Here is the itinerary for the 2nd part of the journey, days 7 to 13.
Day 7
An early wake up call will be tough for some to deal with this morning as the aches and pains of the last few days start to take hold. Today is another long and demanding ride as we make our way to Mysore, ancient summer seat of the Raj. Mysore is a city much more used to tourists due to it’s regal status, proud history and beautiful buildings.
Day 8 Mysore to Masinagudi is a beautiful and short day’s riding. It’s dense tiger reserves, huge wild elephant populations and friendly villagers make this a memorable and exhilarating place to ride. It’s the day’s destination however, that makes this such a special experience. The Jungle Hut guest house is nestled in the Mudumallai tiger reserve and the scenery and wildlife are out of this world.
Day 9 Rest and recuperation at Jungle Hut, this off bike period will give us time to reflect on our very special surroundings and is also good for the bikes, as it gives the mechanics a proper chance to service them after their testing ride.
Day 10
We leave the beauty of Mudumallai behind and head off up the mountain to Ooty, once there we tackle one of the most amazing rides in India, another secret road that Enduro India have special permission to ride. This ‘road’ doesn’t appear on any maps and certain stages have been closed to foreigners since the 1960’s. Riding this road – and it’s 100 hairpin bends is one of the most amazing and challenging stages on the rally. Not to be rushed, riding on earth doesn’t get much better than this. Today sees us finish at Kodaikanal. Kodaikanal was the only American hill station under British rule and still maintains a strong international presence with it’s famous Kodai school. It’s also set up for tourists with shopping and email facilities available. The food here is also fantastic and there are many Tibetan immigrants. The road from Palani to Kodai is one of the most memorable on earth.
Day 11
First we leave Kodai and spend 2 hours descending the beautiful and high mountain. Then we hit the stunning wildlife sanctuary of Indira Gandhi and Chinnur, with their awesome switchbacks and great tarmac. The views here are wild in the extreme, we will never be far away from big cats, elephants, bears and Hyenas. After this stunning stage and just when you thought it couldn’t get any better we hit the tea country and Munnar national park.
Day 12
Today we have a nice easy ride through the tea towards the fragrant spice plantations of Thekkady. Nestled in the most amazing tiger reserve in south India is our hotel. Today is a true half day and that offers us the chance to go shopping, drink a cold beer or visit the stunningly beautiful Periyar tiger reserve.
Day 13
Today will be an emotional day as it's our last of riding. We travel past one of Indias biggest Arch Dams and tackle the tricky roads of the Idukki wildlife reserve towards our nights stop at the amazing city of Kottayam. I must be prepared for a very emotional ride in, on the now famous final stretch of Enduro India.
So they are the outline details of of where I am going to be each day to give you some idea of what I will be facing. My plan is to send Live feeds via #richinindia on twitter as often as possible throughout each day of my journey and to also post my thoughts and feelings of each days events on here at the end of every day, as long as we have internet connection available.
As always, please scroll down to the nearest Donate Button and give as much as you can to these fantastic causes. Thank You.
All the best
Rich
No comments:
Post a Comment