Ponniyin Selvan Trail Ride - Sri Lanka

 

Ponniyin Selvan Trail - Sri Lanka

28th Sept - 2nd Oct 2023

With great excitement , the second leg of the Ponniyin Selvan Trail Ride was kicked off on 28th September 2023. What added to the excitement was travel beyond India, more specifically to the Emarald Isle of Sri Lanka. Comprising of around 25 riders, both amateurs and regular cyclists, the trip was perfect blend of both adventure and leisure. Curated with a lot of passion, this expedition was led by the mercurial Moulana Ramanujar duly supported by Iron Lady Girija Palani 

Thursday 28th September- Day 1

This was a short loop ride of 15 kms around Anuradhapura, the longest serving ancient capital of Sri Lanka , and the cradle of Sinhalese civilisation. We cycled around Abhayagiri Dagoba, a major monastery , Ruwanwelisaya Stupa and the Bassawakkulam Lake

Friday 29th September - Day 2

A quick breakfast at Anuradhapura Hotel and a 17 km off road ride from Talawa to Kekirawa along the canal. This was one of most picturesque ride of the tour. The day culminated with hike to Sigriya , also known as the Lion Rock, an ancient fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site known for its palace ruins on top of a massive 200 meter high rock surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, reservoirs and other structures.

Saturday 30th September- Day 3

The day began with a visit to the famous Dambulla Cave Temple, a sacred pilgrimage site having the largest, best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka followed by a breathtaking 50 km ride in a midst of steady drizzle to Giritale.

Sunday 1st October- Day 4

This was the penultimate day of the of tour covering a distance of 17 km to the ancient city of Pollanaruva ending at the Chola Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva

Monday 2nd October - Day 5 (Colombo)

After four days of cycling, this was day for relaxing and shopping in Colombo and then back to Namma Chennai.

All in all a memorable event and will be cherished for a long time.

- Parmeshwaran Krishnan 

Madras Day Celebration 2023

MADRAS DAY CELEBRATION 2023

Dakshinachitra Heritage Museum 

Sunday, 27th August 202023

This year marked the 384th foundation day celebration of Madras and for the 11th year in a row we had lined up some interesting events that included Book Release, Heritage Ride and Vintage Bicycles Exhibition 

Book Release - Madras By Cycle - Water Heritage 

Eighth in the series of books to be published was Madras by Cycle - Water Heritage, while the Cover Page was launched by Thiru. Sandeep Nanduri  IAS, Director of Tourism & Managing Director TTDC. The book in its final form was launched during the Madras Day Celebration at Dakshinachitra Heritage Museum.

Madras Day Heritage Ride 

Probikers OMR to Dakshinachitra Heritage Museum, Muttukadu 

First ever inclusive ride in Chennai on ECR, took place consisting of participants from Deaf Artist Creative, the ride from Probikers OMR to Dakshinachitra Heritage Museum not to mention the intervention of rain was held early in the morning on the exclusive ECR Bicycle Lane on weekends. It also included riders from other cycling groups in Chennai.

Vintage Bicycle Exhibition 

The 4th edition of Vintage Bicycles Exhibition was also organised on this occasion. Bicycles, and accessories of various vintage Bicycle brands were on display during the exhibition. 

Cycling Yogis 11th Anniversary Celebration

@ TTDC DRIVE IN RESTAURANT 

Sunday, 24th April 2023

Our 11th Anniversary Celebration took place this evening at the now trending location of Chennai the TTDC DRIVE IN Restaurant. Dr. Katharina Görgen, Director, Goethe Institut Chennai was the Special Invite during the occasion. Cycling Enthusiasts, Heads of Cycle Groups, our Patrons and supporters joined us in the evening celebration followed by Dinner. Our Chief Guest Thiru. Sandeep Nanduri IAS, Managing Director TTDC wished us through a Video.  The highlight of the 11th Anniversary Celebration was the launching of our Website, while excellent ambiance and great food were at their best.

Dr. Katharina Gorgen, Director
Gothe Institute Chennai 

TTDC Drive In, Island Ground 

 

11th edition REPUBLIC DAY HERITAGE RIDE Ponniyin Selvan Trail

Thanjavur, 20th - 22 January 2023

How would you feel if you had an opportunity to combine your favourite hobby / passion and make it a holiday, but just don’t feel guilty about it as you also burn good calories, and the icing on the cake was the choice of the Trail?

