KAOS 5.0

It gets Tougher....

An Adventure on Saddle to Remember for Life.

There are journey that test your strength, then they are journey that fill your heart with memories you'll carry forever..

KAOS 5.0 was both

3days, 2 wheels, Countless Climbs, one unforgettable Tribe of Riders, KAOS 5.0 wasn't just another Cycling Event- It was a celebration of grit, laughter, the kind of camaraderie that turns painful climbs into priceless memories, set against the UNESCO listed Western Ghats, this edition gave us mist draped waterfalls, jungle lost roads, dramatic Ghats, Scenic stays, careful planned routes and moments that have etched forever..

DAY 1 September 5th - Belagavi to Sawantwadi

Grand Start..KAOS 5.0 journey began from Belgavi with hearty delicious Breakfast at Belgaum Club that felt like fuel for both body and spirit. The Ride was flagged off with National Anthem- A proud motivating start that filled every rider with energy .The first 30km were blunt reminder that nature and roads don't always cooperate: Bad patches, sudden Rains and the constant spray of passing vehicles Turing our kits into mud painted armor,Dirt on face, laughter in voice- The camaraderie made it lighter, turned hardship into laughter as if the Rain itself was celebrating our journey.

A Cinematic Pause

Then came the breathtaking Amboli Falls.The highlight of of the ride, where the misty cascade greeted for much needed break, A curtain of silver water crashing through the mist, the air filled with our smiles. We paused here, warming our souls with Hot Bajii's and Sizzling Tea arranged by our ever dependable Loving ASM

Amboli Falls was like cinematic reward for Instagram pics with Rolling Roli, Chintaya Chintan, Gudlesh Hegade, Chotu Maati, Evergreen Sir Amit..

What followed next was every cyclist dream---- a long, winding downhill from Amboli to Swantwadi, where the world blurred into a tunnel of green and wind carried us like a song.

At Sarth Ayurveda Retreat, a Satvik lunch and serene surroundings helped us recover. My Roommate Dr Satish Bagewadi Sir is the sort of person who makes you rethink limits--- a 5 time Super Randonneur, a humble spirit, a true Gentleman. Hearing that he accomplished monumental rides despite implants in his legs was humbling.Stories like his--- reminds me the quiet, steady leadership of our Chairman Shettappa proving that nothing can stop determined cyclist. Thanks to Kaustub & Nandini Gudlesh

The poolside laughs and silence that comes from satisfied exhaustion. The body repaired, the mind started dreaming of the next day unknowns, We ended the day with dinner and wonderful time together ..

2nd Day September 6th - Sarth Ayurveda Retreat to Jungle Beach Resort 50km

Morning began with gentle stretching led by Sir Amit and prayers for a safe Ride, I exchanged my Helmet with Anil Hosmani for this Ride.

The Ride began with a beautiful city surrounded by wonderful Lake.The day distance seemed modest -- just 50km What seems to be easy on paper turned into relentless challenge of rolling terrain with relentless climbs under humid Skies. The Sun beat down, sweat poured and every uphill demanded more, yet each sip of hydration and that unforgettable coffee by ASM(a.k.a Mokashi mama and camaraderie kept the spirit high.

This ride was alive with friendships -SD, Kishore, Prasanna, Maati, PHD Mama, Chintan, Master, Gudlesh(a.k.a Nandini) filled the journey with laughter, photos, and priceless banter.

A pause at serene temple gave us time for a group photos and capture my favorite Jump shot perfectly timed by Durgappa

Sudheer and Durgesh the 2 angles, made even the toughest climbs joyful.

The Hidden Paradise

The final stretch was unforgettable, felt like a secret passage to heaven-- narrow roads, streams, muddy paths, sound of waterfalls and canopy of tress that muffled the world outside---lost route to heaven, finally a breathtaking resort tucked away in nature. River stream flowing beside it, Birds, Ducks, Turkey wandering the grounds, a pool that shimmered like a private lagoon. I called it heaven because words wouldn't do it justice, you needed to be there.

Fatigue and dehydration caught up with me and I missed the pool fun, the evening on the riverbanks with friends was soothing and healed what riding had worn thin.

