The Ignited Heart - Part 4 - Just 40 kilometres away

A century ride to Janapadaloka and back was my next long ride. It was the first time I'd seen so many cycling enthusiasts and I was filled with admiration for each one of them! It was only later that I realized I was admiring myself too. I made a lot of new friends during the ride. What caught my attention was the variety of perspectives in that crowd. There was everything, many of the gears I was seeing them for the first time. It all seemed so cool. The coolest thing was when I saw simplicity in motion. A person riding 100km on a ladybird. A thought crossed my mind, "It's the engine that matters most, and you are the engine of your bike. Ride on". 

The questions "What next? When ? Where to ?" were haunting my mind and they cannot be left unanswered, not for long. May 10th, 2014, these questions would find an answer. I expressed my interest to Alan about going further than a 100 and a plan was made for a ride to the sugar city and back. That very night was fullmoon and if I recall rightly, there was a 200km brevet along the same route. Alan and I started the ride at exactly 5:15am, we planned to return by evening so that I wouldn't have to be interrogated by my folks at home.It would seem like any other weekend where I'd leave home in the morning and reach only by late evening. My mom says I was born with wheels beneath my legs. I must have a packed weekend. She expects me to rest on weekends. My definition of rest is when I'm occupied and active, doing what I enjoy.

I had forgotten to carry a water bottle. That called for our first stop at Bidadi, opposite to the Hanumantha temple is a stretch of shops where we bought water. I had had 4 eggs(only white) before starting from home and wasn't hungry yet. As we crossed Janapadaloka, I was excited about the fact that this was the farthest I had ever been away from home on a cycle. It gave me chills for a moment. We stopped for fuel, just to avoid using up the reserve, at Kadambam, Channapatna. I was not aware of the fact that it was famous for the puliyogere that they served and ended up ordering a dosa. Our next stop was a forceful one. A huge loaded truck had gotten off road and it wouldn't start. I still can't get myself to believe that the truck driver stopped us and requested us to a give it a push! Oh, it wasn't even a decent that the truck would move.We tried any-ways, all in vain. I had just created a funny cartoon version of the situation in my mind. It is hard to figure out what was on the truck driver's mind when he stopped us and what was on our mind when we were trying to push the truck. May be its hope. I love hope.

I was very scared to let go of the handle bar and reach out to my bottle to drink water. I had to stop by the side to take a sip. Now I've learned to drink water while on the move and feel very proud about it. What's the hurry anyway. Alan was sharing his ride experiences and it was very fascinating and inspiring to listen to them all. The word Mysore came up during the conversation. That was the trigger. I spent my engineering days in Mysore and two of my dearest friends stay there. Alan gave a wonderful idea "Why not surprise them? Mysore is just 40km away from Mandya. Considering our average pace, we'd need an extra 4 hours". Wow! I would be more than happy to meet them and surprise, rather shock them. The excitement was on a whole new level after this plan.

The best thing about riding to Mandya is the sugar cane juice. Yes, that was our next stop where we downed 4 glasses of the fresh sugar cane juice and started towards Mysore. The excitement was doubling up as I saw the reading on the milestones by the road side reduce by every kilometer. The distance to Ooty was also etched on every milestone. For some reason the crazy me kept reading it aloud. While I was lost in this excitement, we were again force stopped, but this time it was a person whose vehicle was in perfect condition. I do not recall his name, he is someone who walked from Mandya to Manthralaya, Tirupathi and many more distant places on his list. He was delighted to know that we were riding from Bangalore towards Mysore and this generous man bought us tender coconut water to drink. Again, it was his simplicity that interested me as he spoke about the way they'd just walk miles without carrying much, calling the road their home, sleep by the road side, reach their destination. He wished us a happy and safe journey and we continued to ride towards Mysore. That tender cocnut water that we drank had magic in it. The magic of love and appreciation, compassion and humanity. It reflected in the pace with which we rode the last few miles to Mysore. 

