For the third time, Kottayam KEG Bikers are all set to lure cyclists from far and wide to check out the scenic cycling routes of God’s Own Country. The third edition of ‘Tour of Thekkady,’ the race-cum-tour organized by them, will be flagged off at 5 am at Nagampadam in Kottayam on February 10. The ride, through the 160 km-long Kottayam-Ettumanoor-Pala-Neeloor-Muttam-Kulamavu-Cheruthoni-Kattappana-Puliyanmala-Anakkara-Thekkady route, can be a rewarding experience to those who love cycling, according to organisers.
KEG Bikers President James K Varkey says, “It’s a world-class scenic route without much traffic. We have a good support team too to provide en-route hydration, medical support, and repairs during the event.” Anyone above 18 years of age can take part in the race, which is conducted in four categories. This time, the event has more participants coming in as compared to the previous years. “We have more women cyclists and participants from outside Kerala too, this year, like a team from the UAE consisting of both Malayalis and non-Malayalis,” James says.
Kerala’s potential in cycling tourism
Participant cyclists think that Kerala’s cycling tourism potential should be explored well through such bicycle races and tours. Thrissur-based businessman Sudhi Chandran, a podium finisher at many state and national level events, says, “As of now, our potential in cycling tourism is underexplored. But, events like Tour of Thekkady are trying to bank on it. For example, the date for this year’s race was announced soon after last year’s event. This helps those interested in cycling races or tours to plan a holiday here much in advance.”
‘Tour of Thekkady’ covers many scenic routes during its course, says Sudhi. “Coffee and rubber plantations, dams, forest areas, certain locations of the Fahadh Faasil film ‘Maheshinte Prathikaram,’ especially the football ground with the dam in the backdrop are part of the race course,” he explains. The participants can either register for the 160 km tour or the 145 km endurance race via the website – www.townscript.com or by calling 9188633547, before February 4. The race should be finished in 8 hours and the tour in 15.
