The Great Malnad Challenge - 2010 !

GMC (Great Malnad Challenge) 2010 report

GMC 2010, with all it's well wishers, was hugely successful in meeting its 3 main objectives :

To give bikers the most scenic, enjoyable, yet challenging experience of mountain biking in South India

Showcase Western Ghats and KARNATAKA as a premier ‘Cyclo-tourism’ destination in India

Spread scientific awareness against superstitious beliefs among students in rural schools and recognize talented students in remote villages along the ‘Road Less Taken’.

Inderjith Lankesh is the Brand Ambassador for GMC.


This write up makes an attempt to summarize more than 10,000 photos, thousands of miles traversed on bikes, hundreds of scenic spots enjoyed and numerous of those light moments shared among the enthusiastic 27 bikers of GMC 2010.

The GMC-2010 Route: Madikeri, Subramanya, (through Bisle to) Belur, Kemmangundi, Mutthodi, Kudremukh, Agumbe, Khundapura, Kodachadri, Jog Falls.

The GMC-2010 Distance: 810 km

The GMC-2010 Days: 23rd Oct 2010 to 31st Oct 2010 - 9 days

The GMC Participants: Nitin Dahra, Hitesh Mamgain, Manjunath Krishnappa, Kiran Hebbar, Paramesh, Guruprasad Nayak, Prashanth MB, Jayananda Kotri, NC Mohan, Karthik S, Prashanth Rao, Balaji Adkani, Kaushal Pilikuli, Naveen Guruprasad, Satish V, Suresh Vedagiri, Manjunath MS, Mahesh Patil, Srigandh S, Dwarkanand Chikkanna, Sunil PV, Pooran Chandra, Girish S, Sunil Calnoor, Ameeta Baindur, Shamser Virdi, Raghavendra Rao. In all 26 Men, 1 lady.

Youngest:17, Oldest:42

Day-wise Details:

Day 1 -- Flag off at Madikeri to Subramanya: 76 km, Hi-1082m, Lo-13m

GMC Flag off was presided by Mr. CV Shankar, veteran and former Hockey coach of Indian Hockey team. All the GMC participants clad in GMC branded jerseys were given words of sporting wisdom by Mr. Shankar in the presence of various media agencies. The GMC team stopped for lunch at a river base and proceeded to Kukke Subramanya for a real hearty welcome by the local sport and cultural oorganisations. Night Stay was at ‘SheshNag Ashraya’

The management of hotel ‘Sheshnag Ashraya’ had organized a welcome party and a ‘Press Conference’ for the GMC with all the major media personalities. Eminent Bollywood star Ms.Amisha
Patel also presided over the GMC press conference and appreciated the efforts of GMC participants.

Day 2-- Subramanya to Belur: 112 km, From Lo-13m, Hi-985m

Highlight of the day was the 30 km off-road climb through the scenic Bisle ghats. Throughout the 2,800 feet scenic ascent we hardly encountered any vehicle throughout the entire stretch. Most of the bikers reached Belur at around 5 to start the celebrations. Night stay was at KSTDC Mayura Velapuri.
Day 3 -- Belur to Kemmangundi: 73 km, From Lo-790m, Hi-1345m
The team was greeted by ‘The District Science Forum’ and the local press with roses and garlands in Chikmagalur. After frequent fresh coffee breaks, highlight being the one at Coffee Barn), sumptuous lunch did another killer 1,800 feet climb to reach Kemmangundi. Night stay at Horticulture Guest House.

Day 4 -- Kemmangundi to Mutthodi via Mullangiri: 90 km, Lo-664m, Hi-1758m
Unanimously agreed by all bikers as the most scenic part of the GMC trail. All the bikers reached Mullaingiri, the highest point in Karnataka, with a mix of sweat and fog, well before lunch and continued towards Mutthodi relishing the steep ascents and the picturesque off-road downhills. Night stay at Mutthodi Nature Camp.

