Cycle Ride to Dhauj

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.