It is said that nothing compares to the simple joy of riding a bike. Such was the experience of
all the participants of the recently concluded Tour of Goa – 2019 organised by
Cycling Goa – Association of Goan Cyclists.
The tour commenced early morning on
February 1, 2019 from Panjim. A total of 25 participants, including the
Muellers, who are known as Cycling Family of Goa, set out on the interesting
tour. Outstation participants from Mumbai, Pune and Coimbatore were also part
of starting line-up.
On the first day, the riders experienced a
beautiful riverside route from Ribander causeway, taking their first break at
the famous St Augustine Tower and historic Old Goa church. After a fantastic
riverside breakfast at St Estevem ferry, riders continued towards Orgao, Volvoi
towards Western Ghats at Mollem. Here things got tough as riders competed for a
time trial, which is a race with individual starts and timings, along the
picturesque Anmod Ghat section. From there, they proceeded to the beautiful
Jungle Book resort, where they rested and spent some good time together for an
overnight stay.
Day 2 took them through a lesser explored interior route that
had a full tree cover, from Collem towards Sanguem to finish at Netravali
Wildlife Sanctuary. From there they competed for the Day 2 Time Trial at one of
the most difficult climbs in Goa, known as the Verlem pass. This grueling 6.5
km climb has elevation of more than 450 metres and took a lot of effort.
However, all the riders conquered the climb successfully and at the same time
enjoyed every bit of it. After a sumptuous Goan lunch at Mangaal Farmstay, the
riders travelled by prearranged transport to one of Goa’s most beautiful
beaches, Agonda. Riders enjoyed every bit of the fantastic beach stay and got
ready for Day 3.
The last day of the tour took the riders through the picturesque
beachside rolling route from Agonda, Cola and Carmona, towards Velsao. The tour
was planned on the famous Three Kings Chapel climb. All riders gave their best
for this last TT to finish the tour at Velsao beach. Local Goan riders also joined
at the finishing point for celebrations and the prize distribution ceremony.
The
riders thoroughly enjoyed the beauty of Goa, not only the beachside but also
the less explored Western Ghats and hinterland. On the occasion, Bryan Soares,
President of Cycling Goa, announced Tour of Goa 2020 that will take place in
January 2020.
