Nashik doctor to cycle from Geneva to Nice to help build school in Chhattisgarh.

Nashik cyclist, Shirish Ghan, has started pedalling a distance of 367.7 miles from Geneva to Nice for a noble cause from yesterday. His efforts are dedicated to raising funds for a school in Chhattisgarh in conjunction with Small Steps Charity, a non-profitable organisation.

Don’t think that the journey is going to be a fun affair. Rather, the 367.7 miles which has to be completed in around 5 days will zig-zag through routes which regularly feature on the Le Tour de France circuit and will include a climb of 9,527m.

This year's ride will see Ghan take on the Alpe D'Huez (1,850m) with 21 hairpin bends, best known to be a very challenging one.

Small Steps Charity has been encouraging the education of 186 children in a remote tribal area of Bilaspur by funding 50% of their school cost through School Project since the past 2 years.

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"I will be raising funds for a school in Chhattisgarh. I am also dedicating this ride to the innocent victims of Nice," said Ghan, a medical practitioner of ear-nose-throat and an avid cyclist.

Ghan is no stranger to riding through demanding terrain. To his credit, he has completed the 750km tough terrain from Niagara Falls to New York, the 500km route from Manali to Khardungla, one of the most difficult rides as it is18,300 feet above sea level and has also explored Sri Lanka for 7 days this January.

Interestingly, Ghan is not the first medical practitioner to tame challenging routes with his bicycle. Manisha and Nitin Raundal both medical practitioners completed a 560 km cycling trek starting from 6000 feet on July 15 and finishing at Khardungla top at 18380 feet on July 25 last month. The trip was organized by Youth Hostel Association of India.

"Frothy weather, heavy rain, snowfall, severe cold, low oxygen levels, wind and sometimes hot weather were very challenging," said Manisha.

Images used for representational purposes only

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