Tour Across Karavali (Coastal Karnataka)- 4 Days Long cycle ride

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This long weekend I completed a 4 day long coastal ride. This marked my first-ever cycle touring experience, and I’m already counting down the days until the next one!

Our crew consisted of ten cyclists, all geared up for the adventure of a lifetime. Our journey kicked off at the Kerala-Karnataka border checkpoint on September 28th. Over the course of our epic adventure, we pedaled along picturesque coastal routes and cruised down the NH-66 highway. We logged approximately 50 kilometers on day one, followed by 80 kilometers, 135 kilometers, and 60 kilometers on the following days.

Throughout our journey, we made the most of the stunning surroundings, diving into activities like chasing waterfalls, basking on tranquil beaches, dabbling in some kayaking, setting up camp under the starry sky, and basking in the pure joy of the experience.

Lucky for us, we had a trusty support vehicle trailing behind us during the four days. Given my title as the slowest rider and the only female in the gang, that vehicle was often right by my side. Plus, we had a handy mechanic and an ace photographer on board. Trust me; those puncture fixes were real lifesavers. I had not one but two tire mishaps on days 3 and 4!

My trip inclusion was last min and I’ve got to give a massive shoutout to the organizer for hauling my bike along when I joined the gang later on.

The hero of our trip turned out to be Bikram. He took it upon himself to ensure that our beer stash stayed well-stocked throughout the trip. He even toted a cooler to make sure we had ice-cold brews to end our days with a bang.

Here’s a rundown of our adventure-packed itinerary:

Day 1 (September 28th) Highlights

  • We hit the road in the afternoon from the Kerala-Karnataka Border, cruising through the vibrant streets of Mangaluru.
  • A pit stop for lunch came with a side of refreshing rain and clouds, setting the mood for the day.
  • We also explored Surathkal Beach, a.k.a. NITK Beach, before winding up at Mulki, a spot managed by the legendary Kayakboy. There, we camped out in tents, cracked open a few cold ones, and simply enjoyed life.

Day 2 Highlights (September 29th)

  • We kicked off the day with a morning kayaking sesh at KayakBoy. Our trusty raincoats came in handy due to the drizzle.
  • The ride took us along the stunning coastal routes, with the Arabian Sea on our left for company.
  • Near Malpe, we traversed a mesmerizing 5-kilometer stretch squeezed between the sea and backwaters, surrounded by lush greenery. It was surreal.
  • Lunchtime found us at Malpe Beach, and we later pedaled to Kundlapur. The night was spent at Glucklich Beach Cottages, soaking in the serene beachfront vibes while sipping on—you guessed it—more beers.

Day 3 Highlights (September 30th)

  • We were up bright and early at 6 AM in Kundalapur, where the persistent rain made raincoats a must-have.
  • Our day included a visit to Tiger Falls, refreshing nature walks, and a pit stop at the Murdeshwar Temple in the evening.
  • Our night’s refuge was Bidara, Honnaver, following an adrenaline-pumping nighttime bike ride on the highway, complete with a daring crossing of the Saraswati River Bridge amidst speeding traffic.

Day 4 Highlights (October 1st)

  • We set out from Honnaver at 8 AM, heading north on NH 66.
  • Opting for a shortcut, we hopped on a ferry at Aganashini Jetty, taking us through Gokarna.
  • We savoured a delightful lunch at Malgudi Cafe.

For those curious about our route, I’ve got it all mapped out on Google Maps for you: Link to Google Maps.

Expenses

Surprisingly, our trip turned out to be more budget-friendly than expected. Each of us chipped in 20,000 INR, covering accommodations, the support vehicle, transportation, mechanic, and photographer. When you add in food and those trusty beers, we were looking at an extra 4,000 INR. As for extra expenses, heck, we didn’t even think about shopping during our adventure.

Long Cycle Ride Checklist

Now, if you’re planning a cycling adventure of your own, here’s a checklist of essentials to make sure you’re fully prepped for the road:

  • [ ] Sunscreen
  • [ ] Vaseline (for those rainy days)
  • [ ] Electrolytes
  • [ ] Snacks for munchies
  • [ ] Rain jacket
  • [ ] Power bank
  • [ ] Cycling gloves
  • [ ] Arm sleeves
  • [ ] Front saddlebag
  • [ ] Bottle holder
  • [ ] Spare tubes (I carried two)
  • [ ] Extra bike chain
  • [ ] Water bottle or water bladder
  • [ ] Reflective stickers
  • [ ] Blinking lights
  • [ ] Front headlights
  • [ ] Sunglasses
  • [ ] Padded cycling shorts for rides over 50 kilometres
  • [ ] Cycling jerseys with back pockets for stashing your stuff
  • [ ] A change of clothes for the evening (you really only need one set for a 4-day trip)
  • [ ] GPS device or an extra mobile phone for navigation
  • [ ] Anti chaffing cream. I’ve had horrible chaffing and won’t be cycling for a week or two.

I hope this informal account of our journey inspires you to embark on your own cycling escapade. Happy pedalling!