Bicycle trip from Makkandur, steep ascend to Mandalpatti hill top and then ending at Bylakuppe.
An organized bicycle trip in the monsoon season, starting from Makkandur, then riding up the steep ascent to the amazing hilltop of Mandalpatti and finally ending the ride at Bylakuppe.
Day 01 : Makkandur – Mandalpatti – Kalur – Madikeri
Sat, 23 Jul 2011
Reach the Home-stay at around 6 am, freshen up had breakfast. At the brief we get directions and precautionary info from the organizing team. Having opted for one of the categories that covers the most distance for the day of about 50 kms, we start to ride in the drizzle that was likely to last the entire day and it did.
Ride till the base of Mandalpatti peak was rather easy despite the light rains. As we rode up towards the top, we all were taken aback with the view along the road, stopping every other place to take a picture. Few stretches were steep and so simply pushed the bike along for a while. Stopped at the only tea stall there for breakfast, tea and took more pictures.
As we continued uphill, the air got really chilly. Further due to a land slide, the road was blocked and vehicles were in no way able to go beyond this point. People had to walk the rest of the way. We carried the bike across this stretch and continue riding towards the peak. Upon reaching the point, it started to pour heavily and so we took shelter at the forest guard’s cottage there till it stopped raining.
Delay due to the halt there, we decided to head back. The ride downhill after the tea stall was thrilling. As we made our way towards Kalur, the roads were mostly all mucky and got our feet and bike all dirty. Upon reaching a small bridge, we got to clean our feet and bikes (at least to some extend) to continue our ride. Walked another steep stretch for a while and then rode on towards Madikeri. Along the way, passed the Mahindra resort and further on stopped briefly for snacks and tea. Finally reached base-camp by 6 pm. Washed up the bike, shoes, a warm bath, dinner and night’s sleep in the tent.
Day 02 : Makkandur – Suntikoppa – Kushalnagar – Bylakuppe
Sun, 24 Jul 2011
After an exhilarating first day, we get ready to ride towards Madikeri. From Makkandur to Madapur was a refreshing ride downhill. Past the Hardoor Bridge and it was an uphill ride till we reached Suntikoppa. After that it was a smooth ride on the Mysore-Madikeri State Highway 88, where I spotted at a shop and stopped for some ice cream. The ride finally ended at the Golden temple in Bylakuppe.
Distance covered for the day is 50 kms
Mandalpatti - a pastoral landmark well known for panoramic valley views, located at Hammiyala, Karnataka 571201.
Bylakuppe - an area in Karnataka which is home to the Indian town Bylakuppe and several Tibetan settlements, established by Lugsum Samdupling and Dickyi Larsoe. Bylakuppe is the second largest Tibetan settlement in the world outside Tibet after Dharamshala.
Awesome event organizer: Cycling And More a.k.a CAM
