Einfach! Nur 21 Km bis der Grenze! Du bist schon da!

Everybody gives a surprise look on their face when I say, “Hey, You can be a runner too”. No way! You must be joking! 

Believe me, I’m not! My journey started also in a much similar, a funny and a strange way! 

Believe in me, what I write below, try for sometime and let me know if you still feel the same! Life is an experiment, so don’t derive the result without carrying out the experiment :)

Aller Anfang ist schwer

• What’s running according to me?

Running helps me stay focused onto something, for some time. Running doesn’t mean, you run like Usain Bolt or like a Cheetah! It’s anything that you do, little faster than walking maybe?! 

Running gives me a sense of accomplishment, when I finish a 10Kms fun, the pleasure and happiness that comes out, is hard to put it in words, watch me smile directly rather ;) 

Running at the Pole Moketowski Park at Warsaw

• What are the changes I saw in life after I started to run?

Running made me feel, any challenge can be accomplished ! Be it standing in a Queue for a long time, or sitting and doing a work continuously or travelling be it! 8 hours of running the Javadhu Ultra 50Kms run in August 2017, made me more calm and a relaxed person in life, brought also a lot of friends around me! When you start running, your running friends will mean a lot, they would be calling you out for a run, rather than asking you out to drink or to party! 

Running made me so addicted to it! You need some addiction in life, or it is meaningless to live even, haha! 

• Do you know it’s easy to make friends with people who are runners?

Simple, watch their watch or their shoes and ask if they’re a runner, if yes, you get a smile and a friend in return. This has happened to me many times and this expression is universal! 

Assisting a runner cross the finish line of the Chennai Trail Marathon 2017 (I was supposed to run 50Km, damn )

• When I ask you to run with me, what is that I expect!? 

I would tell you to start along, maybe you’re faster or slower! Don’t worry if I run/don’t run with you! You will start to enjoy your company soon! Remember, in life, you have only one best friend, which is yourself! Running will help you attack loneliness, because you would be so used to it, like eating a piece of a cake! And after we finish our run together, let’s take a selfie, as a sign of achieving something. Because, when you look back at what you’ve done, these small things that you achieved, is your wall of fame! Who told you only Michel Jordan/ Sachin Tendulkar can do it!? Come on, you’re a winner too ! Coz you made something possible which you thought, wouldn’t , right?

Wenn der Reiter nichts taugt, ist das Pferd schuld

• Apart from running, what do I do?

I was/ am still part of Chennai Trekking Club (CTC) in my hometown, which introduced me to Running and soon into swimming and cycling. Believe me, I’m a self taught swimmer, who learnt swimming in a quarry (more than 20 metres deep) and not a swimming pool! Do you believe me now, that any challenge can be made possible? I’ve run close to 1500Kms, cycled 2600 Km's, and Swam over 50 Km's, within a span of 1.5 years. Apart from this, I love meeting new people, explore cultures and listening to music! I love tea, so don’t mind to knock at my door and share a cup of tea with me! :) 

With the man behind all the Inspiration, Mr. Peter Van Geit from Belgium, and all of us in the photograph are at-least a Half Iron/ Full Iron Triathlete :) Photograph taken at Ottiambakkam, the Quarry where I learnt to swim :)

• What do I eat?

I eat a lot, because my appetite is more, thanks to Running. I prefer being vegetarian mostly, but eggs and meat occasionally aren’t a bad choice!

• My sleeping schedule ?

I try to sleep not more than 8 hours a day! When I was in India, I used to sleep by around 10 pm and wake up on few days by 3 am, so that I could reach the Quarry around 4.30 am, run until 6 am, Swim between 6-7 am and to work at 8 am! But in Poland, I’m trying to sleep early and wake up in the morning, maybe I’ll be adapting to it shortly. I manage to run attest thrice a week!
P.S : I do take frequent short power-naps during the day-time!

• Do I target any event or just run?

I would be happy maybe to test myself in an event occasionally, but I usually run to keep myself fit! 

Trail run practise at Shevaroy Hills, 2 days - 70 Km's

• How’s the running impact on my body? 

