FROM NIRMAL TO ADILABAD

Post #21

ASCENDING MONKEY MOUNTAIN. Ten

kilometers / six miles north of Nirmal we ran into our first mountain climb of the day—a four-kilometer ascent with switchbacks all the way to the top. We called it "monkey mountain" for the many monkeys (more than fifty) the foraged on the road, scattering as we approached. Monkey Mountain was a real grinder, as was another mountain with switchbacks about 20 km / 12 mi further up the road. Mountains are hard, but they mean incredible mountain-top vistas and fast descents. We enjoyed both benefits to the fullest.

CHASED BY WILD DOGS. Just past the top of Monkey Mountain, which is an uninhabited forest area, a pack of wild dogs began to chase John. The dogs began at a distance and closed in quickly before he was able to pick up speed on the rough road. The dogs were unlike typical Indian dogs which never chase people, bikes or vehicles; these were reddish brown with spots—and quite vicious. The fastest dog closed within a few feet of John’s bike before he found a higher gear and slowly pulled away from them. Ahead of the rest of the team, John cell-phoned back to the others to warn them. The wild dogs had departed by the time the other riders and the trailer-pulling Tata Victa went through that stretch of road.

ANTICIPATING UMRI. We were met by representatives of Umri Christian Hospital about 10 km / 6 mi from the day’s destination—Adilabad. The UCH representatives included Umri’s new Medical Director Dr. John Pratap. We enjoyed lunch with them before continuing on. We covered 80 km / 50 mi today. Tomorrow, we plan to start early and arrive at Umri before noon. We hope to visit UCH and its related services and schools.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NATHAN! We want to say "happy birthday" to Nathan Yardy, son of Bob and Donna Yardy, who turns 18 today. Since Donna has flown to India to meet us at Umri on Saturday, Nathan is "home alone" for this milestone (18 is voting age in the USA). Actually, he’s driving from Campaign, Illinois to Muncie, Indiana, to be with his sister. Nathan contributed to Bicycle India 2007 by working on our brochure, which we are distributing to thousands of people along our route. Hope you have a great day, Nathan!