To commemorate the 69th Republic Day an heritage ride was organised by Cycling Yogis to Gingee Fort on Sunday, 21st January 2018. This was the 6th edition of the ride by the Chennai based cycling group which comprises of people from various walks of life, with a common passion for cycling and respecting heritage. Previous Republic Day Heritage Ride destinations being Mahabalipuram, Pulicat, Puducherry, Vellore Fort and Chandragiri Fort (AP)
Covering distance of 150km, cyclists took part in this ride which started at the early hours of the morning from Santhome Inn, Chennai and reached destination Gingee Fort by noon. After Lunch break (for the first time a live Kitchen was arranged) and Medal Ceremony at the ASI Gingee Sub Circle Office the cyclists went on a short tour of Fort which included Swachh Bharat Pledge, a practice observed by the members of the group since 2015. The visit to Fort complex included the parts of the inner fort consisting of Gymnasium, Granary, Barracks and Kalyana Mahal which is considered the most impressive multi storyed monument with pyramidal roof. Cyclists also got to know something about the history of the impregnable fortifications that forms an important study in the military history of India, the fort which over a period of time since it's founding by Ananda Kon 1 in 1200 AD had been under the control of various rulers including the Vijayanagar Kings, Nayaks, Marathas under Chatrapathi Sivaji, Carnatic Nawabs, French and the British thus making it neighbours envy and owners pride and not to mention the ballads of Desigh Raju.
After an enriching visit to the Fort once the Nayaka Capital, return transportation was arranged for the participants by vehicles and as the saying goes all's well that ends well the participants along with the support team reached Chennai taking back great memories.
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| Riders at Kalyana Mahal, Gingee Fort |
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| Deccan Chronicle dt 22-01-2018 |
