Day 5 - Ooty to Kodanad View Point to Ooty(114 kms)
Start
After an awesome rest day at Ooty the day before, riders were all set to take up the next challenge, yet really scenic route to kodanad view point and back, with the Competitive section up a challenging hill. since the distance was more than 100k, we had an early start at around 8:40 AM. We could see people who were resting totally the previous day, come back with full energy looking forward to the scenic ride.
En Route to Support Station 1
The very route right after the city limits of Ooty, started to be really scenic, started with few snaps, ended up with too many for the day, still wasn't contended. Awesome route with nice technical downhills and breathtaking views on either sides, was really an enjoyable one.
Support Station 1 (SS1)
we had a good panoramic view at couple of locations, with the volunteers recording a video down a hill, many of us were happily posing while riding, soon before we realize, we went through the kotagiri route, up towards kodanad, crossing couple of important traffic signals, soon we reached the support station1. the only goal that i had for the day was that i should not see any riders riding back on my way to the turn about point, that would feel to be too slow.
Awesome route along the way
Post the support station 1, we sneaked through the town of kotagiri, getting past that there was nothing short of breathtaking views with awesome tea gardens and what not. i was trying to keep away for other riders, so that i get enough time to take snaps and videos as i ride. though per the elevation map, the ride seems to be reasonable easy ride onward and climb back, but it was not seemingly that easier to go on, there quite a few rolling hills along the way.
Support Station 2 (SS2)
Soon before we reached the support station 2, was some amazing views for which i had to snap and even get a panoramic shot, it bright sunny day, with reasonable visibility level. i could see almost every rider riding with some much excitement totally connected with the nature, truly the specialty with this ride i believe. we were among the first few riders to arrive at the support station 2 and was waiting for the lunch to come in.
Awesome View Point
While we were waiting for the lunch to arrive, we were told that there is a nice view point quite a few yards away from the support station, so we rode to that point and after small walk up to the view point, it was nothing short of awesome! Everyone was having their unique poses snapped at that point. quite a few samples with bolt style snaps :). got a snap with the elite riders out there.
Support Station 2(SS3)
After having a heavy lunch and interacting with the fellow riders for quite some time at the awesome location, we started to stroll back to retrace the same route we came through. the route being an out and back route, we were able to see riders towards the ss2 after patiently snapping quite a few photos and enjoying the ride. i was taking it all easy to ride towards the support station. over the course snapped few views which i missed during the onward ride.
While trying to be economical and rationing my energy riding towards the support station 3, i felt better for the day, making myself mentally and physically prepared for the Competitive section ahead. The only motivation for myself pushing hard during the CS section that day was to get back the 1:15 lead that the Aarohi studentfolk Rakesh had ahead of me and 30 second lead that Linda had. i was never preparing for the CS section as that day, trying to munch few Cliff shot blocks, stretching enough at SS3, seeking help from the Physio for the first time in the tour and what not.
After gathering some courage to ride the CS, slowly started rolling towards the CS start. i could see that every rider was kind of skeptical for that days CS section since it was not an easy day and the CS section had decent sustained climbs for the day. I just had a focused aim to get the lead back on rakesh and started the CS section and only didnt want anyone to overtake me during CS, which i managed to do and got a awesome time of 24:23 for 8.2 kms of climb, which i felt was the best i could have given that day given my conditions that day. i suppose i ended up in 8th place for the days CS standings, cant ask for more than that.
Day End
After a much satisfying CS section that day and thinking about the easy downhill ride the next day, started to spin slowly down the hill towards the Ooty city along with abhirama, soon to stop by a road side tea shop to have a good Cardamom tea on a chilly evening, when it was starting to have some fog already. Soon after we rolled into the city to conquer the final hill to the elk hill hotel, happy enough to climb it for the last time. Good satisfying day indeed to enjoy a long talk for a tea at the hotel sharing feedback and suggestions to the volunteers and organizers.
Statistics for the day
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Day Start
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8:40 AM
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SS1
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9:50 AM
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SS2
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11:10 AM
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SS3
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1:10 PM
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CS Start
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2:06 PM
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CS End
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2:30 PM
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CS Time
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24:23
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CS Distance
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8.2 kms
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Day End
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3:50 PM
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Distance
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95 Kms
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Moving Average
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21.2 Kmph
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Moving Time
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4:32
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