I usually walk for 100 meters , run and warm down by walking slowly to my destination. Swimming has helped me stay refrained from any injury! And occasional running in the hills has helped me strengthen my legs better! I do stretches occasionally, but usually I don’t push myself too much during the run, hence less chances of injury💪!

• Is it okay to talk while running?

Yes, if you’re able to strike a conversation without struggling to breathe, it means you run in a comfortable pace! It’s very good!

Wenn du dich nicht selber kitzelst, ein anderer wird nicht für dich lachen

• Does my weight reduce due to running?

Running burns all the unwanted fat and doesn’t cause weight loss , before my running journey and now, there isn’t any difference in my weight/ loss. But it makes one look much younger

Photo taken around 20 Km's into the Jawadhu Ultra, with 30 Km's left for the finish line

• Do I smoke?

No, thanks to Running, I don’t and I can’t stand when someone near me smokes. It’s okay to smoke if you’re addicted to it. Imagine, if someone starts to see you and begin smoking, it isn’t a positive influence! It’s okay to quit and start afresh, with an addiction to something else!

• What do I do when I have a sore throat / fever?

I run 15 minutes and usually it makes me feel comfortable, both in the mind and the body. If you can run when you’re sick, nobody can stop your determination!

Der Gesunde weiß nicht, wie reich er ist

• I’m unable to find time to run, what’s the option?

Never mind, it’s important first to stay fit and healthy, compensate by walking a lot or not sitting in a place for too long!! Find small excuses that force you to wake up from the seat and walk

• I don’t know if I’m running correctly or not, what to do?

No problem, everybody has this doubt, try to join a group of runners, if there is one around. Or, simple, try and experiment and see how you run yourself! There is no rule that defines this art! Just be careful that you don’t push yourself too much and end up injured

Übung macht den Meister

• What shoes ?

I’m the person who would spend for better shoes rather than spending later at the Doctor’s. Good shoes are really necessary, so it’s wise to spend on them. I have shoes based on the terrain, for Road & Trails, I use Salomon Sense Pro 2/ Salomon Sonic Pro, for the tiles like in Poland, I use Adidas lite racer. I also use the Snorkelling basic shoes from Decathlon / My favourite Xero Sandals, depending on the weather.

For some, it is their Make-up kits! For me, this is my world!

• What is the most important aspect in long distance Running?

I define Running as 1% Energy and the rest 99% for Mindset/Determination

• Why did I prefer running to group sports?

Because, in Running, you are responsible yourself to make sure you run, whereas the need to depend on somebody to start a game doesn’t work out for me and hence I prefer the Triathlon art of sport!

• How to keep the laziness away and the motivation levels high?

My friend suggested me to reward myself frequently as I achieve something. I gifted myself a watch for finishing the Half Iron triathlon, which is still one of my motivating factors today. So it is very important to keep rewarding yourself. You deserve a reward too,don’t you? 

For winning over yourself! Do it!

Anfangen ist leicht, Beharren eine Kunst

For the lazy ones, this is what I have for you, the first few days will be a great struggle. But when you keep yourself consistent, over the long run, you’re a self-made champion!

Important it is to share the happiness along the way, and not just to keep on running ;)

• How to ensure being consistent?

Be truthful to yourself. If you aren’t , you are cheating yourself. Commit yourself to a schedule and stick to the promise, If you fail, go for a run as a punishment. Remember, if you aren’t aggressive and determined, nothing is possible!

Wer rastet, der rostet

• What are my plans ahead for Running ?

I would be happy to target an ultra race in Europe since I’m here already. Looking to join a gym soon because it will get colder soon in winter and run at least thrice a week with occasional weight training! 

• Regrets?

Skipping the 50Km Ultra at Chennai Trail Marathon due to fever and missing the 80Km Ultra (supposed to be my highest) at the Malnad Ultra in 2017, due to my travel to Poland!

Supposed to be a memorable one, had I finished my first 80 Km run! Who knows, maybe an European Ultra next year!

• What more? 

Simple, believe in yourself first! You’re stronger than you think! Keep motivated and determined people around you and watch yourself go higher!

