To Madikeri: coffee and more coffee

January 15, 2016

"The choice isn't hills but whether there's less traffic" Rachel says. "Yes, this is hilly country" says Patrick. We choose the secondary road rather than the main road, the distance will be about the same, the unknown is if the yellow road is more hilly than the white road. We have a very beautiful and quiet ride.

For the whole day, we saw coffee plants lining both sides of the road.

The first 20kms was mostly downhill with lots of potholes. From Wayanad to Nalkeri, there were signs for "Coffee Camp, a place to stay". After the lowest point today, we start climbing slowly. When looking at the profile, we dread the last 20 kms as this is when the most elevation will be gained. Elsbeth and Martin Jarmin in their journal said the same, and also indicated it wasn't as bad as the profile looked. http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/12217

And they were right! This was a beautiful ride, the road climbed at a constant gradient, perfect for getting into a rhythm, until 15kms from Madikeri. Then the road became a bit steeper until 8kms from town then a 3km downhill with the last 4 kms climbing again.

Reaching town, we cycle to the center where there is lots of lodging. Hotel in India is like in Kenya...doesn't always mean a place to stay but is a restaurant, unless also advertises accommodation. Patrick checks out several and we check in to The Hilltown Hotel that said there was 24 hours hot water. Only there wasn't, but then the price of the room is 740 rupee ($11USD). The sim card in our tablet is giving us trouble. Patrick went out and found a vodaphone main office to get it all sorted out. On the way back he found beer! It had to be packaged wrapped in newspaper and in a plastic bag. Found a great restaurant for dinner just down the street from our hotel.

Another great day on the road.

Woman decorating in front of her house for an upcoming festival.

Nice riding through coffee plantations again today.

Break for coffee and pastry at a roadside bakery.

Peppercorn vines grow in the trees that are shading the coffee plants.

This boy is a bit shy at first. When we leave he has learned the "Obama fistbump".

Arrived in Madikeri. Rachel watches the bikes while Patrick scopes out a hotel.

Today's ride: 87 km (54 miles)
Total: 11,438 km (7,103 miles)

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