Few first timers, couple experienced
and many veterans teamed up for the most awaited Cycling and Trekking event
28th and 29th November… Place – Chikkamagaluru
The first destination looked like
Nelamangala at some point. The trip started with sharing memories from the previous
event and excitement of plunging into the 2 days of adventure, but there was
more than we expected in many ways... First taste of adventure was with the TT
tyre going flat even before leaving Bangalore; while it looked usual it was
just going to be a major part of our trip. When the wheel got ready, many
learned the mechanics of changing a flat tyre, few socialized over Peanuts and
some curious with what the Nation wants to know?
Action Items – Get the flat tyre
ready – owner TT driver....
Learnings… TT can accommodate more
than 13 people, in misery any music helps, there is always public transport to
reach your destination and people are ready for pictures anytime :-)…
DAY1: After a quick refresh and south Indian breakfast, the team
got into what was the most important agenda of the day - CYCLING. The cycles
were ready and the team got busy testing and choosing their best ride. On
completing the introduction and lessons on cycling/route, we all started from
Lingadahalli and cycling uphill to Kemmanagundi check post (11.5kms). The route
saw the best of nature and its beauty. The best friend to the end of this
stretch was Perk.
From the check post to what was
described as the best stretch - Bhadra Tiger Reserve to Baba Budangiri range. The beauty of nature saw no bounds and
mesmerized each and every one.
At the end of the cycling was
awaiting an evening with High Tea served with loads of sweetness from the
heart. The taste of the Onion Bonda’s and Chili Bhajji will forever remain as a
taste to relish. Experienced so much love and caring to strangers with
simplicity. Aunty /Aaji God bless you & your family.
Kemmanagundi (or Kemmanagundi)
derives its name from three Kannada words - Kempu (red), mannu (soil) and gundi (pit) and means
a place with red soil.
Saturday Night Fever – What better end to the day, bonfire, warmers, game of dumb
charades and what I must say a night filled with fun, laughter, enjoyment and
learning.. Wondering what had learning to do. I learned that a letter in
English can be represented with expressions/feeling...Like the famous one from
the night – “EEeee”. Neither did I know that Apple had a different name - Phal.
All in All, I could say “Is Raat
Ki Subah Nahin”
DAY2: Sunday was set to conquer the Western Ghats -- Mullayanagiri
Peak, Chikkamagular (Highest Peak in Karnataka at a Height of 6300.17 feet from
the sea level). We embraced the mountains and kissed the clouds. The winds
blowing our minds off..
The peak also housed one of the best
pictures of the day. It saw the most enthusiastic photographers and models. The
shutterbugs were capturing every moment of the day that will turn to memories
for years to come.
On the top was the temple of Shri
Guru Melu Gadridge Mullappa Swami Mutta – As told to me when prayed to, is
supposed to remove all the thorns in your life. With the way down from the
temple also got us closer to an end of our adventure.
The trip ended with an
orchestrated process of dropping and ensuring the free birds from weekend were
back to their nests.Thanks to our Organizers (Fabulous
and dedicated effort), Stay partners, Participants...
As I said earlier… KUCH KUCH Hota
Hai…
With loads of memories and awaiting
the next trip, it’s signing off from me. Until then BE HAPPY. DON’T WORRY...
