Bonkers - but in a good way...

Cycling in India - how to describe? Apart from that it is indescribable. Cities and country are different. Cities are mayhem - no real road rules, cycles, motorbikes, trucks, tuk-tuks (passenger-carrying lawn mowers), the odd car, cows, goats, camels, donkeys, everything beeping at everything else while people weave in between and trade and eat at the side of the road. The roar of the horns and street life together is amazing. Although there is a vague keep left tendency, it doesn't seem to be a fixed rule if going on the other side is quicker. Roundabouts I shall leave to your imagination.

In the country things are quieter, but in the villages the children tear out of schools and homes to shout and wave. It's odd being minor celebrities - very few westerners are on two wheels, and most people haven't seen cycle helmets or bikes with gears before. When we stop for chai breaks there's quickly a crowd of 20 or 30 around us. It's hot, but very dry so even cycling in the heat of the day (30-35C this time of year) is manageable, but the cool of morning and early evening light are fantastic.