City cyclists ’conquer’ Western Ghats in blinding rain

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, July 11, 2016: Heavy rains and strong cold winds on the Western Ghats did not deter cycling fever of Mangaluru cyclists, who ventured out on a rainy  Sunday, July 10, to ‘tame’ Charmadi and Kudremukh Ghats.

The MCC, Mangalore Cycling Club organised the 200 km Monsoon Charmadi Brevet, Mangalore Bicycle Club (MBC) organised a group ride to Kudremukh Ghat. The Charmadi Brevet had about eight riders, all members of MCC, who started at around 6 a.m. from Mangaluru. The last cyclists reached Mangaluru at 7.30 am after completing the 200 km stretch. On the other hand, 27 members of MBC left Mangaluru loading their bikes on car racks to reach the Kudremukh Ghat base at Mala at around 7 a.m. The downpour did not deter them from climbing the Ghats and enjoys the beauty of nature during the monsoon. The riders, after reaching SK Border Junction, went up to Kerekatte on Karkala-Sringeri Road, and rode back to S.K. Border for a break. They reached the Mala base at around 11.30 a.m.  MBC General Secretary Ganesh Nayak said about five riders were new to the climb but successfully completed the ride.