Recap of the Day

Day 0 began with the riders assembling near Shalini Grounds in Jayanagar, Bengaluru. Some grabbed a quick bite at ‘Eat First’ after arriving in small groups. two buses filled with riders brimming with excitement departed first to Hassan, and then onto Chikkamagaluru. Lunch was served in Hassan’s ‘M Krishna Law College’, with hoardings about the Tour hanging around proudly. The ‘Halbai’ sweet earnt high praise. Rider Madhu Iyengar described the sweet saying, “It hits you slowly, because of the chewy nature but it is unbelievable.”

After arriving and checking into Chikkamagaluru’s ‘Hotel Aadrika’, all the riders were briefed by Chethan Ram, as TOK8 was officially launched to a rousing reception. The sponsor representatives Vivek Anand from Hero Electric, TrooGood and Oaks, Zayd Noaman from Prestige Group, Dharmendra D from Ultrahuman, Vishnu Bhat from People Tree hospitals and Vishal Rajani from Synergos spoke to the riders about their respective organizations. Hari Ram and Nandha Kumar, the Physios from Spectrum, were introduced. The official riders’ jerseys for TOK8 were unveiled and handed over to the riders. The enthusiasm to get started was palpable throughout dinner, as the riders prepared themselves for four gruelling days of cycling.

Day 1 Planner

The TOK flag-off takes place first thing in the morning, in what promises to be a memorable spectacle. Breakfast will be served at Khandya Club after 39.7 kilometres of riding to the back-drop of aroma-filled coffee estates and foggy hills. Lunch will be served at the lush green Danivasa Durgamba Temple in Maduburu. Riders can expect some traditional Karnataka delicacies that promise an immediate flashback to those care-free childhood days. After covering a total distance of 137.6 kilometres, Day 1 will culminate at the Royal Orchid in Shimoga.