous range goes through Charmadi, Shiradi, Sampaje, Hulikal and Bisile Ghat roads with breathtaking views of the Western Ghats.
Cyclists from both the Mangaluru Bicycle Club and MACC are into hybrid cycling — attaching cycle carriers to their cars and driving long distances to cycle in uncharted areas.
Wheels within wheels
Cyclists from Mangaluru are also breaking into the national cycling circuitry. We Are Cycling is making efforts to train its members on high-profile competitive and endurance cycling events in the country. “We are taking a team to the Deccan Cliffhanger, which is an endurance race between Pune and Goa for a distance of 643 kilometres,” said team leader Shyamprasad Nayak, a businessman turned-full-time cyclist. “We have already trained one youngster to ride the entire stretch solo, while another team will participate in a team event,” he added.
Cyclists from other cities including Mysuru, Bengaluru feel that the opportunities available for cyclists in the Western Ghats, Mangaluru coast and Mangaluru city is much more than what is available elsewhere.
Vasumathi Srinivas, a cyclist from Bengaluru, said, “during our ride from Kutch to Kerala we had passed through some breathtaking places along the Karnataka coast. No cyclist would have had such experience; the conditions were great as was the enthusiasm of the local people and most of all, it was the local hospitality which won our hearts.”
The scenic coastal route has been identified for the Audax under the Indian arm of the Tour de France.