Re: Elation in Elevation

Thanks. The rack fared pretty well. We drove at 60+ fro most part of the journey. There were no scratches / dents on the car, and we had driven through some good potholes
I believe it weighs ~ 14 Kgs a sort of standard for entry level MTB's.

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Maybe the fear did not let me sleep. I was alone.

Re: Elation in Elevation

This has been pending for a long time now. Let's begin.
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The End


It was already darkish by the time I had gulped down my tea. My friends were calling me up and to be honest I was in two minds as to accept or reject their offer of pick up.
Foolishness won ....I had refused.


So I mounted my noble steedper se., but I was tired. So it seemed a lot.
General directions for the camp were, reach Pangoot and Sigri is ~ 6 km from there.


Piece of cake right? I certainly hoped so.


From the temple near Himalaya Darshan, its downhill. Yippee.....
(It's Himalaya darshan, coz we see few peaks from that point)


Had only gone a Km or so, when it turned completely dark. Total dark.
Those of you who've ventured out into the hills will know what I mean by Total dark.
I'll be honest, It was scaryIn my defense it was dark and was very difficult to see the bad patches, especially when I have fools coming Head-on with Headlights blazing.


After having numerous close shaves, I remembered something I'd read and turned on the suspension. Now braking was way easier and the bumps felt softer.
I must have covered the 8 km in ~20/25 minutes.


A pretty good speed eh considering it was pitch black.


And soon enough I was in Pangoot. Midway, now its just mere 6 km.


My cursed luck.UphillIn practicality I couldn't. I am not blessed with Night vision.)
But this time it was good that I ignored them.


The Kilbury-Pangoot-Kunjakharak road is notorious for Leopards.


My luck with wildlife continued, and the only wildlife I saw was a Jackal.
He was as sacred of me as I was of him.

Poor fellow must have been scared.


As luck will have it, the Camp owners did not deem it fit to put markers for campsite. I was relying on my GPS to tell the distance.
And you all know how reliable GPS is in deep woods.


At Ghuggu Khan crossing called up Abhimanyu.
Finally a piece of good news, the camp's close by and the caretaker will come up to the road.


This boosted me and I pedaled faster. Soon enough was at camp.


The owner rushed up to me and told me of the foolishness I had attempted. Said this is a peak time for leopards and I was lucky not to encounter one.
And I was thinking, maybe the biscuits kept them away.
Leopards are scared of Tigers no


But I also saw immense respect in his eyes.


Jokes apart I completely agree it was foolish. But what's life without a dash of foolishness.


Well now, the bike was locked in a room and I joined my buddies in the campfire.
Hugs and claps were followed by admonishment.





A warm shower coupled with bonfire helped me settle in. I was ravenous and wolfed down IDK how much food.


I have to give it to this place. It is so peaceful.
The fresh air rejuvenated me and somehow the tiredness vanished.


Just looking upwards, I could see Milky way with my naked eye.
But was too damn lazy to bring out my camera a capture it. Maybe I should have. But I feel sometimes it's better to immerse yourself in a moment rather than capture it.


Cut to morning-
I'm still the talk of the camp.
We had a small hike in the hills and soon enough it was time to go.


Met a fellow cyclist going downhill. Felt nice of meeting someone crazy.


In hindsight it was a great trip. Explored my limits. And found something to be proud of.


This sums it up-
Epic ride + Ego burnt = Lesson for lifeAbout lack of photos-
Even my camera is not equipped with night vision
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And I was scared of stopping

Will leave you with some pictures of the morning.

Re: Elation in Elevation


This pretty much sums it up perfectly

Re: Elation in Elevation

Thanks Monk
Yeah it does sum it up

Re: Elation in Elevation

Thats a great ride and nicely penned..enjoyed reading it thoroughly.
Climbs though make us cry while riding ,will be a sweet memory when are back safe and sound
And boy that's a scary night ride ..

Re: Elation in Elevation

Thanks Sayi for the kind words.

Yes that's true. Now I look back and kind of enjoy the torture. Wanna do it again.
IMHO..A torture on climbs is still better than the best day in office