The Goa Cycling Adventure.

DAY 0 | THE START

Hellooo 👋…Back with another series of not so boooringg stories again.Who in their 20’s hasn’t fantasized about a Goa trip🌊🌴? But here’s the twist: I’ve already been there four times, each one with a unique vibe. In a quest to make the 5th one even more special, we have decided to cycle Goa coastline north to south 🚵🚵‍♂️🚵‍♀️.

“WE”? Well, it’s me with my buddies @rohanveera and @gorantlaharshavardhan

Now, I have been cycling for almost 7 years now and have taken some intensive trips.

But Harsha and Rohan haven’t cycled more than 10 kms anytime before, A true adventurists to sign up for this 😂.Honestly, we were a bit doubtful of us making it to the end. All we bet is to have a good time no matter how the journey is 🤷.

D-Day arrives🎯, and we’re loading up our gear in Goa, with my bike transported from Hyderabad.while the guys buy it from an Ex-Defence service man 😎 named George in Vasco.After a couple of test rides with shining brand new bicycles,he helps us transport in his own vehicle, his son driving us to Arambol 60 km from there.Very helpful, the first hospitality set the tone for adventure 😌.

Our first day in Arambol? Pure relaxation—dinner, beach stroll 🚶‍♂️, lights out by 11 PM.Because when you’ve got a coastline to conquer, you better hit the hay early 🛌💤

 

 

DAY 1 | PEDALS & PARADISE

May 1 | Wednesday

The start began at the sunrise 🌅, armed with sunscreen and excitement.First day things, setting up gear took us more time than usual. Finally at 8 AM we push the pedal from Arambol 🎉.

This didn’t last long, the monstrous climb⛰️ on Mandrem beach road almost killed our morning mojo 🥵.After the downhill, we stumbled upon the shores of Ashwem beach,wide bank and calm waves🏖️,looked like ultimate breakfast nook.This rejuvenated our spirits 😌, despite the drenching 86% humidity.

Onwards we rode, crossing estuary geography🏞️ to reach Chapora fort 🏰(roll “Dil Chahta Hai 🎶”)..The blazing sun prompted a unanimous decision by 3 friends, sipping coconut water 🥥as we admire fort’s splendor from the base.

Cruising smoothly…but wait Rohan’s cycle Squeaks (Krrrrrrrrrr…)turns out, his mudguard was touching back-tyre. The complimentary carrier didn’t seem to be taking enough load.With a pocket tool kit handy, we fix it.

Breezing through Baga and Calangute, we finally reached our Airbnb in Candolim 👍.A little party and Goan thali at Kokum treated us to a brief siesta🥱, Evening visit to Aguada fort was a disappointment, it’s closed for the day,but dinner under the stars on Candolim beach was a perfect end to day one 🕯️.And with a reluctant “buybye👋” to the night, we bid adieu, knowing that we have more climb and humidity to deal with the next day.

 

 

DAY 2 | BIKE TROUBLES & URRAK

May 2nd | Thursday

Things started getting into routine by now, who wakes up first and last. How to set up gear, breakfast, lunch and dinner all falling in place. The only thing that wasn’t is the saddle sores we were beating 😫.

Starting from Candolim, we reached the serene Reis Magos fort before stopping at Confeiteria 31 de Janeiro in Fontainhas for local breakfast🥪,where we also met Eugene. We are open to interact with locals, this kind man had a lot to speak, while our ears 👂 didn’t seem to be receptive. Happens, Blame humidity 😄!

The ascent on Madgaon highway was a challenge under the scorching sun☀️, forcing us to walk uphill for a stretch🚶. Few glasses of sugarcane,coconut and electoral water later the downhill ride was a thrill, reaching speeds of 50’s and 60’s like a road runner. Beep!!Beep!!

Uffff … the speed thrills but kills too. Harsha and Rohan’s mudguards are ripped by friction. The carrier is cracked down too. After trying different solutions for an hour, we redistributed luggage 🎒 and moved. Teamwork🤝!!

Cansaulim’s opulent bungalows surprised us, Rich villages they are 🤑.A local shop introduced us to urrak made from cashew apples,which we slurped with a mix of Limca, Chilli, Salt and Lemon.Finally, after a 54 km ride, we settled into an Airbnb in Benaulim, enjoying some pool time🏊,what games did we play? Shhhhh… 🤫😉. After Dinner on Benaulim beach we were exhausted but content. Journal closes for Day 2 💤. Bubye!

 

 

DAY 3 | THE FINISH DAY 🏁🚵‍♂️

May 3rd | Friday

Remember the school days uphill Math➗ problems, I was never good at them, so am I with the gradient on this ride🤦‍♂️,Why? you will get to know as you read.

Our final day’s ride from Benaulim to Palolem, spanning 50 kilometers, ignited excitement as the finish line is at the end. Breakfast at udupi hotel in Assagaon, didn’t feel like a south indian hotel 👎, where is dosa, man?

First 25 km of the journey almost seemed like a cake walk🕺, but according to the map we have 500 meter+ elevation on the route ⛰️.Then came blind curve, which introduced us to the first uphill, then one after the other every blind curve deceived to be a downhill but turns out another ascent. We must have climbed 8+ hills that day, walking the slope dragging our 30+ kg cycles and luggage, looked like a military exercise.

Around noon local-Binesh, welcomed us for a pitstop, water break🍶, and a tour of his resort Simbroseata. After a rejuvenating break, we ventured to Simrose Shack by Agonda Beach for lunch, then tackled the final 9 kilometers to Palolem Beach🌊.

No matter who was looking at us, we cheered 🎉, jumped, and celebrated. That’s the profound satisfaction of making it to the end. At some point, each of us had entertained thoughts of giving up, but our determination never let us complain. That’s the essence of group adventure ✊. With Rohan and Harsha by my side, We bid farewell to the west coast. Until our next one, peace ✌️!