It was all about the sights and sounds of the Gangetic plains on Day 3 of our trip …… leaving Behrampore behind we headed towards Suti - located close to Aurangabad. Suti’s only claim to fame would be a Beedi(or Bidi)factory. Bidi’s are also known as the “poor man’s cigarette”(very low cost)are small,thin hand-rolled cigarettes. These consist of tobacco wrapped in tendu or temburni leaves (plants native to Asia). Definitely not recommended for Dunhill smokers!

Taking a short cut out of Behrampore – led us from the relative calm of our overnight camp – slam bang into zillions of bustling, hustling, jostling people, buses, cars, bullock carts and everything else in between - that could move – everyone trying to get a share of the road taking them to…??? This sudden change in tempo - scenery - almost put the fear of Hades into the riders – because it hit us so sudden and without warning. I must have a chat with Prakash (support team leader) about this - if he recommends taking such shortcuts – we need to do it gradually so as not to spook the riders off their seats again!

After that initial shock - the ride was all about taking it easy, cycling together and enjoying the scenery. Given the higher than usual number of incidents, Prakash and I agreed that the driver’s safety net to the riders would be more effective if the two cars were within sight and 100 metres of each other.


And this seemed to be working until “attention” seeking Vanda finally fell off her perch and scraped her leg - first fall ever for her! Clive not to be outdone - joined her in a similar fashion forgetting that the edges of Indian highways are not to be taken lightly; here the edges are some 5 inches below the tarmac level because layers are just added rather than having the tarmac replaced.

Otherwise an incident free day .............!

The ride took us through the Gangetic plains with plenty of tributaries and canals irrigating the fertile land; crops of all kinds seem to be grown here - the lakes rich in fish, attract the prettiest of kingfishers and cranes.



Also, adding to the quiet was Richard’s absence – he was unable to ride today due to a 'dodgy' illness; so no rendering of the Bohemian Rhapsody with Christine.....utter bliss! I think I preferred the shrieking horns of the state buses rather than him belting his favourite ….. !?


But all said I do hope he is back on the bike tomorrow as he is great fun and Jon finds him a welcome change from the other old Farts (we still await his hat trick of punctures)..and Andy, our yellow jersey winner from 2008 had a wee tummy problem; he indicated his recovery late evening with the statement "I’m now able to FART with confidence!!

Tomorrow we cross the Ganges and Malda....the latter - not particularly looking forward to.


Sight of the Day: Two bullocks pulling a cart.....specially conjured up for Janice – because she kept lamenting about missing them! Imagine coming all the way to India and missing seeing a single cart pulled by bullocks!