Day 5 -- Mutthodi to Kudremukha: 86 km, Hi-976m, Lo-590m
With almost half of the GMC trail completed all the bikers were in full flow and the ascents were now getting easier. Sanjay, from Decathlon joined the team and it took him a while to stop the ‘Wow’ing about the route. Lunch by a river side where most bikers took a dip in clear water, while some braved to cross banks. Fast bikers missed the evening mist that clouded the Kudremukh area. Night stay at KIOCL Guest House.
Day 6 -- Kudremukha to Agumbe: 70 km, Hi-964m, Lo-550m
Started the day’s ride through pleasant mist, a great day for photographers. Except for the initial ascent, the entire day’s stretch was descents and ‘Malnad Flat Roads’, now a common terminology meaning usual ups and downs. Most bikers reached Agumbe by late afternoon. After a presentation on astronomy in which most bikers saw most stars had dinner at ‘Doddamane’, where the ‘Malgudi Days’ was shot. Night Stay at Hotel Mallya Residency.
Day 7 -- Agumbe to Khundapura: 84 km, Hi-900m, Lo: -87m

Reward for the all the uphills done. The day was mostly downhill and bikers reached the destination as early as 11 AM, eager to relax in the beach. Beach volleyball, soccer and even cycling on the sands….
After almost 650 km of cycling in Malnad. Night stay at Turtle Bay Resort.

Day 8 -- Khundapura to Kodachadri base: 74 km, Hi-570m, Lo: -87m
After few kilometres of Malnad flat terrain, the bikers were greeted to a 2,200 feet climb in a 10 km stretch from Kollur. After lunch at a scenic spot, the bikers reached Simha Farms and started a short cricket tournament, while some took solace in flowing streams. Night stay at Simha Farms.
Day 9 -- Kodachadri base to Jog Falls: 83 km, Hi-608m, Lo: 387m


All good things have to come to an end and so did the GMC trail after a speedy day 9 trail. Each biker was given a welcome at Jog with loud cheers and the celebrations had begun. The First GMC was successfully completed by all the bikers.

Food / Beverages / Energy Supplements:

Every GMC day began with a sumptuous breakfast, Omlettes, Idli Vada, Pongal, Poori, various Baths (kesari, khara, bisibele) to name a few. After a GMC lunch, mostly at river banks and scenic places, the involuntary action was to have a so called ‘Power nap’ which lasted anywhere between 10 minutes to 1.5 hours, the more powerful ones. Every lunch had Chappatis / Phulkas, Sabzees, Sambar, Rasam / Dhal, Curds / Butter milk, sprouts etc. On the last day we were treated for Ragi Balls with Chicken / greens gravy. Energy supplements were flowing aplenty and unlimited in the likes of
Tropicana, Electral, ORS, Carbo-Plus, Lime Juice, Chikkis, Chocolate Bars, Dry fruits, bananas, Nutralite tablets etc. All the 3 support vehicles swept among the riders providing water and any other supplements.

GMC School Connect Program (GSCP):

-- Starting from 27th October, the GSCP team with Karnataka Rajya Vijnaana Parishat conducted seminars in 3 to 4 schools each day. The seminars were aimed to promote rational thinking among students in rural schools, exposing the scientific principles behind common religious beliefs, which otherwise are presumed to be magical. In all more than 1,500 students in 10 schools were benefited from this program.

-- GMC conducted a Quiz program in all the 10 schools in association with Grey Caps. 3 winners in each school were given merit certificates and books on Scientific thinking as rewards.

-- In each of the 10 schools 5 children, identified to be below poverty line were given 1 year’s supply of notebooks and stationeries.
On day 8, certificates were given to participants for successful completion with feedback session around a campfire : Some of those captured were :

‘As a cyclist it’s a sin if you are not taking part in GMC’

‘For next GMC I will ensure I will be the first to register’

I never knew there was so much of beauty in Western Ghats, I will relish this every year’

I will invite the GMC cooks for functions at my home’

We had never done mountain biking with such minimal traffic and roads like these in GMC - truly Road less taken’

Tandem Trails has lived up to its slogan’

Do not feed us so much, we have come here to lose weight’

Thanks to all the GMC Partners who were critical to the success of first

GMC:

BTwin: Btwin, the leading brands in bikes and bike accessories was the Ride Partner for GMC. BTwin provided a whole range of accessories exclusively for the GMC trip and facilitated Sanjay, their technician to join GMC for the invaluable technical support

Printo: One of the most reliable and professional printers in town had partnered with TandemTrails and was responsible for the design and printing of posters, certificates and e-Brochures

Bangalore Bikers Club: Bangalore Bikers club, the most active and informative forum for biking has been the platform to communicate the GMC ideology and the updates. All the practice rides for the GMC has been promoted through BBC

Gokak Textiles: Being an ardent supporter of cycling initiatives, Gokak Textiles was responsible for the delivery of the Fleece Jackets gifted to all the GMC participants and volunteers

Karnataka Rajya Vignaana Parishat: Karnataka Rajya Vijnaana Parishat, an autonomous organization dedicated to advancement of scientific attitude and science education conducted an awareness program in 10 rural schools to enlighten students about magic and superstitions.

