What Goes up Goes down

I have been cycling regularly and have also met of couple of regular riders in coimbatore. It’s been a while, the thought of Riding uphill in mountains is very fascinating ,and after my visit to coonoor- ooty, I was convinced to go for a ride in Nilgiris. I consulted with Karthik and told him my ride plan. Not only he gave me pointers he also joined for the ride upto a certain distance. We planned to ride early in morning around 5 am from Thudiyalur junction so that we go easy and also have time at our side.

Thudiyalur to Metupalayam was easy spin, along with some conversations eventually leading Karthik to change his plan and accompany me till Burliyar (kind of first milestone on the coonoor Climb). Burliyar is 6km away from base of the foothills and it certainly gives you idea what to expect further from that point.

Hills are always hurting irrespective how fit you are. I continued from Burliyar to Coonoor. At this moment I am pumped up, riding slowly but steadily enjoying the views ,thinking next stop to be directly coonoor. Then I notice the distance covered so far , it’s just little more than 2km from Burliyar. Coonoor is still 15km away better leave the thought of being the “Hero in the town” and just take break whenever needed.

So here I am at coonoor happily under impression that I have crossed the difficult part of Ride unaware of what happens on next segment. Since the plan was to go to Kotagiri from coonoor and, google maps showed a shorter Route which goes to Aravenu.

Coonoor to Aravenu is a very beautiful route with view to waterfalls , the route itself cuts through tea estates. But surprisingly the height drops to 300m, which means one must again climb a height of 300m to reach the point from where the downhill starts. And guess what, it starts to rain heavily ,adding to the “beauty of place” - that’s what you say When you are unable to ride without struggling

As mentioned before don’t be the “Hero in the town”, I took break, relaxed for more than an hour had some amazing cake and left only when I felt comfortable and confident. After Aravenu it was just handling downhill riding to Mettupalaym for next 30kms. This whole belt of 80kms Metupalaym - Coonoor - Aravenu - Mettuplayam does makes one happy, tired, and exhausted.

From this point its next 35kms to home, a bit of rolling route but okay to ride. And it became easy because met another Rider Guru, a young and fast rider who became a friend and soon will be joining for next long ride

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjKGu7DtBmk&t=14s