Ask avid cyclists what it's like to ride 100 miles; most would say something profound. While it's 'flying without wings' for some, others would describe it as pedalling towards freedom, talking to nature or even opening up their soul. As the Kottayam KEG Bikers organise their yearly event, 'Tour of Thekkady,' a 160 km race/tour, around 200 cyclists from across India and abroad will join to soak in all those emotions on March 8. The ride, which is often touted as a premier Gran Fondo (long-distance, mass participation cycling event) event, caters to both leisurely riders and competitive racers above the age of 18 and is divided into the groups of team race, men-elite race, men's master's race and women's race. It will be flagged off from Nagampadam in Kottayam around 5 am and will have the Kottayam - Ettumanoor - Pala - Neeloor - Muttam - Kulamavu - Cheruthoni - Kattappana - Puliyanmala - Anakkara - Thekkady as its route. 

What riders get to experience
According to KEG Bikers President Kiran C Kurian, there are very few events of this nature in India. "While 'Tour of Thekkady' is also a race, the tour aspect of the event is its highlight," explains Kiran. Ride director James KV describes what the riders would get to experience en route to Thekkady. "The Pala, Ettumanoor stretch gives them a glimpse of Kerala's green rubber estates. Next, they head to the serene Malankara Reservoir in Muttam, nestled amidst lush greenery. The Nadukani Viewpoint in Idukki's Kulamavu, The Moolamattom powerhouse area, the tourist spot of Ilaveezhapoonchira, a short stretch of forests in the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, the Kulamavu Dam, Idukki Reservoir, Cheruthoni Dam, the Kalvari Mount Viewpoint, the cardamom estates of Kattappana and Puliyanmala and the tea estates of Kumily are some of the popular spots that the cyclists touch en route to Thekkady," lists James. The volleyball court is famously featured in the popular Malayalam movie Maheshinte Prathikaram, where its climax was also shot. He adds that it is also one of the spots the cyclists get to see. 

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Facilities provided
The organisers are also providing a free 'drop bag' service and a paid 'cycle drop' service to tourists or cyclists keen to participate in the event. James explains, "If anyone wants to change their cycling suits in Thekkady after the event, we can drop their bag of essentials for the same. If they wish to cycle back to Kottayam the day after the event, they can drop the bag with us again to deliver it to Kottayam. All they have to do is provide their details before the ride. The paid cycle drop service is to pack their cycles safely and drop them back in Kottayam if they don't have alternate arrangements. Details for this service can be filled out with the registration form." There will also be constant medical and hydration support from experienced cyclists en route to help riders. Register here before February 12, Wednesday, to take part in the event. 

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