If you have any points, let’s discuss! 😀

"Allein ist besser als mit Schlechten im Verein: mit Guten im Verein, ist besser als allein"

 German Proverbs courtesy : Google

* This blog is from my personal experience, and not intended to hurt/ mislead anyone, especially professionals in this field! 

Was machst du, wenn du einen Unfall triffst?

People say, an accident in your life can totally rewrite your life-story! 💪😎

.

.

.

Yes! Believe me! Read my experience below, which happened in early 2016!

It was exactly at the time this photo was taken, thanks to Meera , which was intended to capture me jumping atop the bridge from the ground and holding it, because I love adventure! Little did I know that, when I jump and hold onto the bridge, a wood log(that you see in this picture next to me) is kept on the bridge and would fall down the moment I shake it! 

And exactly this happened, this Wood log (would weight around 60 Kilograms or even more) fell on my head, I bit my tongue, my head twisted onto the front because of the impact, suddenly a beep noise in my head, I catch my head sensing some trouble, spot blood! What made me remain so calm is still a mystery! I hardly get nervous, except a call to my parents to let them know that this happened, and that I’ll take care of this, unless some help from them would be required. I owe this day to Roopa , Shyam, Dilip , My brothers Ashif & Niranjan, who were all there along, not letting me go! Roopa was right there next to me, seeing me do all atrocities, taking selfies before the Brain Scan, casually talking to the doctor, hahaha, I still wonder how I managed to be like that!

Soon after, the inner strength to recover fast propelled my mind and made me More stronger, only to make me realise that, the dream of learning to swim and going for a big Triathlon, would be fulfilled in the same year! I was a swimmer, a Half Iron Triathlete, a Half Marathon runner already and a crazy cyclist, who sold his Motorbike to buy a Beautiful Merida bicycle instead! 

At the end, this picture speaks it all! 

Unlimited Beer, Welcome

It's a funny day altogether, because, everyone in class is excited about the day being a Wednesday. A pub which offers unlimited Beer when you just pay an entry fee, won't you be excited too?

So this fellow is all excited, gives a title to the party, because a new whatsapp group was formed.
Recovering from a very bad throat and body pain, but still trying to show up on the party, because it was one happy day, the guy calls on two more friends and heads to this place around 9.30!

The crowd is huge, the ambience seemed amazing from the outside, and the eye falls on a tall gentleman waiting near the entrance (A bouncer or a security probably?).

Time for this fellow to enter, as he and two of his friends walk closer to the door, this humble gentleman says "Not today" and doesn't let the three enter, as they move aside and watch everyone else cross-by and enter the pub.

The Reason? Because of the Nationality! Very Good!

And so, the three take the tram and come back home, to just peep inside a small Pizzeria near home, sip some beer, throw the anger away, come home and sleep!

So this fellow opens his Whatsapp in the morning, to see some heart-warming and soothing messages from his friends who were so angry on what happened.

One text from a friend read this " Hey H***, I'm so angry at what happened, I'm going to speak to the bodyguards for this", and one more reads "I know man, they're stupid racist, f**k them, that really piss me off, sorry man, I really want you to come".

This, made this fellow feel more closer with all these friends, can I call them sweethearts probably ?

The pub or the beer comes and goes any day, but the warm-feeling of receiving such responses from these true-souls, made my day!

Off towards my day, waiting to welcome the next "Incident"

- One happy, smiling Human being xD

Jajajajaja

Cheers, Prost 😎🍺🍸

Niemand ist ein Fremde, es gibt jemand gemainsamer zwischen

How does the small world keep travelling together ?

Because, everyone I meet somebody, there is someone/thing at a distance who/which is mutual between us

Is it some instinct or is someone directing a movie in real life, sitting somewhere in the sky, making this happen? 

Especially when not just the mutual friends, but the topic of the discussion, interests go well hand in hand 

Or is it the inner self matching to the interest of the other person

Or maybe there's another person in you, who has similar interests?

Interesting isn't it?

 

Thoughts after a train journey with Valsala Aunty! 