Grey Caps : PickBrain: The second largest quiz company in India was responsible for the preparation quiz questionnaire which was circulated among all students in 10 rural high schools.

American Color: A keen Supporter of cycling initiatives, they sponsored t-shirts to all participants and also donated towards the school connect program.


Please find below some of the selected photos of the the event

http://picasaweb.google.com/TandemTrails/GMC_2010#

Fidelity 3rd Corporate Ride

Hi All,

Its been just a month since i cam back for USA from my assignment. Guys were in so much enthu that they wanted to go for another cycling trip. So after the Adventure Trip to Jungle Mount Camp twice, Tandem Trails conducted another trip to Coorg, That is to Jade Home stay (Coorg)on 6th and 7th of Oct 2010.



This is two day fun trip emphasizes development of outdoor skills, environmental awareness and wilderness exploration by means of cycling, rafting and camping through some of the most scenic forest trails in the westerns Ghats. It is also a great opportunity for all to learn and manage their emotions with nature, stretch their physical and mental endurance to discover that they can do.



Its been couple of days since I have send you all the details of the Adventure Trip to Jade Home stay (Coorg). Highlight of the cycling will be around Irpu falls on the first day. Highlights is cycling around Irp falls on the first day and rafting on the second day.


Each and every participant made every moment of the trip so enjoyable, with their non-stop singing, dancing, and tackling challenges including young lady participants, who showed 'never say die' spirit throughout the trip, showed the meaning of why women should be treated as equals. Hats off to them!


Poorna.

Life in USA

Fidelity Corperate Ride

Hi All,

Its been just a day after the Adventure Trip to Jungle Mount Camp, Coorg but I am yet get over those wonderful moments. This event was organized by Tandem Trails guys.

I have been into cycling since so many years and share good association with Tandem Trails. So it occurred to me to propose some adventurous activities for my colleagues who work under PWI (Bhavani and co). Surprisingly, I got a very good response which resulted in an awesome trip.

TandemTrails took care of all the logistics provided which included transport, cycle rentals, tents, life Jackets, breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Highlights

Bhavani Rocks

Bhavani completed the 40kms cycling terrain much ahead of most of the participants. Infact many participants were inspired to keep pace with him.

And trekked the highest peak of Coorg, "Tadiandamol"

Other than climbing he helped some of the young participants to get down from the peak as it was slippery (there was a passage through a small forest in a valley, which reminded us of the Avatar movie settings) .
OVER ALL Bhavani ROCKS …………..!

Vagish, Arasikere also participated and completed and we could feel the shouts of encouragement and excitement from him. Very motivational throughout the trip.

Along with them there were many other participants who completed this trip:

Prakash, Jyoti (XINBM2F);
Patel, Vimal (FMR-India);
Pilikuli, Kaushal
Someshi, Shyamasundara
Krishnegowda, Nikhil
Paranjape, Sachin;
Pylichen, Mathew
Sandhu, Jaspreet
Kumar, Ramakrishna
And few of their friends.

Each and every participant made every moment of the trip so enjoyable, with their singing, dancing, and tackling challenges including young lady participants, who showed 'never say die' spirit throughout the trip, showed the meaning of why women should be treated as equals. Hats off to them!

It was part of the Go Green Movement started by Tandem Trails people.

Poorna
--
TandemTrails - The Road Less Taken
tandemtrails.co.in

Coorg- Canopy Experience

This was the most amazing adventurous cycling tour of my life so far. I had not cycled for a very long time. When I came to know about Tandem Trails, just thought of giving it a try. But still scared thinking about the long distance of about 160 kms in 2 days.

I would like to thank the Tandem Trails guys for making the trip so perfect from the time we boarded, the break fast, the lunch breaks, dinner which was well planned.

Main thing which I liked is the kind of motivation these guys gave us to complete this challenging trip as some had never cycled before. As the Locations and the routes were very challenging, and felt that I would not make it these guys were everywhere to cheer us up to complete this trip with such success. The back up guys who supplied juices, sweets, dried fruits, water, electrolytes were all part of me to complete this trip and best of all the motivation.

I would love to be participating in further rides like those, tough challenging, and with out the need to worry about the cycle transportation, food and stay.

