TfN: What Type of Cycling is TfN?

Yesterday I talked about the different types of cycles but there is also the matter of the different types of cycling. So continuing on the topic of cycles and cycling, here are some of the different types of cycling done around the world.

Cycling is categorised based on the use of the cycle into 3 broad types.

Utility Cycling - Utility Cyclists use their cycles to commute to work daily, for a commercial activity, to transport goods, etc. Some examples other than the standard work commute are cycles used in the postal services, urban policing on cycles, and the Mumbai Dabbawalas delivery cycles.

Recreational Cycling - Includes Bicycle Touring, Organised Rides and Mountain Biking.

• Bicycle touring, also known as cyclotourism is exploration or sightseeing for leisure done individually, in small groups or as an organised tour.


• Organised Rides like Cyclosportives, Challenge Rides, Reliability Trials, and Hill Climbs are organised by cycling clubs for all levels bicyclists participate.


• Mountain biking originated in the 1970's as a downhill sport, but today most of it takes place on dirt roads, trails and in purpose-built parks.

Racing - Some of the different racing formats are road racing, tour racing, mountain bike racing, time trial racing, and cyclo-cross racing.

So what is type of cycling is Tour of Nilgiris?
After reading an analysing I think TfN can be categorised under Recreational Cycling--> Organised Rides--> Cyclosportive + Challenge Ride

• A challenge ride is a form of cycling where the riders challenge themselves rather than each other.


• A cyclosportive is a short to long distance, organised, mass-participation cycling event, typically held annually.

Did I get it right?
Ah, wait, it also says a cyclosportive falls between a traditional cycle road race and the more challenging non-competitive randonnée or Audax events. So my revised answer - Recreational Cycling--> Organised Rides--> Cyclosportive :D

Now that I know the types of cycles and types of cycling, how do I choose a cycle for myself?
One way to choose a good cycle would be to first figure out what kind of activities I'm going to do with the cycle and based on that choose the type of cycle I need. Then of course I need to check out and research whats available and in my budget before I measure myself for the cycle and test ride it. Another way (my preferred method) is to make puppy eyes at husband and ask him to help :P

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