Bengaluru, Oct 6: The Great Malnad Challenge series (GMC 2016) off-road cycling, in association with the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports and Performax, starts from Mysore on October 15 and goes through Kushalnagar, Kukke Subramanya, Sringeri and ends in Guddekere, near Shimoga, on October 22.
ICycle symbolically flagged off the GMC 2016 at Reliance Trends, Richmond Road, Bengaluru, on Wednesday (October 5).
The gruelling 700-kilometre challenge is broken into 8-day long trails and will take cyclists through the rough terrains of the Western Ghats.
GMC 2016 has received an overwhelming response from cyclists across India with over 50 cyclists having already registered.
With the aim of channelising the dynamism of Youth in nation building activities, Dr. Gururaj G, Chief Advisor for YUVA SPANDANA said, "The department is working towards helping the youth lead a healthy lifestyle by providing necessary assistance and guidance. We are happy to be associated with ICYCLE through their journey of GMC to promote the department's initiatives like Yuva Spandana."
Expressing his vision of promoting and encouraging cycling as a healthy lifestyle choice Manjesh Chandrashekaran, Founder and Managing Director of ICYCLE.in said, "Our 7 year effort to promote cycling as a part of people's lifestyle is paying off. The increasing number of participants, year on year at all our events shows a positive trend of people taking interest in cycling. This is part of our larger aim to strengthen people's interest in cycling."
During the challenge safety is of paramount importance and hence ICYCLE has a highly-trained medical and support team that follows the cyclist throughout the journey to ensure assistance.
Malnad was chosen to host this cycling trek keeping in mind the arduous terrain that it presents, with some of the steepest ascents and descents, sharp hairpin bends, varying elevation with the lowest point of altitude at 17 feet (above sea level) and highest point of altitude at 6,159 feet (above sea level).
This challenge is not for the weak-willed as it will test the participant's physical and mental endurance. Spirited cyclists can prove their mettle by participating in this GMC. For registration log-on to www.greatmalnadchallenge.in.
Registrations for the event will be open till October 10.
OneIndia News