Mangaluru : More than 135 cyclists pedalled their way across Mangaluru and its suburbs on Sunday with the message ‘Say No to Tobacco, Yes to Cycling,’ on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day.

Members of the Mangalore Cycling Club (MACC) and the Mangalore Bicycle Club (MBC) participated in the ride. Jointly organised by Giant Starkenn, an international bicycle manufacturer, and Mangaluru-based Jyoti Cycle, the cycling expedition had two segments — a 60-km ride and another 40-km ride.

While about 35 cyclists participated in the 60 km ride, more than 100 cyclists cycled their way in the second category.

Leading the 60-km ride, MACC stalwart Anil Shet took the riders through undulating climbs via Kadri Hill, Bondel, Bajpe, Shibaroor, Soorinje, Surathkal Hosabettu, Kulai and KPT before winding up at Jyoti Cycle premises.

The ride commenced at around 5.45 a.m. from the Mangaluru City Corporation premises and ended at around 9.45 p.m.

On the other hand, the 40-km ride was led by Lohith Rao, who led the riders towards the scenic Tannirbhavi Beach and thereafter Bengre, a headland where the Gurupura (Phalguni) joins the Arabian Sea along with the Nethravathi. The ride started at 7.30 a.m. and ended at 10 a.m.

Later, experts from Giant Starkenn answered a volley of queries by cyclists about the maintenance of gear cycles, the different modes of ride, the gear ratios to be used during the ride etc. A few lucky riders got t-shirts and jerseys sponsored by Giant Starkenn.

The highlight of the 60-km ride was the enthusiastic participation of seniors Ashoka Vardhana and Udupa. Mr. Vardhana is known for his keen interest in cycling cannoning. Both of them were ahead of their younger counterparts even as Mr. Vardhana took time to shoot the expedition.