The Wobbling Sprocket

We did the spice tour this morning. It’s always interesting. If there was a downside, it was that all the wet weather meant that there were plenty of mosquitos around. We were swatting so much, the guide ran back and got some repellent for us. About half the group opted for the elephant ride. The other half wandered up the road while we waited.

We ate lunch at the hotel restaurant and while we waited, guess what? It started to rain. We attempted to outwait it, but as is usually the case, one person flies the coop and the rest quickly follow. It didn’t rain hard…at first, but at about the 30k point in the short 40k ride, a huge cloud rolled in and it started to pour. I took refuge until it let up and then took refuge yet again, when I concluded I had gone too soon. I think everyone else just plowed through it.

Anyway, we are now in Thirasangu Haven in Kuttinam. There is nothing around here and, at the moment, we are looking at fog. That’s a shame because the view from here is terrific. I’m not sure of the weather to expect tomorrow. The manager of the hotel seems to think it will clear. I’m not so sure. So far, we have not had a completely dry day since the first day’s ride to Varkala Beach. We are using lots of lube.

Best, Bob

 

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A rarely seen sight in India…and empty street at 6am in Theddady. Still a shopkeeper washing his car flagged me down and had his son get out of bed so I could use the internet.

 

The spice tour:

 Nutmeg:

 

 

 

Pouring rain:

These guys helped me take refuge from the rain:

 

 

 

It’s 6:30am in the morning and I have just looked out the window. It’s raining outside now and it’s been raining all night as far as I can tell. In fact, it’s been raining almost ever since we arrived. It’s damp everywhere. I can’t really say that it is cold. The locals seem to think that it is. They are virtually bundled up and are sporting headgear and earwarmers…even the the two guys behind the reception desk.
We plan to leave this morning around 9am. However, there really is no need to rush. Our destination is Palani. It is only 60k away and most of that is downhill. The ride is nice, but there is no place to eat lunch until Palani so we plan to eat lunch after we arrive. The question of the moment is whether the rain is likely to last. If it’s not going to let up, we might as well just head out. If it it likely to break, we should wait and go then. At the moment, it seems as though we are in a cloud. There is a breeze so perhaps it will blow over. I’m not really counting on it though. Of course, there is always the van.
The Kodal International Hotel has large grounds. There is a ayurvedic massage center, but I don’t think anyone has made use of it yet. It’s been so rainy and wet. I don’t think anyone has spent much time exploring what is actually here.

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Well we made it out and now in Palani. We went up on the cable car. We checked in to Vel’s Court. It’s a very nice place.

We rode in the rain for maybe 2/3 of the 60k ride, but it really wasn’t uncomfortable.

India is not the safest place to ride a bike.  Up to now we really haven’t had any serious spills.  That changed today when some guy with a cart behind his bike pulled into the road without looking at what was coming.  He wasn’t going terribly fast, but when he finally realized he was looking at some bikes bearing down on him he stopped in the middle of the road. This created more confusion and some reactions on our part and Abby went onto the road, chin first.  She split her lip and chipped several teeth to the point she is need of dental work and, unfortunately, must take an early departure for home.  

She is going to be fine and is in good spirits considering.  The reality though is that biking is dangerous and biking in India is more so than elsewhere.  On well traveled roads there is just a lot going on all the time and the rules of the road you might expect elsewhere are virtually non existent. 

 

After the turnoff for Kodaikanal traffic thankfully died down and the climb was pleasant.  It was overcast and not terribly hot.  We rode in the rain for 20k and it felt good.  Along the way we passed the usual monkeys.  One chased me for about 100 feet.  I had stopped to buy some custard apples and had tied the plastic bag holding them to my handlebars.  Maybe the monkey knew an opportunity when he saw one.  The next time I looked down to check on my custard apples the only thing left was a plastic bag.  The bottom had ripped out and  the only thing left was the bag. 

 

We have a rest day tomorrow.  Right now it is raining and we understand that it has been raining here for about a week.  Hopefully, it will be sunny and nice when we wake up tomorrow.

 

Best,

 

Bob

 

Group shot before heading out from Theni.

 

Allen with some new friends:

 

 

Rest stop:

 

 

Graeme on the road:

 

 

The Western Ghats:

 

 Jamie, Graeme and Ben taking a break on a bridge.  Jamie and Ben a father-son pair from the UK.  Ben is the youngest ever to do a tour (20). 

 

This is 3/5 of our support crew.  From L to R:  Mr. Sainu, Mr. Biji and Mr. Mohan.

 

 

Fruit stand:

 

Monkeys all over: