Coorg 1000 - Hot, Hotter and Hottest

Introduction The ride that wasnt to be. As if all the climbs that Mohan Sir had planned wasn't enough, the season warmed up quite a bit for this first week of April. Just a couple of weeks ago, people were literally fried and roasted on the Pune Highway. With that ride providing the Vit D supply for year, many of them decided to stay away for the next roasting. When I brought about the topic of Coorg ride, there was a strong disapproval from him citing the weather. Me being me, I had already made up my mind. The conversation only helped me look seriously into the ride, and I did it last minute as usual.

The Course The Coorg 1000 course exited Bangalore through Hosur, and entered into TN countryside another twenty kilometers further. It was all country roads from this point, until we reach back Mangalore Highway around 800kms. Country roads packed a good bit of rolling hills, and we had three significant climbs. Mahadeshwara Hills (nearly 1200m), Suntikoppa to Madikeri (700m) and Charmadi Ghat (750m). The course packed a whopping 12000m elevation gain for a 1000km distace at an average gradient of 1.2%. What made this difficult was the April weather, and there was an ample amount of sun exposure over three days. A week before the event, Mohan released the weather and wind estimates, and the mysterious package of winds got added. You can call it whatever, the winds were either head-on or facing crosswinds for nearly 80% of the course. And that defied all logic.

Preparation After having completed and recovered from the BGB1200, I was putting in regular practice. In addition, I had put in a few rides with good amount of climbing. One of the rides had five back to back climbs of Nandi. Though my bike had a 11-30 gearing, I was confident of going through the climbs. I was only concerned about the Charmadi climb. The Mahadeshwara Hill climb was too early into the ride (at 240km) and will be done before the sun goes up. Madikeri climb was in the middle of the night, and night temperature will be helpful. As for the Charmadi climb, it came in the middle of the day (mostly at noon time), and the starting altitude was 100m. Temperature will not be favorable for this one. The last 250kms from Chikkamagalur through Hassan was familiar territory. The start was planned at 2000 hrs to be in line to enter the MM Hills forest section just after dawn. I had prepped up my bike in the morning, but the planned afternoon nap never occurred. My plan to pick up some backup food for the night never materialized. It was an ordeal through traffic to reach FKCCI and I barely had sufficient time to get a quick meal at Vishnu Upachara just opposite FKCCI. The 'hot' Tamil Nadu section> Forty-five riders made it to the start line. The toughness of the challenge weighed in so much, that I went in with a 50% chance of a DNF. Never have I started on such a note. We made our way through the traffic to Electronic City, and it eased up a bit afterwards. It was nearing 9:30pm and I wanted to call my family. A quick attempt to put on the headset backfired with it slipping out of my hands and falling on the road. I had to wait a few minutes for the traffic to subside down. My hopes were dashed as the headset was crushed under the wheels of either a car or a truck. Having lost about five minutes in the process, Raghu caught up to me here, and would be my companion for the rest of the ride. The ride through Bangalore City and Hosur were hot as hell. We caught some relief as we passed through Sanamavu reserve forest. However, it soon warmed up even in the country side. The winding roads from Shoolagiri to Palacode were pleasure to ride on. One thing we noticed was that some farms were lit up with LED lights, and this appeared to be a recent phenomenon. As we reached the Palacode control, volunteers were waiting for us with food. My plan was to skip food at this control. However, I ended up picking up a food container and took time to finish it off. The unanimous agreement here was the weather was too humid for midnight. And that's the Tamil Nadu side for us. The ninety odd kilometres to the next control was covered under the full-moon sky. Our complete focus was on to get the foothills of MM Hills as early as possible. The climb, that is MM Hills The rural country didn't wake up early as the highway country. Dawn in the Cauvery delta was sublime with the Sun coming up over the Cauvery river. The Western side was covered with endless hills thick of vegetation. As the day dawned, our efforts to find a good breakfast place went in vain. Soon we entered through the forest section and all hopes for a tummy fill were dashed. The initial part of the climb was an easy 3-4% and I was riding chattily with the the identical twins Prasad and Swamy. Abhishek's volunteer car provided us with some much needed tummy supplies. This provided much needed relief for the oncoming climb, that firmed up to 7-8% in the offing. Prasad and Swamy sir, soon vanished into the climbs leaving me to struggle. Raghu, being a better climber was also ahead. After a laborious couple of hours, I reached the Mahadeshwara temple. Took a few clicks and continued with the rest of the climb, only to find Raghu resting at a road-side shop, filling his water bottles. I did fill mine too. Cold-water never tasted better and we were craving for it. The climb lasted another five kilometres before we could see some kind of a descent. Cauvery Delta Territory The descent was sweet, and we quickly made ground of whatever time lost in the climb. What we didn't expect was the rolling nature of the roads to Kollegala. The rolling climbs were long enough and packed enough punch with 10-11% el at times. To add to our miseries, the mid-day sun and lack of tree cover drained us and were pushing us to dehydration. We had set our eyes on Hanur, where