A goal, der Ziel

To many, a goal means something special
For a kid, growing up to become a doctor
For a young boy who's started his training, to become a Sachin Tendulkar
For a car freak, to buy and drive a BMW
.
.
.
Is it so necessary to have a goal and work towards achieving it?
.
.
.
I believe in having small goals daily, because it gives me pleasure and motivation when I accomplish it. There is always a source of inspiration flowing around
.
.
.
I'm interested to understand how many of us work towards goals. Or do you simply keep going on in your day?
.
.
.
I love long term goals, it's like a seed, which you foresee growing into a plant as years go by, it can sometime take even 10 years or even more.
What makes you work towards it?
The long term goal, lies in the middle of my mind. Whether I'm drunk, or out with friends, or out for running, it keeps giving me a thought, which strikes the moment, cutting short the day-dreaming part.
This dream has helped me also accomplish lot of short goals along the way. I can call them branch goals. They make your roots stronger and healthier.
Despite a tough competition for you around where you are, of a thought about your goal can calm you down, then it will for sure bloom one day.
I call this competition "tough storm winds".
If this wind bothers you on the way, not letting you go further, there needs some tweaking or re-thinking if our goal is really what we aspire for!
.
.
.
.
Lot of people pass by as you keep working, some stay (they're the nutrients to the root), some go away (they're the comets which get shattered by your atmosphere), some stick but cause damage (they're the pests), finally the butterflies and the Bees, which helps in pollination & is helpful mutually and finally the woodpeckers, which seem attractive but damage the stem.
If the re-action towards the pests is by throwing in pesticides (arguments, violence,betrayal,etc), the value of the goal drowns.
When the roots and branches are strong, the pests get thrown away without much effort. I believe so.
.
.
.
.
Anything is possible in this world, the self knows it's true worth, not the words from someone else.
.
.
.
.
.
The goal in your life must shatter you down, it will make you hallucinate, take away people from you, might even bring you happiness.
.
.
.
Imagine, when the flower blooms, all this hallucination and suffering will make you smile with immense satisfaction.
.
.
.
.
So, finally, a Goal, are you for it?



Image courtesy : Google

Is it important to be contented? Ist es wichtig, zufrieden zu sein?

Zefriendenheit

I read an interesting article yesterday in Linkedin, of a man refusing to go higher up in his career, refusing a high paying job change, citing the reason that he was already in his highest position in life.
He meant, he was satisfied with what he did, loved his job, spent time with his family and so on. Doesn't this sound nice?

I dreamt of a high paying job two years ago, while working in an industry.
As days went by, coming across the famous Chennai 2015 flood and the 2016 Vardah Cyclone, I got to meet a large volume of people (Both in quantity and quality), and then some adventures.
Had it been the same me who was 4 years ago, I would probably choose a super cool destination like Singapore to choose as holiday spot.

If you ask me now, my answer would be to opt for a tent, a sleeping bag and a beautiful camping spot in some lovely trail/ mountain.
What brought the change in me? Does this mean that I would opt now for a contented life against a continuously competing lifestyle?

I come across four types of people in my daily routine:
1. The married ones, who are busy with their loved ones, struggle between home and work, occasionally find some time to go on a holiday

2. The partying types, who are more worried about what brand/ lifestyle they carry on
 
3. An adventurous wild crowd, who only think of what to do every morning, how to avoid wasting time and where to go on a trip. Especially when it's a long weekend, it brings them so much pleasure. Doesn't think twice to be there to help someone/ call and check on their loved ones. Ask for blood, you receive a call immediately asking when, where! 

4. A crowd, which is engrossed in thoughts about their next move in life, is always pondered with thoughts and tension. Is very happy to share a joke when someone offers, it brings them away from the deep thoughts.

I can't blame any one of the above types, because it is up-to oneself to decide on what to opt for. Priorities differ from person to person.

