Man travels more than 500 kms on a bicycle to meet his dog

Being a media professional, I had sub-consciously lost control over being able to maintain work-life balance. Moreover, my brother-bhabhi moved to Vienna, dad and dog Coco to Ahmedabad. We were in constant touch but it was Coco’s sudden disappearance from my life that really disconcerted me.

Dogs have a beautifully unique way of communicating with their loved ones. I had brought home that cute bundle of joy with my own hands. And now, I missed him a lot.

I was so harrowed but his absence that I decided to pay him a visit from Bombay to Ahmedabad, on my bicycle! Unsure why I decided on bicycling, I was sure that it would be less painful than missing him. I quickly got in touch with pro cyclists and friends and sought their expert opinion. I then bought the necessary gear and started my journey.

With no research on pit-stops, or the difficulty involved, and grossly ill prepared - physically and mentally -I remember the feeling when I began. I never looked back though; knowing if I did, I’d quit.

As I entered the national highway, I thought to quit and travel by train. As soon as I did, this quote “when was the last time you did something new” flashed into my mind. And then I started pedalling harder. In the ned it proved to be a great decision!

I cycled across mountainous terrain, camped at religious institutions and temples, ate the best home cooked in villages, smelled the refreshing aroma of vegetable fields, and most importantly, met some of the most inspiring people in the world.

Throughout the journey I saw smiling villagers, cheerful kids and elders nodding their heads when our eyes would meet. I saw humility, happiness and a sense of gratitude in these people. I came across a poor villager full of hope and fervour, cycling 600 kilometres to pay goddess Chamunda a visit. These people remain etched in my memory.

There were times I couldn't cycle anymore, exhausted physically and mentally.

Having once given up while I camped at a temple, wondering how I could transport my cycle, I came across an extremely elderly woman lugging a huge stack of firewood on her head while descending downwards from a steep incline.

She was singing despite her challenges; it gave me strength to continue. I reached Ahmedabad after 6 days and got the warmest welcome from them. I experienced many emotions, but what I learnt was patience. It taught me to smile even when I was in pain. And it was worth it.

(Ashwin Chinchkhede cycled from Mumbai to Ahmedabad. He recounts his travel and the experience in the article)