by Nitish Srivastava (3181, Alok Vihar-1; 9711072737)
Last month, when you were reading about my race in Pune, I was preparing for something different yet similar – a cycling adventure I had longed to attempt for
quite a few years. We were to cover the Golden Triangle: a 750+ km loop from India Gate to Hawa Mahal to Taj Mahal and back home. It would be a 3-day ride: Delhi-Jaipur; Jaipur-Agra; Agra-Delhi.
On 16 September, at 5 am, 12 of us (10 riders + technician + support rider) were flagged off by the Indian Army from the National War Memorial. We rode under the showers for about 60km; it rained again later. But weather was supportive after this though. We crossed Manesar, had breakfast somewhere, and moved again.
On long distances, I’m in a semi-meditative state of mind – time passing slowly but also quickly. I’m sure some of you will relate. When the sun was about to set, we were 30km from Jaipur. In Jaipur, Ministry of Tourism welcomed us with garlands. Journalists recorded 10 half-dead riders. This was honourable and warm. We had cycled a little shy of 300km on Day 1.
Day 2 started from Hawa Mahal. The slight downhills of Jaipur were a saviour and helped us enjoy the wind, farms, and smoothest of roads. We rode 245km to reach Agra and were again welcomed by the Ministry of Tourism here.
Day 3 started on a nice positive note. We were published in some papers and were also off to see the 2nd most beautiful thing in the world – The Taj Mahal (1st being me). We went to the opposite side of Yamuna to the Mehtab Bagh. Bikes were not allowed inside, so I carried my bike on the shoulders through a park and mud, and reached the Yamuna bank (not the metro station). We rode back to Delhi resting now and then. In Noida, we were welcomed by NEFOWA, friends, families, and other cycling groups.
We had punctures and mechanicals throughout the ride. We had cramps. We rode against the wind, in rain, heat, and humidity; exhausted at times. But, we also had the best of winds, lots of support, company and many more positives. Something I have learned as an ultra-endurance cyclist over the years is that ups and downs undeniably come on long rides, but staying hopeful during the downs and staying humble during the ups, while consistently pedalling throughout always helps.
