KOZHIKODE: Cycling to Ooty from Kozhikode in seven hours! It sounds interesting but improbable. But Sreenath L, the champion of the ‘Escape to Ooty’ cycling expedition organized by the ‘Calicut Pedallers’ Club’ made it covering 161 kilometers.
This summer, one of the hottest, the cyclists crossed the hotter zones to the cooler in the Western Ghats and returned with exciting memories. The rally that started in the wee hours of last Friday reached Ooty by evening.
Marion Evin Pinheiro who represented Cochin Bikers’ Club told Deccan Chronicle that the rally was an amazing experience. “We were very tired while pedaling up in the ghats and through the hotter regions of Malappuram district and Vazhikkadavu”, he said. “It was tough to pedal up but once we reached Gudallur it was fine as the climate had become cooler”, he added.
“One of the cyclists, Sreenath, was far ahead of us and the backup vehicle and water support team was with him. I was in between as most of the others were much behind”, he added. Marion finished third in expedition. The champion Sreenath L finished the rally in six hours and fifty five minutes.
Sreenath told DC that it was non-stop pedalling except for once when he had reached the lap of the Western Ghats. “My team ‘Velocity Ventures’ supported me with water backup throughout and I owe my victory to the team”, he added.
Even a bus takes up to five hours from Kozhikode to Ooty, it was pointed out.
Calicut Pedallers’ Club secretary Prasanjith PK told DC that all of the participants enjoyed the trip and he was happy that no serious health issues took place. “We have plans to organize more such trips in the future to promote cycling and also alternate travel facilities”, he added.
“There were only five when we started years back. But now with our encouragement there are around hundred cycling enthusiasts in our club," he added. Though the organization expected only less than 20 cyclists for the expedition, there were 23 participants. The prize distribution was conducted at Gymkhana Club, Ooty.