the organizers had identified Brahmaramba hotel for lunch. Just about 3km to Hanur, we found a push-cart selling butter-milk and Ragi ganji (Millet porridge). I had a full serving to keep myself hydrated. Lunch was curd rice topped with pickle. Already into dehydration, I slowed down my intake not to rekindly any repulses from the digestive system. I also used the opportunity to change into the spare bib-shorts I had kept. We stopped at a lakeside park and slept for an hour, to escape the hot sun. Having spent enough time in sleeping, Raghu and me decided that the next stop will be only at the CP or to fill water. The Kollegal countryside was in stark contrast to the previous night. Weather at 3pm was more pleasant than last night. Raghu kept pushing the pace a notch higher and I was slowly losing him. Having run out of water completely, I stopped at T Narsipura, to get a refil. As I continued past the toll booth, I got a call from Raghu about by whereabous. He waited for about ten minutes before I could catch up with him, and we decided to get a break for a tummy fill. We found another place within the next ten kilometres and had a fresh filling of what else (!) but curd rice. The ride became easier as the weather cooled down. Mysore Ring Road presented rolling terrain, that soon turned to downhill, before we hit the next stop at Aashirvad Grand for another tummy refill. This came sooner, but we wanted to keep our tanks full. We shared a Dal kichadi and replenished our salts with a glass of Fresh lime soda each. Road to Periyapatna With much of the hot day behind us, the ride got easier. The Mysore-Madikeri road is a busy stretch and there was a constant flow of vehicles. Ratheesh would join us here, and the three of us trudged on. It was Ratheesh who made the first move. He was feeling drowsy and need a quick tea break to keep him awake. A chatty conversation followed that made the caffeine a bit more effective. The next turn was mine, as I was wavering on the road. Another tea break and the routine followed. We hit the Periyapatna CP with three hours to the closing control time. I took the opportunity to lie down on the wet grass (not minding the dew). Half-an-hour later, Raghu would wake me up. Refreshed with the sleep, we started turning our pedals. Unplanned sleep break The plan was to get to Madikeri control. With sleep catching up, I was wavering on the roads. And this being an undivided roads, there was oncoming traffic as well. Raghu confirmed that I was wavering, and we quickly decided that it was unsafe. Night in the Coorg terrain being cold, we decided to find a hotel room. To our luck, there was a lodge caretaker sitting on the road, mostly expecting customers like us. He considered our plight and offered single occupancy rate for two people. Six hundred rupees it was. We parked our bicycles safely and got a room. Raghu went to use the loo, and I hit the bed, setting the alarm for an hour. It was one-and-a-half hours, and our randonneurs' conscience woke us up. We went to bed at 2:30am, and rolled the wheels again at 4:20am. At two hours, the sleep was good enough for us keep rolling through the day, and we dropped the plan to sleep at the Puttur (our scheduled drop-bag point) The comfy sleep provided such great relief that we covered the next 39kms to Madikeri within an hour and a half. Though the Madikeri climb had some steep ascents, there was ample relief in the form of rolling terrain. The pre-dawn temperature was near 10-12 degrees celsius. We continued the same momentum and descended down towards Sampaje. Coasting dowhill with the sun coming behind us was a great experience. I kept an eye for any breakfast joints that could be open. This being Kerala territory, the roads dotted with ocassional toddy shops, we had to wait for breakfast until Sullia. I had skipped eating anything at Periyapatna with the idea of giving rest to stomach. We went into the first hotel that we could see. I had Malnad breakfast comprised of Buns, Vada and topped it off with coffee. Coastal Weather The temperature rose as we descended down. Altitude was down to 100-150 metres. However, there was no respite from the rolling terrain. Breakfast powered this stretch, and we reached the drop-bag point Hotel Rama at 9:15am, a two-and-a-half hours before control closing. While I wanted to start immediately after the showers, Raghu wanted some rest. We split up and took different rooms, so that we dont have to end up waiting. After refreshing quickly, I came back downstairs to get the bike ready. Helped myself to a second breakfast at the same hotel. The sun was in full force, and thanks to the low altitude, temperature was atleast four to five degrees warmer. We just kept staring from the indoor comforts, and we dared step outisde. As time began to run out, we made a call to move slowly and rest as required. We still had sixty kilometers to Charmadi base, and that's a four hour ride given the hot weather. We passed through Ujire. Due to some confusion Raghu missed the turn at Uppinangadi. I waited for him for a few minutes and even went back to the turn to check on him. Having given up, I started on my own. I found a small joint serving Fish curry meals, and topped it off with chicken. With still no signs of Raghu, I started to Charmadi village. With the heat still ruling roost, I took another break to catch up on much required sleep at a bus stand. The short power naps supercharge the body and helps keep going when we can't afford long breaks. Charmadi Climb I effectively started the climb at 4:30pm, with the temps still being warm. The gradient ran steady at 7-8% and an occasional 10-11%. I got onto my lowest gear and spun comfortably. After 13kms, there was a small temple. I got a hydration refill and filled up my water bottles again. Slowly and steadily, I would pass a few guys who were ahead of