What goes down must come UP was in my mind as I flew down the Bhor (khandala) ghat at 40+ kmph with an eagle eye on the road ahead , slowing down only at sharp bends.
I knew I would have to pay back the 15 minute descent with a 1 hour climb on my way back. Climbs are fun too, as one hits the sweet spot of the gearing and the legs spin on auto pilot. The beads of perspiration make their way from the forehead and drop on the top tube and the crank as your head bows down in humility and respect to the mountain gods and each switchback makes way for the next. Never look out for how much more of the climb is left. It is a mind game. Keep telling yourself that you have just started from the base. Finally, when you start seeing the sky behind that tar that’s the top of the climb.
Fortunately on the return from Bombay, I had hit Khopoli base at 8:00 AM according to plan.
The sun was not as high and a cool breeze freshened me up. Saw spray painted graffiti “Livestrong” as I climbed on the ghat road. Apparently some cheering for the recently concluded Mumbai-Pune race cheered me as well. A few other graffiti s with rider names were also strewn across. Admiration and “thumbs-up” signs from motor cyclists ensures that you cannot take a break even if you want to ... But seriously the “Masi” climbs well, not sure whether it is the gearing, the weight, the chromoly frame or a combination of all this or the thought that this was my dream bike, I better ride fast and strong with this.
The ride after hitting the top is a nightmare because of the common expressway and the constant rumbling of vehicles zipping past you and the slow trailers and trucks groaning and inching past with their dirty fumes.
Additionally headwinds reduce your pace even for a downhill and the sun starts making its presence felt. Post Lonavala it is peace again and I hit Kamshet and Dehu Road at steady pace. Entering the city I took the middle lane which is a freeway where bicycles are barred but that is the only way to prevent the constant braking that is needed in the outside lane for the sundry traffic and pedestrians. Finally hit home at exactly 1:00 Pm (an 8 hr total time). But not before being bothered by two motor bikers with their pesky curiosity of the bike and my addiction.
Now let me rewind a day before to my journey from Pune to Bombay. I will never forget the surprised look on my Dad’s face when I entered the house with my Masi on the 4th of Feb. I had decided to surprise my parents on the eve of their wedding anniversary by cycling to Bombay from Pune
During the usual preparations the night before when checking my puncture kit, realized that the rubber adhesive tube had dried up. Needed either some adhesive or spare tubes. Called up Boni, who had some tubes and offered to not only meet me next morning on the way but also ride along with me till Vadgaon Toll Naka about 20km away.
We parted ways at the Toll Naka after some intense riding and I proceeded alone to Talegaon.
I had carried 3 parathas, 2 oranges, some biscuits and dry fruits, a bottle of home made lemonade and 1 litre of water. Started eating the first paratha as I rode Passed Talegaon and reached Karla as the skies lit up in orange and the Sun made its presence felt. 5 kms to Lonavala and started munching on my second Paratha. Reached Ramakrishna hotel at around 7:30 AM and ordered Filter coffee to wash down the Paratha. After this I made my way to Khandala and the exhilarating downhill ride to Khopoli.
Part of the old NH4 connects to the Expressway and a small tunnel after which one is diverted back to NH4 on to Khopoli Village. The road is butter smooth and broad two-lanes with proper dividers. Reached a fork and the right said Panvel by pass and got confused. Was about to take that when a cyclist on a road bike with Aero bars called me from behind. That road connected to the Express way. Thanking him I started riding and chatting with him for a couple of minutes. He was practicing from Kharghar (New Bombay) to Khopoli base and this was his return. I was slowing him down and we parted ways as he powered his way ahead.
After sometime I again missed a turn and found myself on the Road to JNPT, but found a right turn which connected back to NH4 – Kalamboli junction. Reached Kalamboli at 9:20 and stopped to refill water at a roadside shop beside the flyover. The sun was getting hotter and the humidity of Bombay made me sweat more. Ate the last Paratha and made crossed Vashi flyover at 10:45. The next 1 hr was torturous as the paved (interlocking blocks) at Mankhurd Link road slowed me down. I had also decided to take the old Ghatkopar – LBS Road and the traffic there with the pollution made me long for the clean NH4 roads at Khopoli that I had left at dawn.
The final touch down at 12:00 noon at Kalina and the surprise on my Parent’s and niece Trusha’s face was worth the effort.
GARMIN DETAILS
To Bombay
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