माझ्या विचारांची श्रुंखला. My Chain of Thoughts.

  Day 10 Lucknow to Ayodhya (Distance covered 143 km)   Today we woke up elated. Today is the last day of this epic ride. we all were battered, exhausted, some in pain, others battling technical issues with their bikes. But all were carrying the same enthusiasm and smile on their face. All were eager to reach Ayodhya and complete this ride.   We started early morning at 4 am and were flagged offed at Bada Immambada, in front of Rumi Darwaja.   We swiftly rode through empty streets of Lucknow and started eating away kilometers. Soon, the destination boards were in sight. Took some time to click photographs and finally we were at the gate of RamLalla's city of Holy Ayodhya. By 2:30 pm we reached Ayodhya. After quick lunch, got freshened up and all started for the Darshan of Ramlalla.   The temple is still being constructed, but the arrangements for devotees are excellent. There was hardly any rush when we took the darshan. it was satisfying to see the Shrine and R...

  Day 9 Kanpur to Lucknow (Distance covered 89 km)   Since we had to extend our previous ride, the stretch from Kanpur to Lucknow got shortened. This means, we will get more time to explore the City of Nawabs. We started a bit late than usual. 7 am was flag off. We started by 7:30 am. The morning traffic was light and we can see signs to Ayodhya appear within our reach. Thoughts crossed my mind to stretch till Ayodhya on 9th day itself. But foodie in me won the battle and the aroma of Shami kabab, Gilauti Kabab, Chaat and thoughts of Lucknawi Biryani dissolved my resolve and we went to Lucknow.   We reached Lucknow by 1:30 dodging the usual afternoon traffic. Quickly freshened up and started to explore the city. We were put up in the heart of the city near Bada Immambada. Everything was close by. All the famous food junctions, monuments were walking distance.   We indulged some Kababs and Biryani and did some shopping for kids and wife.   With the dream to reach...

  Day 8 Jhansi to Kanpur (Distance covered 224 km)   Since the organizers could not find suitable places for all the participants to stay in between the route, they had to extend the ride till Kanpur. Previously, we were not supposed to stay at Kanpur. The arrangements were made on the fly and we had to ride more than 200 km on 8th day of our tour.   The positive side was there was hardly any elevation. The road was flat and we got some tailwind too. However, in the end, the Kanpur traffic forced us to take it easy and ride with caution. The elevated highway meant we had to encounter heavy vehicle traffic. There were number of traffic jams when we entered the last few kilometers to our destination.   Forgot to mention, my bicycle suffered multiple flats due to work out tires. Some acrobatics needed to be done to find the puncture and fix them.   Finally reached the destination and took some much needed rest.   Strava Link https://www.strava.com/activities/1...

  Day 7 Badarwas to Jhansi (Distance covered 146 km)   Today we started early and directly joined the highway as the stay hotel was right next to highway. The road was through some jungle patches where, you do not see any human footprint other than the road on which you are riding.   Upon reaching Jhansi, we visited the Jhansi fort and remembered the glory and bravery of Rani Laxmibai. A group photo was taken.   Strava Link https://www.strava.com/activities/13020230030 Start Pose Our Selfie man. Gang with Shrikant. The man behind all the arrangement. Gaju (Gajanan Khaire) Chairman of IAS He is one of the three who are backbone of the organization. Group photo at Jhansi Fort Elevation profile

  Day 5 Ujjain to Biaora (Distance covered 158 km) Day 6 Biaora to Badarwas (Distance Covered 139 km)   After Ujjain, on Day 5 we reached to a small town in MP called Biaora, there was not much to do in the town, the arrangements were excellent so, we could relax a bit. Food was good. The rooms were comfortable with hot water for bath.   Day 5 Strava link https://www.strava.com/activities/12994151728   After Biaora, the next day we went to another small town called Badarwas. Here also we did not have much to explore. We relaxed and rested for next day's ride.   Day 6 Strava link https://www.strava.com/activities/13001198960 Pose with Bike in the morning With Windcutter (Shreekant) He is an excellent fast rider. Glad to have his company during the ride. Day 5 Elevation profile Day 6 Elevation Profile

  Day 4 Maheshwar to Ujjain (Distance covered 142 km)   Today also we had to climb one ghat section. the half of the section was a newly built road not yet opened to public. We were the only traffic on 4 lane road. It was very serene experience. The climb and head wind through the valley section was taking our energy away. But we pedaled on and climbed the ghat.   Soon, we could see sign boards of Ujjain, land of Lord Mahakaal Shiva.   We crossed the cleanest city Indore.   Thoroughly enjoyed the Mahakaal Darshan and rested for the night. Now, legs were no longer paining. Niggles here and there were manageable.   Strava Link https://www.strava.com/activities/12986280484 Pose at the start of the day with Cycle Sunrise Selfie My Cavalo (I am identified in IAS community by this name) Pointing to the destination In the land of Mahakaal Mahakaal Darshan Elevation profile

  Day 3 - Shirpur to Maheshwar (Distance covered 130 km)   Although today distance was less, we have to encounter a big ghat section. It was more than 20 km uphill climb. You can see it in the elevation graph below. We started early and quickly reached breakfast point. Local cyclist club had arranged for nice breakfast. After that we quickly started for the ghat section. After the ghat, we had nice downhill to our destination of Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh (M.P)   After reaching our destination, we freshened up and went to visit Narmada riverside structures. Those are built by Maharani Ahilyadevi and still stand tall giving glimpses of the history gone by.   Strava link https://www.strava.com/activities/12978685261 Posing with Cycle. This will be almost daily pose. Waiting for fellow cyclists Maa Narmada. Narmade Har!!! Kashi Mandir at Narmada Ghat, Maheshwar Kashi Mandir Elevation profile

  Day 2 - Shirdi to Shirpur (Distance covered 204 KM)   Today we have to go to Shirpur near Dhule. Total distance to be covered is more than 200 km. So, we started early from Shirdi and immediately cold weather at country side greeted us. cycling for 15 is brought heat in the body and got into good rhythm. Today's lunch was arranged by one of the construction company who admired the effort of us all. They arranged for nice cushion to rest and massage service for us along with some delicious food.   They even felicitated us with Lord Rama Plaque.   We reached Shirpur by evening 7 pm some what tired. This was my first time cycling more than 150 km back to back. Confidence is getting stronger that I will be able to complete the 10 days without any issues.   Strava link https://www.strava.com/activities/12976667313 Starting Day 2 from Shirdi Being felicitated Zodge Hemadpanthi Mandir Elevation Profile

I have been riding bicycle regularly on long distance since 2018 and covering excess of 200 kilometers (160 miles) with ease. Being part of a strong cycling community of Pune called Indo Athletics' Society (IAS), I was excited when they announced Uttar Digvijay, a cycle expedition of 10 days from Pune to Ayodhya . I quickly checked with my better half and looked at the calendar for any major events at work. Finding none during November 23rd to December 10th, I enrolled myself for the event.   As the days passed, we started practicing together on daily rides and long distance rides on weekends. There was apprehension as I did not ride more than 100 km on consecutive days. But friends assured me and gave me confidence.   Day 1: Pune to Shirdi (Distance covered 178.5 km) Started early from home at 4:30 am and joined other riders. the ride was easy with some climbs. Reached Shirdi at around 5 pm. Freshen up and visited the Sai mandir.   First day is done. The doubts abou...