Mangalore, December 2: Pedal power came to the fore at the sixth edition of RxLife Cycle Rally wherein enthusiastic of cyclists including young and old ventured a stretch of 21 kms early on Sunday morning.
7-year-old Chatur and 83-year-old Ramachandra Rao were among over 1000 cyclists who battled early morning chill. The rally route covered a distance of 20 km starting from Lady Hill Circle and ending at Bejai-Kapikad School.
The cycle rally started as a family outing on cycles on an early winter morning in 2007. It has since caught the attention of people who love to cycle and has grown in stature as an annual event. The increasing number of registrations each passing year with 240 cyclists participating in the first edition in 2007 to 1400 participants last year vouches for its popularity, says Giridhar Kamath, chief coordinator of the event.
The purpose of the rally is to popularize cycling as a fitness tool and green alternative for short distance commuting mode, increasing awareness about the need for sane and safe riding habits and develop interest in outdoor activity among children.
Citing data provided by local RTO authorities on massive increase in number of two wheelers, Giridhar said, "A first fall from a bike can be fatal, while a similar fall from a cycle will be a learning experience."
Organizers had arranged for a cycle rescue vehicle to attend to mid-rally cycle break downs. An ambulance too was on hand to deal with exigencies.
Though it was not a competition or a race three lucky riders took home a cycle sponsored by BSA Hercules. Local entrepreneurs too had chipped in with gift vouchers.
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