As we all know, 2020 was a tough year for travelers like us, with quarantine and state lockdowns, travel seemed like a distant dream. But with every passing month, the relaxation of travel rules gave us some hope. And that's when I decided to plan a trip to the mountains but not any conventional trip but this time on a bicycle Yes, you read that right, on a bicycle! I knew I had to get out of my comfort zone as the lockdown had turned me lazy. Even though as a non cyclist I had never cycled such a long distance before but I was ready to face the challenge.
I planned the trip for early November, the perfect time of the year when the sun wasn't too harsh, and the winters hadn't set in yet. I set on this adventure, knowing it wouldn't be easy, but I was prepared mentally.
On the first day, I aimed to cover half the distance to Pathankot in a single day, but it seemed impossible. After hours of pedaling and with just Glucon-D for sustenance, I started to lose patience. That's when I started holding onto the sidebars of passing motorbikes, trucks, tractors, or autos, anything that could increase my speed. It was a foolish way but at that time I was desperate to cut my travel time. And finally, I did reach Pathankot safely before sunset.
Day 2 was even tougher. I entered Himachal and was feeling ecstatic, but my excitement soon turned into a nightmare due to my naivety. I used the same technique to increase my speed, I was holding a truck this time from behind, and due to my foolishness and the uneven terrain of the mountains, it led to an accident. My cycle touched the speeding truck, and I lost my balance, fell, and got dragged for 10ft. It was by God's grace that I only suffered a few scratches, but my bicycle couldn't take it. Both brakes dropped out, its stand got twisted, with broken gears and lost night light.
I was stranded, but people nearby came to my rescue. Some walked along with me in the direction of the nearby bus stand, where I could continue my journey. But in my hurry, I forgot my backpack at a nearby shop amidst the chaos. I had lost all my essentials, but I didn't lose hope, fortunately, I still had my phone and wallet along. I got the cycle repaired and continued my journey towards Mcleodganj, which was just 10 km away. But the uphill climb was killing me, and I was already in shock from the accident.
That's when I started shouting for help, and a pick-up truck finally stopped. I proposed to pay the driver in return for helping me and my cycle reach Mcleodganj before sunset. The driver smiled and agreed.
The smile on his was a big relief. He helped me load the cycle onto his truck and helped me cover the remaining distance. And finally, we made it to Mcleodganj, tired but triumphant.
Even though the trip didn't go how I planned it but will remain one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I bought fresh clothes and let my bicycle rest for the remaining days we were there. After all, it had been through some rough times in just two days for a mere distance of 300 km.
Despite the challenges, the experience was truly unforgettable. this small trip taught me the importance of determination, especially when facing adversity. I encourage all travelers out there to push their limits and embark on their dream trips - it's a journey worth taking!
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