Express

We managed to schedule a ride along the Expressway at last. I was rather excited since the vast empty roads would allow us to accelerate with carefree abandon. There was no sun to speak of. The dawn stretched itself, refusing to let the day in. Grey clouds overhead blocked the path of the crimson rays seemingly emitted by the horizon, limiting them to a halo over the dull rectangular establishments lining it. Then of course there were the fields of green.

The interesting bit was when we met the Indian cycling team for the Commonwealth games who were practising on the same route. They were riding in tandem followed by their coach on a bike. When they paused for their break, the coach rode with me for a while, giving out a few pointers. When we later paused for a stop at the point we would turn back from, he talked about cycling as a team event, the speeds they clock and so on.

While returning, V and I led the pack, by miles it seemed, riding as a team, leading in succession to help the other. It was absolutely exhilarating without the slightest hint of any limitation. We clocked around 35 km/h on a 25 km stretch with very mild ups and downs. Reminded me again that roads here aren't adequate really - too flat - for us to venture on a good mountain biking trip. Cyclists in Pune and Hyderabad with their undulating routes are better equipped.

Sufficient dinner the night before and a good night's sleep make a big difference.