White Mornings

Today morning at 7 Bangalore was white - with fog. At least my part of Bangalore was. And as I rode on my bicycle into the more or less deserted streets of my  residential layout ,  I couldn't help noticing the conflicting emotions I felt. The cold air whistling part the hair is a great joy. At the same time, the low visibility (reduced further due to my glasses fogging over) is a threat. One could hardly see beyond 25 metres and any vehicle coming towards me at great speed could be a danger. Not because I wouldn't notice it; rather because I suspected the vehicle driver would not notice me! I think I need to fix a headlight on my bicycle if the early morning whiteout continues in Bangalore for some more time.

Heaven for cyclists

Interlaken, Switzerland is the most beautiful city I have visited till date. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, it is heaven on earth. But what makes this place even more remarkable is that there are some fantastic tracks laid out for cyclists. There is a beautiful track that takes you from one lake to the other (you guessed it right, Interlaken is between two lakes). Once in a while the track disappears into the beautiful woods lining the track. And the best part ... you can borrow a cycle for free from the hotel you stay in (at least the one I stayed at had this offer).

Have a look: http://www.interlaken.ch/erlebnisse/sommer/biketipps.html?L=3

Message from a cyclist to all the pedestrians on Bangalore roads

Hi all those who cross the roads in Bangalore,

I wish to place the following for your kind consideration:

Please acknowledge the presence of a cycle approaching you in the same way you would to any other speeding vehicle. Cycles are not made of gases and it is unlikely that unless the cyclist brakes hard when you mindlessly step in front of him/her the resulting impact will not hurt you and/or the cyclist.

I am willing to be corrected here, but except at zebra crossings, on roads a cyclist has the right to way. I do understand that you will cross the road when you need to, but when you stop for a speeding car to pass, I see no reason why you cannot do the same to a speeding sycle.

The above is also directed towards those who, instead of walking on the pavement, walk on the edge of the road. The extreme edge is where we cyclists tend to ride and that belongs to us when there is a pavement.

And no, I have not yet met with any accidents, but I have had some close shaves - not with cars and m'bikes but with pedestrians.

First Day of Commuting to Office on Bicycle

13 km, 38 minutes. Not a bad first day of commuting to office. I have a Trek3700 (see photograph on the right) - an MTB but every bit at home on Bangalore Roads. I plan to do this at least twice a week.

Here's what I did to reach office in one piece.

1) Started early to beat the heavy traffic. Need to start earlier.

2) Stuck to the extreme left. Believe me when I say that even this is not safe. The motorcyclists and cars drivers in Bangalore love to overtake from the left and that brings them dangerously close to you.

3) Follow the contour of the edge. This makes the ride entertaining! Reminds you of Fractals and the sea coast!

4) At times there are cyclists coming the other way. Need to give a quick look backwards over the shoulder to ensure no other vehicle is approaching and then move into the road to give way. Just wondering if riding against the traffic is a safer way - after all, on roads with no pavements one is supposed to walk against the direction of the traffic.

5) There were two buses parked on the road. Dismounted and walked across. Ditto when I had to cross over to take a right turn.

On My Return Trip:

1) Reached home earlier - bypassed two evening hour traffic jam.

2) Got caught in a light drizzle - actually enjoyed riding in the rain.

3) Gained a little more confidence.

Feels good.