The ‘Ponniyin Selvan Trail Ride’ was organised by Cycling Yogis as part of their 16th Republic Day Heritage Ride between 20th - 22nd Jan 2023.  We covered a total distance of about 220 km over the 2.5 days with Thanjavur (TTDC) as our base and visiting some of the key places from the epic novel.  

DAY 1 of the ride was about 115kms, giving a sneak peak into Pazhuvettaraiyars at the  Kizha Pazhayarai, the controversial burial of the Raja Raja Cholan and the War zone at Udaiyalur, inscriptions on the murderers of Aditya Karikalan @Sankarankoil. The day ended with a breezy ride along the Veeranam Lake, which was the starting point of the journey for Vanthiyathevan. We then took a bus ride back to TTDC Thanjavur for dinner and rest.

Day 2 started with a long journey towards Kodiyakarai, with a few pit stops along the way for refreshments and Lunch at an Ayyanar temple.  We then reached the Kodiyakarai Wildlife Sanctuary, to reach Point Calimere and the remains of the Lighthouse. This is the place where Poonguzhali was born and her base to travel to Srilanka.

DAY 3 ride - 30 km: This was a short ride to Thiruvaiyaru, where the Vandhiyadhevan and Arulmozhivarman, will be in disguise as Chinese merchants and roam around the temple streets during the Aiyarappar temple festival. 

Got the opportunity to visit the Aiyarappar temple with its beautiful wall paintings and also visit the famous Thiagaraja Samadhi temple.

The Grand finale was the ride upto the Braghadeeswarar temple along with a guided tour. The Medal distribution was organised at the ASI premises and turned out to be a memorable one.

We are already looking forward to the PS2 ride…

A big shout out to Ramanujar Moulana for bringing this experience to life, with so much of planning over the past several months in collaboration with TTDC and Probikers.  Big kudos to him as he gave utmost importance to the safety of the riders.

Thanks to Girija Palani the Ride director for the trail. Special thanks to our volunteers John Kennedy and Devi Durai who took great care of all the riders, and to Rajashekar of Probikers and the Pitstop team. The hospitality of the TTDC team at Thanjavur was just amazing. Medical team from Dr. Francis Roy was a big support.  Madhan Sundhar photography made the trip more memorable as we will carry these memories forever.

Last but not the least, my ride partners Shanmuga Sundar Lakshmanan and Agy George were my pillar of support through the entire ride. We did quite a few practice session past few months together and that really made a difference

Blog by Archana Ramanakumar 

Some Pictures, Video & Newspaper Clippings 

Hotel Tamilnadu, Thanjavur 

Women Riders in Ponniyin Selvan Trail 

The Hindu Metroplus - Trichy 

TOI - Trichy Edition 

First International Cycling Tour - Cambodia

SIEM REAP - CAMBODIA 

28th September - 2nd October 2022

This was our first international cycling tour, with a 200+ KM ride spread across five days, we covered  the World Heritage Site in Siem Reap including Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei and Tonle Sap Lake. The highlight being the ride to focus on Tamil Connection in Cambodia with a ride to Banteay Srei tracing the Tamil Saint Karaikal Ammaiyar panel 

We also attended the unveiling of the Saint Thiruvalluvar Statue at the Provincial Government Office in Siem Reap. On the final day went on a City exploration ride and got to understand the existing Bicycle Infrastructure that is aiding the Tourism Industry, and the impetus given to Bicycle Tourism.

Thanks to all the riders Srini Swaminathan , Girish Mallya, Arul Nidhi Subramanian ,and Nithi Anand. Also thankful to Angkor Tamil Sangam, importantly for giving us a wonderful Bicycle Guide Bun Von. 

Saint Karaikal Ammaiyar Panel 

Tamilnadu State Tourism Award to Cycling Yogis

Cycling Yogis was awarded the "Outstanding Contribution to Promotion of Tourism Award" by Department of Tourism, Govt of Tamilnadu on 27th September at the Tamilnadu Tourism Award event held in Kalaivanar Arangam.