I had an interesting discussion with my barber this morning, as he was cutting my hair. His is an interesting lifestyle, which doesn't belong to neither of the above categories.
He prefers to earn some money daily through his Saloon business, keep a portion for saving and the rest for his lifestyle.
He wishes a life, wherein he is happy, contented and lives outside the "Pressure box", but still loves to be a lazy fellow, relishing 10-12 hours of sleep a day
Spending over what is in his budget is not of his kind, he feels it might get him into unnecessary trouble and spoil his life.
Despite only studying till High school, he is satisfied by gaining knowledge through these discussions with customers or by watching National Geographic.
In fact, you wouldn't be surprised if he talks to you about Alpha Mind Power or Modifying a motorcycle. Interesting ?

The person who helps cleaning my car, despite being an Assistant Manager in a bank, opts to help in cleaning our cars in the morning, so he can earn little more money and contribute to his family.
Not just earning money, his morning time is spent on being productive, which yields him a good active lifestyle. Probably he won't need to spend time on fitness.

My best friend's father gets very delighted to meet me and discuss on something connected to sports. It brings him lot of happiness, because I rather than talking about his age/ health, speak something positive that makes him think like a kid again.
Can I describe this as being contented?

My loving grandmother is happy to read books, do some yoga and manage herself without the need to depend on someone. She feels very happy when someone talks about some topic to her, be it even rocket science.
This makes her feel like a kid, is this quality of a Contenting type?

A good friend of mine, is always busy (I don't know if he/she pretends), says they have work all the time, without having even little time to call their loved ones to check if everything is fine.
Is worried about turning obese, but isn't bothered to take a step towards it, but wouldn't mind going out to eat lavishly and spending time with their friends.
Is this also of a contenting type?

A puppy near my home, is always happy to wag its tail, pick it's daily quota of biscuits and go back the same way, without bothering anyone. Is indeed very happy if I pat it. Can I define this of a Contenting type?

Let's discuss, please write to me on what your thoughts are, on this topic. Interested to understand more perspectives!

Image courtesy : Google

Wenn laufen sich ins Süchtigkeit verwechselt

What started off as a pre-cleanup warmup run early last year turned to be so addicting, which I never dreamt of and hence a short post to commemorate my first 1000Km journey into running.
I still remember the first two runs with Thyagarajan, Peter, Krishna, Ahamed and Ashritha when they literally dragged me to complete the run, with my muscles feeling like totally pulled away from the body.
Probably, those were positive indications which I still cherish today.
My definition of running, thanks to the lovely hearts of Chennai Trekking Club, whom I refer to as my family, changed from targetting at events, medals and timings towards running for joy, fitness and also to motivate the society into running or a mode of physical activity.
With myself getting hurt in an accident, which changed my life, I can still not forget the pain I endured, the positive motivation which later turned out to be lovely journeys into Triathlons, Ultra running and Open water swimming.
Through running, I have been able to set a positive routine and a work balance. 98% of my running sessions take place in the morning, starting at least by 5AM. I go for evening runs when any friend calls for some company.
My consecutive running activities usually take place in different places, every run that I've done so far, which means I don't run on the same route on the consecutive sessions. This makes it easy to look for scenic spots and have a better running experience.
Doing the Auroville Marathon and the ultra at Munnar earlier this year, brought in a positive mindset that anything is possible to achieve, just that the mind needs to be in control.
I've realized through running that, it is also a mode of transportation, why not?
It has helped me overcome my negative thoughts, the emotional problems, with my health and immunity rising to better levels.
My childhood days, I still recollect myself fighting with most of the diseases or mouth ulcer, which consumed all my lovely days, putting me in the bed and causing under weight.
On days when I face an emotional problem, running helps me get rid of it, as you get really tired after a good pacing run, putting you to a good sleep.
My appetite has seen a very good rise in the last one year. I'm able to eat a whole meal, like how a heavy eater eats.
Of course, all the calories get burnt away right the next day when I go for a run :P
Running, according to me is addiction in a positive way, especially when you choose scenic spots like trails and mountains.
Swimming and cycling also helped me stabilize my legs and breathing pattern, which definitely come handy for running.
I'm happy that running has been more of a friendship kind, hence looking to keep it continuing further.
Very thankful to every wonder heart who has come for runs with me! Let's change the entire society into a physical activity so that it becomes a part of the daily routine :)

Varavelpinu Malayalakara Manasammatham Choriyum! Aaromale!

