Bicycle Solo Ride to Home [Muniyalu] from Hosanagara

When planned journey get abandoned due to non-availability of reservation, it’s provoke me to do solo cycling ride to home. The unplanned maiden SOLO journey peddled to home Muniyalu on 23^rd June 2018. I had been rode to home on bicycle couple of trails; Kalasa – Muniyalu, Chikkamagaluru – Muniyalu, Shivamogga – Muniyalu. I was in search of new trail. This time decided to peddle through Hulikalghat, from Hosanagara to Muniyalu.

I had been to Hosanagara last ride of ‘Hosanagara to Jog falls’ last year. During that ride, we covered surrounding Hosanagara places viz., Savehaklu – Chakra Dams, Nagara fort etc. I am little aware about the trail and, we had been this route on CAR trip of around these places.

There is an interesting story to do this solo journey. While booking the Tatkal train ticket to Bengaluru – Shivamogga, unknowingly booked in reverse ‘Shivamogga – Bengaluru’. Later I realized the mistake. Thought passed in the mind, who not to try Bicycle ride to home? So, the trail is chosen Hosanagara to Muniyalu. Booked the Airavat a day before, luckily got a seat. Without any hurdles, journey went smooth.

I got down at Hosanagara around 4.30 am. It was perfect weather for cycling; already wet bus stand shown indication about the peak monsoon. As usual got refreshment at public amenities. By the time, Bus stand hotel was serving the morning breakfast. Considering the darkness, wanted to spend sometimes. Finished the yummy breakfast and ready to ride.

Journey is begun with selfie; the cool breeze with drizzling gave an additional encouragement to peddle. Solo journey is always self-decision, you can stop wherever you want, you can keep pace whatever you want, there is no dependency. Very soon reached the famous Ganesh Temple on the way to Nagara.

Last time, I could not able to visit the Ramachandrapura Math. This is very popular for largest cow protection. They are taking care the different breeds of across country. I was very curious and eager to visit this place. We have to take deviation around 2 KMs from main road.

Soon reached the Math, taken permission to enter the premises. It was very proud and appreciation moment for the noble cause. The in-charge person explained about the place and cows.

Journey is continued towards Nagara Fort. I had been at fort twice before this visit. Last year monsoon cycling and family visit. Abounded fort walls look very beautiful in the monsoon. Nothing much left, but it’s looks more beautiful in the monsoon.

When I entered the fort, I am alone. It was drizzling all the way. Spent sometimes on photography and continued the journey.

I took the next pit stop at Masthikatte for snacks and relax. People were more curious to know about my journey. Similar repetitive questions ‘From where you are coming? Why you riding? Do you not get tiered? Why you take a risk in the rain?’ etc. I just replied it’s my hobby and passion.

Journey is continued towards Hulikal Ghat. Prayed at Chandikamba temple which is on the way of Ghat. View of the Ghat is very panorama.

Everywhere the streams are become falls, enjoying the ride reached Hosangadi.

Again, taken a break for snacks, my target is to reach the home by Lunch. I had enough time to cover the distance. While having the snacks, asked the hotel person about any inner route to reach Hebri. Surprisingly, he mentioned about inner forest route which connect to Amasebailu. And also mentioned about the forest permission.

Finished the snacks and thanked him, decided to check the luck. After couple of meters ride, got a police check-post. Police personnel stopped and inquired about my journey. Initially they refused to permit and also mentioned about the missing the route and restricted region. I made them to get confidence about my journey, finally they guided the route and allowed me to continue.

After two KMs ride, I entered the forest trail. I was the alone with gorgeous river flow, bird whisper. Just stopped for a photograph, suddenly got a siren of Monkeys. For a moment got scared, I had no option except continue the journey with courage.

Of course, it was scary, but at the same time it was so beautiful trail. It was almost 3 – 4 KMs inside the deep forest, finally got a hope about the civilization.

Far away I seen some building, and it was Amasebailu ‘Anti-Poaching Camp (APC)’. Guards stopped me; inquired about trespassing the territory. I briefed about my journey and permission obtained at police check-post. They thoroughly checked my ID proof. After confirmation they allowed me to move further. Please note that this route is not meant for public.

Enjoying the inner route, spent good time across the journey. Passing the Amasebailu continued the journey towards Hebri. I felt the inner route is most beautiful trail of this journey. All the way rain was pouring taking multiple small breaks.

Journey was coming to an end, reached the Hebri by 2.30 pm. Now the remaining 12KMs was well known to me, taking small break peddled towards home Muniyalu. Reached the home at 3.45 pm.

This is again memorable for me due to the maiden solo journey. Certainly it motivated me to take more solo challenges.