Date:30/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/30/stories/2008123050310200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Another cycle of environmental campaign

Staff Reporter

— PHOTO: N. Sridharan

BON VOYAGE: Tourist couple Roel Vermeulen and Wieteke Willemen set out on their cycle tour from East Coast Road in Thiruvanmiyur in Chennai on Sunday.

CHENNAI: Tourist couple Roel Vermeulen and Wieteke Willemen from The Netherlands set out for their 800-km cycle expedition to Trivandrum from Thiruvanmiyur in Chennai on Sunday morning. Bicycle Company TI Cycles extended its support to the couple by offering to take care of all their travel needs.

A professor of environmental science and health in Utrecht University, Mr. Roel believes in environment-friendly transport. “In Netherlands, it is safe to bike, as the government provides separate cycle tracks on roads. It exempts cycle users from tax, whereas those who use cars are made to pay heavy taxes,” he said.

He said Ms. Wieteke and he had decided to cycle in South India for a month, as the weather was pleasant and sunny now, unlike the north. “We found the people and the culture of South India interesting to explore. We want to ride along the sea-side and see some temples too,” he said. The couple have planned their trip to Trivandrum via Puducherry and Madurai.

Ms. Wieteke, for her part, was keen to explore the spicy South Indian food. A strict vegetarian, she said, India was the most favourable holiday destination for those wanting to explore varied vegetarian cuisine.

The couple said that cycling was a good way to burn calories, and after cycling through the morning they would get down to eating a wholesome Indian meal. “And after having our fill and getting some sleep, we would start cycling again the next day,” Ms. Wieteke said excitedly.

For Mr. Roel, this is his third holiday cycle expedition.

“My first trip was from Netherlands to Russia when I was in school. I had enjoyed that trip very much. My second cycle expedition was four years ago from Netherlands to France. This time I wanted to explore a different terrain and decided on India,” he said.

TI Cycles of India representative S. Krishnaswamy said that the couple turned up at one of their dealers, to purchase cycles when they decided to highlight their story to inspire others.