There's this huge water tank that can be spotted when you are about to reach Mysore. I call it "The Great Wall of Mysore". Every Monday morninng during my engineering days, as I traveled back to Mysore, I would give a call to my roommates at hostel alarming them of my arrival at the great wall and they would be awake and ready to welcome me because I had the yummiest food with me. Dad-made food. He would wake up at 2:30am almost every Monday morning to cook and parcel food for 9 people. His food is quite famous amongst my hostel friends. It brought him inexpressible joy when I'd call him from hostel and all my friends would cheer in the background thanking him for the amazing monday morning feast. I am blessed with the best dad.

We passed the great wall of Mysore and reached Columbia Asia at 12 in the noon. Phew! 6hrs 45min of journey on saddle and pedals and we were in the heritage city! Time to fuel up,we had a heavy meal at Siddhartha Hotel from where I called up my friends to check if they were home. One of them was at work, which disappointed me a little. But I was too happy to hold on to that. While we were riding towards my friend's place, we bumped into one of the cyclists in Mysore, who recognised Alan, though they'd never met offline earlier. He shared that he was setting out to Goa on his bike the next day. Wow! Someday, I will too. He had a wonderful handlebar bag on his bike. 

I called out my friend's name as we stood at her house gate. Oh yes, she was totally shocked. It took a while for her to believe that I was there for real. She invited us inside and enquired about the journey and called us crazy numerous times. It was mango season and she offerred us some super sweet mangoes. We had a small seize-the-moment session, she gave us two bars of snickers and we started our return ride at 2pm. 

What gave me the confidence that I could ride back was the company that I had. Alan is one hell of a rider, more so, he is an inspiring one. His love for fitness is very contagious, I must say. The constant appreciation from him about my stamina throughout the ride so far, made me feel stronger and kept me going, also, it made me feel very special and good about myself. This feel good factor is a miraculous thing. It creates a positive aura around you and takes you to a new level of positivity where the impossible doesn't exist. 

Sugar-cane calling, our next stop was Mandya, where we relished the natural energy drink and the melted snickers bar under the hot sun. That reminds me , it was a sunny day but we hardly realized that. Neither of us complained about the sun. We were thoroughly enjoying the ride. It was about 6:30pm when were reached Chanpatna. Alan wanted to stop by and meet one of his friends, Dr. Sanders. His house was en route. Dr. Sanders was very welcoming, he offered coffee and food. It was getting dark and we had about 70km to ride. No front lights or reflective jackets, we had not prepared for a ride in the dark. Dr. Sanders strictly told me that he'd put my bike and me in a bus if I didn't wear a reflective jacket. Now where will I get it from! He was generous enough to lend me an extra reflective jacket that he had and we set out on our saddles towards home.

Once we passed the Chanpatna traffic, worry started creeping up. I have never ridden on a highway in the dark before, and hence panic was setting in.Usually I enjoy darkness, but the speeding vehicles on my right started freaking me out. I went off road once and that scared Alan too! Somehow he instilled confidence in me and we were riding at a good pace. I was riding just about half feet behind Alan. What bothered me more was the explanation I had to give at home! My phone's battery was dying. A few miles before Bidadi, we took a quick water break. There was still loads of energy left, but it was infected with panic and worry. I knew I would never be riding at night again. There was one moment where the trees grew thicker, no speeding vehicles, absolute silence, the moon was shining big and bright, there were no street lights but there was enough moon light. This was the moment when I lost myself to the nature and zoom goes a vehicle on my right bringing me back to reality.

As we were nearing Bangalore, we saw many brevet riders, there was more light, no speeding vehicles due to traffic and I was calm. We had been riding for about 17 hours, 275km on the saddle. There was a sense of accomplishment but I was too worried to celebrate. It was exactly 10:05pm when I knocked on the door, holding my cycle close to me for moral support. 

