And then on to the bikes.
Our first day on the bikes, Monday, took us south of Mysore along quiet roads and through small villages. Our bikes were heavy hardtail mountain bikes, but we were grateful that they were sturdy enough to tackle the rough roads.
As we travelled through the villages we seemed to provide just as much entertainment for the locals as they provided us. Most seemed to think we were crazy, but the joyful cheers and waves as we cycled past were a real boost. We stopped in one village and within two minutes a huge crowd surrounded us vying for selfies, and an impromptu band started up. This was a perfect start to experience the rural culture of India.
After 57km it was time to transfer to the car and head for a huge lunch, and then a drive through Bandipur National Park and then on through Mudumalai National Park. The scenery was stunning, and it would have been amazing to ride through the parks, but this is forbidden. We kept our eyes peeled for tigers, but not surprisingly we didn’t see any. Even the Jeep Safari that evening didn’t happen to bump in to a tiger. But we did see lots of spotted deer, samba deer (a favourite tiger snack), the back side of an elephant, wild boar, a crested eagle, and peacocks.
We stayed at the most wonderful Jungle Hut, where the food and beer was amazing.
The next day, Tuesday, we rode from the hotel along pretty good quality roads, warming the legs up for about 13km until the start of the long climb up to Ooty – the Kalhatti climb – the steepest in Southern India. A challenge for most people, but one we are well used to, although not on such heavy bikes. But with steady progress we made it, 12km of steep and hot climbing, first Pete, then me…. and then Roger, who opted to stay in the car with Das. hahahaha! Apparently we were the first clients that Das has seen achieve the climb.
At Ooty it was time for another very large but very well deserved lunch. We were starting to get used to this. And then on to our hotel, the Accord, which was nestled high against the hillside overlooking the Nilgiri Mountains, although we found we were mostly overlooking the atmospheric clouds.
Ooty is quite high, at 2,240m, and quite cool. We, of course, are used to the cool, but most of the locals were very well wrapped up in coats, hats and gloves. We made a visit to the Botanical Gardens, and it seemed that once again, we provided plenty of entertainment, primarily with groups of women who wanted my photo with Pete having to look on.
On Wednesday we did what all tourist should do, we took the Toy Train from Ooty to Coonoor, which is a great way to see more of the countryside. I spent most of the rise with my head out of the window.
After the train ride it was back to the bikes, and the well deserved down hill.
After what seemed like a very brief 43km we transferred to the car to head down to Pollachi and the very luxurious Coco Lagoon.