Times when you look at life and feel so bad, it is then time to get into the wild.

There are two reasons for this:

1. You discover your own energy levels while enduring

2. You experience the silence which makes you feel the connect between your soul and the wild

So went on our plan of cycling from Munnar to Alleppey. Transport from Chennai to Munnar and Alleppey to Chennai were booked forehand.

We reached Munnar on the morning of 29th March, a sunny morning. To make sure we set our air pressure right, we spotted a small shop in the nearby areas and waited there 15 minutes for the guy to come. Sandeep, the best guy in our group was asking every passerby if he was the guy who owned the shop. After this, we set off on our expedition.

The day one was full of down-hill, which was an encouraging start, as you get to touch speeds nearing 50 Kmph, which keeps the adrenaline so high. We made sure we were hydrated, as the Sun was busy, draining us out. Stops for hydration ensured us lime sodas and water fillings from the nearby houses. Right from the start of the trip till we finished, lot of people were anxious to know about our ride and the intention and we could hear them gossip about us as we passed them by.

The total distance for the first day came close to 40 Km as we started our ride only at 12pm.

Night riding wasn't preferred owing to the less lighting and the dangerous curves along the route. Around 4pm, we reached a beautiful bridge, underneath which was the river flow. This got very tempting, forcing us to take a mandatory dip. AJ and I decided to go till the other end and back. The top surface of the water was warm and the below surface was cold.

This got thrilling since I remember experiencing this also in Ottiambakkam, during our open water swims. Ram got the Gopro and was standing atop a rock, shooting a video of us and he did get inside after we got out. We got out and set our again, around this time, it got dark. It was time for us to look for a spot to camp as we were tired and badly needed some sleep. En-route, we purchased a mesh, few vegetables and curd to retire with barbeques. Few miles away as we were cycling, AJ found a spot, which was a few meters away from the ground and guaranteed a lovely sight. I was standing a few meters away and trying to see if I could find any other spot.

Meanwhile, we zeroed in on the spot AJ discovered and by this time we needed a light source to do anything. Two of us started to gather fire wood, while two were getting the tents ready. Soon after, we tried to set the fire and soon started to set up our barbeque setup. AJ and me were shouting wow for every piece that came out (it was half cooked though) and were responsible for the major share that went inside our stomachs.

Soon after, we saw a motorbike approaching us. This man, Seji, enquired about who we were and what our notions were. And then he left, which saw one more person approaching us, almost nearly after 15 minutes. We repeated the same explanation and this person, Sebastian, offered nearby help if we needed anything and went on his way. Our barbeque session came to an end and we decided to retire for the night. 25 minutes later, we saw a Jeep approaching us. As usual, I went in the front as nobody in my gang spoke Malayalam.

It was the locals, they didn't want us to let them way, rather they were objected by the fact that we occupied their land. We had to show them our Identity cards and since there was a girl in our gang, they got suspicious. They insisted on inviting the police to clear any assumptions, to which we had to oblige as they weren't willing to let us go just like that.

One hour later, the senior civil police officer, Mr. Roy and his counterparts came along with the locals. To our surprise, after they heard our tale of what we were doing, since we showed them our ride plan, he stood for us and spoke on our behalf, stating that these tents are meant for camping. They understood, we weren't keen on hiring a lodge or a hotel room.

It was a nice experience and Mr. Roy gave us his contact numbers and directed the locals to offer us any help if we needed. This shut the locals' minds and they had to oblige to us and retire to their destinations, letting us sleep for a while till dawn.

We set off the next morning, after stopping for a cup of nice Black tea, few miles away. We found it funny with the mixture of languages, especially when Ram once asked for Black tea and was refused. I asked "Cheta, Kattan Chaaya", which got us the intended black tea. Likewise happened for Lime soda when they said they don't have and I had to ask "Cheta, Nyaaranga soda". Sadly, Logesh had to settle himself with soda and salt, since he didn't know how Lemon was called in Malayalam.

We had a tough climb that day, as there were hardly a few water spots even, with the weather conditions also humid and sweaty.

