Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Apr 30: In a laudable accomplishment, five young boys belonging to the Mangalore Bicycle Club (MBC) have pedalled all the way from Mangaluru to Goa, covering a distance of over 350 km in just two days.
Achinthya Rao, Ankith Shetty, Dhrushya Billave, Gautham Rao and Shawn Patrao, from 'MBC Juniors', rode their bicycles to Goa, making not only the Club feel proud but also their parents, and in the process, inspired other young boys and youth out there to emulate their feat.
"With the scorching heat beating down on the coastal belt, even thinking of riding under hot sun gives us goose bumps. These boys had chalked out their draft plan to ride from Mangaluru to Goa on their bicycle in just 2 days even before they approached our senior members for suggestion and tips. We were surprised too see their enthusiasm levels for this epic journey," said Mangalore Bicycle Club in a press note.
The boys started their ride at 3:50 am on April 27 from KPT junction here with two support vehicles following them with necessary supplies. They enjoyed their ride on the highway experiencing the scenic coastal belt of Karnataka and reached Kundapur at around 10 am, covering the distance at 27 kmph, a commendable speed given the humid weather. All five reached their target point for day 1 - Kumta at 4 pm comfortably and relaxed at their hotels, except for one of the rider who was sustained a minor injury but bounced back on day 2.
Their second leg started from Kumta on April 28 at 7:30 am. They had shorter distance to be covered for day 2 when compared to day 1, but tougher rolling roads. They sailed through comfortably taking enough breaks and hydrating themselves well until they reached their destination Goa. With 100 km covered on Day 2 they accomplished their goal of cycling to Goa in their own style. They will be heading back to Mangaluru on their support vehicles after a couple of days of 'chilling out' in Goa.
"Mangalore Bicycle Club appreciates their idea of cycling all the way upto Goa at this young age. We also acknowledge the average speed of 24 kmph at which they covered the entire distance of 300 km from Mangaluru to Goa keeping all safety norms, wearing all safety gears, more importantly in this scorching heat. This effort of theirs is commendable and they have set higher benchmark for all Mangalureans who are looking at having a healthy lifestyle by cycling," the press release stated.
"Mangalore Bicycle Club wholeheartedly thank the parents of all five boys who encouraged and supported their idea, guided them and stayed with them like shadow all throughout the journey.
"With this accomplishment, the boys have placed themselves one step higher amongst other cyclists here and they will continue to inspire youths around in taking up cycling for fitness and commutation," the release stated.