The second edition of the BSA Tour of Nilgiris (BSA TFN), a 900 km, eight-day cycling tour, will kickstart from Bangalore on December 16, with 70 participants.
But what makes it unique this year is that the state road transport commissioner, Bhaskar Rao, is also one among the 70 participants who will take off on the tour of the famed Blue Mountains from the Indoor Stadium in Koramangala.
The contingent will travel from Bangalore through Mysore, Hassan, Mercara, Irupu, Sultanbathery and Ooty. It is a first-of-its-kind-in-India sporting event showcasing a the heritage, culture, cuisine and people of southern India.
The BSA TFN is aiming to become a premier cycling event on the national sports calendar. Last year, 56 riders completed the extreme tour, including two riders from the adventure wing of the Indian Air Force. This is also perhaps the most scenic bicycle ride as it exposes riders to the incredible bio-diversity of the Nilgiris.
An excited Bhaskar Rao told DNA, “I’m interested in sporting events like marathons and long distance cycling. I’m also very keen in spreading environmental awareness among people and in promoting alternative use of transport to help reduce pollution and traffic congestion in cities. What could be a better even for this than the BSA TFN. Also, I feel people in their 40s should gear up and get active by participating in such activities. This will ensure good health. I’m already feeling so young and energetic, which gives me the confidence that I have the stamina to cycle all the 900 km.”
He added that the BSA Tour of Nilgiris is quite literally an uphill task. “I was looking for a personal challenge that would also send out a message for protecting the environment. I believe BSA Tour of Nilgiris has the ability to enlighten people about the need to use transport that has a low impact on the environment,” he said.
Commenting on Bhaskar Rao joining the riders, Ravi Ranjan, managing trustee of the RideACycle Foundation, organisers of the tour, said, “We are delighted to have him on the tour. His participation will encourage many others to seriously look at cycling as an option to other personal transport.”