The Ignited Heart - Part 3

The door opened. I held my bike close to me as if it were my moral support. As I lifted it and walked in, noticed the puzzled look on my mother's face. My heart was pounding, like I were to give a performance now. It seemed as if I were in some animated world. My mom's face resembled a dancing question mark. I couldn't hold it any longer. My face was beaming with joy and it was impossible to hide, especially from my mother. I managed to tell her that Alan's friend was going onsite for 6 months and has given the bike to me until he returned. She said the bike looked brand new. For a second I forgot that I had removed the plastic covering and spontaneously I replied that it is well maintained and just out from service. Phew! I couldn't make eye contact throughout the conversation. I was looking at my bike while we spoke.Now it was time to repeat the scene before dad. I had given a decent performance. Practice sure does make you perfect!

Alan had planned a ride to Mysore the next day with a few of his friends. He invited me to join them for a few miles. I was heading to Mandalpatti, a serene hill located about 25-30km from Madikeri town, with my friends the same day. However, we'd planned to start by noon so I decided to join Alan and his friends for the ride.

I could hardly sleep that night. I woke up many times to ensure that I was not late and that I reach the start point on time. About 7 of them had turned up at 5:30 am. This was my first ride on a highway. Alan was constantly guiding me on how to ride safe on a highway. Keep left, if someone's honking restlessly from behind, don't panic instead give way, let them pass and you continue your ride.

The best part about mornings is those few mesmerizing moments when the dawn just breaks and it feels like you are riding into the light . I was thoroughly enjoying the ride. We stopped at Bidadi for coffee and a picture. One of the riders decided to take a u-turn. Alan suggested that I joined that guy, so that I would have company on my return ride but I still had time and I wanted to ride more. About a few kilometres before Ramanagara, it was high time I made that u-turn. It was a tough one, that u-turn.

The return ride would be my first solo and I constantly kept in mind what Alan had taught me earlier that morning. I stopped a few times to hydrate. Oh yes, I was too scared to drink while in the move. So every time I wanted to drink(water), I would stop. Exhaustion was just setting in and I got a call from my friend. Once the call ended, I remembered that I had been tracking my ride and checked the distance. I was quite surprised to see 84 km! I was sure that something was wrong with my tracker but I was wrong. It was 87km when I had reached home. I left a message to Alan that I had reached safe. I was jumping with joy when I verified that my tracker was right and I was not that far from a century. 

At the end of my first ride I'd realised my strength, willingness and curiosity to go further and that there's an endless road to rediscover.

The Ignited Heart - Part 2

As a believer of the secret, I was certain that the 'Someday' that I had been looking forward to was not far away. I could see two doors in front of me. On one of them, was written "Certainty and security- two strong aspects of the 6 basic human needs", which meant I had to save money, and then buy my dream bike. The second door spoke simplicity with depth "Its now or never". Of course I chose the later. The inner voice in me kept whispering "Ask and ye shalt receive".I decided to approach a very good friend of mine, who used to stay in my locality, Samuel. It had been about a year that Samuel had moved to UAE. At once he agreed to lend me the entire amount. I was filled with gratitude at his generosity and trust in me. I promised to return the loan in 7 months time.

On 14th March 2014, I collected the money from the foreign exchange agency and my next stop was Chris's bike store. I called my friend Suzane to accompany me. Both of us were equally excited. Just that there was an element of shock and confusion in her excitement. Once I explained my plan, she seemed normal. En route, I also called Alan and requested him to join me at the bike store. He was more than happy to be there.

There it was, my dream bike, a sexy 24 speed matte black hybrid. I couldn't wait to take off. I went on a short test ride. I learned that the buying ain't over yet, the accessories list seemed endless. I realized that I am going to be on a journey I have never taken before and I am going to figure it out as I go. It is going to be a long journey , I needed to be safe. So the first accessory I picked up was a helmet (a must have). A small photo session to seize the moment after which Suzane and I started homeward.

Home! Shoot me! Regaining my senses, I recalled that I had not taken permission at home. What would I do! They won't understand why I paid nearly 36 grand for a cycle. It takes time, patience and talent to explain passion to my parents. For the time being, it is going to be my friend's friend's bike, who has gone onsite for a few months and has generously given the bike's custody to me. Would they buy it? I had absolutely no idea how I would face my parents. My heart skipped a few beats when I entered home.

