Taking the roads less traveled

Cycling has made it possible for me to take the roads less traveled. In recent time while exploring the area around Ponda (Goa) I happen to discover dirt trails criss-crossing the hills connecting villages. It rained heavy in the third week of March, when I cycled to the Farmagudi (Ponda-Goa) plateau. The ground was wet and fresh green grass shoots doted the surface. The whole atmosphere was monsoon like!!!

Cycling Facity at Cotigao wildlife Sanctuary

My friend Donald and I spent three days (21^st , 22^nd , 23^rd March 2008) at Cotigao wildlife sanctuary, situated in South Goa. Our best laid plans for photographing wildlife were ruined by unexpected down pour.

It rained (all three days) like it does in rainy season (effect of global warming??), we managed to take longish walks as it drizzled.

The Range Forest Officer Mr. Paresh Parab who happens to be a friend has managed to acquire four cycles, 2 Octane DTB2s and 2 Hero thunders (single speed). We learnt about this when Paresh came to the office late evening, the second day of our stay.

The next morning we did some riding on specially designed cycling trail some 2 Kms in length, passing in a loop through wooded area. On this ride we spotted the Spotted Deer and variety of birds.

Me and Don

Don and Me on the trail

Hero Thunder MTB

Don

Paresh has set an example for other sanctuaries to follow! Providing the cycles would reduce the number of motorbikes and four wheelers entering into the sanctuary.

The visitors can rent these bikes; the casual visitors will have to stick to riding on the special cycling trail, while residing visitors would be free to cycle anywhere within the sanctuary. The official announcement and inauguration (by some politician/higher official) of this facility is scheduled for sometime next week.

Mountain Biking In Goa

After purchasing entry level mountain bike (TREK 3700), I was in search of off road trails and r I discovered this 1Km. rough, tough, winding trail uphill near home (Ponda - Goa). This trail calls for good mountain biking skills of balancing, braking and maintaining the cadence while going up.


During my initial rides up the trail I would get off my bike at 4 different spots along the trail, with practice I now manage to bike up the trail, getting off only at one tough spot. The down hill is really thrilling.

At the top the trail opens up to a plateau having typical Konkan topography, the volcanic rock covers the ground and is home to, Grey Hare, Indian Pea Fowl, Jackal, Porcupine, Grey Jungle Fowl and Scorpions.



Early morning rides are rewarded with sightings of Black Headed Oriole, Asian Fairy Blue Bird, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill and many other winged wonders!!