Day 3 September 7th Jungle Beach Resort to Tilari Resort 42km

Tilari Ghat: where we proved ourselves The day that defined KAOS 5.0

The last day was the crescendo: Tilari Ghat, the climb that would test our legs and resolve.

Before the flag-off, ASM's words echoed in our heart, "I want everyone to finish on the saddle, with a smiling face "

For me, the day began with a small setback--- flat tyre, disappointment lingered, Kamal of Cycle doctor fixed it quickly.What felt like a curse became a blessing, i took a quiet moment to Pray for everyone’s safe ride,

Then I set off with the last handful of riders: Chintan, Sanjeev, Shrikant, Ajay --steady, encouraging, having fun, laughter whenever the grade did it's worst. The rolling terrain led us to the base of Tilari. The Ghat began with a rolling sections, soon the hairpins rose like a ladder into the clouds. Heart rates spiked, legs trembled, had to walk the steepest turns. Yet the spirit never dimmed. Encouragement never ceased, ASM, Kamal, Vinod were there, urging us on, passing vehicles cheered us on, a lady waved like a queen and cheered us with unshakable joy, turning sweat and struggle into moments of joy. We sang we danced, we pushed.

Then came the magical moment spotting Hamara Chairman Prasanna happily cooling enjoying a natural waterfall shower, reminding us that the ride is as much about joy as it about grit. Each step, each pedal,was powered not just by muscles but by camaraderie.

When Ajay Bongale lagged a few meters behind on the final hairpin, the group erupted in chants---- AB! AB! AB! --- each voice a nudge, a promise that nobody would be left. Its a memory that will live forever: the team, united at the toughest moment, refusing to let one of us quit.

At the top, it felt like entering Kashmir paradise. Mist curled through valleys, flowers bloomed in wild abandon, and the smiles of exhausted yet triumphant Riders lit up the mountain side. Cyclist beaming with pride, so where the 2 Riders SD and Kishore waiting to greet us with smile and pride, they never ride to the finish point until every rider is safe and comfortable, Commondable!

Sudheer and Durgesh were all ready with their lens ready to capture the best smiles and emotions, Not a single rider quit Some had not trained for months, Yet they reached the summit with pride of veterans. That's the Magic of KAOS

Reflection

I bowed down to Bahubali Raju Nayak Mama A true embodiment of endurance. His grit and focus were legendary.

Even sharing a room with ASM was inspiring- his snores carried a positive energy that somehow recharged me.The Ride ended with a warm welcome, nourishing lunch that tasted of Achievement.

The closing valedictory was warm and memorable--- heartfelt moments, applause for a crew, awards that felt rightfully earned, and a National Anthem that sealed the experience with pride. I left with Sore(happy) legs and a full heart.

Gratitude

No story of KAOS is Complete without the heroes behind the scenes:

ASM- your energy, careful and tireless support fueled us all.

SD & Kishore the gems The route Magicians who found hidden heaven

AB(Anand Baid) support role behind the screen

The Silent Strategist

Dr Arun Yelmali Overwhelming Support and lending his Gaint Basanti Cycle for My Every KAOS Rides

Sudheer and Durgesh- the magicians behind the lens, capturing not just pictures but emotions.

Vinod and Kamal ever ready with helping hands, tools and encouragement

Kiran and Abdul-- our silent guardians behind the wheel.

Final Reflections:

KAOS is about Feeling

KAOS 5.0 taught me that cycling is never just about distance or Elevation gain. Its about stories you collect-

The flat tyre that became a Prayer,

The hot bajji tasted like Victory

Lunch that tasted of Achievement

Awards that felt rightfully earned

The photographer who framed to perfection

Laughter turned into Strength

Dr Satish Bagewadi whose Achievement and humility inspired me and everyone around him.

Transformation From KAOS 4.0 to 5.0

Nandini is Gudlesh

Dr Amit is Sir Amit

Mirchi Shet is AB jr

KAOS 5.0--- It was about resilience, friendship and discovering strength we didn't know we had

Each year, it gets Tougher, each year it leaves us with stories we'll tell for lifetime

KAOS 6.0 will be even louder celebration of our limits,laughter, and life on the Saddle

Shatakondila

ANDY