Safely in camp at the end of the second day of cycling and getting in the zone now. We have covered 215km now since leaving the centre of Kolkata at 07.00 on Sunday morning. Not many westeners can say that they have cycled through Kolkata and why indeed would they aspire to?
The first day was long and tiring and we felt the heat at the middle of the day. We also had to contend with a whole lot more: smog and fumes from all the traffic even once we left the city as there was habitation either side of the road most of the way; drops off the side of the road from layer on layer of tarmac - a real hazard which was the cause of a few spills as some were forced off the road by the traffic; potholes; manic drivers - bus drivers in particular drive like men possessed and endager the lives of their passengers and everyone else; klaxons which are sounded all the time. I felt my eardrums ringing a few times as lorries clattered alongside and blasted us to get out of the way.
India is a total assault on the senses. The colours, the smells, the sights, and the sounds!
We crossed the Tropic of Cancer this morning and then had a wonderful interaction with villagers when we stopped for lunch. The usual crowd gathered and there was a very natural sharing of names and the children were excited to have their photo taken and then see themselves on the camera´s digital screen.
Tonight we are camping on open ground next to the cricket ground and the circus and sharing it with cows, egrets and, of course, locals.
Cycling this morning was painful with a sore bum as well as wrists due to all the vibration from the rough road surface and navigating through potholes. Our fantastic support team includes a physio and after lunch I felt the benefit of a session. I felt really good on the bike this afternoon and was dying to push on. For safety reasons we stay in a reasonable group behind a lead car and therefore stick to a pace that suits all.
Tomorrow we have a shorter day of just 65km which will allow us time for a boat ride across the river Ganges to a small market.
The first day was long and tiring and we felt the heat at the middle of the day. We also had to contend with a whole lot more: smog and fumes from all the traffic even once we left the city as there was habitation either side of the road most of the way; drops off the side of the road from layer on layer of tarmac - a real hazard which was the cause of a few spills as some were forced off the road by the traffic; potholes; manic drivers - bus drivers in particular drive like men possessed and endager the lives of their passengers and everyone else; klaxons which are sounded all the time. I felt my eardrums ringing a few times as lorries clattered alongside and blasted us to get out of the way.
India is a total assault on the senses. The colours, the smells, the sights, and the sounds!
We crossed the Tropic of Cancer this morning and then had a wonderful interaction with villagers when we stopped for lunch. The usual crowd gathered and there was a very natural sharing of names and the children were excited to have their photo taken and then see themselves on the camera´s digital screen.Tonight we are camping on open ground next to the cricket ground and the circus and sharing it with cows, egrets and, of course, locals.
Cycling this morning was painful with a sore bum as well as wrists due to all the vibration from the rough road surface and navigating through potholes. Our fantastic support team includes a physio and after lunch I felt the benefit of a session. I felt really good on the bike this afternoon and was dying to push on. For safety reasons we stay in a reasonable group behind a lead car and therefore stick to a pace that suits all.Tomorrow we have a shorter day of just 65km which will allow us time for a boat ride across the river Ganges to a small market.
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