Sinhagad

Ensure that you have a really good stamina because this is a tough ride. The Sinhagad ghat trail is a well-constructed road and a good track for MTB as well as road bikes. 

Before you attempt this trail, make a note of the following: 

• Ensure that you have a gear bike.  It’s a tough and a steep climb and not suitable for normal gear-less bikes. 
• Plan your ride early morning or in the evening. If you decide for early morning then ensure that you start early enough so that you cover most of the patch before sunrise. You may get dehydrated if you have to cycle in the sun because of the steep uphill climb.
• Carry enough water, chocolate or energy bars (You may need one, you never know J )

You can start this trail from the base of the ghat, that is, near hotel Rayaba. You can park your vehicle at the road side just before the toll gate or opposite hotel Rayaba.  Vehicle parking charges are not availed here (there are parking charges elsewhere).  There is a toll charge for 2 wheelers and 4 wheelers, but not for bicycles. If you don’t find this place convenient, you can also start cycling from Donaje or Khadakwasla.

This truly is a steep climb, so respect your stamina. Do not shift to high gears or do not lose your breath by paddling faster immediately. You need to preserve and distribute your stamina throughout the climb, so take it smoothly right from the beginning. When you get tired, take a good break and then resume. I personally recommend not walking with your bike in hand. This does not help. Take some rest, breathe and start cycling again. This is tough climb but it’s doable.  

After 50 mins or so, you reach a point where you see a diversion going to Khed-Shivapur.  There is a small restaurant here. Good enough to take rest here and have something to eat and drink. 

The Sinhagad ghat climb is 8 KM with an elevation of 700 meters. It takes around 1.30 hrs for an average cyclist to cycle to the top with few breaks on the way. Once you reach the top (at parking) you can take good rest and enjoy the view. 

Please note that the food stalls at the parking atop the ghat do not serve limbu-sarbat(lime-juice).  You have to cycle towards Sinhagad for about 50 meters.  You reach a junction (50 meters from Parking) where the walk track and the bike road join. At this junction you can get refreshing drinks and some fruits to eat.

If you still have the time and stamina then feel free to carry your cycle on the fort. By carry I mean you literally need to carry your cycle on shoulder while climbing the stairs.  All the routes on the fort are now renovated with well-constructed paths.  You can go around the fort on your cycle easily.

Before you start the downhill run, ensure that you adjust the cycle’s seat in a downward slant position for better control on speed and turns. Unlock the shock absorbers. Ride in the parking area and get your cycle in the top gear (speed).

The downhill run on Sinhgad road is really fun. Your bike can run with speed of 40-50km/h easily. The first downhill patch (2kms) is enjoyable as there are very few sharp turns. As you go further,  the road maintenance work is in progress at a few places so it gets a little slippery, but its fun nevertheless. Beware of a few blind turns and watch out for the upcoming vehicles (especially jeeps). 

 This adventurous downhill ride takes around 15 minutes. So, enjoy! J

Track details:

 

Sinhagad track map