The decent start marred by a puncture at 80km created a two hour buffer at the first control point at around 200kms. It was steadily eroded by the climbs, and consumed over and beyond by the very steep Boys town climb of 6.25km where we had to walk about 4kms, as riding seemed to put enormous strain on the lower back. The next 20kms to Kalpetta(520km) had patchy roads and these 26kms along with sleep…
Browsing Category Cycling
Observations, musings, experiences while cycling
Channarayapatna 300BRM
Interesting sights and insights My second brevet of this season the 300km brevet to Channarayapatna (NH 75 Mangalore highway) and back was successful, done in 14hr:40mins, my fastest until now. My good friend Mandar Aiya said that is just 1200/4 and wished me the best, whilst my younger son said ‘Oh just 300, no big deal’. Amazing confidence they have in me! To me, each brevet is interesting that starts with a murmur of trepidation…
PBP Experience#5
After arriving at Velodrome at Paris, got the cards stamped and submitted them. After the breakfast that comprised of a singular muffin which is what I was entitled being a vegetarian, I was all set to leave. That is when the amazing cyclist arrived. The Italian cyclist rode the special cycle using hands only as he has no lower limbs. He completed the 1230km PBP successfully. His face radiated peace and happiness. The only muffin…
PBP Experience #4
Welcoming cheers from the wonderful volunteers as you enter the control refreshes you. The happiness of making it to the control and the exuberance of the people recharges you. And as you enter the control, it is amazing to see the zillion cycles in different postures – some elegantly poised with the seat tip on the horizontal bar in the bike parking, some sleepng on lawns, and some resting against the poles. I drop the…
PBP Experience #3
The quiet slow ride on Day 3, enjoying the wonderful French country side. Expansive fields between picturesque villages, lovely houses, families sitting on their manicured lawn eating a leisurely breakfast. The sun gently warms up the fields, slowing down time, relaxing you completely, the legs gracefully circling to move the cycle gently on the smooth French roads. Fantastic Armin van Burren music fills the ears, and the loud humming spreads the happiness to the countryside….
PBP Experience #2
Pitch dark forest mountain roads with beautiful curves, cycle zipping possibly at 40-50kmph, body shifting weight as you gracefully negotiate the bends, the chilly mountain air charging you with fresh energy. And when you a see red light(s) at a distance, you know that the downhill has changed direction. No adrenalin rush, just the quiet blissful feeling which sometimes you selfishly wish would prolong further.
PBP Experience #1
Time distorts, stops, curves, becoming a sharp point. Eyes half closed, sharpening focus, just you and the few feet of road, hands light and feathering the handlebar. Legs supple and pumping away, generating awesome power as you blitz past the huge peloton up the long never ending beautiful climb. Sheer bliss as you quietly zip past others effortlessly. Hands caressing the handlebar as if massaging the smooth beautiful skin of the opposite sex, priceless moments…
Thank you dear Trek 7100
FB reminded me of a memory two years ago, my trusty Trek 7100 which prepared me well for PBP. We have done quite a few brevets and long rides totalling nearly 25000kms and has been instrumental in making me a good rider. He has never let me down in any ride, every ride smooth and pleasurable aided by a generous sofa seat that has been a pleasure for the bottom, and the relaxed geometry calming…
Paris Je t’aime. Au Revoir.
Au Revoir Paris. After a lovely time in Paris, it is the time to bid goodbye. And what better way to sign off other than a cycle and run. A nice 28km cycling tour of the famous Paris landmarks yesterday – Grand Palace, Louvre museum, Sacred Heart church, Notre Dame and then a 5km run today, the day of departure visiting Roland Garros. This has been a lovely trip where I realised a long cherished…
Paradise on two wheels
Paris, Aug 2015. Had a good 55 km ride yesterday, went to the start point National Velodrome. What struck me was the peace and serenity all around. Traffic light and quiet, people unhurried, wide boulevards 400ft wide lined with tall trees. Old people walking dogs, couples holding hands and enjoying their walk, sporadic runners, people sitting on the bistros on the pavement and enjoying their food and coffee. And the cycle tracks on the roads,…