Goa, Part 9: Countryside Tour, by Bicycle and Motorcycle!

 Over the past 3 weeks, I have utilized my wonderful, rented hybrid (road/mountain) 21 speed bike to explore the roads all over South Goa. I have passed by lakes and streams, through small villages and farmlands. It has been an amazing adventure! 

The only downside has been the stress caused by the crazy drivers... of buses, cars, trucks, motorcycles and scooters. I get tired of being honked at (not personal--drivers honk at anything and everything they pass on the road that moves), dodging vehicles coming at me head on (as they swerve to avoid hitting something on THEIR side of the road!), and jumping out of the way of motorcycles, fond of making U-turns directly in front of my oncoming bicycle. I find myself yelling at these drivers constantly, and ringing my pathetically ineffectual bicycle bell. 

I guess in a land of 1.5 billion, one person's life is just too "cheap" to be concerned about!!! Simon--my new British friend in a neighboring unit here at Eden Gardens-- had a good friend, Wally,  who was killed a few years back on a bicycle in Goa. But... as most of you know, I suffered a broken wrist and other damage when a stupid man in Sacramento opened his car door into my bike lane! So...unfortunately, bad incidents can happen anywhere... I just have to be EXCEEDINGLY cautious and defensive... but it doesn't exactly make for a relaxing ride!

Still, it is good exercise, and a great way to see the country and notice details I would miss in a car. Additionally, there was the fun of a morning ride on the back of Somnath's elegant motorcycle, a few days after I arrived in Goa. We were able to go further afield, of course, and this fine gentleman was a great guide. 

So...between the motorcycle tour and "my" bicycle, I figure I have South Goa pretty well covered! 


Yours truly, on my colorful, trusty steed! The lovely lady I rented it from--for 200 rupees per day, or about $2.50--took the photo for me. 



On a bridge, passing over this vast, Goan river. If Somnath told me the name of it, I no longer remember! Not surprising... I am bad with names in general, and ESPECIALLY bad with Indian names!


Beautiful flowers abound-- both wild and cultivated. They love this moist, tropical climate, of course. 



On the back of Somnath's cycle. It WAS unnerving to not have a helmet to wear... but few people DO wear them in India, most surprisingly. My concern was somewhat abated by the moderately slow, very cautious driving of my host!


Lush greenery everywhere! So very pretty... 


More wildflowers line the road in a profusion of pink!



I don't know why many fields I saw are flooded, like this one...rice paddies, perhaps? Rice is the staple of the Indian diet, it appears... along with wheat (in the form of chapatis, naan, etc.) 



Cruising along the coastline... classic scene of beach and palms!


Because of the large trees and general lushness of the vegetation, most of the roads are pleasantly shady. 


Such a picturesque, palm-lined country road, doncha think?! I found some great back roads--such as this one--where there were very few vehicles, and I could mostly bike along in peace!



Another bridge crossed, over a brownish--but still pretty--little lake...


I loved the hue of whatever was growing in this field...especially with palm fronds overhead!



The largest road I cycled-- a two-lane, divided highway. But that did NOT stop the cows from leisurely tootling along, completely unconcerned by the vehicles whizzing past them! I got bold and decided to stand my ground... my hunch was that they wouldn't mess with me... 


I was right! As I stopped on my bicycle to photograph their approach, they merely eyed me and walked around, continuing on their way down the road. ONLY in India, yes??!


That one guy (or gal?!) swerved off-course to have a munch... meanwhile, I was delighted to get such a close shot of this colorful little calf!


Next in the line-up:  Goan houses-- sooo very colorful and interesting!




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