Thane - Kalavantin Durg Cycling + Trekking
Date : 30, 31/01/2021
Starting Point : Nitin Company Signal, Thane.
Destination : Kalavantin Durg, Panvel.
Camp Site : Kalavantin Durg Base.
Distance : 53 Km.
Trekking Point : Kalavantin Durg.
Altitude : 646 m
The planning was done almost one month before and on D-Day everyone was excited with their bags. I was carrying rucksack weighing 15 kg. We started our way to Kalavantin Durg, Panvel. We started peddling with a speed of 15-20 km/hr. It was not tht much exhausting as it was evening time. We covered the route on eastern express highway and then by crossing Mulund Airoli Bridge, we continued our way to Panvel. Dhanashree joined us at Koparkhairane.
We reached Panvel by crossing Airoli - Rabale - Ghansoli - Koparkhairane - Turbhe - Juinagar - Kharghat After reaching Kharghar we refilled our water bottles. And after taking some rest we continued ride to Panvel. By taking small small rest points we finally crossed Panvel and took a service road to our basecamp. For last 15 km it was complete off road with no any street lights we were riding with the torch light. As it was third day after Full Moon it was very easy to ride even after turning off the torch. Under the moon light we were riding and took some rest at another point which was 10 km away from base. And then started riding and again.
Then finally stopped our cycles at the base of Kalavantin Durg at night 0130 hrs. After pitching the tent we started collecting wood and some dry straws also paper and the solid waste like paper, dishes, boxes etc. We made a bonfire and then after eating our tiffins we started taking rest one by one.
Our participants Yogesh and Mandar slept first of all. I, Dhanashree and Om we three were trying to keep fire continue. After that I took rest for an hour then Dhanashree and finally Om. Around at 0400 hrs. some other people who came from nearby places joined us as it was cold outside. Our non cyclist team was about to start their way to the base of fort by car around at 0500 hrs. The reporting time for participants was 0400 - 0430 hrs. in the early morning on 31/01/2021. The complete charge for handling non cyclist participants was given to Janvi Pawar as she was one of our regular cyclist participant. They took their way to tha base by 0530 hrs. And as it was early morning within 1½ hour they meet us and then after having breakfast we lined up for trek.
Exactly at 0730 hrs. we started our trek. Slowly we covering the trekking route. By taking small breaks we finally reached at the top of the fort. Everyone was tired but after seeing the view from top the tiredness was gone. After relaxing we started climbing the steep steps, which was one of the tough, thrilling and adventurous part of the trek. Finally there was just a single rock of hight approximately 10 feet, between us and the top of fort. We climbed that too and then everyone of us was on the top of the peak also the participant who were saying I can't climb the rock they also reached on the top under waving safron flag.
I took out the tricolour and after clicking picture and some rest we started our way back to the base. We faced a human traffic while climbing and coming down as number of people came for the trek. After coming down at 1430 hrs. to the base of fort, we refreshed ourself and then had a lunch. After taking rest and some general feedback discussion the non cyclist participants started their way to the home at 1600 hrs. Then we packed our bags and got ready for the return ride at 1700 hrs. Slowly we covered some 15 km and reached on highway. And with the speed covered the rest of the route within 4 hours and finally by 2200 - 2230 hrs. we reached home safely. Eventually everyone of us enjoyed the trek and it was another day when I took a group for such expedition and everyone of us Explored By Compass And Not By Clock.
-SgtRMPathare
