Sale Date Ended
The Great Malnad Challenge is stepping into the 8th edition with GMC2017! What was just a nice cycling trip across a picturesque terrain, has now evolved into the most looked-forward-to MTB challenge in the Country.
The 7-days, 700 kms trail is perfect for serious MTB racers as well as leisure recreational cyclists. The daunting uphills, the scary downhills, bum-basting off-road… This is what makes GMC! The cuisine, culture and landscape more than makes up for the torment of pedaling almost 100kms, everyday. The Hassan to Murudeshwara trail encompasses assorted landscapes that make up the Western ghats.
A new destination in GMC for the 2017 edition is Kodachadri. The view at the summit is worth all the difficulties endured to reach there. .
With a good mix of heritage sites, lush green forests and winding estates, the Great Malnad Challenge is the longest MTB challenge in India. It is the best way not only to test your cycling capabilities, but also to experience the magnificence of Malnad.
DAY 01 - THE LAUNCH
From:HASSAN
Via:BELUR
To:CHIKKAMANGALURU
Cycling Distance (KM):90 Kms
Activities / Highlights: Flag-off from Hassan. The cyclists pedal their way through BELUR and YAGACHI reservoir before ending the day at Chikmagalur. Nestled in the foothills of the Mullayanagiri mountain range, Chikmagalur would be an ideal place for the cyclists to break ice with the other GMCíans.
DAY 02 - THE INITIATION
From:CHIKKAMANGALURU
Via:MUTHODI FOREST
To:ATTIGUNDI
Cycling Distance (KM):80 Kms
Activities / Highlights: The first exposure to GMC off-road trail. The gravel infested trail, with almost unending climb sets the tone for the remainder of the ride. This is the chance to get all your muscles and sinews ready before attempting the more torturous sections in the coming days. Day ends at Atthigundi.
DAY 03 - MTB’ERS DELIGHT
From:ATTIGUNDI
Via:BHADRA WILD LIFE SANCTUARY
To:SHIMOGA
Cycling Distance (KM):90 Kms
Activities / Highlights: A long off-road stretch with average ups and downs amidst the Rolling Meadows and thick, canopy covered routes. Kemmanagundi at its greenest offers beautiful background for great selfies. Day-3 ends at Shivamogga, also known as the ‘Gateway of Malnad’.
DAY 04 - HOMELY HINGAARA
From:SHIMOGA
Via:AGUMBE
To:GUDDEKERE
Cycling Distance (KM):90 Kms
Activities / Highlights: A day with dual opportunities to duel! The MTB friendly segment through the Mandagadde bird sanctuary is a short but sweet ride. After another long day of cycling, we encounter the reputed hospitality of Hingaara Homestay at the remote Guddekere. A word of caution, look out for snakes crossing your path!.
DAY 05 - KODACHADRI KARNIVAL
From:GUDDEKERE
Via:NAGARA FORT
To:KODACHADRI
Cycling Distance (KM):70 Kms
Activities / Highlights: Another long ride day with limited shade. But the biggest challenge of GMC2017 awaits! Scaling Kodachadri on a cycle. A feat attempted only by a handful, the torture of off-road, uphill climb is dotted with vicious hairpin curves. An evening to assuage your aching body at Nittur.
DAY 06 - STREAMY SCENE
From:KODACHADRI
Via:SHARAWATHI BACK WATER
To:JOGFALLS
Cycling Distance (KM):80 Kms
Activities / Highlights: An adventurous day for the cyclists! The trail passes through some dense woods before hitting an off-road stretch that leads to the banks of backwaters of Sharavathi River. A little bit of chilling in the water before boarding boats to cross over. Another ride through the woods before we end the day at Jog Falls.
DAY 07 - CROWNING GLORY
From:JOGFALLS
Via:KOGARU FOREST
To:MURUDESHWARA
Cycling Distance (KM):80 Kms
Activities / Highlights: The last day of GMC2017. The 7-day MTB challenge concludes at Murudeshwara. Winners announced; memories re-lived; tired bodies relieved… and party till you drop. After days of camaraderie, it is time head back to the reality of civilization. Memories are forever!
