90 km
Two years ago I did a cycle trip in S India, from Bangalore to Kanyakumari and then up on the W coast through Kerala and Karnataka to Goa. From there I took a train back to Bombay, for my flight home. By mail I asked the guys in Bangalore, where I had bought my bike, if they knew anyone in Bombay who could service and pack my bike for the flight. They told me about GearIndia in Bhandra. Deepak there did a fine job on my bike, and now I was heading back there for more service. Stupidly enough I never called or mailed GearIndia beforehand. I found my way back to the shop, only to be told that both Deepak and the other guy doing service was no longer with the place. Now GearIndia only sell stuff.
Anyway the dude there told me about another bike shop in the area, Pro 9 Bicycle Studio, over by Carter Rd. My plan had been to ask Deepak for advice on a hotel nearby. The new guy suggested one hotel around the corner. It was of the fancier kind, looked expensive, and was full. They sent me to another place that was also full.
By then it was almost 6 o'clock and started getting dark. I cycled around asking rickshaw drivers for hotels. Most of them had some suggestion, and several of their passengers got involved too. Mostly the advice was to go some street further on and then turn left or right, where I would find "many hotels". I never really did find any of those. But eventually there was one, called King's Regency on Linking Rd. They had good rooms, and at 2500 Rs was no more than I expected to pay. So I was happy to move in.
Next day I rode over to Pro 9 and found a very pleasant guy, Faisal, and his very friendly father. They had several jobs already booked for the day but said my bike would be ready by 9 PM.
So I stayed another night in Bhandra, which was fine because I wanted the opportunity to explore this wealthy Bombay suburb. Bhandra West, and nearby Pali Hills is indeed a very nice area. Lots of trees and good shade on most roads.
It is obvious that people here are loaded with money. Houses are beautiful, and there are lots of fine restaurants and cafes. Not to mention excellent automobiles and beautiful women.
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