The first ride of the year saw a huge turnout on a comfortably chilly January morning. The meeting point at Panchamukhi Ganesha on Mysore was as usual full of energy as the IFMRians were meeting each other for the first time in 2024. After the new year wishes were exchanged the president briefed the 20 riders ( 16 members and 4 prospective) about today’s ride to kootagallu thimmappana betta some 55 kms away in Ramnagaram. Three groups were formed to make the ride more manageable. After Manunath sir recited the prayer the first group left followed by 2 groups in 5-7 min internal.

The route was mostly along side the new mysore expressway. The last 5 kms was a picturesque winding village road up to the summit. It took all but 45 minutes to traverse this distance. Once the bikes were neatly parked the team walked up the hillock to a breathtaking view. 4 of the “more” adventurous riders took their machines to the very top. After the customary group photos and capturing the view in the cameras we started our return journey.

There was no argument on where the breakfast point would be. Renuka Tatte idly was the chosen location. It’s run by a Rotarian mr. Suresh from Bidadi. After loads of tatte idly, masala dosa, udin vada and daal Wada were relished we dispersed . The breakfast was graciously sponsored by Rtn. Anand Kulkarni.

The ODO on most bikes read 140kms.

Excellent start to a wonderful New Year