The Ignited Heart

Bangalore! My first love. I had returned to my home town after 3 months. The fact that I'd be living in my happening city had filled me with excitement. Three months away from Bangalore was a big deal. Something that helped me discover my passion was born while I was away. Cycle day was the talk of the town.

Very inquisitive about the event,I reached the venue about one and a half hours early.My friends cursed me for having disturbed their weekend morning laziness. Fresh air, enormous energy, friends, runners, cyclists, kids and above all, nature, for me, it was a perfect start for the weekend. As the sun's rays made its way between the trees, the crowd increased and we were first in line for the cycle rentals. Getting back on the saddle and pedalling after quite some time, felt wonderful. For the first time I witnessed such huge gathering of cyclists and an attractive range of bicycles. The ones with extremely thin tyres caught my eyes and I would follow those bikes to get a closer look. However, I didn't dare to ask the owners for a ride. 

The next month there was a change in the venue and it was just 2.5km from my place. So I decide to take my ladybird out after 4 years. Dad and me cleaned it, air check done. I took my 7th standard gift for a test ride and it was perfectly fine. This time the event had much more than cycling. I learned about the Vodafone Cycling marathon and happily registered for the 40km ride. A thought hit my mind. What if I can get one of those super-bikes to ride! A geared one. I started looking around the area for an approachable face and with much less effort I came across one such face. Had spotted this person at the previous cycle day too. He seemed very humble, enthusiastic and approachable. With no hesitation, I asked him if he knew of any bicycle rentals in Bangalore. Looked like I had approached the right man, Alan. A week later I was riding a geared cycle for the very first time in my life. It was a big deal! It was a Merida MTB. The joy that grew on me every time I pushed the pedals was endless. The ride felt so smooth like melting chocolate. Now this was going to be my weekend date. Looked classy, felt smooth, and there was a spark in my heart when i rode it. This probably was the first spark.

The cycling marathon was on Sunday and I had Saturday to explore the city with pedals and saddle. I rode the bike to every place I went, including shopping! Every minute spent with the bike mattered. I rode effortlessly, explored different gears. Alan had given me a complete know-how session before handing over his priced possession. He clearly explained how and when to shift the gears, what gear ratio to maintain, the whole mechanism of gears and most importantly how to lock the bike to a stationery pole/tree with the lock enclosing the two tyres and the frame along with the pole. He had patiently demonstrated to me all these things.Lessons that I can never forget. That weekend I had clocked around 80km. I was impressed with myself.

Time had come to depart with the bike on Monday morning. I felt the spark again. What if I had one such bike with me all the time. Next weekend I again borrowed a bike, this was a different one, single speed MyBike . The handles were customised and very unique. I thoroughly enjoyed riding it, so much that I cycled to a movie theatre too. My friends thought that I've lost my mind. 

Meanwhile Alan had purchased a new bike. By now I had little knowledge about the terminologies used by cyclists. I had stopped referring to road bikes as thin tyre bikes and MTBs as fat tyre bikes. Alan had purchased a hybrid. He asked me if I'd like to take a ride. I started jumping with joy.It was about 9 30 pm. I slyly sneaked out of home. Alan had come with his friend Chris who owned a bike store. 

Matte black finish! I fell for the sight of it. Not more than 500 meters did I ride, I knew which bike I had to buy. After a short loop I enquired with Chris about the cost of the bike. I felt a strong urge to own it. Once I learned the cost, I took a step back and told myself "Relax and take that expression off your face right now!". However, I felt very happy , I was all smiles from ear to ear. There is this part of me that comes alive during such peak experiences of joy and ignites the desire, so strong a desire that, though this part of me is alive for a few seconds, enormous is its impact. I wanted that bike. That spark in my heart was now set on fire. I was clueless about how I would get there, but I just knew that I would. Someday.