[ninjatalli]

Originally Posted by amol4184

Will read the whole thing in detail but at the outset I’ll say this is a dream of a journey! Almost 100km every day for 8 days back to back, that’s some next level fitness too. Well done!

Thank you. It's a dream achieved indeed - more than a decade ago, it was a dream to do this route on a motorbike and lately the aim shifted to do it on a cycle.

Originally Posted by vinodvayyat

Congratulations and hats-off! Is that a Cannondale Quick 5?

Well spotted. Quick 7 it is.

Originally Posted by Passatman

Hey, That's an awesome ride, and one that's been on my mind for long! One question, is it all flat roads with minimal inclines ? While I have driven on the same route about 7 yrs back, it's tough to notice inclines while driving, much less recollect from a drive 7 yrs ago .

Most of it is flat with minimal inclines except for the last leg - Trivandrum to Nagercoil which saw a moderate bit of elevation (rolling hills primarily). I wouldn't call it a tough section although it was very much a surprise to see inclines after 7 days of flatish tracks.

Sharing a pic here and i hope to do the Coastal ride come early Jan !

Nice color and all the best for your upcoming ride!

[Passatman]

Thanks for the prompt reply clarifying my doubts. I used to see lots of cyclists doing the Colombo - Bentota - Hikkaduwa - Galle - Hambantota stretch during my holidays in Srilanka.
Your coastal ride route would be just as exciting if not more! I wonder why this is not popular among tourists? Throw in a houseboat stay, some yummy foodstops ( keralas famous toddy shops maybe) and lots of tender coconut + your Lemon Sodas and i would be hooked ! Much less the firangs

Checking out with my riding group in Bangalore if anyone keen to join as I may not be as brave as you to go it alone.

[wheeledwanderer]

Nice Cyclelogue! Where was all your luggage? Was it in your backpack?

[ninjatalli]

Originally Posted by wheeledwanderer

Nice Cyclelogue! Where was all your luggage? Was it in your backpack?

All in the large saddle bag you see under the seat and the front handle bag; no other bag/luggage. I travel light.

[Innysta]

Originally Posted by ninjatalli

One of the first of many 'jankaar' ferries I took to cross over the wider backwaters

Nice travel story. I believe you could have spotted more sights in cycling than driving. Can you share the place names (From, To) where you crossed it through 'jankaar' boat?

[Fillmore]

Just saw this thread.
Amazing feat indeed 9 days non stop riding, that too solo

The only thing that is missing are some video shots of you riding

When free do share some inputs on how you managed the day ?
Like what would a typical day span out ? typical start time, your food stops and breaks, typical riding time slots .. maybe skip the peak afternoons , end the ride at what time etc...
People yielding to cyclists - behaviour observed at different parts of India ?

[ninjatalli]

Originally Posted by Innysta

Nice travel story. I believe you could have spotted more sights in cycling than driving. Can you share the place names (From, To) where you crossed it through 'jankaar' boat?

I remember 3 (there are more)
- South of Calicut (Beypore)
- North of Kochi (at Azhikode and Fort Vypin)

Originally Posted by Fillmore

Just saw this thread.
Amazing feat indeed 9 days non stop riding, that too solo

The only thing that is missing are some video shots of you riding

When free do share some inputs on how you managed the day ?
Like what would a typical day span out ? typical start time, your food stops and breaks, typical riding time slots .. maybe skip the peak afternoons , end the ride at what time etc...
People yielding to cyclists - behaviour observed at different parts of India ?

Stopped taking videos on the cycle - just to be on the safer side.

Typical day would be
- wake up by 4.30 - 5 and get ready
- leave hotel premises by 6am
- breakfast halt around the 40 - 50 km mark between 8 - 9am
- halts for water/lime soda/coconut every 45 mins (depending on the heat)
- reach destination by noon (+/- 1 hour observed; max pushed till 2pm)
- take rest/sightseeing/just chill the rest of the day
- crash out by 9pm

I have cycled across 5+ states, across rural and state & national highways. Most if not all places, people give way to cyclists. The Indian driver is used to seeing cycles on the street and subconsciously is able to heed them. Its on the traffic filled narrow city roads (eg Bangalore) where I caution restraint. But still its manageable.

[EV Fan]

Originally Posted by ninjatalli

By now, having done this multiple times, I was well comfortable with the process of taking the cycle on the train as parcel luggage and the whole process was completed without any sweat.

Amazing, especially since it was a solo.

Wanted to ask if you have ever tried taking the cycle in the local trains - MEMU, MMTS types?
These only have a vendor section, unlike the regular trains with luggage compartments. The railways folks unfortunately don't know how to charge for the cycle & simply refuse to allow it...
Any specific regulations, that you are aware of, on these?

[Faceless]

Originally Posted by ninjatalli

Trip Summary: Guruvayur to Kochi
Kms: 85
======
Attachment 2389192
The beautiful Santa Cruz cathedral at Fort Kochi, right next to the hostel I was put up

My,my! All familiar pit-stops! Gokul Ootupura and Kashi Art Cafe are staples for our occational Kochi trips!

[ninjatalli]

Originally Posted by EV Fan

Amazing, especially since it was a solo.

Wanted to ask if you have ever tried taking the cycle in the local trains - MEMU, MMTS types?
These only have a vendor section, unlike the regular trains with luggage compartments. The railways folks unfortunately don't know how to charge for the cycle & simply refuse to allow it...
Any specific regulations, that you are aware of, on these?

I have - in Mumbai (several times), Pune (once nearly a decade ago), and Chennai (took it on an intercity and not the intra-city MEMU) without any constraints. However, in Bangalore, I'm yet to try it out and am not sure if I'll be allowed to do so.

To my knowledge, there isn't much of a regulation on this but I have no idea. In Bombay, no one would stop me; I'd only get surprised looks. Only for the Pune trip, I paid - the surprised individual at the counter just asked me to buy two tickets instead of one. I just went with it.

Originally Posted by Faceless

My,my! All familiar pit-stops! Gokul Ootupura and Kashi Art Cafe are staples for our occational Kochi trips!

Thanks - they were recommended by friends in Kochi.

[VishJ]

One awesome cycling travelogue. Coastal route is a great option to cycle through. Please give us some info on the process of taking cycle in train along with us.

[EV Fan]

Originally Posted by ninjatalli

I have - in Mumbai (several times),

Originally Posted by ninjatalli

In Bombay, no one would stop me; I'd only get surprised looks.

Mumbai?? I thought they were heavily crowded, with no place to stand.
I would rather brave the distance and the sun than the crowded Mumbai local.

Originally Posted by ninjatalli

Only for the Pune trip, I paid - the surprised individual at the counter just asked me to buy two tickets instead of one. I just went with it.

That's a good idea, can suggest that at the ticket counter as well, if they are as clueless as in your case. Anyways the cycle weighs less than a person. Might try out an afternoon, non crowded train, as a test.
Let me know if you are planning a ride or test sometime - will join in.

[ninjatalli]

Originally Posted by VishJ

One awesome cycling travelogue. Coastal route is a great option to cycle through. Please give us some info on the process of taking cycle in train along with us.

A detailed thread is in the works - should be up & visible over the weekend.

EDIT: Read about Transporting Bicycles across India.

[Blanktrails]

Amazing feat. It has inspired me to make plans of my own. Would like to do it in a group though. And would mix in some water sports.

[itisravi]

Great read Ninja!

Originally Posted by ninjatalli

All in the large saddle bag you see under the seat and the front handle bag; no other bag/luggage. I travel light.

What did you wear when cycling and how many pairs did you carry? I am guessing you did the laundry at the hotel.