Today I rode the forest trail of Mollem. 31.10 kms in 2hrs 26 mins of effective pedaling time. It was an exhilarating experience. Didn't sleep well last night dreaming of the ride this morning. It would be my first off road trail. Am i sufficiently geared up for it? I would know only during the ride.
I woke up at 6.15 am and was out of my house at 7.00 with my cycle placed securely inside my Zen - the front wheel and saddle of the bike removed. In my day pack i carried two bars of snickers, a cheese sandwich and 3 lts of water. In the saddle bag i put some money (thinking i am gonna carry my wallet, which i forgot!) and a allen key set.
At 7.15 we set out from Panjim to Ponda. There were 15 of us for the ride. Riders from Panjim, Margao, Ponda and around. After a brief halt at Ponda we head for the Mollem Wildlife Sanctuary. We parked the cars outside Dudhsagar Resort, geared up, bought tickets at the Forest Office (Rs. 20) and off we went into the woods.
The terrain was mostly flat with a few challenging ascents/descents but all bumpy. Laterite ground, loose gravel, rounded pebble, shrubs and grass, broken branches and decaying wood. The rain settled all dust but soaked us for a good 8 kms ride.
After a detour to the Devil's Canyon we head to cross the river for Dudhsagar. The current was strong and the water level high so we had to abort plans to go to Dudhsagar. But that didn't dampen our spirits. It was decided that we head back to the cars, order food at Dudhsagar Resort and then head to another off road trail Mollem~Tambdi Surla.
Cycling back was fun. I was acquainted with the terrain and the height of the climbs which helped in keeping momentum. I was re-hydrating myself throughout the ride with Body Fuelz Fast Charge and water but the pouring rain over a 8kms stretch on the way back was a such a respite to soothe the muscles. The rains enhanced the experience. I will not forget the thrill of negotiating the small rocks and ridges caused by flowing rain water at a certain downhill. The speed helped overcome many obstacles and i realized the benefit of having a hydraulic disc brake on the bike; the brake lever could be operated with a single finger giving me maximum control and grip on the handle.
Back at Dudhsagar Resort, the rest placed the orders while i stretched a bit.
To the next offroad trail there was a bit of a tarmac ride. It seemed funny riding a smooth surface after my body had endured a bumpy ride. I noticed that my body was hurting more on tarmac than on the trail.
The plan was not to go upto Tambdi Surla but to ride of another hour and half through this forest trail. So we did. Four of us made it to the furthermost point, Joseph had a flat on the way and the rest met us back half way.
Climbing up the steep tarmac slope back to the Resort was challenging but with grit and determination I made it up -my thigh muscles swell. I bike was full of dirt and had to be placed back 'inside' the car.
Throughout the ride there were no blood sucking leeches. None complained of any bites. Perhaps because we were riding through Government property and it was a Sunday!
Post lunch I reached home at 4.00pm. Went to sleep at 6.00pm with a pain killer after washing my bike & gear. This ride i wont forget.