The award was presented by Honorable Tourism Minister Dr. Mathiventhan in the presence of Dr. Chandramohan B, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government, Department of Tourism, Culture, and Religious Endowments and Thiru. Sandeep Nanduri IAS Director of Tourism and MD TTDC 

Indeed a red letter day to us at Cycling Yogis.  And heartfelt thanks for such wonderful recognition by Tamilnadu Tourism

Madras Day Celebration 2022 (Part 2) Vintage Bicycles Exhibition

         

 

3rd edition Vintage Bicycles Exhibition

Sunday, 21st August 2022

On the occasion of Madras Day Celebration 2022, Cycling Yogis in association with TTDC are organisrd the 3rd edition Vintage Bicycles Exhibition at Hotel Tamilnadu, Island Ground on Sunday, 21st August between 8.00am to 12.00 noon.

Over 30 vintage Bicycles were on display, popular vintage brands such as Raleigh, Humber, BSA, Rudge, Schwinn, Hercules, Pierce and Kids Bicycles (Chopper Series) Including varieties of Bicycle Lamps (Joseph Lucas, Daimon, Miller and Sardar,) Bicycle License, Tool Kit, Helmets, Saddles (Brooks) and other accessories 

With the star attractions during the exhibition being Pierce Bicycle of 1897, Second World War BSA Airborne Bicycle Raleigh factory made road bike with 1980s Tour de France specifications. Rebuilt Schwinn Road bike of 1970's and much more

The exhibition was inaugurated by - Dr. Chandramohan B, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government, Department of Tourism, Culture, and Religious Endowments and Thiru. Sandeep Nanduri IAS Director of Tourism and MD TTDC lit the lamp to launch the half day exhibition.

While Lt Gen A Arun, YSM, SM, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Dakshin Bharat Area was the Guest of Honour

 

Print Media Clippings

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Madras Day Celebration 2022 (Part 1) Book Launch

Global Heritage of Madras Book Launch

Sunday, 21st August 2022

To many of us the city of Madras is mostly associated with the British but seldom do we realise that the city played a pivotal role in the trading routes that crossed the Bay of Bengal, local textile production and trade drew the attention of a number of European merchants much before the British arrival.

Madras also developed as a melting pot for different cultures and religions. As early as 13th century Marco Polo the Venetian traveller is said to have visited the Apostle St.Thomas Burial Site in Mylapore, a region which predates Modern Madras founded by the British.

The book "Global Heritage of Madras" is an attempt to showcase the presence of several nations in Madras and the Coromandel Coast keeping aside the focus on the British for another day. Each trail in the book emphasises on countries having Madras connection and in this process runs through a gamut of things which we residents of Madras can feel proud about

Thanks to Dr. Chandramohan B, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government, Department of Tourism, Culture, and Religious Endowments & Thiru Sandeep Nanduri IAS Managing Director TTDC for launching the Book. The venue for the Book Launch was Hotel Tamilnadu Island Ground.

Book Launch 

In Tamil Daily Murasoli

Cycling Yogis 10th Anniversary Ride - Dakshinachitra Heritage Museum

Sunday, 24th April 2022

"Remember to celebrate a Milestone" and true to the saying we did celebrate our 10th Anniversary with a ride from Probikers OMR to Dakshinachitra Heritage Museum on Sunday, 24th April 2022.

Ride Flag Off from Probikers OMR

The Ride was flagged off by Lt Gen A Arun,  GOC Dakshin Bharat Area who was the Chief Guest, and Thiru. Sandeep Nanduri MD TTDC the Special Invitee. Riders from other Cycling Groups in the city joined us and made the morning ride a memorable one to remember.

The Chief Guest & Indian Army Team

Thiru. Sandeep Nanduri IAS, MD TTDC

At Dakshinachitra Heritage Museum there was a brief get together to commemorate Ten years of Cycling Yogis which ended with a folk dance performance, and not to mention the sumptuous breakfast that was arranged for all the Participants

Thanks to all who joined us on this remarkable day in our journey. For the journey is just as important as the destination. A destination which focuses on Bicycle Tourism and Heritage of Madras. Pictures courtesy BMS Photography.

Click on the below link to view all the Photos :https://www.facebook.com/469642253105494/posts/5059162130820127/

 

Dakshinachitra Heritage Museum

With Chief Guest and Special Invitee

With Suresh Kumar Probikers OMR

Grand Super Randonneur Sundar Rajan 

Diva (WCCG) & Felix (Bicycle Mayor)

Clippings from Print Media

Adyar Times dt 8th May 2022

Adyar Mail dt 2nd May 2022

More Pictures

With Anil Sharma & Team Bison