Last Friday, I was planning to come to office in cycle as it was a casuals day. I had decided to come early and leave around 5 PM so that I am not caught in the darkness (did not want to risk that on a long ride first up - i feel so handicapped without lights in the dark what with our zooming vehicles)
But unfortunately that did not materialize due to 2 reasons -
1. Continuous rains on Thursday night and Friday morning
2. Heavy opposition from wife.
Anyway, I might have convinced her, if not for the rains. Had to take the car. Luckily I went by car as I had completely forgotten about the opening of the new bridge connecting Pallavaram-Thoraipakkam radial road and GST road on that day, and crowd in that area was bad.
SATURDAY
On Saturday morning, decided to visit that new bridge on the cycle, but by a different route ; Home --> Madipakkam --> Kilkattalai Junction --> Right towards Pallavaram on the radial road and come via GST road, Palavanthangal back home.
It was slightly drizzling and family was not permitting, but still took off....
Was easy till Kilkattalai (except for some great drivers) but after that it was a struggle as rain picked up and it seems mostly up slope from that.. Also, I did not bring water to drink (as usual) and was finding it difficult. Saw a superb lake (Kilkattalai Lake) on the way. It was too good to look at in the drizzle. It was a big lake split by the road in the middle. I hope it atleast remains this way as I have seen many good water resources being wiped out due to illegal water collection. Some people were even bathing in it and enjoying. I wish .... :)
I was looking for some plastic cover on the side of the road so that I could cover my mobile (since it was raining) but could not find any thing clean enough. Anyway the side pocket was not getting wet and I left it at that.
Started after 5 mts rest, but could not proceed much due to the up slope + rain + lack of water. Took a U Turn and returned back same way. On the way back, one i10 car came near me and opened the window. An old man said - "Sir, unga shirt fulla seru ...." ; I told "parava illai" :) Back home, I saw that it was indeed full of mud.. I didn't expect that much LOL... I thought the FireFox fenders bought for 400 Rs ought to work, but it seems more style than substance.
Stats
Total Distance - 13.1 Kms
Duration (without breaks) - 1 hr 2 minutes
Average Speed - Just 12.5 kms per hour :(
Average Pace - 4.48 minutes per km
I was disappointed that I could not make it to the new bridge and take it on the cycle :(
On Saturday evening I went and bought a cycle helmet and a rear red blinker light to feel safer when cycling ;)
SUNDAY
Moving to Sunday, I wanted to do a different route. Since I missed out on Friday, I thought why not go till MEPZ. But it was nearly 13 kms one way, and since I had to return back immediately it was around 25 kms both ways. My max so far was around 15 kms. I was not sure whether I could, but I wanted to try it.
Started early; around 7.30 AM from home. Took the usual car route of via Palavanthangal subway and GST road. I also wanted to see if I can reach MEPZ without rest stoppages. Of course, I stopped for signals.
I had trouble only near Pallavaram bus stand where the road suddenly narrows and there are no service roads + lot of people jay walking. Otherwise, it was smooth .... till after Chromepet and on the final stretch. I did not expect that to be a slope (who notices up slopes when on a car :)), and it was a big upslope, nearly for a kilometer. Did not want to let up, and slowly made it till the signal. Bought some water and rested for 5-6 minutes there.
Took the U @ the signal and turned back. The return was easier (maybe more down slopes, or lesser traffic + I had water to drink when needed)
Reached home easily.
I made it... To and fro MEPZ with just 5 mts break. I did not believe it myself.
Stats
Total Distance - 24.8 Kms
Duration (without breaks) - 1 hr 44 minutes
Average Speed - 14.4 kms per hour :) -- Much better
Average Pace - 4.10 minutes per km
Home - MEPZ Signal - 55 minutes
MEPZ signal - Home - 48 minutes
Considering that it takes 30-45 mts in car based on traffic, It was not too bad.
At last I did it ... :)
SATURDAY
