A relaxed recovery ride after that exhilarating ride to Pondy. It was slightly weird to ride alone but after a few kms, I was beginning to enjoy the feeling when my knees started defeating the pain and stiffness in the muscles (I did stretching and some Yoga before starting)

Called Shankar to see if he is up for a Jolly ride but since he was not free, I took to the link road to OMR. When I reached the junction, I had the classic dilemma - two roads before me. Do I take the one I usually ride on or try something different? On my left was the road leading to Madhya Kailash, looking quite peaceful, today being a Sunday evening. Coupled with this was my sudden wish to see the new Secretariat. Just before the signal turned green, I decided and turned to Madhya Kailash road.

Riding on the (good) roads of Chennai during a Sunday evening is a pleasant discovery. Most of the big roads did have some traffic but the few metres of space on the left most corners were totally free of motor bikes. I could maintain a pace of 25 km/h in most places and at times I maintained 30+. Unimaginable even on OMR during weekdays. After meandering through various roads, I finally touched Mount Road and went straight to the new Secretariat. It is definitely massive and modern but architecturally, the Vidhana Soudha @ Bangalore attracts me. Yet, I'd give full marks to the TN Govt for achieving LEEDS Gold level for this building. But, I take away all the marks and bestow some negative marks for that false dome, constructed at a cost of 4.5 crores. ஒரு நாள் கூத்துக்கு மீசையை Gillette செய்த‌ க‌தையாக‌த்தான் ப‌டுகிற‌து என‌க்கு. There is a spanking new, modern subway built right near the Secretariat. The road leading to Chepauk Cricket Stadium has been widened beyond belief. I recommend doing a morning ride to see the Secretariat yourself.

After spending 5 minutes there, I U turned towards home, via Mount Road. This return ride was good except that I had to halt many times due to red signals, which ate away into my average speed.

I wanted to do a 60+ today but since I chose a busy city route, I ll happily sleep with a 50 under my belt.