September 23, 2024
Day-2
Temps hit 42 deg C and I learn how to deal with it, temporarily..
Nagaon to Biswanath: 63 miles, 2000 feet
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From 7 am to 7 pm, I cycled through scorching heat, intense humidity but past beautiful paddy's fields. I learned to cool off, even if just for five minutes, by drenching myself in water from roadside car washes and gas stations.
Along the way, strangers welcomed me into their homes, offering cold water, apples, and more. A muslim family invited me in, served me ice-cold water from a hand pump, offered me an apple, and even food. I refilled my Camelback, ate an apple and hit the road after offering them something in return—my cherished go-to snack, khakra. They made me promise to stay with them in my way back.
At one point, I crossed a stunning bridge over a wide river just as strong winds whipped up a sandstorm. I stopped at a roadside stall for some masala chai as mother Nature again painted a beautiful sunset.
Everyone I met on the road advised me to seek shelter at the Lord Hanumana Temple in Biswanath Charali. I inched my way towards Biswanath as the sun set to a beautiful dusk.
When I reached the temple, a committee member—not the priest—mentioned that I was dirty from my travels and suggested I seek shelter in the community hall that's across the street. This denial turned out to be a blessing in disguise. There, I met 8-10 migrant workers constructing pandals and statues for the upcoming Durga Pooja. After teaching my online class, I spent some time getting to know these "strangers" I always feared might steal from me. And, I realized how caring, and hardworking they truly are.
As we talked, they insisted I join them for dinner, even though the meal was meant for themselves. Being Indian, I knew it was customary to eat together, so I waited until around 11:30 pm for a simple but fulfilling meal of rice, egg curry, and dal. During dinner, I learned they were migrants who had spent time in Karnataka (my home state) and neighboring regions, creating a sense of familiarity between us. They told me they begin work around 4:30 am, take a break during the heat of the day, and resume around 4 pm—since dawn here comes early, and the heat after 10 am is unbearable.
Finally, well past midnight, I settled down to sleep in my tent inside the community hall, as there were too many mosquitoes.
Today's ride: 101 km (63 miles)
Total: 315 km (196 miles)
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