Heritage Cycle Ride on Sept 5

Kathmandu, August 29

Lions Club International District 325 A1 is organising the Lions Centennial Open Heritage Cycle Ride on September 5.

The 30-km rally will start from Bhrikuti Mandap and go through Basantapur, Swoyambhu, Shobha Bhagwati, Durbar Marg, Bhatbhateni, Bouddha, Gaurighat, Pasupatinath, Gausala, New Baneshwor, Sankhamul, Mangal Bazaar, Kupondole, Thapathali and Singh Durbar before concluding at Exhibition Road, informed event coordinator Kishor Bhattarai at a press meet today.

Around 1,500 riders from schools, colleges, corporate houses, government officials, Lions and Leo Clubs will take part in the rally, Bhattarai said. NIC Asia Bank is the main sponsor of the event and it will provide the participants with breakfast and bibs, while Sponsor is drink partner. Turkish Airlines will sponsor T-shirts and costs for opening and closing ceremonies, whereas NLG Insurance will provide the organisers with Rs 50,000 and Pran Company will sponsor foods worth Rs 40,000. The estimated cost for the event is Rs 640,000.

GMT Area leader of District 325 A1 Khagendra Sitaula said the event was not a competition and the objective of the rally was to spread awareness among people about the state of heritage sites of the country. “We also want to create pressure on government and concerned authorities regarding the reconstruction of the heritage sites after the earthquake,” Sitaula said.

Nepal Cycling Association President Chhimi Gurung said such events were important to produce cyclists. “Rallies help in the production of players as it raises the importance of cycling. Similarly, participants from schools also help in the development of the sport in grassroots level,” said Gurung.