Chronicle of 2012
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| Cycle & Surf @ Kovalam Beach |
The year saw the emergence of few cycling groups including a racing team and triathlons in Chennai. The first event of the year was Neville Billimoria's 'Dawn to Dusk' on 8th January in aid of cerebral palsy afflicted children, the evening ride starting from IIT Madras finished at Mahabalipuram with a sumptuous dinner at GRT Raddission. On 26th February the city witnessed a grand and gala cycling event, the entire Marina Beach stretch exploded with high octane cycling, it was the BSA Chennai Cycling 2012 the event saw cyclist from all parts of India vying for the podium finish, the criterium race being the highlight of the day. The month of March witnessed a Cycling cum Surfing ride to Kovalam Beach which propelled me to take up swimming seriously, around this time regular rides during the weekends as groups stared to make amends and gain momentum.
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| CRX Reaxion 3rd Anniversary |
April brought forward TCC Off Road Ride to Nanmangalam Reserve Forest but the most important and momentous occasion of all was on 24th April the day when the Cycling Yogis group came into existence this group specifically focused its activities on riding to places of Heritage and Historic Landmarks breaking away from the normal rides. On 4th May the one stop shop for all the cycling needs Pro Bikers in OMR opened up for the cycling enthusiast of Chennai, the shop soon became a landmark for all the cyclist be it for purchase of cycling needs or as a get together place to witness the telecast of popular sports events. Cycling related other sports activities in the form of Triathlon came into existence and the Chennai Enticer Triathlon was held on 22nd June this event was first of its kind in our city and was soon followed by the second event on 23rd July from SDAT Velachery to Besant Nagar. On 30th July the CRX Reaxion group celebrated its 3rd Anniversary ride to Mahabalipuram followed by lavish spread of breakfast at GRT Raddission Hotel.
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| Bike Marshals @ TCC Road Race |
The month of August saw the beginning of Racing Team named Madrascals a group specialized in racing events and on 12th August the TCC Road Race was organised on the ECR Road where I had the opportunity to be the Bike Marshall along with Mr. Sundar Rajan had an awesome time watching from close quarters the speedy peloton in action, the West Chennai Cycling group came to existence in June had some of its members involved in a ride from Chennai to Chidambaram for the cause of 'Saving the Girl Child'. The 19th of August was a red letter day for Cycling Yogis it was on this day the first ever event as a part of Madras Week Celebrations took place, the Madras Day ride covered Triplicane, Chepauk and Mylapore exploring this regions rich history and heritage. This event galvanized the group and brought it into limelight midst the cycling community. The end of September was time for TCC Weekender Ride to Melmaruvathur with a pit stop at Pearl Beach Resort near Cheyyur, the pristine water at this resort swimming pool will remain in the memory for ages to come. On 21st October the first Brevet Medal distribution ceremony took place at Madras Boat Club.
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| Second Chennai Enticer Triathlon |
The end of the year cycling activities began to gather momentum there were more eyeballs now focusing on social media sites like facebook, posting and sharing of Dailymail analysis and pictures of riding the cycle became a regular feature, in November specialist coaches from abroad like Dan Henchy of U.K were in the city to conduct training sessions, as a run up to Tour of Tamilnadu Heritage my article named "Prelude to Tour of Tamilnadu - Heritage" which covered and mapped the entire ride route of around 850 KM with historical data and inputs of the area which was to be pedaled was posted as a serial in the fb group pages. Finally the seven day tour was flagged off from Madras covering all the UNESO World Heritage Sites of Tamilnadu, it should be mentioned with gratitude that Tamilnadu Cycling Club provide me with an opportunity of being the official Tour Guide for this event. The ride ended at Mahabalipuram with the memories of some splendorous moments on the lap of the wonder that is Tamilnadu. Ending on an high note by seeking for happiness and good health to one and all on the occasion of the new year.
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| Saint Thiagaraja Samadhi, Tiruvaiyaru |
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| First Madras Day Heritage Ride |
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