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
April, days were getting hotter and hotter. And I needed a break from the routine and hectic days at office. After flipping through quite a travel blogs and sites, settled to the close by Coorg. Last time I was in Coorg, it was pouring in October. All hopes for a cooler stay at Coorg was thwarted and the day was nothing better than one in Bangalore.
After a day’s driving around we reached our homestay & the magic of Coorg opened up as the Sun went down. What started as a cool evening breeze, night went on to get more chillier. Soon thunder and ligthing took over and the sky opened up. Heavy rain through out the night meant a completely different beautiful morning on a summer in Coorg. Homestay we stayed is on a hilltop and provided a breathtaking view in the morning – fog covered all over the hill range. The thin white layer of mist cleared gradually as the Sun came up, only to leave us to cool day ahead.
