Its been almost three months since i started riding in Bangalore and so decided it was time i got down to do a century ride. I asked my colleagues if they would like to accompany me for the ride, but i guess the distance kinda put them off. So on the November 20th 2011 I started off from my place to Devanahalli Fort all by myself.
I had planned to start from HSR layout by 5 in the morning, but November mornings are just too cold and my blanket was feeling all the more warm for that. So after snoozing for about an hour and skipping warming up, I managed to my backsides on the saddle at about 5 30 (not that it wasn’t cold anymore) and started off. Thanks to skimping on the warming up, I had to ride slowly for the first 5-6km (till the Marathalli junction). Another reason for the slower pace could have been because my legs were still dreaming of the bed and blanket. After tat tried to speed up a little, and managed a more respectable speed till the Vathur junction.
Among the bikers in Bangalore, there is a very well knows road called “Sivas Road”. Its a road from the NH that goes towards Kolar to Devanhalli. Its generally used when bikers want to head towards Nandi Hills. I had read about this road in the Biking forums, and wanted to check it out. So from the Vathur Junction headed towards the NH. In the forums, I had seen a lot of posts on the forum asking for direction to the road, so i had marked the position on my phone before starting. But it turned out to be totally unnecessary, there was a BIG board that said Devanahalli that way. It was so big that even I would have had trouble missing it.
Rolling hills, greenery on both the sides, minimal traffic - No wonder it is popular with bikers. It was beautiful to ride through, especially in the morning. I guess we bikers are regulars on this particular stretch of road as there weren't as many staring people and kids shouting "cycle race cycle race!" like in the other roads. The road also passes very near the new Bangalore Airport. There is a small trail that leads the fence on the back of the Airport.
Finally Reached Devanahalli fort at about 9 (wasted too much time clicking pictures on the way).
It is an interesting place. Part of the Village is situated inside the actual fort. Surely worth a visit even if you are not biking there. I spent almost an hour at the fort, visiting temples and walking around the fort’s walls. There is also a shrine built at the place where Tipu Sultan was born (it is outside the fort). if you want to read up more about the fort: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devanahalli_Fort
Started back from the Fort and managed to keep up my planned avg speed of 20kmph through the return trip as well. Came back by the same way I had used in the morning. But, coming back with the sun shining right over my head did teach me to start earlier the next time at least.
Reached my room by one in the afternoon. Stopped in the near by super market and got an 1 Kg ice cream box. That and a cheesy burst pizza to celebrate the successful completion of my first Century.
Location: HSR Layout to Devanahalli to HSR Layout (link: http://www.dailymile.com/routes/935970- ... ngaluru-in)
Total Distance: 111.33 kms
Total time: 5 hours 21 minutes (without breaks)
Avg Speed: 20.8 kmph
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