Perfect End to Another Amazing Tour!
On the last day of TFN 2024, we woke up to absolutely clear skies. After 2 days of rain and another day of dry but cloudy weather, the clear blue skies were almost blinding our eyes with absolutely stunning views all around!
The gorgeous skies and stunning light provided us with ample photo opportunities even before we stepped on the pedals. Every side we turned our heads to was poster worthy views. The last day’s ride of the 15th Edition of Tour of Nilgiris was flagged off at 8:30am as planned.
Even when it is sunny, we had to start with an extra layer to protect against the chill of the morning. We would be warm enough standing in the sun but as soon as we pass by any shadows, we could immediately feel the chill. So, it was important to have extra layer especially for the descents.
We rode into Ooty town from Sterling Fern Hill and began climbing up to Doddabetta. Once we crossed Doddabetta and turned towards Kotagiri, we were drawn to stop every few meters to click photos of the scenic views.
We kept clicking away posing with our bikes.
We can never have enough pictures of our bikes and with our bikes. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Especially in beautiful locations like in the Nilgiris.
Best Downhill of our lives!
Once we reached Kotagiri, the downhill towards Mettupalyam started. The 22km downhill from Kotagiri to Mettupalyam is one of the best flowing downhill rides I have ever experienced. I just love the flowy nature of the downhill.
I started the downhill with Rajesh but he quickly pulled away. I held back from the temptation of trying to follow him. Downhill is about skill and the ability to go as fast as possible within one’s comfort levels. If the skill and abilities don’t match your need for speed, things can go south in fraction of a second.
Prashant Kochhar and I descended together at a comfortable speed taking zero risks and completely enjoying the flowing downhill.
Once we reached Mettupalyam, I hopped on Shiven and Peter Roper train.
They were drilling it through the village roads at break neck speeds. It was exhilarating and scary at the same time.
I followed them until they got me to Rajesh and gang and let them go. We reached the lunch spot and had a wonderful lunch before starting again.
All aboard BabaVelo Express Heading to Coimbatore!
Shiven and Peter promised to keep the pace steady for the first 20k after lunch so that the lunch doesn’t end up on the road. But, that promise didn’t last more than 5k. When I felt that the pace was getting too hot for a ride immediately after lunch, I sat up. Rajesh noticed that and waited for me on the top of a small uphill.
We started riding together and started picking up riders along the way to join the BabaVelo Express heading to Coimbatore. We kept the pace very modest so that all could follow without getting dropped.
It is very easy to get carried away when at the front. But, being aware of what others in the group are capable of and making sure the group is able to stay together is a skill we developed over the years of riding with Rajesh. The last 50km after lunch was a non stop ride on board BabaVelo Express. We reached Zone Connect in Coimbatore sharp at 2:30pm to finish a fantastic tour.
From Singapore to the Nilgiris!
Chris Chua Chang Hai learnt about Tour of Nilgiris back in 2013 through his friend Magender. When a couple of his friends who got married recently at that time were looking for honeymoon trips, he suggested why not go on a bike trip to India and make it a honeymoon. That was his first TFN. He then came back in 2015 with a few more friends.
This year he was here with four more if his friends to make them experience the magic of Tour of Nilgiris that he experienced two times already. Yong Chai Hsia, Yee Mong Suan, Kua Jing Xuan and Koh Puay Heng joined Chris Chua to enjoyed the tour. They are a super fun and energetic bunch of riders who are always positive and full of energy. Kua Jing Xuan also won the tour in women’s category.
Long Lost Friends Found at TFN!
Don D’mello joined his friends Anand Kapoor and Milam Saxena for his first Tour of Nilgiris back in 2014. He came back in 2022 with his better half Mayura Mantri. She would ride as much as she can in Don’s company and call it a day when it becomes too much. They get to have a great time together on the bikes in the most scenic of locations. It is so great to see them both back this year and having a great time on the bikes!
Sunit Singh Sehgal signed up for his first TFN this year. Little did he know that he gets to meet his classmate from OLPS Mumbai at TFN more than 25 years later. A few drinks on the rest day and many miles on the bike later the stories from their childhood kept on pouring.
Over the years, I’ve seen TFN bringing hundreds of total strangers together and making them life long friends. This shows that it can also bring long lost friends together in such happenstance!
GC Standings for TFN 2024!
Congrats to Shiven, Rajesh Nair and Kua Jing Xuan for taking the win in their respective categories. Congrats to all the participants for having a successful and safe TFN!
This brings an end to my 12th TFN. This year was truly made special by having two of my teammates from Spectrum Racing in TFN!
I’m blown away by how Rajesh Nair is still as driven as I’ve seen him back in 2011! Truly inspiring! Him winning the tour in his age category is an icing on the cake.
I am completely in awe of the resilience that Su Yin has shown in riding this tour. I know how little she trained going into the tour. But, the way she rode each day was phenomenal. Only a really bad muscle strain held her a little back on day 4 but she bounced back like a champ she is after the rest day.
Thanks to Volunteers and Organizers!
Thanks to all the volunteers and the organising team for delivering another memorable tour. It is amazing that after all these years, I can still continue to enjoy riding the tour as they keep giving us great experiences and new routes each year.
