The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : They hope to break the cycle of superstition

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Wednesday, Oct 20, 2010
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They hope to break the cycle of superstition

Staff Reporter

Bikers to promote scientific awareness and rational thinking in rural schools

25 cyclists will pedal 850 km in nine days
Workshops to be held in 10 rural high schools in Malnad region

The High And The Message: Besides the joy of cycling, the group intends to give the nine-day

Bangalore: Tandem Trails, a group of nature loving cycling enthusiasts, is organising the Great Malnad Challenge (GMC), a cycling event where 25 cyclists will pedal 850 km in nine days.

Their journey, slated to start from Madikeri and end at Jog Falls, aims at promoting cycling, particularly among urban communities. The group also organises weekend rides in the Western Ghats and other biking routes such as Coorg, Chikmagalur, Agumbe, Kodachadri to name a few. In addition to this, Tandem Trails has organized various rides to Nandi hills, Savandurga, Mysore, Muthatti and other places near Bangalore.

Scenic region

The Malnad Challenge will traverse over nine days through six of the lushest districts of Karnataka. Starting from Madikeri, popularly called the Scotland of Karnataka, the trails leads to Belur, landmark of cultural magnificence, Mullaingiri — highest peak in Karnataka — Kemmangundi, Mutthodi, Kudremukh — known for its rich natural beauty — Agumbe (all those fabulous sunsets) Kundapura (very scenic, by the sea) and to finally reach Jog Falls.

Besides the joy of cycling, the group intends to give the nine-day event a social twist. GMC is working with the Karnataka Vignana Parishat (KRVP) to promote scientific awareness and rational thinking among rural school kids.

As part of this program an exclusive team from KRVP would conduct workshops in 10 rural high schools in the remote regions of Malnad on scientific awareness. They will also be shown some magic tricks that might appear miraculous to the common man. GMC, in association with GreyCaps, is organising a quiz in these schools where winners will be rewarded.

The GMC is supported by the Bangalore Biker's Club (BBC), a group with more than 2,000 active members dedicated to promote cycling in all forms.

Check out www.greatmalnadchallenge.com or email tandemtrails@gmail.com

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