To aware the people of Shimla about the importance of environment, Shimla based NGO, Ashadeep’s Initiative for Cycle Enthusiast (ICE) club here today organised a cycle rally, in which 40 cyclists participated. The cycle rally was flagged off by Chief Minister, Prem Kumar Dhumal from his official residence Oak Over, Shimla.
The 25 km cycling track that started from Oak Over traversed through Kasumpti, Panthaghati, Beolia, APG University, Pujarli and Mehli. Test of grit and determination of the cyclist the endurance trail included gradual downhill on a tarmac road, Single track walking level path (0.5 km), dirt track (2 km) tarmac uphill and uphill competitive stage (7 km).
Chief Minister lauded the efforts of Ashadeep for organizing such an event upholding their message of “Padal nahin toh pedal sahi” and said this initiative would go a long way in motivating the people for conservation of environment. Ashadeep had been playing a pivotal role in the welfare of humanity and it should be encouraged in a big way, he added.
Chief Minister said that World Bank has sanctioned a loan of Rs. 1100 crore to promote inclusive green growth and sustainable development in the State. He said that State Government would encourage officials to use cycle which would not only keep them physically fit but also save petroleum products to a great extent besides conservation of environment.
Ashadeep President, and Chairman of ICE, Sushil Tanwar thanked the Chief Minister and lauded the initiatives taken by the State Government for the conservation of environment.
He said this was the third such cycling event in series since the launch last year and more such events would be organized to make ensure that cycling is adopted as a culture here in the town.
Coordinator of the event Kunal Condillac said taking up safety measures all riders under 18 rode in a controlled group. An ambulance followed the riders with medical backup followed the riders. Those riders unable to complete the ride were given the option of being picked up on the 7 km uphill section.
The top ten winners on the occasion were Shimla Municipal Corporation, Deputy Mayor, Tikender Singh Panwar, Jacob, Kushal, Abhinandan Sharma, Satvik Sharma, Raj Kumar, Avneesh Jaswal, Yashasv Rana, Vaibhav, Pirta, Saharsh.
