Off-road movement thrill on debut in Belthangady

Off-road movement thrill on debut in Belthangady

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Aug 11, 2015:  On August 9,  Belthangady in Dakshina Kannada became one of the elite off road movement with the first off-roading event - 4X4 Nature Trail and Skill Drive - taking off  at Maddadka, about 50 km from here.

The first off-roading event in DK was a thrilling experience for IB Nanaiah and his co-driver Bopaiah from Chettalli, North Kodagu. Their modified jeep was one of the cynosures of the event.
A blue jeep fabricated using a Mahindra pick-up platform meant for hauling and reconstructed for off roading activities using Scorpio’s 2.6 litre engine.   The suspension was modified to act on extreme off roading and standard chassis was shortened to enhance climbing ability.

Nanaiah said that  the track was as challenging as others and has the potential to become one of the regular on the off-road circuit with little development.  Dolphy Pinto, a two wheeler mechanic and Prasanna Venkatesh Upadhayaya, a sweetmeat shop owner, both from Shimoga were on the team . Dolphy said that  they took part in Goa and Ooty off roading. But this track was really challenging. Jayachandran from Waynad competed with his 1.8 litre MM 550 which he purchased from an auction from J&K Military force in 2002. This was the most powerful petrol vehicle in the event.

The event started at 11.15am and 51 vehicles took part in the open class, diesel and petrol class. Ranjan Gowda, one of the event organizers and president of Nature Riders, said that  2 vehicles had toppled and about eight vehicles burst tyres due to rough stones on the off-road track.  It was all a thrill unlimited.