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 Experiences
My experiences outdoors on the bike or on the feet!
Mindfully enjoying the sweat
The pores in the head opened slowly and micro droplets were squeezed out. They merged to form a thin line of sweat that meandered slowly through the hairs. The many tiny rivulets flowing through the hairs gently massaged the scalp tickling it lightly and merged to form big drop. It poised gingerly on the top of the head, and as I took the next step, it rolled across the forehead rapidly, sliding down the nose…
Lick your lips
With humidity at 84% and temperature that Garmin says ‘feels like 30c’ it sure was exacting to run the 16km today. Late start at 7:20am, the running tee was wet before the end of first km. It is nice running with the sun in front, the hot rays invigorating you, while the humidity enervates you making you lick your lips. When I turn into the side streets, the tall buildings hide the sun and the…
Back to running in the streets of Tokyo
On business in Tokyo this week, a great start with a morning on Day #1. The first time I think I have run here in 100% RH weather, it turned out be a real sweaty run. Constant pace on quiet feet. Ear free from music. Mind observant interrupted by the vibrating Garmin every km. Peaceful side streets exit onto busy main road. Senior citizens doing traffic control for pedestrians near school smiling and greeting with…
Discovering the neighbourhood dawn
Today it was about discovering the neighbourhood at dawn. 3:30AM – The night owl cloud has just finished its exercise. Dawn is nice and cool with a hint of dew-like drizzle. The neighbourhood is sleeping, but the birds are up, co-coing to glory. The yellow light from the lamp posts cast lazy puddles on the quiet empty street. Peace reigns. As I enter the main road, there is activity. A couple of Tempo Travellers are…
Night walk
The ‘walking thing’ is getting into me. While walking the dog-walk after dinner, the clouds were signalling to each other using ‘lightening’ morse, as to how to rain today. They decided to take it cool and slow, a continuous pitter patter all through. Having made the decision to do a long walk anyway and enjoy the continuous drizzle, a wind cheater and a cap was all that I needed. 10PM – Quiet dark side streets,…
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…
Running in Shibuya
After the HM on TUE, Wed and today(THU) proved to be good running day, today was however cooler. The mornings are dark despite starting around 6AM. The air is cold and heavy with humidity and you can to feel it. It takes a little over a km to get the cold outside my system, and about 3km to get the body warmed up. Even though the body is warmed up, fingers get chilled. I miss…
A lovely HM in Tokyo
Cool weather today morning that according to Garmin feels like 11c beckoned another run. Planned for a 17km and legs did not stop until HM. Discovered new streets, turned whenever and whoever I felt like, sometimes the red light at the pedestrian lights forced me loop around. Quaint houses, cute streets, picture perfect houses, spotless clean pavement, pocket dogs being walked by there master/mistress some dressed for winter and senior people enjoying their morning walk….
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…