The Tri-Temple Complex – Navsari - 40 km
Not feeling well, I still packed up and left the temple. Checking out, the temple
wanted no money, but the donation box was made for discreet donations. Staying an
additional day might’ve been a better choice as I had a severe case of Delhi belly.
There’s no fun in cycling whilst vomiting and constantly searching for a bush to hide
behind.
Forty kilometres further was the town of Navsari, which sported a luxury hotel at
INR1,350 per night (approximately $20). Not caring about the money, I booked in
and was overwhelmed to learn they wanted no payment. Overhearing them say
something about many years of cycle touring I wondered how they knew. How
awesome is that? I couldn’t be happier as I showered and flopped onto a large,
comfortable bed. The rest of the day was spent between the bathroom and the bed.
Navsari - Valsad - 60 km
Still not 100%, I thanked the owner for his hospitality and continued south. After
about 60 kilometres of riding, fatigue set in but, fortunately, Valsad came into view,
making it a good place to call it quits.
Valsad – Manor - 109 km
Sometimes it feels like all things go wrong simultaneously. Wanting to pump the
tyres, I discovered the bicycle pump was broken, aarrgghh! Fortunately, a bicycle
wallah appeared and pumped the tyres and, at the same time, placed a few drops of
oil on the chain.
Pedalling out of town was in the company of water buffalo and cows. A signboard
indicated one lane for cars, one for trucks, and one for heavy vehicles. Albeit no
mention was made of the water buffalo and cows. At least someone tried to make
order out of this chaos.