The past two weeks the rains have been incessant but not an extended downpour. It has been pretty irritating to get up in the morning to see a drizzle in progress, which banishes any thoughts of getting out on my bike. Not a ray of sunlight. . . . 

Arrive the 10th and Ruturang organised the best cultural programme I have seen in ages. The Ganpati Cultural show in the colony was truly mesmerizing with the variety of dances from all age groups. The notable ones were the Bhangra and the Brazil dance by the tiny tots, classical dances by the teens and the Maratha dance ensemble by the young lasses. The outstanding ones were the “lavani’ which got a host of wolf whistles in appreciation and the “Darling” by the senior ladies.

Finally Sunshine on the 11th of September

Was planning to go to Taljai with Yogesh, but immediately changed my plans on receiving a sms from Jugal Rathi about the Go Green ride to Gokhale farms near Alandi. Decide to retire early but was delayed by the fabulous cultural programme. The ride turns out to be the 25th ride of Go Green. There are 29 enthusiasts today.

We take off at 0645hrs from PYC.We go via Holkar bridge. I take off ahead and I see a young lady speeding ahead from the group. I catch up and get chatting  as well as being her guide for the route. The lady is Abha Choubal who has done the cycle trip to Leh, teaches German and is learning cinematography apart from being an avid cyclist. Her continuous chatter kept the trip from being monotonous.

We reach the Gokhale farms first - it is 3 km short of Alandi (24 km from Ruturang). The ride was quite pleasant and relatively easy. There is nothing much at the farm. We have Pohe and tea, click snaps and start back. 

The group who went to ladakh on cycle

I meet the owner of "Lifecycle " cycle store and have a chat.In the background is Aniket Sutar who has a business in Custom made cycles in central Pune.

The photo below is the whole team waiting expectantly for the tea and "kande pohe".

The route back was by the new bridge beyond BEG - Wakdewadi - pashan and back, Logging a total 57 km. My left knee is a bit stiff.

I reached back by 1030hrs - and well in time for the Ganesh  Chaturthi Lunch at Ruturang!!