I went on a two day cycling trip recently, biking all the way from Bhagamandala in Coorg to Bekal fort near Kasargod on day one and from Kasaragod to Jalsoor on day two. On the second day, just few kilometers from Jalsoor we saw a hanging bridge built across the river Payaswini (also known as Chandragiri). After riding for close to 50KMs on the second day, we were happy to see the water so that we could take a dip. But the river was in full flow and we had to be content riding on the swaying bridge back and forth. Here is a video I shot on my mobile phone –
It has been more than 3 weeks since I went for a ride in Coorg, and it is still stuck in my head. And more than that I am finding it difficult to take some time out to jot down the ride experiences. Before I get to that, here are some images from the ride.
It’s been couple of days since I came back from a weekend ride in Coorg region, arranged by Cycling and More. An awesome ride up the Mandalapatti peak on day one covering around 45KMs and another 35 on day two all the way till Chikli hole dam near Kushalanagar. Here are some highlights before I come up with the detailed story -
Full day of riding in rain (it was as if riding the bike with shower on above the helmet)
Mist, mist and mist – everywhere
Eye pleasing greenery of Western ghats, when mist gave way for few seconds every now and then
Demanding climb up the Mandalapatti hill
Awesome rolling terrain – push the bike uphill, sit on the saddle and ‘Wheeee’ go down with glee like a kid. Repeat the cycle.
Slush-fest – it took me more than 30 minutes to clean my white shoes. But it is not white anymore.
Leech bites, non-stop bleeding and now a day after itching all over
Made new friends, met a college batchmate after 10 years
A long downhill of 10KMs of pure bliss on second day
When I landed in England last year February, one of the things I wanted to do was to either buy a bike (cycle) or go on a ride on a rented bike. During my first visit to Swindon, I had almost decided on buying one. But had to be content with just visits to the bike shop – reason being duration of my stay was less than 3 months.
Luck was with me and there I was back in London after two months. I didn’t want to miss the opportunity this time. Instead of buying a bike I decided to visit a place where I could rent one to roam around. Few rounds of searching on the web, I decided to visit Seven Sisters Country Park situated in the South Downs National Park .
The day started early on a Saturday. After enjoying the England’s rural landscape through the windows of the trains (London to Seaford via Lewes) and then a short journey by bus to the Park Centre. The day was cold and overcast. We hired bikes for half day and started our exploration. First visit was to the beach – cycling was fun in the cold with the cliffs on the left side and river Cuckmere to our right.
Seven Sisters gets the name from the seven brows of the cliffs made of chalk. The cliffs are receding at about 30-40cm each year on average. The process is intermittent with major falls occurring after heavy rain or rough seas, often two of three times per year. (source)
After spending some time on the beach and savoring the majestic view of Seven sisters, it was time for cycling through woods in Friston Forest. The biking path was clearly demarcated through the woods. After biking in the open on the valley floor, it was a different experience to pedal with green covered all around.
Post lunch it was a long walk to Cuckmere Haven which is on the other side of river Cuckmere. On the way back home, tired legs won hands down against the eyes to savor the English rural landscape. And it was a much needed rest during the return journey. :)
