December 01, 2007 (DefenceIndia News Service)

In a rare attempt to create awareness about HIV/Aids, a 26-year-old army personnel has undertaken a 50-km 'rare bicycle ride', pedaling one while holding two others on either sides.

Manikandan took up the challenge on Friday, on the eve of World Aids Day, as part of the efforts by a voluntary organisation to create AIDS awareness.

An army driver posted in Gaya in Bihar, Manikandan had come on a brief vacation to his native place.

He commenced his ride from the local Shenbagavalli Amman temple at 11:30 AM and took two-and-a-half hours to reach Shankarankovil with the three bicycles.

Several onlookers had gathered along both sides of the road to witness the 'rare ride'.

He was given a rousing welcome at a high school in Shankarankovil.

Manikandan had earlier undertaken a 40-km motorcycle ride from Kadayanallur in the district to Tirunelveli in 2005, holding two bicycles on either sides. He also found a place in the Limca Book of World Records for the feat.

Manikandan said his ambition was to enter the Guinness Book of World Records.