ONWARD, NORTHWARD

POST #7

ON TO DINDIGUL. After Monday’s epic ride, we were thankful to have a relatively brief jaunt on Tuesday. Our trek took us from the outskirts of Madurai (a city of 4 million inhabitants) to Dindigul, 74 kilometers (47 miles) to the north. We passed through many villages along the way, about one every two miles. Village life seems consistent with Bible times. As we pass water wells, shepherds, goats, fields of ripening grain, and so many living people seemingly living hand to mouth, we recall some of Jesus’ stories, parables, and teachings. We actually saw a man with his ox stuck in the roadside ditch. We would have stopped to help, but it was the Sabbath. Just kidding.

OBSERVING SOCIAL LIFE. It is impossible not to notice the wide stratification of social life as we ride along, stroll through villages, eat in restaurants, and stay at hotels (accommodation not equal to a Dollar Inn), guest houses, and churches. While India has the fastest growing economy in the world (comparable to China), hundreds of millions of people are locked tight in the grip of poverty and caste. India’s population is more than triple that of the United States—1.2 billion people, or one fifth of the world’s total population—dwelling in an area one third the size of the USA. Of these 1.2 billion, it is estimated that as many as 300 million people are considered spiritual and social untouchables, outcasts--a vast swath of the population now referred to as dilats (pronounced “daleets”). Untouchability was officially outlawed in India shortly after it gained independence from England in the late 1940’s, but this millennia-old practice continues with impunity the way unlawful race prejudice and de facto segregation continues to function in America. This situation, along with human trafficking and the rights of women, are challenges the world’s largest democracy is trying to address in various ways. One dilat was recently appointed to a position equivalent to Supreme Court Justice. The way out for most dilats in this rapidly growing economy is education, which India investing in heavily.

TERRAIN AND ROAD CONDITIONS. We entered into some hill country, apparently foothills of the Eastern Ghats (mountains), which we can see to the west as we ride north. Mostly, the roads are flat to rolling. The wind is usually a brisk headwind, so our average speed is about 12 mph. That translates into long hours in the saddle, even on shorter rides like this 47-miler. We are riding in 80 to 90-degrees and sun. About 80 percent of the road surfaces are paved and smooth. It’s that 20 percent that are potholed and broken up that really slows us down. There is a lot of construction long National Highway 7. It is being upgraded to a four-lane road in some places. In most places, however, it’s like any secondary or county road. We are taking the road conditions and terrain in stride, however, grateful for the possibility of riding thru India to raise funds to rebuild Umri Christian Hospital. (Note: This photo does NOT depict the road conditions; this tarmac was broken up for replacement, but we couldn't resist the photo op)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOLLY! John passes along birthday wishes to Molly, who is sweet 16 today. "Sorry I'm missing this birthday, Molly," he says. We all wish Molly a great day!

Here are some more photos from the journey, a few examples of ways bikes are used...

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