The kind of cycles they provided was in great shape which made us to drive more easily. The food was of great taste but bit oily which can be ignored as we had such a wonderful trip. In fact all the participants completed this trail which had the scenic of coffee estates, great landscapes and Nagarahole forest at one side. Just cannot forget the lunch we had on the 2nd day in Nagarahole forest. Those 2 days were the most adventures cycling experience of my life which I can proudly tell all

The Great Malnad Challenge - 2010 !

Dear Bikers,

Please find the sneak peek of "Great Malnad Challenge" route plan and profile map. This is going to be just after the Malnad Monsoons and the Western Ghats will be at its Green Best and clear. Plans are 5-day celebratory ride and a 9-day full mile ride. Cost and other details will be shared with you later as its been worked on since there are lot of dependencies on logistics. We can assure you that Tandem Trails will be cost affordable.

We have seen lot of participation from people whom all I know and they have proven themselves with their strong nerves. This is going to be a big challenge, so we have to start preparing for this from now itself. We hardly have five months.

Block your calendar from "Oct 23rd - Oct 31st 2010"

Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses. So lets not have excuses.. Lets rock..

Please get in touch with tandemtrails.co.in for more details or questions

Poorna
--
TandemTrails - The Road Less Taken
tandemtrails.co.in

(TT) Aura Of Agumbe 20th-21th Feb 2010

Overview
Another classic one from Tandem Trails, blending natural splendour of the Sahyadri with its historical significance. Starting from the temple town, biking through the picturesque green peaks to reach where the sunset is at its best - Agumbe. And for those who dare to attempt, a rewarding 4 kms of gasping ascent to reach a 17th century temple on top of Kundadri hill, which is 1200 feet above Agumbe. The sojourn of the trail would be in a 110 year house, the same famous house where the legendry TV fiction 'Malgudi Days' was pictured.

The 2 day trail ending at the foot of a 9th century 7-layered fort, entails a 30 minute trek to reach the peak, from where one can get a 360 degree view of the entire Sahyadri range.... reached through the road less taken!


This was one of the last trip for the Tandem trails team as we were getting a Summer Break. So thought of have a great route around Agumbe. Altogether we had 19 participants




We reached Sringeri early morning. Checked in for rest and morning freshening up. !!! A sight to behold as they gather for the food being sprinkled by the devotees.
Start of Cycling

Got a very sumptuous breakfast in the traditional way at sringeri.

Soon after that we flagged us off. Support team in place.

On route to Srimane Falls, it is a curvy nice road with sweet challenges thrown in between, but most of us can make it very well. Srimane Falls is a very nice place to visit.


Further cycling towards Agumbe. Enroute stopped for Lunch !! The support was excellent. Enough refreshments provided on the way.
Now the big surprise that awaited me was the Kundadri hills. It was amazing one. The road was very steep. Those who feel Nandi hill is a cake walk, then should try this uphill.. !
Each guys giving others tips on how to tackle such challenges and was just wondering how most managed to come up all the way here


The most beautiful moments were watching the sunset from that hill.

Zipping down we wind up at DoddaMane (Malgudi days fame)... ! Kasturi Akka prepares excellent food for us - Dinner and breakfast.

Since she came to know that we are cycling she prepared a special concoction of herbal roots mix in to tea. They call it khashaya. A mixture of 25 plants roots. Well i got to see the famed house, the interiors are so nostalgic of the movie fame.
Got to have nice warm water bath in the morning.. and set out for newer challenges.

This time i am wondering what would it be like.. but the road is a lovely stretch with minimal traffic. Just love the beautiful nature around it.

The TT guys tell me the challenge is towards KavaleDurga fort. So save my energy for the final stretch of trekking they tell me.

Man if i could some how manage Kundadri hills, this should be a cake walk??? I am mistaken.. Trekking and cycling are two different things.. !
it is a 45 mins nice climb with it own challenges. I really wonder how those kings made the fort in such impossible places. And wonders of all how they managed to build beautiful temples there.


This fort has several layers of fortifications. At the 2 level, i cried out for a stop.. and we had lunch there.. ! It just gave me energy to trek the upper parts of the fort.. ! the sights were breath taking.
And they said the big gates were for the elephants to enter... i really wonder how the elephants managed to climb up there.. ! see me .. as big as an elephant..

