I should reflect on the entire ride here. The Mumbai to Goa was really something……..this is really challenging cycling with minimum traffic. Beautiful.
A friend at Keni’s shop in Mumbai had predicted that it would take me about 4 days to get to Goa. It took me 6 days and it couldn’t have taken me less unless I had been in a race or I had had a mountain bike for all the horrendous roads.
I arrived home around 2 p.m.
The entire ride? That is a big question……I would say Nepal, great (but limited roads), Uttarakand, difficult outside of specific tourist places- best beach I’ve ever been to though- Rishikesh- and you can drink the Ganga water there, it is so pure.
My limited view of Harayana was positive.
Rajasthan. I think Shekhawati region has a huge tourist potential-thus far mostly by French tourists- the most sophisticated imho. and Churu so incredibly un- touristy it is hard to believe in this day ad age.
I hope noone is offended by my views about Gujarat, but I did not enjoy Gujarat! I tried, but….all men, no matter what age, seem to have a pot belly. Not friendly, curious people……yes, the constant attention (as cycle tourist) can be annoying and/or overwhelming, but it is also natural. I always tried to interact (esp. as an American) to the interest in me which usually started with the cost of my bicycle (necessarily a white lie- the truth they woyld never believe) and always with my age. It was sobering when as a joke I said 80 years- and it was accepted blandly. I guess this cycle experience has not cut off years from my physical appearance but I have to say that I am feeling SUPERB, except for my ass which suffers from the coastal humidity plus the hours in the saddle. Nothing that requires an m.d. thank goodness.
“Jingle Bells” would you believe? Richard and Belinda have left, for their early a.m. cycle rides tomorrow, and I remain writing this, the cream being the Ronettes singing Phil Spector’s “Santa Claus is coming to town”- a masterpiece! Only in Goa ……
Instead of that, I am having another drink, revelling in being in Goa. I love it here.
