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| FAQ |
Q: What is TFN ?
TFN : Tour oF Nilgiris (TFN ) is a 8 day tour on a bicycle across South India. Put another way, if you are a regular on a bicycle, it’s a way to test your ability and grit. Not done TFN yet? You ain’t done nothin’ yet.
Q: Why TFN and not ToN (Tour of Nilgiris) or TdN (Tour de Nilgiris)?
Some clod in the team — better with cycling than with unnecessary nuances of the language — in a discussion in 2008 took up a marker and wrote on the white board “Tour oF Nilgiris – TFN ” as a start point to explain what this was all about. He was in a hurry and wanted to get going on the event explanation (excited as he was) — and didn’t notice the language error. And neither did anyone else. Until you popped this question just now…!
BTW: We are not very good with French, so TdN didn’t float our boat.
Q: What is the route you will take?
The final route has been updated and has been posted on this site. Please look under “The Tour”. But of course, there is nothing really “final” about the route. With changes in weather, road wear-and-tear between now and the tour, administrative roadblocks, etc, could all spell change in the route. If you are registered for the tour, we will keep you updated about any change in the route.
Q: Who are the organizers?
We are a group of bicycle enthusiasts who are organizing TFN and some of us will also be riding along with everyone participating in this tour. The official banner under which this tour is organised is the RideACycle Foundation. RAC-F is a good-natured, large-hearted, clear-minded foundation that is driven by sheer will power.
Q: What should I expect on the ride?
Sheer excitement.
Q: Who can join?
Any one who has a mechanically sound bicycle and has the physical ability to ride around 100 to 120 km a day can join in. If you are a sponsor, you don’t need to ride, you need to write – a cheque! But come on board, you will enjoy the ride.
Q. What does it cost to be on the tour?
Actually, you need to make a donation to the RideACycle Foundation as part of the tour. The RAC-F uses this to promote cycling and other activities and events like TFN . Do visit the RAC-F site to see the good work being done, thanks to contributions made by generous people like you.
You should see a tab called "Donate" under “The Tour” link which will give you details. If you don't see it right now, it means things are still being decided by the TFN committee and they still have a couple of variables to figure out. But join us on Twitter, Facebook or subscribe to our free SMS alerts to be the first to know details of this aspect of TFN . If the "Donate" tab is available under "The Tour”, your question has been answered.
Q: What do I bring along for the ride?
Everyone is required to bring their own bike! But there’s obviously more to it than this! For details, look under “Essentials”.
Q: What kind of support is provided on the ride?
Quite a bit of support is provided on the tour – it is adequate to ensure you enjoy the ride. For more details, look under “The Tour”.
Q: What if I am not able to complete the day stage? In other words, what if I can’t complete a section of a ride on any given day?
Don’t worry about that too much. We have sweeper vehicles that will pick you up and drop you – and your bicycle – to the end point. Besides, you will have so much encouragement from other riders that completing a stage will hardly be a problem.*
Q: What if I am lost on the ride?
Yes, that is a very real possibility – although last year no one got lost. The reason no one got lost is that riders paid attention to the briefings that take place each morning before the ride begins. The Tour Director is responsible for the briefings that detail the route for the day, food stops, precautions to be taken and so on. Each rider also gets a reasonably detailed Rider Docket to be used in just such an emergency.
Q: I am not from Bangalore, how can you help us with accommodation?
We can help you to get accommodation in one of the cheap and good serviced apartments or hotels in Bangalore.
Q: I am not from India, can you help me to get a Visa to India?
We are sorry, but we can’t. We can help you on most of the things once you are in India.
Q: Any pre-requisites for TFN ?
- Proof of age (rider must be above 18)
- Health certificate stating the participant is in good health to undertake TFN .
- We also encourage participants to get medical insurance as cycling is a high-risk activity.
- A helmet is a must for TFN , any riders without helmet during rides will be eliminated from TFN and no refunds will be available.
Q: Any liabilities?
Each participant will be required to agree with the terms and conditions of TFN and sign a waiver upon registration declaring that they take full responsibility for, risk of injury, to themselves or their equipment and any lost or stolen items.
*Psssst! Truth be told, the writer of this FAQ did not complete two stages last year. So it happens and should be part of what to expect.
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