I have completed two 100km cycle rides, first to Lonavala & second to Shikrapur. I have heard many times about the ancient Lord Shiva temple at Nasrapur. Since a month I was planning to ride there. Baneshwar Temple is 50km from my house. A perfect destination to complete a 100km ride and seek the blessing of Lord Shiva.
The best route to reach Baneshwar Temple is via New Katraj Tunnel. It is one of the most favourite routes of our CCG cycling group. It is a very challenging route for cyclists. A straight road, no twists and turns, no diversions but an adventurous never-ending climb starting from Vadgaon bridge to tunnel. A perfect blend of rolling terrains climbs & descends makes this route one of the favourites among many cyclists.
I have been to Kartaj tunnel for 4 times before. Its always been tough to climb till tunnel. But as everyone says endurance cycling is about 70% mental strength and only 30% physical strength. I was mentally & physically prepared to complete the 100km cycle ride.
First Winter 100km Cycle Ride
Winter is already here. Instead of 4.30am, which is our preferred time for 100km cycle ride, we (Sumit & I) decided to leave at 5.00am. Riding early hours in winters can be challenging. Sumit advised me to wear an extra t-shirt below the full sleeves jersey.
We started at 5am, it was very chilly outside, the temperature was around 14°C. The extra t-shirt definitely helped 😊. Surprisingly we did not spot any cyclist till we reached Vadgaon bride. This was rare as we had seen many people taken-up cycling post lockdown. We thought maybe winters cyclists prefer to ride late or may be due to Diwali people have gone back to their hometowns.
We were riding at an average speed on our hybrid bikes. The practice was helping. Easily we reached to Katraj tunnel, I remember when I first rode to Katraj tunnel it was a hell of a ride. I had taken so many breaks but today it was a smooth ride with just one break. On the way, from the Jambhulwadi bridge, you get to see the beautiful view of Jambhulwadi Lake.
Katraj New Tunnel
Katraj new tunnel is 30km from our society in Pimple Saudagar. Upon reaching the tunnel, Sumit asked if I am ready to go further, I said yes, let’s go to Baneshwar, Google maps were showing 20km more to destination. Sumit said we will go up to the Toll plaza and then decide.
Riding in Katraj new tunnel is also one of its kind experience. Its 1.4km in length. It’s a three-lane tunnel. Completely lit and vehicles pass really fast. Cyclists need to be careful. Always ride on the extreme left, equip your bike with a backlight and front light preferably with flash mode. At some places in the tunnel, the water is also accumulated so be careful.
Ride continues to Baneshwar Temple
After passing the tunnel, the air was really fresh, it was chilly again. You immediately realize that you have left the city and now riding countryside. I always enjoy riding countryside.
We passed Khed Shivapur toll plaza. I have been on this route several times. My first job, the first organization where I worked, Universal Spices Pvt. Ltd. (Rasoi Magic) is located on the same route. I thought I will stop by a few minutes. Many things have changed roadside, I did not realize that I have already assed the place. I missed visiting the Datta Mandir located in the premises of our company.
Baneshwar Temple
From the toll plaza, at approx. 9km there is a right turn to Nasrapur where the Baneshwar Temple is located. After riding 1.5km, we reached the temple. Unfortunately, the temple was closed as per Government guidelines to control Covid 19 spread. I was a little disappointed.
The temple gets its name from ’Ban’ Forest and ‘Eshwar’ God. The Shiva Temple of Baneshwar must be as beautiful as it was described by my friends. The temple is located in a dense green patch of a man-made small forest.
The temple was built by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao in the year 1749. I wanted to go inside to see the ancient Lord Shiva temple, seek blessings and be with nature for some time. I had heard that it also hosts the important bell which was seized by Chimaji Aapa after defeating Portuguese in The Battle of Vasai in 1739.
On the closed temple gate, we sought blessings of Lord Shiva, clicked some pictures and started our return journey. The clock was showing 8.00am and I thought maybe we could reach back home by 10.00am. But I had almost forgotten that after crossing Katraj tunnel it was all descend. So it was going to be tough to climb till the tunnel.
Return Journey
As I mentioned in the beginning endurance cycling is 70% mental, so with full positivity started my return journey. Target was to reach home by 10am, it was looking impossible. The climbs were really tough, in between I was sipping water with electrol mix to regain the physical energy.
Sumit had already reached the tunnel, I arrived sometime later. Took a break, now it was going to be a joy ride as it was all descend till the Vadgaon. No pedaling required at all. Just enjoy the ride. Feel the wind. The speed is highest while descending. So got to be careful.
Then in between, there are climbs and descends, again the climb of Chandani chowk is really tough. In my all my previous rides I have always taken a break while climbing it.
Around 10.40am, I reached our housing society, 5 hours of pedaling and perfect 100km cycle ride. Sumit had already reached and completed his stretching. The last 5 km were really demanding. I was really trying hard to pedal. It is where the gear bikes come to rescue. If it is really taxing then put your lowest gear and keep pedaling.
Some Tips:
- 100km cycle ride requires 70% of your mental strength and only 30% of physical.
- Keep your bike, accessories & snacks ready one night before the ride. Check for tire pressure, breaks, chain etc.
- Hydration is a must – keep seeping for every 7-10km. Carry at least 2 sippers with an electrolyte drink.
- Carry snacks such as Banana, Almonds, Dates and Energy Bars. 100km ride is going to take minimum 5 to 6 hours.
- Winters – must wear a full sleeves jersey. Wear an extra t-shirt beneath.
- A must-have – Padded Shorts.
- Always ride with a group or a fellow cyclist, the route has heavy traffic, mostly trucks, so be careful and ride in one line.
- Do stretching in between if you are feeling pain, upon completing ride stretching is a must.
- Last but not least always wear a helmet. Safety First.
