January 18, 2025
Gadag to Dharwad
An early start as I thought it would be a long day.
The RWGPS route took me on smaller roads and tracks which were rough and slow in places. This is a big flat farming area and between villages the roads were of sand with what the Australians call bull-dust (soft dust that grabs the wheels). I hate to think what it would be like in the rainy season.
The route then climbed up onto the bank of a steep sided irrigation channel. The water was flowing fast and it would not have been a place to fall into. For maybe 10 miles I saw no one else.
Closer to Dharwad the route took me back onto tarmac with a slow climb up to the town. It was Saturday, street markets were open and Dharwad was busy. I found a Lodge to stay in - standard concrete building with tiled floors, friendly staff and Rs560 (£5.50) for a clean room, the cheapest place so far!
Wandering into town I found a cycle shop and bought a proper full volume Indian bell. The little twanging bell I had fitted was fine for gently warning walkers on the Taunton canal paths that they are on a cycle track (and even then they can get annoyed) but out here I need a proper bell! The doorman saw how I first fitted in (on the LH bar) and pointed out that the Indian flag was upside down so it is now on the RH bar.
Today's ride: 46 miles (74 km)
Total: 301 miles (484 km)
| Rate this entry's writing | Heart | 6 |
| Comment on this entry | Comment | 0 |