Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 16: On the occasion of 72nd Independence Day, Mangalore Bicycle Club (MBC) planned the celebration in a unique way where 72 cyclists from Mangaluru where scheduled to ride for 72 minutes and pay tribute to the nation. Although, all the planning was in full swing, till August 14, the weather conditions were not in favour. All the enthusiastic participants woke up to a pleasant morning and assembled at Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC), Lalbagh at 6 am on August 15. BNI group (Business Network International) along with its regional director Ganesha Sharma joined the ride. Senior cyclist Ashokvardhana also participated in the ride.
MBC was in action after being energised by inspiring and proud stories of Indian Army shared by cycling enthusiast Capt Rajaneesh Linekaje, who is currently posted in Kashmir. He made himself available to share this occasion with the cyclists despite short notice. His father Ramakrishna Linekaje was also present. Capt Rajaneesh is a native of Madikeri and a passionate cyclist with several cycling expeditions to his credit. A few of it includes his solo pedalling in Spiti Valley covering over high passes like Kunzum pass (15,000 ft) and Rohtang Pass (13,500 ft) covering a distance of 510 kms in 6 days without any backup. He also led an Army team in Bundel khand for a cycle safari of 7 days. He has also covered many territories of Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, UP, MP and Himachal Pradesh on his pedals. He has plans to explore
North East regions in the near future.
The journey began from MCC covering a distance of about 20 kms in 72 minutes. Route followed was Urwa store-Ladyhill-Mannagudda-Ballalbagh-PVS- Jyoti circle-Balmatta-Kankanady-Mangaladevi-Forum Mall-Hampankatta-Navbharath circle and back to MCC.
Youngest rider in the troop was a 6-year-old and the oldest being 75 years. All the riders were proudly displaying the national flag on their bicycles and coming together in such a big gathering to commemorate the event which happened 72 years ago was a big boost to the rest of the day and will be remembered for ever.