Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Day 14: Tue 18 Nov - Malvan to Arambol, Goa

Fine and sunny 19 to 32deg C
Ride: 73km; total: 642km 

Malvan to Arambol. Another beautiful day in the saddle as we ride further south on near-deserted roads, crossing the Terekhol River into Goa. Goa's laid-back charm is felt instantly, with quaint bars and restaurants tucked away in every corner. We pedal on to our knockout resort near the pristine river in the quiet side of Arambol. Time for a celebration night out! Distance: 80km | Ride Time: 6 hours | Overnight: Arambol 

A lovely omelette, toast & jam and tea kicked off the day nicely. I put my shower jacket on as it seemed cool, although I did take it off at the first drink stop.  

Another beautiful day in the saddle as we continued to head further south on quiet roads. We ‘only’ had to make it up four substantial hills today, relatively ‘flat’ compared to some previous days on this tour. Unfortunately, Simon had to ride in the support vehicle due to his continued illness. He really hasn’t felt well since day one, which is a real shame. He puts it down to getting several vaccinations too close to the time he left for the trip. Not sure about that, he could have picked something up on the way over too. 

We crossed the bridge that takes us over the Terekhol River into Goa. Somehow it feels a bit different; we certainly started seeing a lot more white tourists in cars, on scooters and just walking around the streets. Quaint bars and restaurants are testimony to the Goan’s famed relaxed attitude to life. We pedal on to our resort tucked away down a very ordinary looking dirt track on the quiet side of Arambol.  

The hotel staff were all very switched on when we arrived and had us into our rooms in no time. A quick change and freshen up and it was back downstairs for a Biriyani veg/chicken lunch. It was delicious. It was then back up to the room to finish my washing before having a quick rest. At 1700h we met up again for a wander to the beach for a game of cricket and a few drinks for those who do. No rest for the wicked! The cricket was the first recorded tie between Australia, India and England. The beach was very busy with people, dogs and cows and it looked like the main activity was drinking beer.  

After the stumps were pulled on the cricket due to bad light, Phil, Fi and I wandered back to the hotel. I can’t see myself having too many problems sleeping tonight. Tomorrow is a rest day, our first.  

Sunrise this morning from my room 

Getting ready to set off

Our first drinks stop

The Kites were feeding on something in the water

My pad

The cows love the beach 

Now that would be nice sit on the beach and drink beer, not!

Cricket on the beach 

One of the many bars 

A few of the boys relaxing 

The fishing industry goes on beside the tourists

More bars

A little temple down the road from the hotel 










No comments:

Post a Comment

Wrap-up and Reflections

I have mixed feelings about this tour. On one hand I really enjoyed being back in India, especially Mumbai, but on the other side I was a li...