October 30, 2024
Change of plans.. riding back towards Assam
The day started early as I rode through cloud-covered mountains, and played hide-and-seek with rain and sun.
As I descended the mountains, I found myself humming songs, just happy to be healthy, living and enjoying life on my terms.
Along the way, I thought I spotted some fruits—tomate de árbol (tree tomato)— that I had last eaten in Ecuador. So I made a U-turn, rode back up the hill, and bought a bag of them. The vendor also had some local walnuts, so I picked up a bag of those as well. I ate a few tomatoes and shared the rest as I rode along.
I was lucky to meet friends I had made a month ago when I was riding in the opposite direction. We exchanged gifts: I shared my fruits and walnuts, and they treated me to their ethnic specialties. It was hard to say goodbye, but I still had a long way to go. So, we took a photo, and I hit the road again.
Along the way, I made more friends and we chatted away, sharing stories and fruits.
Later, after climbing another mountain, I had brunch at the same roadside hotel where I had eaten a month before. After some conversation and a refuel of rotis and masala chai, I set off again.
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Heavy rain greeted me, but Bamin had taught me to appreciate whatever nature offers, so I embraced the rain and pushed through the beautiful but challenging terrain. There were areas with landslides and ongoing repair work, which meant sheer mud puddles in some places.
At times, I rode through deep mud, nearly pedal-deep, until I reached drier, dustier parts of the state.
The last 1,000 feet of elevation gain took a toll on me, and I was close to pushing my bike. But I kept myself together and managed to ride it all. I stopped at a bike shop to have my bicycle checked, grabbed some food from a chef who spoke my South Indian language, Kannada, and got directions to an affordable motel. I spent the night there, managed by another Assamese who too spoke Kannada.
Today's ride: 106 km (66 miles)
Total: 778 km (483 miles)
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