Re: Elation in Elevation

Cycle Travelogue Approved

Haha. Oh the torture of it all. Good fun. Waiting for the rest of the story

Re: Elation in Elevation

Looking back it seems fun. But boy that day it was a torture Will be updating rest of the log soon.

Re: Elation in Elevation

Good ride story there. Waiting for rest of the story.

Re: Elation in Elevation

Thanks. Just posting it.

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Part 3


Before starting out the dhaba wala said that the road is good till Khurpatal, after that I'll get steep gradient.
I was like WTF ?

Anyways, off I go.
Took the opportunity to click photos on every stop that I had. Some of them came good and others rubbish. I am attributing that to the fatigue.



The road had less traffic so most of the times I was alone.



I hate to admit it, but the untimely rain had its own advantages. I got to see a waterfall.





Mr. fog too made an entry every now and then.

Here comes another crazy one

I have to mention this, one thing that always surprises me is the power of appreciation.
A mere Thumbs upTruck driversHonestly I really don't know what's it with cars and bikes. Some sort of a sibling rivalry maybe, IDK. It's as if a car would automatically veer towards a bicycle.

A funny thing happened. Some guys were tripling on a motorbike.
I was moving slowly on an incline so they come close and say enjoying it bhaiya. I just nod and smiled, was too occupied with the climb to pay attention to these punks.

Not so soon afterwards, they were stuck on a steep gradient. Here comes my chance....I crossed them and hit back, Revenge of the fallen

Ate chocolates and fruits, drank water. And most importantly, stretched.
Also, called up my friends and told them of my position and gave an ETA.

Rest in next part.

Re: Elation in Elevation

The location seems to be awesome. Mist and falls are mesmerizing. Great going there. Suggest to ignore the punks like them.

Re: Elation in Elevation

When did you do this ride? I was in Nainital the last weekend. Though i took the bus

Re: Elation in Elevation

Great pictures. Superb narration. Good to see you people enjoying!

Sent from my Xperia L.

Re: Elation in Elevation

Thanks. Yup the Nainital - Kaladhungi route is a beauty in itself.

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Last weekend only 5th -6th Sept, I took the bike

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Thanks Krishna. Yup we enjoyed a lot in this trip

Re: Elation in Elevation

The climb..Steep bends

It was just switchback after switchback. Each one steeper than the previous. I was gone only 4 Km when I had to take a break. Was completely depleted.



Out came a choco bar, my bundle of instant energy. But this time I did not feel good after eating it. This says a lot about my situation.
By now the pedaling had become a torture. Climbing is all in the mind, somehow this kept resonating in my head.





By now I've envisioned a method for climbing.
Focused on my breathing, and diverted my mind by counting one - two, one - two on every stroke.
Believe me, it worked. I was able to negotiate the steepest of grades, albeit slowly, very slowly. But I never broke my rhythm on any switchback.
Never got down and pushed the bike. I rode it.


Soon enough I could see the Bara patthar horse stand. Felt happy, 'Wow I did it', then saw the road, Cursed
The final climb, I hope
By now it was getting darker and I was tired.
Drank a bit of water.

Crossed bara patthar and took a left for Kilbury-Pangoot road. This one too is downhill for ~1 km.
Enjoyed it immensely. It also served to relax my quads.

Just when I was enjoying it, there came a climb. By now I was dead tired.
Was focused on completing 10 Km before stopping.
I have split my GPS log / Pit stops in laps of 9/10ish kilometers. Can chew only so much.

I tricked my mind, I'll stop at 10 km or a shop whichever comes earlier.
Curse my luck, they both came ~ at same point


Dismounted, enquired about chocolates.
Answer- No.

The people started inquiring about me, ride, bike etc. And I was losing it

Better sense prevailed.
Asked for cream biscuits and some choco toffees, eclairs I think - Got them, yippeee.
Immediately felt better on eating them. Also, handled the enquires in a better way.


It was late and the shopkeeper was concerned about dark and climb ahead.
Did he just say Climb ?

Not to get disheartened by his talk I took leave.
Lesson- Ignore naysayers.

The climb was showing no signs of letting up. It was a chore to reach Tanki bend, the last chai wala.
The sequence of events-

Stopped and asked, Chocolates?
Standard answer (read No)
Tea? Biscuits?
Yes.

Parked. Stretched. I deserved this tea break. Had climbed from ~5400 ft to ~ 7400 ft in 11.6 km.

Clicked few photos for record, and gobbled down a pack of Tiger biscuits with tea. Now I know what nectar tastes like.
Will tell you later why I am mentioning the brand.


Even this shopkeeper was concerned about my timings and dark.

It was getting dark and doubts started to cloud my mind too. Should I ask for a lift from my friends? Should I ride?

It was almost 7 PM, called up my friends and told them of the position. They graciously offered to come and pick me up.
I refused.To be continued..

Re: Elation in Elevation

And the torture fest continues! Was this your first time climbing in the Himalayas?

It is loads of fun if you are prepared. Maybe your next attempt will be so

Re: Elation in Elevation

Unfortunately it was. I was somewhat prepared mentally, but definitely not physically.
This ride was more of testing waters as to know where do I stand.

Even I am sure the next one will be more enjoyable. I will bank on this experience
Maybe do this one again and enjoy it.

Re: Elation in Elevation

excellent man!! How did the rack fair carrying the bike?? When I put my bike onto the rack it really presses against the car's body. I have to be very careful and reasonably slow. So, while this is still manageable within the city limits (max 10kms) can't think of taking my bike on tour!!

How much does your cycle weigh? Any visible dent onto the car's body??

Re: Elation in Elevation


Some time back i had taken a friend of mine for a cycle ride to Mussoorie. It was his first time in the hills. He died, he rode and he died some more

Here is a picture of what happened to him I was only slighter better off than him!!!




At least you knew where you stood. This guy only knew where he slept

Re: Elation in Elevation

with my fitness level touching new hieghts, I have try something like this.... Kudos to everyone who has tried.. really