Tour of Nilgiris (TfN), the largest and most loved bike tours in India and also the flagship event of Ride-A-Cycle Foundation (RAC-F), is scheduled between Dec. 8 and 15.

 TfN 2019 is the 12th edition and will witness 60 cyclists pedal 850+ kms through some of the astounding terrains of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Starting from Regenta Central Herald, Mysuru, on Dec. 8, the cyclists will pedal through Hassan, Chikmagalur, Kushalanagar, Sultan Bathery, Udhagamandalam (Ooty) and return to Mysuru to complete the tour on Dec. 15. On Day 5, while pedalling from Sultan Bathery to Ooty, cyclists will climb the Kalhatti Ghat which is among the toughest cycling climbs in the world.

TfN has been continuously evolving and each edition has something new for the cyclists — be it the route, terrain, geography, etc. The 12th edition will see cyclists on Day 2 pedal from Hassan to Chikmagalur and this allows riders to experience the unique topography Malnad offers. For TfN this is a new route and cyclists will have the pleasure to pedal past Belur and Halebeedu, with rich historical legacy in art and architecture dating back to Hoysala period.

Commenting on the Tour, Deepak Majipatil, Co-Founder, RAC-F, said, “Cycling as a healthy, leisure and life style activity has caught the imagination of many and this tribe is growing exponentially. Add to this the thrill of cycling through Nilgiris Biosphere including the three famed wildlife sanctuaries and pristine country side of Nilgiris.”

Further, he added, TfN has not only emerged as India’s most prestigious multi-day tour for amateur riders but also triggered passion amongst enthusiasts to pursue cycling as an extreme sport with an adventure quotient. RAC-F nurtured talent  Kiran Kumar Raju, current India MTB Champion, will pedal TfN 2019.

Another dimension of TfN is that a few riders are keen to make their pedals count by giving something back to society. This year ‘Charity Riders’ will be pedalling for the following organisations: Kenneth Anderson Nature Society and Sita Bhateja Speciality Hospital, among others to support their respective social cause. For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/Ride-A-Cycle-Foundation-470982642939503/