RideIndia

Camels and Carriageways How can I begin to explain the journey, the terrain, the sight, the sounds, the experience - I cant? I realise that perhaps not being able to blog is about not being able to express the experience. Day 1 is a short 45km rife back to the hotel through countryside and villages. Sound easy - but i realise that the roads we have just driven on in the bus will be the road out and back to the hotel... now this road was full of vehicles, animals, people and stuff on the move... I have decided that nothing in India can be in the right place - everything seems to be in transit. We cycle out of the tranquil hotel grounds and in single file – “one finger” help aloft by our lead guide, we are out - exposed and accountable. We cycle at a good pace, overtaking motorbikes, that then overtake us, peering at our faces – phones for selfies held aloft. We cycle past people carrying loads, carts pulled by oxen, camels, men on bikes or being pushed and pulled by ...

I loved the times when I was cycling alone - they didnt happen often as everyone was so supportive and chatty. I loved the chatter as well but every so often just being in your own space is wonderful... a long uphill had drawn out the riders and I was cycling alone.... I found myself mulling over the items I had packed - pondering over 3 questions. What was my most useful and valuable item, what was the most useless item that I should have left at home and what was my luxery item that I could have left but was so grateful I didnt? There were many essentials - helmet, cycling gloves, water bottle, snacks - but they were all on the kit list and so inevitable - then my thoughts went to my waterproof earplugs - Im not usually an earplug user and these had been bought to keep water out of my ears in case Id gone for a swim  - but they had to be the most essential item I had packed - they had ensured a good nights undisturbed sleep - I think I would have wept if id have lost them. ...

these boots  This Kit... every night they get taken off - the dirty stuff thrown into the laundry bag - boy is that bag going to stink by the time I get back to Blighty!! Clean underwear - and yes I wore knickers - stuck to the tried and tested!! Added a bit of Chammy for its antibacterial qualities – what? - too much information - let me tell you on a trip like this every detail, movement, non-movement and attempts at movements are shared - and you’re worried about knickers!! Clean shirt – which one? Are we having to wear official or high vis or other? Clean shorts – easier if you wear knickers!! Clean socks inside my bike shoes – with elastic laces so my feet can swell in the heat! Hat – for heat protection hot and cold, helmet for head protection - it was obligatory! Glasses, Gloves, mini hand sanitiser, mini sun cream, lip protection and face protection – buff!! Water bottle, energy tabs and bars Waist bag to carry my bits and pieces in - ju...