Day 2 was nice as we were directed towards Vagamon. We could hear almost every villager gossiping about us and enquiring about our trip. Few auto drivers were kind enough to suggest us routes, considering our cycling intention and the climbs along the way. It was dusk by then and we were in need of a camping spot. Kanjiyaaru wasn't so tourist friendly, which meant that we ask someone for permission before setting our tents.

Pit stop at a hotel for dinner, post which myself and AJ approached the nearby church for permission, which was refused, but the Asst Vicar gave us a contact number of a father who was in charge of a college, a km away. We tried the forest range office, which was near the church. We both waited nearly for an hour to meet them, which ended up with a well-known declination.

As we were crossing the JPM College, AJ tried his luck in ringing up the father, who immediately answered the call and came to the gate. Upon verifying our ID cards and convincing the villagers, who came thronging to see what was happening, we were let in to set our camp. AJ, me and Ajith wished to sleep near the reception while the others wished to set the tents and sleep near the football field. It was a very cold night soon after, eventually forcing us to go inside the sleeping bags.

The next morning, the father gave us a good morning welcome and waited for us to pack the things and showed us the way out, with route directions. It was a very nice and a friendly gesture, as we exchanged a couple of nice words. People like this are a blessing to our society, indeed :)

Few kilometers down, I was at the front, cycling a bit faster and stopped near a shop, where the breakfast was getting ready, which meant everybody were forced to stop for a bite here. The bite eventually grew up to many pieces of Yummy Parotta with the available gravies. The taste was very nice. Before this, there was a stop for a lemon tea, where the climate and the location were very nice.

This ensured lovely photographs along.

We decided to hit Vagamon by noon and reach Kottayam for the night. Meanwhile Logesh had a personal call, forcing him to plan for his return to Chennai as soon as possible. We reached Vagamon that afternoon. Sundhari had pedaled so hard and reach the top very quickly. I chased her path and tried to catch up with her, meanwhile the others were settling at a spot for a Nickerchen.

The Vagamon top welcomed us to a closed Cottage, where we had a good Nickerchen and some excellent photographs, since the colors gave a good composition. There was a shop right opposite, which was a Tempo traveler converted into a restaurant. We soon settled there for lunch, as the others reached too. Yummy Idiyappams were a good delish for lunch. We spent some quality time for eating and rested at the cottage for a few minutes and set off on our downhill expedition.

The journey was excellent, from Vagamon towards Kottayam, guaranteeing us excellent views and spots to take photographs. Note, we touched speeds close to 60 Kmph here. On reaching the bottom of the hill after 20 minutes, I saw a deserted bus stop and put my helmet on the ground and slept over it for 20 minutes. The gang woke me up once I reached and we pedaled for a few meters where we saw a shop and had some yummy lime sodas and the sippy type Ice cream.

Soon after, we kept pedaling until we reached a point where we had to take a right turn and holy shit, due to some bandh that day, no buses or autos were plying. We were worried for Logesh, as to how we would return. We made a plan that Logesh would pedal with the gang faster, while myself and Sundhari would come behind. Both of us kept pedaling through the roads, which was kind of a rolling terrain. We did see a tempting spot for swimming, but we preferred to keep going, since it was already Dusk.

At last, the guys reached Kottayam with Logesh, while we reached there 45 minutes later.

You wouldn't believe, there is a Decathlon at Kottayam, and for a moment I did think if we both should drop in there to display our cycles, since I wondered if anyone used their things there.

Soon, we found a hotel in Kottayam, it was 8.30pm by then and sadly we had to order the food what was available, as most of the items were already run out. The security was a kind man, who took good care of our bicycles, including their counts.

Our Ride Plan

It was approx. a 10Km ride from Kottayam to Thiruvarpu, my Grandfather's native, a lovely place with backwaters flowing behind the house. The route to Thiruvarpu is a very nice one as you travel parallel to this river, which is a tributary of the Meenachillar River. And around 10.30pm we reached home. Periyammai and my uncle gave us a warm welcome and were amused to see us cycling so far.

We had a good dip in the river around 11pm, discussing about many things.