me. Once, the climb is done, there was a long stretch of gentle downhill till Kottigehara. Dhananjaya Sir and Abhishek was waiting for us. Having reached by 7:15am, the restaurant was still open and I got a good helping of masala dosa and coffee. Upon returning, I found that it was edgy for the next control. As I remembered through my drives, the next stretch has filled with steep hills, and I still had good distance to cover. My mind went blank and I kept pondering if I had spent quite a bit of time before and during the climbs. I spent a few minutes with both the volunteers to get the feeling to sink in. Others who had caught up had already moved on. The few minutes of mindspace was important for me to recharge and execute for the next phase. As I started from there, I had an hour and forty five minutes to cover thirty kilometres. I got a call from Raghu here. Apparently, he had lost his way at Belthangadi, and spent another two hours on the route. He was going to ride and catch up. Nick of time As the climbs came, quickly got on to my spinning mode. It turned out to be more rolling terrain and this being late in the night in remote country roads, the roads were empty. I enjoyed the chill breeze flowing on my face, as I crossed through villages and forest stretches. The lights on the opposite hill playing a dancing with the star-lit sky. Distance passed quickly and I reached the Balehonnur turn ten minutes before control close. I spent a few minutes trying to locate the mystical coffee shop. As I took a precautionary selfie and moved, Aravind came along and directed me to the control. I clicked the mandatory selfie just one minute before the control closed. While Aravind stopped for some snacks, I continued not wanting to spend more time there. The territory was familiar as I had done it a few times in car, traveling from Chikkamagaluru to Sringeri. Chikkamagaluru, the next control was forty kilometres away. With the temperature dropping it was only the time on the saddle to be spent. What I didn't realize was the climb that came along as we reached Aldur. It must have been three hundred metres. Not a long one, but it caught us off-guard. Soon, I reached the control along with Siveej from Mysore. As we reached, Swamy and Prasad were trying to start having already reached an hour ahead. I politely declined the food on offer, wanting to rest my stomach. Siveej grabbed a quick fill, while I enjoyed the serene surroundings of the temple.

Another night at the hotel The temple premises was very brightly lit, and the it was quite cold to sleep in the open. Siveej readily accepted my request to stay in a hotel if we dont find a good place otherwise. We moved from the control towards the Bangalore route. Siveej found a hotel after my first failed attempt. We were three hours ahead at the control, and had that much time to sleep. This being the third night, I felt the sleep was much required. We checked in and set the alarm for two hours. Siveej took a shower as I crashed onto the bed. The two hours extended to two and a half. I woke up and took a quick shower, and then woke Siveej up. After a few minutes, we were ready to go. Siveej went ahead and I tried catching up from behind. Soon, we'll cross some riders from Chennai. They were quite surprised that we were behind them. Two hours of sleep could do good wonders, and it did. We rode non-stop to Belur. Breakfast stop was made at Hagare, and we helped ourselves to idli vada and khara bath, topped off with coffee. Still fresh from the sleep, the next few kms to Hassan was a breeze, with us keeping a cautionary eye on the sun and the heat that was to come. We stopped at Hassan for a quick helping of the watermelon and papaya to beat the heat. Highway Heat The next stretch from Hassan to Nelamangala had headwinds to be tackled along with the heat. The breeze on the face provided some relief from the heat, and the next stretch included several stops for hydration. Buttermilk was most sought after at every stop. I wanted to ensure that I dont slip into the dehydration territory. Lunch stop was made just outside CR patna, at a familiar place. Curd rice, being the flavor of the season, topped off with omelette. The next stretch of almost sixty kilometres were covered carefully with several hydration stops. As I reached the next control CCD, I was getting ready to order ice-cream. I got a call from Raghu. Surprise, he already crossed the control and was at Paakashala, another 500m ahead. Ratheesh and Raghu had finished their lunch and were resting. Both of them were sleep deprived. The crowd added up to the service time, and it was a longish break for me. Raghu and I started together, and I thought I didn't need another rest break. For some reason, I lost a bit of motivation. I slowed down as Raghu sped up. The highway was filled with long weekend travelers returning to Bangalore. I made a stop another hour later to get a sip of coffee. As I found some place to sleep here, I stretched my legs. When I woke up, I had the feeling "where am I"? This is exactly the kind of rest I need and what was slowing me down. Traffic woes Refreshed from the sleep, the remaining stretch was covered with ease. While there was a heavy traffic build up at Nelamangala, I wasn't bothered even a little bit. The familiar terrain of Nelamangal, Tumkur Highway, Yeshwantpur flyover, Sankey Road all the way to FKCCI. Siveej would catch up to me on the penultimate signal on Palace Road. We both rode together and finished it together. I wish I was as fresh as the BGB ride. But this time, I had picked up a few sore spots on the wrists. (This was a result of using the same gloves on all three days). I spent another hour with the volunteers, took the customary pictures and then caught a porter van back home. In the end, the porter ride took longer than a bike ride. May be next time.