Today we had a really nice ride. After breakfast we hit the road at about 07:30. Riding through the centre of Fort Kochi this morning we went towards the beach road and then south. Following the coast we passed through a series of fishing villages and coconut plantations en route to the town of Alleppey, once one of the backwater region’s busiest ports.
A little of Alleppey’s colonial heritage still remains sprinkled amongst the busy streets and, on arrival, we’ll follow the canal that links the Indian Ocean with Vembanad Lake, one of the longest and largest in India.
It’s all very flat so it was easy going – the 60km soon passed. At one point we stopped at a road-side shop for a drink and a… well… break. Unfortunately the facilities were not really to my liking! Thankfully none of our hotels have been kitted out like that!
Nearby to where we stopped there was a wedding taking place. These youngsters were happy to pose for a photo.
It’s hot and humid, but the last section was a 20+km stretch until we hit a t-junction. Knowing that we couldn’t get lost we could go at our own pace. Nich, Ed and I got into a good fast rhythm – it felt good to stretch our legs a bit.
We arrived at our hotel well before for lunch. Like most of the hotels we’ve stayed in, the entrance lobby seems to give an impression of grandeur. Alas, once you get to your room, it never delivers on the promise made. The electrics often leave much to be desired; near the start of the trip one of the girls even got an electric shock in the bathroom.
After lunch we went for a wander around the local shops. This is not a particularly touristy area and I didn’t see anything I was looking for. Whilst walking back from the shops a bloke on a bike stopped next to me and tried to chat me up. He asked if there was anything he could help me with. I was very grateful to see our Explore tour guides sitting across the road, so thanked him and said I was just meeting my friends.
Deepak came over and asked what the guy wanted. He just laughed when I told him. He said I should have showed him my ring and said, “Married with 4 young boys, maybe in the next life!”
There have been a few changes to the itinerary over the time we’ve been here. If all goes according to plan, tomorrow night will be spent on a house boat. Presumably we won’t have wifi there, but I’ll update you as soon as I’m able to.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 60 kilometres
If you’ve not sponsored me yet…
We’re doing this ride to raise money for, El Shaddai and Bereaved Parent Support. Click on them to find out more and then click here to give to these two worthwhile organisations.