After riding 25-30 Km then 30-40 Km and subsequently 50 Km
and above, last week I decided to try a really long ride and the target was 100 Km. A
quick search on Strava (It has the option to explore segment) imprints Dhauj in my
mind. It’s a track through small hills in Aravali and looked like a challenge I
can accept. Now the search was for a fellow rider, a buddy. Few people I knew
in the cycling domain already had their engagements so posted in a couple of groups.
Lucky me that Shreyak responded to my call and was happy to ride with me. So,
two is a company and together we rode.
We started at 5:30 AM and took our first halt after 15 Km. My
limited skills didn’t allow me hydration while riding and we had to stop. Then we
stopped after Faridabad (roughly 30 Km). It was a constant climb after that and
I did feel, it's not easy to ride in hills, however small they are. But one
thing I can vouch for is peace. That day I heard 3 things Wind, My Cycle tires and
Birds. Peacock sighting is not
infrequent f you ride in Parks and sanctuaries but sighting peacocks on the road
is mesmerizing. Also, it looks amazing when you ride, and butterflies are the
ones crossing you.
We rode approx. 8 Km constant climb and reached Manger When
we thought to take a break and capture the Manger Village from not a very height
point, we were at. But it looks great from this height. Coming down we rode the
streets spiraling through the village and then it was a small patch of
off-roading. We were at the foot of the small hills on both sides, at the end
of which there were Farm fields. We reached Dhauj took some rest and then the
Ride back. The ride back was little longer (by time not by distance) because of
the summer sun coming up above our heads and draining us to the core. Thus The lesson
learnt, Ride early if you wish to ride long.