This was the feed back which TandemTrails got from couple of guys.

worth the ride.. the support is excellent.. motivation.. without it , i would never have managed the Kundadri hills or the Kaveladurga Fort

Second

Agumbe was my first and now this mammoth trail which promises to cater to the biggest of cycling enthusiasts. This has got me wildly excited and I have started my countdown already for the GMC(Great Malnad Challeange) which they are conducting. Am already looking forward to the imageries of the countryside and rides at dawns with mists condensing on my face. Agumbe still rests fresh in my mind and I was so glad that I took it up and I have been a fan of Tandem Trails since.


As spectacular and vivid the challenge sounds, I am certain it is not for the faint hearted. Far from demotivating anyone, I am only stating that the challenge over the ghat regions demands the highest levels of mental and physical resolve. I am not the fittest person on the face of the earth but I know that the ghats are not for slouches. Cycling in these regions for 100+ odd kms a day is no joke and that too over 7 days demands fitness levels of a different level altogether.. I am sure Tandem Trails is doing a fantastic job with the logistics etc, but I maintain that aspirants should seriously get themselves tuned up otherwise they would only end up in the vans as spectators.

Earlier the thought of snakes was on my mind.. but not a single snake i saw enroute.. so you can be assured that it is safe... with regards to snakes.

(TT) NewGen Software- Corporate Ride to Kodachadri 31th/1th Jan/Feb 2010 ....

Its been just a day after the cycling trip to Kodachadri. Its was a wonderful feeling I had individually cycling along with all of you guys.


I spend lot of time in these two days with each one of you giving you all company while cycling. I just happened to meet some people who were very good and some having a great deal of attitude to complete the terrain. Hats Off to all of you.

I am still shocked to know that most of you are first timers and completing this terrain which is Simply Great. Being so hectic with your personal and official work, it was very nice to be part of Tandem Trails for this cycling expedition. All the Participants were very good for each other and all were able to bond well and they were like a group, sharing great jokes.

By the end of these two days cycling with you all it was as though everyone knew each other from a long time. This is what I thought about each one of you…..From the Bangalore head of Newgen India Software, Harsha to South Country Head – Vinod.
Other than these senior guys, there were other enthusiastic guys who accompanied this trip. Altogether there were 11 guys. Each one coming out with their will power to complete this beautiful terrain.

Again let me complete this mail thanking each one of you for being a part of Tandem Trails and continue for many more years to come.

(TT) Kodachadri Kaptivates 23/24th Jan 2010 ....

Dear Bikers,

There is a new cycling group in town named TandemTrails (tandemtrails.co.in), volunteers from this group are focused on organizing long distance biking trails.

TandemTrails want to spread cycling awareness among the urban crowd and do its bit towards environment protection and to reduce carbon trail. This is a small step towards a bigger objective.


TandemTrails is a voluntary group of cycling enthusiasts, actively engaged in cyclotouring for several years. With their extensive experience they are now presenting an exciting biking experience on unique virgin trails in the interiors of karnataka.
The focus of the trails is to enjoy and experience the serene nature and our rich green forests during the rides.


Here is a peek into our (hard!) work during the Christmas weekend -
http://picasaweb.google.co.in/TandemTrails/Kodachadhri_Kaptivates#


The Kodachadri trail has it all for a biker.



- Uphill climbs, downhill drives and views of Sahyadri's splendor, all
equally breathtaking.
- A 6 km stretch of absolute off-road biking crossing small river streams.
- A 3 km TREK in the forest to reach a remote waterfall which even many
locals are unaware of.
- Biking to reach the Sharavathi backwaters and crossing the river in a
launch
- Last but not the least ...delicious Malnad cuisine at the home stay


Apart from some exiting snaps on the tandemtrails.co.in you can also check some more snaps of the trail:
http://picasaweb.google.co.in/TandemTrails/GreenCrown#


Interested participants can register on www.tandemtrails.co.in


You can contact Mr. Vijay on 9481603270 for more details.

(TT) Pedel in Paradise

Hi Guys

Time and again Tandem Trails had been to a giving such wonderfull cycling tarains in Waynad "God own Country". Team has returned with some good fun riding in our God's own country ... They returned with some memorable moments to treasure and some great team work to get the group reach the destination in time .... few of them first timers and with their dedication they completed this. Some new comers had to complete with a back up Jeep giving them light so that they could cycle in the night. Great Job guys....
cycling 80 kms in a day ...

http://picasaweb.google.co.in/TandemTrails/Trip_3#



--
Again Everyone is invited to comment on this.


Enjoy Madi

Pooran


TandemTrails - The Road Less Taken
http://tandemtrails.co.in