January 6, 2024
Mumbai to Murud
I got to Gateway of India a little too early so was turned away and told to come back at 6am. By 6.10 I realised that the gate I was waiting by was not being used but a side gate was……bit of a rush but got aboard just as they cast off.
it was still dark. but a couple of passengers discovered a Scorpion which was quickly evicted.
Ferry cost Rs150 plus Rs100 for the bike (£2,50 total). Forty minute ride, approx 80 seat ferry.
We docked on the South side of Bombay Harbour as it got light and I navigated with sun on left to keep riding South.
The road South towards Alibag was smooth and quiet but by 8am
school busses and more traffic appeared. I routed through Alibag instead of taking the more obvious way inland to NH4 as Google earth had suggested there might be a ferry across the river. To get to it I cycled down very narrow allys which would not be in the tourist guide books and reached a concrete jetty used by Fishermen. A small boat chugged across the river and to get into it there was a drop of about 4ft. I lowered my bike in, which meant I got into the dead fish remains, a smell which has taken time and showers and clothing washes to remove. Once the small ferry was pointing in the right direction the diesel engine was started for a few revolutions which took us across the river onto a sandy beach. Getting out was easier than getting in but it did mean walking through shallow water - which did not remove the fish smell!
I was now on a road that ran roughly along the coast, a bit rough in places, but OK. There was one beautiful sandy beach at Kotlai but it was packed with people, jet skis, quad bikes and horses…., while a few miles further on the coast returned to empty beaches with a few small fishing settlements. Made Murud by 2pm. Fifty miles including a little pottering around Mumbai and Murud. Had to put the sun protection on. The gloves are leather gardening ones and I may cut the finger tips off if I get too hot- I could not find any long fingered thin cycling gloves that gave sun protection!
Today's ride: 50 miles (80 km)
Total: 50 miles (80 km)
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11 months ago