Montra Tour of Nilgiris 2014 – An endurance sporting event testing cyclists all round fitness.

December 3, 2014
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75

riders including 10 overseas & 7 women to pedal 900+ kilometers –
Tour
of Nilgiris (TfN), the flagship event of RideACycle Foundation (RAC-F), is a
serious circuit for seasoned cyclists. Hailed as the mother of all
Cycling Tours in the country, Montra Tour of Nilgiris 2014 (Montra TfN 2014) is
its seventh edition and scheduled between December 16 and 23, 2014.
From
its inception in 2008, TfN has evolved as one of the largest, most loved
& safe bicycle tours in India. With more cycling enthusiasts coming in, TfN
too is seeking & embracing new challenges and frontiers. The last two
editions brought new exciting elements to an already successful circuit and the
legacy continues in this edition also.
The
green & clean mountains, with their spectacular scenery and varied flora
& fauna, often make cyclists embrace their beauty, turning it into a memory
to be cherished. At other times, it turns into a life-changing experience
for the cyclists, presenting them with tough challenges; even for the most
accomplished bikers.
Montra
TfN 2014 covers 900+ kilometers, through the five wildlife sanctuaries –
Bandipur National Park in Karnataka, Mudumalai National Park, Mukurthi National
Park & Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary & National Park in Tamilnadu
and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala. The riders get some of the most
astounding terrain in South India, which tests their endurance, temperament,
physical and mental strength
Highlight
of Montra TfN 2014 is the ‘King/Queen of the Mountains’ climb to Kalhatty from
Masinagudi to Ooty. The climb to Kalhatty is considered a ‘Hors categorie’;
something that is beyond categorization – in simple French cycling terms, one
of the toughest climbs possible! The Kalhatty climb gains 1200mts of elevation
in about 12 kms giving an average elevation gain of around 10 % with a few
stretches going up to 15 %  or more of
gradient.
Montra
TfN 2014 will witness 75 riders (including 10 overseas & 7 women
riders) covering a distance of 900+ kms across Karnataka, Kerala and Tamilnadu.
Starting from Bangalore, cyclists will pedal through Mysore, Ooty, Palakkad,
Valparai and finish the tour at Munnar.
“The
7th Edition of Tour of Nilgiris go over some of the most beautiful and
exotic climbing stretches in the world. While Kalhatty climb is a repeat, many
riders are looking forward to the ride up to Valparai. The real test will
however be the Valparai – Munnar climb.” says Sridhar Pabbisetty, Co-Founder, Ride A Cycle
Foundation.
Additionally
of course and now a common element of the tour is the competitive sections on
certain climbs & flat courses across different stages, aimed at testing the
riders craft and grit. The competitive distance will not be longer than
40 km on any day, with options for riders to ride individually or as a team
 TfN
goes beyond cycling as a sport, with riders keen to make their pedals count by
giving something back to the society. MONTRA TfN 2014 will witness charity
riders riding to support the social initiatives. Aarohi and Vidyodaya. Rakesh
Rana from Satoli, Uttarakhand and Magendar will be the charity riders for
Aarohi and Vidyodaya respectively. Likewise, Peter Berridge, a cyclist from the
UK, is pedaling for a charity organization in the UK, Ex-Services Mental
Welfare Society (Combat Stress)
Where
else will you see someone like Rakesh Rana hailing from the remote mountain
regions of Uttarakhand take part, ride & compete with some of the best
athletes in India and international pro’s. After years of building the
platform through Tour of Nilgiris, we now see world beating talent emerging
from the grassroots of India. It is why TfN 2014 is considered the original
Indian bicycle tour – pushing barriers, testing endurance and creating
opportunities for talent along the most scenic of routes” pointed out
revealed Deepak Majipatil, Trustee, Ride A Cycle Foundation.
  TfN
leverages innovative technology that has great potential to address
connectivity, support and medical assistance in remote places. The tour
is now completely covered through GPS tracking of every rider and medical
support through a medical team and ambulance assist provides a blanket of
security for the riders
The
Cycle Tour also aims at reviving the Cycle culture by popularizing Cycle
as a mode of transport for the twin benefits it offers – easing traffic
congestion & being environment friendly. Through the event TfN is keen to
communicate the twin challenges of global warming & pollution
In
short TfN is keen on promoting cycling culture & popularizing
cycling for the sheer versatility it offers – Extreme / endurance sport;
sustainable transport; daily commuting; Cycle tourism/  eco-tourism / local tourism; technology;
social awareness; technology window; health benefits, etc.
About RideACycle Foundation (RAC-F):
RAC-F, a not-for-profit advocacy organization, is pioneering
an initiative to popularize Cycling for commuting, leisure and as an agent of
social change and usher in a Bicycle Freedom Revolution in the country and make
it a viable option for daily transportation. RAC-F’s initiative is essentially
aimed at bringing back the culture of Cycling by creating awareness in society
on the virtues of using Cycle and its benefits. RAC-F also partners with
Cycle-activists, Cycle Manufacturers, Cycling Communities and Government
Organizations with a single minded devotion to provide a fillip to Cycling
culture. RAC-F is convinced that children are the foundation of the Cycling
culture and as a policy distributes free cycles for poor and deserving
students. The foundation over the years has initiated several programs
including Tour of Nilgiris (TfN), NammaCycle, Cyclerecycle and additionally
supported charity activities so as to achieve its stated objectives. For more
information log on to: http://www.rideacycle.org/
FACTSHEET
When:
December 16- 23 every year (8 days)
Where:
Route goes through Karnataka, Tamil Nadu & Kerala
The 2014
edition will pass through – Bangalore-Mysore-Ooty (via
Kalhatty)-Kodanad-Palakkad-Valparai-Munnar
Registration:
Opens on June 1
Website:
http://www.tourofnilgiris.com/
www.facebook.com/tourognilgiris
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