Ananthagiri Hills Cycling Adventure: Perfect Terrain for Novice Riders:
After meticulous planning , I set out for my first All-India trial ride, aiming to acquaint myself with this new experience. Ananthagiri Hills, Hyderabad, stood out as the perfect destination—a terrain that strikes a balance, ideal for a beginner like me. Not excessively flat nor intensely hilly, it offered an excellent starting point
Covering approximately 90 kilometers from home, I planned to reach the destination by evening, camp overnight, and return by the following day at noon. This strategic approach aimed to provide practical insights into any necessary changes or upgrades for the long journey ahead.
True Happiness: Finding Joy Beyond Material Wealth:
At 7:00 a.m., as I kicked off my journey, I encountered a wealthy friend cruising in a lavish car, somewhat puzzled as he waved at me. Opting not to delve into explanations, I simply smiled back. There was a time when I dreamt of owning such grandeur, believing it to be the key to my happiness.
But now, I find my contentment in little things—achieving daily goals or savoring the simple pleasure of coffee while witnessing a breathtaking sunrise. I’ve learned to embrace a fulfilling life with fewer material desires.
Realizing that true happiness and freedom originate from within has been a revelation. Many of us chase after luxury items like fancy cars and designer clothes, thinking they’ll set us apart. But I believe it’s quite the opposite.
As the day progressed and the heat intensified, the simplicity and serenity of the village roads provided a welcome relief, nonetheless scorching heat meant frequent pitstops for hydration and leak which made the ride somewhat erratic.
By now I’m well accustomed to comfortably riding 100 kilometers a day, but today the additional 40 kg load behind me significantly altered the experience compared to my previous rides, giving me a new riding challenge.
Local Generosity Amidst Rain: Struggles and Unexpected Kindness on the Road:
With only a glimmer of daylight left and 20 kilometers remaining, including an uphill stretch, I paused to grab some snacks. It was there that I met the local youth president who kindly offered to cover the cost of my food, a gesture I graciously declined. However, our conversation proved insightful as he cautioned me about the rough and bumpy roads that lay ahead.
As twilight set in, the skies opened up, drenching the road. Undeterred, I geared up with my rain jacket, determined to keep going. However, amidst the downpour, I realized I had either left or lost my expensive new goggles, bought specifically for my upcoming tour.
With no choice but to backtrack in search of them, a gut feeling urged me to retrace my steps. Thankfully the local witnessing this stranded cyclist in the rain, had come to assist. Their help was invaluable, and to my relief, one of them retrieved my goggles from under a nearby car.
Frustrated by my poor eyesight, yet grateful for the locals who went above and beyond to assist me, I resumed my ride, their generosity a beacon of hope in this pouring rain.
A Glimmer Of Hope In the Darkness:
As the clock struck 8:00 PM, I’d covered only 70 kilometers, surrounded by desolate roads, occasionally crossed by speeding trucks and reckless bikers on the narrow forest route. The single-lane path offered no illumination except for the fading light of my bike’s headlamp.
The chill in the air combined with the persistent drizzle and suffocating rain jacket made things quite cumbersome. Just when it seemed bleak, a sweet shop emerged, offering some solace with a steaming cup of tea. Amid sips of chai, doubts crept in, questioning my capability to achieve this daunting cross-country cycling feat.
Despite hesitations, I prepared to give it another shot, but the treacherous conditions—pitch darkness, erratic roads, and inconsiderate drivers—triggered a change of heart, recalling the numerous warnings received along the way.
However, a glimmer of hope emerged in the form of a distant light, which upon closer approach revealed itself to be a petrol station. Riding toward it, I found an elderly man waiting to serve customers. I inquired about pitching a tent in the parking area, to which he suggested I check with the owner.
About to inquire, meantime a youngster emerged from inside, curious about my purpose. Upon sharing my story, the young man, it turned out, was from the family that owned the petrol station.
Without hesitation, he generously offered me a room usually reserved for night shift workers. Their unexpected hospitality left me pleasantly surprised and grateful.
Parking my bike in the designated room, a slight unease gripped me. It was the first time I had pushed my body to such extremes, and I feared the possibility of falling ill. To regulate my temperature, I took Paracetamol, hoping to ease any onset of discomfort.
Surrounded by the incredible kindness of the employees, dinner was brought to me. Their warmth and generosity melted my heart, making the unfamiliar place feel a bit more like home. Despite the initial apprehension, the night provided surprisingly comfortable and restful sleep.
Waking up feeling refreshed and invigorated, I bid farewell to the owner and the considerate employees before setting off on my homeward journey.
Lesson Learned on the Road:
Throughout this ride, I encountered incredible strangers who generously offered their help. This reinforced my belief in the abundant goodness that exists in the world. It’s crucial not to rush into pessimism or create stereotypes about communities without understanding their situations and circumstances.
However, there’s one experience I haven’t had yet on this ride—I missed the chance to immerse myself in the feel of camping. Determined to explore this, I’ve decided to give it another shot.
It’s not the destination but the journey that we learn from.
Next: