By Sanjay Castelino

Toronto, Aug 13: It was almost as if the organising committee had negotiated with the heavens for a perfect day for the 2024 Cycling event organised by the Mangalurean Association of Canada (MAC)! It was sunny with an occasional cloud passing by and a cool North Westerly breeze. It was a comfortable temperature in the low twenties when vehicles started pulling into the designated meeting point of what was once Credit View Public School on August 10.

The designated route was a total of 42 kms and encompassed Mississauga Road/Caledon Trailway Path, Caledon and back. People joined from far and wide with some coming from downtown Toronto and others from neighbouring Mississauga and Brampton.

MAC president, Everest Vijay Dante, welcomed everyone with warmth and enthusiasm while other members of the executive committee got the riders ready for the long ride.

Lawrence D’Souza, an avid rider who was instrumental in introducing MAC to this sport, greeted every rider individually and inspected each bike for its readiness. He then read out the rules and guidelines and made sure everyone was on board and understood the requirements and what needed to be done in case of an emergency.

The route was also explained with great clarity as the ride entailed a total of four hours for the entire duration. Ready Get Set and Go! The riders got on their bikes and rode with great delight anticipating beautiful sceneries under a sunny sky.

After two hours of riding, the riders reached the Four Corners Bakery and took a break to replenish their energy with yummy pastries and savouries. It was then time to head back to base. With tired legs and muscles but hearts filled with joy and delight, each rider turned around to the starting point to finish the cycling event.

There were refreshments and socialising among riders. All riders were amazed with the breathtaking scenery and the serenity of nature and agreed and promised to return for more rides in the near future.

All the riders who participated in the cycling event were congratulated and gratitude expressed to the organisers, Lawrence D’Souza, Reginald Fernandes, sports coordinator Sanjay Castelino, and all the volunteers who worked hard to make this event successful.