Ride to Nandi Hills, Bangalore, India

Date: Sunday, March 22, 2009.

Me in red shirt along with ChosZang. Pic taken by another friend who visited Nandi on Motorbike

Group: We were around 30 riders all from Bangalore biker club. Few of them were on road bikes and others were on MTBs. few others drove their SUVs to Hebbal or Nandi Hill turn and joined from there.

Starting: I started from NGV, Koramangala at 0530. Reached Trinity Circle at 0545 and waited there for 10 minutes for other 3 riders. After reaching Columbia Asia Hospital at Hebbal, I again waited for 45 minutes for others to come.

The way: Around 20 of us started from there. Road bikes were fast and disappeared in a minutes. MTB riders were riding according to their own pace. After reaching Nandi Hill turn on the NH-7, I noticed that all other rides were having breakfast. I had Bananas and Tiger biscuits. Later I came to know that the breakfast was very delicious. Not sure why, but the food on road sides always tastes good. :)

From there I started and stopped at the base of Nandi Hill. I bought water from there and stretched my body. I had never been to Nandi Hill before. So not even knowing what was there in front of me.

The climb : I put my Trek 6000 in appropriate gear and started. It was 7 KMs of that deadly climb. I had nothing in my mind except one thing, that I am not going to give up. Breathing deeply and not loosing the momentum was the key. But soon, the roads were getting more steep and all such keys stopped working. It was very tough for me to convince my mind and then my body for moving ahead. Each and every 100m was looking like a huge pain.

Then happened a strange experience. There was a car full of crazy guys. They had music on at high volume and shouting aloud. I noticed them and thought that this must a group of friends having fun. But then the car passed me throwing a lot of water on my face. It hit hard to me. The car was descending down at least 60-70 KMPH. I was already struggling and added to that was this sharp pain on my face. I was not able to see anything because of water on my glasses. But stopping was out of question. If I had stopped and lost the momentum, it would have been very tough to start again. I continued... and with in 2-3 minutes that ridiculous act of those insane guys helped me. Due to the water my body became cool and I was happy for that finally. The only wish is, next time they throw the water in a gentle manner. :)

Moving ahead, I realized that I cannot move anymore now. I stopped and filled my stomach with one packet of Tiger biscuits. Drank half a liter of water. Just at this time, I saw road bikers were coming down. Looking at them was another confidence boost up. I started again. The ride was very tough ahead. I had never pushed my mind that much in the whole of my life. Then I noticed the 1 KM mile stone. I was so exhausted that every 100m was a pain for me. Doing 10 such 100m was out of question. After around 200m I almost gave up. But then I saw the gate for Nandi. This was another boost up for me. I stood on the pedals and used whatever I was left in my ass. Finally, reached Nandi and joined other three riders who were waiting for me.

Downhill Ride: Riding down was a great fun. While climbing above, I was thinking that why people do this tiring ride again and again? I had the answer now. I was able to touch 50 KMPH, which is highest for me. The return journey was not that easy because the sun was high in the sky. But I did not stop. Finally, reached back to home at 1345.

Stats:
Max Speed: 50 KMPH
Av speed: 21
Distance: 134 KM

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Nandi Hills - II

Date : Saturday, 18 April, 2009

Group : Alone

Whats next : It rained Friday night and I thought it would be good to ride in this weather. But today morning, the sky was crystal clear. I was riding on NH-7 and saw the sun rising. Even at that time the intensity was high. I was feeling hunger and decided to go to Nandi Hill turn on the NH-7, where idly is available as breakfast. But there was nothing today and thus I had to ride further to eat something. After reaching the Nandi Hill base, I thought if I have come so far, let go up then. :)

I met another road biker and two guys on their MTBs. The MTBikers were looking very tired and I saw them dragging the bike up when I was coming downhill.

The good part this time is, my max and avg speeds are better than the last time. :)

Stats:
Max Speed: 56.5 KMPH
Av speed: 22.9
Distance: 134 KM