the heritage ride...

Streets of the old city, bike and some really good company - what more can one ask for on a Saturday morning? Riding with HBC riders has always been enjoyable. This is one ride that was long due. After being to the old city so many times in the past three years, it was time to see it differently. Route was chalked out with care so as to cover most number of heritage points of the city. The trip to the old city last weekend helped a lot and we stayed away from the main road most of the time. The old city was probably not used to a bunch of cyclists in lycra roaming around on streets but as always, people were curious and friendly. The group was good today and even the most seasoned riders were open to the idea of a leisurely ride, stopping just to take a closer look at things around us. We rode to the bakery, charminar, mosque...and then took a detour to the palace, now converted into a multi-star hotel. We were denied entry - seems one needs prior reservation even to get past the iron gates.

...and then it rained...untimely summer rain...it was a blessing in disguise. It made the summer morning cool and riding pleasant. Small puddles of muddy water were formed on the road, revealing its character. And we rode through those puddles with childlike joy. And when rains are there, a cup of chai can never be too far...Irani chai with Osmania biscuits, puffs and some other local delicacies made for a rather unusual but really interesting breakfast under Charminar. The best though was the bun-malai(clotted cream).

The way back was the straight from Charminar to the fort through some really interesting streets. The offroad trail ride inside the fort premises was the perfect ending to a really interesting ride.

...and then it rained, again.


BIG