It was Ram's birthday that night, 1 April, we had bought a Halwa instead of a cake, for a change.

It was soon morning, after a sultry night, with everyone camping inside the tents outside Thiruvarpu home, myself on the Thinnai, which is more than pleasure to me. We dropped a visit to the Krishnan temple and the Kochambalam, both being hardly a stone's throw from home. The Krishnan temple traces back to history, even today, as one amongst those temples which open as early as 2.30AM in the morning. 

Soon after, by noon we set off to Kumarakom. It was a flat, 10Km ride.

We hit the Boat Jetty soon. The only transport service available was the boat to Muhamma, from where we could ride to Alleppey. We crashed onto a nearby hotel for lunch, relishing the yummy Kumarakom biriyani, which is rice on the outside and gravy on the inside.

The boat journey to Muhamma was interesting. One of the crew member became friends with us, telling about various places on the route. He mentioned about a brave girl, who swam this 10Km distance earlier two weeks back. My mind sounded excited, I thanked him in my mind for the idea, for we are a crazy group who do these things. My mind tickled, Hari, you have a super plan now. Why not make a plan to swim the same distance? :-P

We had cycled to Alleppey then, which was an easy ride, not so hot. On reaching Alapuzha Boat Jetty, the Houseboat plan was on, was very excited as we got into our Houseboat. We had requested him for two things, one was to stop at some point so that we could go for a swim, second was to buy Toddy.

Both worked out, yes, three bottles of light Toddy, I liked the taste. 

I and AJ had a nice swim to the other end of the Lake, around 160 meters. On return, Ram clicked few photographs of us, and getting into the boat again was hell a tough task. The crew of the chef seemed bit friendly and Nissam, a young chap, also jumped into the waters for a swim with us.

I had a Kattankaapi after the swim, to cleanse my stomach, since I felt the water could be polluted. Slowly we started off, sipping the toddy. AJ played some nice music and it was a lovely day. The night went off and the next morning, we had some nice Appam with Kadala Curry for breakfast. As we reached the big view point of the open waters, it was a fantastic sight.

Now, it was time to set off to the next destination, Yay, the St Mary’s Forane Church at Pullinkunnu. Who has watched Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya will know this Church, for its lovely and soothing background score. Sundhari, Ajith and I took a boat to cross the waters, it was a 15 minute ride and the boat man was a friendly character.Meanwhile, AJ, Ram and Sandeep had reached the Church, relishing a nice ride from Alleppey, as we couldn't afford a delay as our train was to depart early. As we were on the journey to the Church, the BGM of VTV was playing in my mind, with a Black Camarant opening its wings so wide, as if giving me a warm welcome.

There was little trouble into us getting inside the church, which got settled later, thanks to our Lakshmibai Sundhari. It was a nice feel to get into the silence inside the prayer hall. We thanked the Security for being so kind to get us permitted inside.

Soon, we took an auto and reached a spot for Lunch, for it was Ram's treat for his birthday.

"Avees Puttu House" an exotic restaurant serving lot of Puttu and Non veg varieties was a delightful sight. It had a boat of the Nehru boat race kind, on top of which was the dining chairs. One would definitely relish the interiors of this place.

Soon, we had got done and started off to reach Alleppey, then took our bicycles and pedaled to the railway station, asking for routes all along the way. Many were gossiping "Hey these guys have come so far cycling".

Reaching the station, we booked the bicycles as a luggage and went and sat in the bench, relaxing with a bottle of cold water. We were only myself, Sundhari and Ajith. Rest were to go to Bangalore by Bus and they had ample time to come slowly. The train travel was a funny one, for it was an RAC ticket, so had lot of confusions in our berth. We three caught up for a nice never ending discussion which lasted over three hours. At last, after the train crossed Palakkad, we found peace and slept off.

Woke up in the morning to rush to office at 8am. Started at 6.45 from Central and reached home, pedaling with fully drained energy, still managing to reach home and then to office on time.

These trips are a dream kind. You might find it to be hard at first look, but they show you what real life and fun is. It is not about spending money on luxury, rather relishing true nature through pure adventure :)