Kozhikode: A dozen bicycle riders took out a tour across Kerala covering the major tourism destinations in all the 14 districts in 10 days recently. The aim of ‘Kerala Cycle Tour’ was to provide a thrust to the travel sector in the state, which is gradually returning to its old glory after the global pandemic.
The tour, flagged off Kerala’s Tourism Minister P A Muhammad Riyas at Thiruvananthapuram on December 3, concluded at Bekal in Kasaragod district. During the ride, the cyclists covered a distance of 1,200 km.
Videos and photos of the ride have been shot all along the route and would be exhibited at various places, including Dubai and other centres abroad. Organised by Grand Cycle Challenge, a Kozhikode-based organization and DXB Riders of Dubai, the ride covered Thiruvananthapuram, Ponmudi, Thenmala, Alappuzha, Kumarakom, Fort Kochi, Kothamangalam, Munnar, Athirappilly, Kuthiran, Kodungallur, Ponnani, Beypore, Kappad, Thusharagiri, Chembra Peak, Mananthavady, Muzhappilangad, Madayipara and Bekal.
Led by Kozhikode bicycle mayor Sahir Abdul Jabbar, the team comprised only professional riders. Among them, Salim Valiyaparambu, Faizal Kodanad, Salah Anappadikkal, Abdul Salam, Anwar Ali, Noufal Muhammed and Noufal Charan flew down from Dubai to take part in the adventure. The other riders were Shahul Bosque, Naseef Ali, Riyas Konkath and Shanith.
“We received good support from people all along the trip, most of whom were total strangers. Many of them offered food and water. Some even invited us home,” said team leader Jabbar.
However, there were some unpleasant experiences too. “While climbing the Wayanad ghat roads, you can see a board inviting tourists to the district. Right in front of it, the police were conducting a check and forcing even families to get out of cars. Such incidents could be avoided,” said Jabbar.
“We will prepare a report describing all these experiences and present it to the Tourism Minister. The deficiencies in various tourism centres will also be mentioned,” he added.
In future, the organisers are planning to arrange a bigger event involving foreign riders also.
